Chapter Nine-Fists, Flirtations, and Formalities

The sound of laughter, clinking glasses, and coin tossing echoed through the walls of the infamous Garnet Hall, an underground den where young lords gambled away their fortunes and their hearts with equal carelessness. Women in bright silks hovered near the bar, eyes painted and lips promising. But Gabriel Flynn had not come for pleasure.

His boots tapped across the marbled floor as he pushed past a crowd gathered around a dice table. "Still the same chaos," he murmured to himself, eyes scanning the room until he found exactly what he was looking for.

The boxing ring stood empty, save for two figures in the center. One of them, a tall, broad-shouldered man with skin dark as onyx and muscles carved like sculpture moved with dangerous ease.

"Ah," Gabriel smirked, folding his arms, "I'll pay handsomely if any of you can bring that black demon to his knees."

A few heads turned, but it was Kael who answered, not even breaking stride. "It would take more than one man to bring me down, Flynn."

In a flash, his opponent collapsed with a grunt. Kael turned, wiping sweat from his brow, grinning.

"I knew he wouldn't last," Gabriel said with a chuckle. "Just thought I'd tempt fate."

"You underestimate Kael, Gabe," a woman's voice called out. Aisha, Kael's wife, weaved gracefully through the crowd, collecting discarded bottles with expert hands. "He's the finest fighter Aldovia has ever known."

"Of course you'd say that," Gabriel muttered, rolling his eyes. "Remind me why I detest married couples?"

Kael stepped down from the ring and clapped his old friend on the back. "You look thinner, and not in a flattering way."

"I've been busy," Gabriel replied.

"Oh, we know exactly what you've been busy with," Aisha teased, arching a brow.

Gabriel sighed, ignoring her, but Kael didn't miss the shadow behind his eyes.

"Big night tonight?" Gabriel asked, changing the subject.

Kael nodded. "A match in the pit. There's a new fighter. Young, cocky. The lords are betting heavily on him."

"Well, I'll be betting on you."

"You'd best," Aisha chimed in. "It would be quite the embarrassment if those lords lost to the wife of a fighter."

Gabriel gave a tired smile, then looked at Kael. "There's a woman…"

Aisha's delighted laugh interrupted him. "I knew it. Is she married? Please say no scandals this time."

"Will you let me speak?"

"No," Kael replied dryly. "But go on."

"She's… different. Mysterious. Too proud for her own good. And I blast it, I can't stop thinking about her."

Kael grinned. "Let's box, old friend. One round. You talk while I beat the clarity back into your head."

"If I break your nose, I'm not sorry," Gabriel muttered, removing his coat.

Kael only smirked. "Less whining, more punching."

Meanwhile, Sophia wandered through the palace gardens, lace parasol in hand, when she stumbled upon a small crowd of ladies clustered near the eastern colonnade. Their attention was fixed in one direction, and their whispers hummed with excitement.

She tiptoed closer.

There, dismounting from a striking white stallion, was a man dressed in sapphire blue. A visiting lord, tall and golden, with eyes like burning coals and a jaw that could have been carved by angels.

Sophia's lips parted in silent awe. "What a striking man," she breathed, her eyes narrowing with intrigue. "And a foreigner at that."

The court ladies continued to gush unaware that Sophia's smile had turned sly. Very sly.

Inside the palace, Emperor Xander greeted the guest with arms open and his signature charm on full display.

"I am truly pleased you could come, Caspian," he said, ushering the lord through the grand marble archway. "There is no need for formality between friends."

"I serve with loyalty, not words," Caspian replied smoothly.

"Then loyalty shall be rewarded. Tonight, there will be a feast in your honour. And the finest wines Aldovia can offer."

"Your Majesty is most generous."

Xander laughed as they disappeared into the inner hall. Their conversation was warm, but not without an edge. There were alliances to secure, after all.

Unseen by them, a figure slipped away from the edge of the gathering.

Sophia.

Her mind was already spinning with schemes as she disappeared into the shadows, whispering to herself, "This one shall not escape me."