Submission Or Incapacitation

The sun shined brightly as Ren and Lilith rode toward the training grounds outside the palace. They were of course, escorted by Thorn, Elias, and their guards. 

Ren had expected it, but he was still surprised to see the crowd that had already gathered, eager to watch the duel. 

It didn't matter what social class they were in. The nobles, Knights, merchants, and commoners took their seats along the viewing platforms, their voices filling the air in a mixture of excitement, speculation, and murmured bets.

Ren adjusted his gloves as he took in the sheer number of spectators. "Word sure travels fast."

Thorn scoffed. "A duel with a million gold on the line? This might as well be the final match of the tournament. I'm surprised no one from the royal family is here to watch."

"We're probably not that important." Ren chuckled. "Why should the royal family watch two young nobles fighting?"