Sleep Well

Location: Alba

Time: Y1503 / 28th day of the Wither Moon / Night

POV: Liara

I'm in my room. Sleeping with me in my large bed are my friend Kara, Mother and princess Sistina. In the end we decided to all sleep together, away from the tower where the royalty are staying.

*yawn* (Liara)

Sistina has finally settled down and I can get some sleep!

Finally!

This ordeal was exhausting.

[Don't you dare complain! It was the least we could have done!] (Bookworm Me)

Come on, you are being unreasonable... I know protecting our friend from her evil sister was the right thing to do, but at least let me complain about it in my mind!

[Sistina's tales about the royal family are disturbing. Pitting the princesses against each others might be good for selecting the the most ruthless and efficient ruler, but it's bound to leave them scarred...] (Doctor Me)

Back then, the fat minister even offered me princess-hood! I'm so glad I refused him!

People killing each other left and right, backstabbing, assassinations... This world is a mess!

[Not like Earth at all, right? We were all in peace and holding hands! One big happy family dancing under the rainbows!] *giggle* (Gamer me)

Ouch...

Well, I guess it's the human nature to fight over everything... I know a thing or two about being born in the wrong place...

[come on, Earth was not perfect, but there were nice places! Wouldn't it be nice it the Kingdom could become more like a first world country? If someone like Sistina were to inherit the throne things would change for the better for sure!] (Bookworm Me)

[I doubt that. Sistina doesn't have the stomach for that. She wouldn't last a day.] (Soldier Me)

Sounds about right. After all that happened, I don't really hold any expectations of from the inhabitants of this world.

[And please, don't think about interfering too much. It's easy to condemn something as an outsider. If we don't understand the intricacies of their ruling system and culture, forcing a change might as well make the matter worse for everyone.] (Explorer Me)

[I agree. Without more data we can't make an informed decision. Righteousness, feasibility and stability are equally important factors. So many facet to balance. It is beyond our capabilities to judge the ramifications of our choices.] (Science Me)

Now I have an headache.

Uhm... When I think about it, my plan has not changed at all.

I want to keep the one close to me safe. I want to focus on mastering magic and growing up. My three years old body is ridiculously weak!

And I have yet to unlock !

Once that is taken care of, we'll see.

[Good call. It would be dangerous to try and activate without a good understanding of enchanting. Just look at what happened to Meridia...] (Doctor Me)

Right? I mean... we should be fine waiting it out for a few years! The Kingdom has been around for what? centuries? It's not like will collapse tomorrow!

[NOOO!!! You said it!!! The jinx!!!] (Gamer Me)

Location: Alba

Time: Y1503 / 28th day of the Wither Moon / Night

POV: Aurora

*bam* *bam* "LET ME INSIDE!!!~ (Tutor Sabrina)

Noisy.

*restlessly walking in circles* (Aurora)

That brainwashed tutor of mine is still stubbornly knocking at my door.

Damn it!

*punch wall* (Aurora)

I thought I was prepared, but I wasn't.

How could I have predicted how terrifying an enemy the Beast would be?!? Sistina and Sabrina are gone. I don't know how, the Beast turned them against me.

All my charms and protections were for naught in the face of her powers.

I guess her brainwashing just takes time to sink in.

So frightening. Even after the fact I cannot make sense of her means.

I'm superior to my charges, but still, it's only a matter of time before the Beast's brainwashing takes hold and overcome me, overwriting my will with her own.

I might only have hours left.

*shiver* (Aurora)

And when that happens.

When I become her... toy.

The Prince will follow suit, and the Church will use us pawns to crumble the Kingdom from the inside, destroying everything I worked for.

All my life, all my suffering, all my efforts.

It was all for nothing.

*fall on knees* (Aurora)

It's over.

*forehead touches the floor* (Aurora)

Even if I somehow escape this prison, I cannot go back to the palace empty handed. I achieved nothing, and if mother finds about my body... I'll be discarded for sure!

*shiver* (Aurora)

Perhaps I was in checkmate before even coming here.

I cannot retreat.

I cannot wait it out.

I have run out of options.

*open eyes* (Aurora)

No!

I have just one option left.

I have my magic, and I'm the First Princess! The most adept magic user in the Kingdom!

I'll just have to sink the Beast with my own two hands.

*stand up* *clench fists* *grind teeth* (Aurora)

If I win, the throne will be mine!

It's either success or death.

...

As always.

Challenge

Location: Alba

Time: Y1503 / 29th day of the Wither Moon / Morning

POV: Princess Sistina

*yawn* (Princess Sistina)

The light of the morning wakes me up. That's right, this is not my usual chamber. I slept in Liara's quarters alongside the Head Healer and that nice girl, Kara.

It's all coming back to me.

Yesterday was truly terrible.

I never felt worse in my life.

I never cried as much in my life either.

Back then, when I did cry, nobody cared.

Even my tutor gave up on me, locking me up in the library. Which worked for me as well. The only safe place for someone as weak and useless as I am.

“Good morning, Sistina!” *smila* (Initiate Kara)

“Princess, good morning.” *smile* (Head Healer Serina)

*whisper* *blush* “good morning~ (Sistina)

But here is different. They are all so incredibly nice with me!

And the warmth and empathy they showed me yesterday made me cry even harder. I never felt so ashamed for my weakness.

Never before someone helped me out like this. Even servants treated me like I was beneath them. The title of princess has no meaning without the strength to back it up.

Actually, I think they resented me even more because of my title.

“I'm going to heat up the tub!” (Liara)

“Thanks. I'll go fetch the breakfast!” (Kara)

“You two are so industrious today!” *pat Kara and Liara* *smile* (Serina)

Looking at them, my eyes fill with tears. Tears of happiness. I hold them in not to worry my saviours further.

I wonder if this is what a real family is supposed to be like. And they made me a part of this! Even if just for a day, this makes me feel like I belong.

They listened to my ramblings and complaints all night.

After opening up to them about what happened inside the palace, I feel like a lid has opened. It's like the world has colors in it, now. I feel as light as a feather, like I was holding boulder on my back until yesterday.

“You look refreshed, princess. After a good night sleep, a warm bath, and something in your belly, you will feel like a different person!” *smile* (Serina)

The Head Healer is so beautiful, and strong! And compassionate! The she holds my hands and look at me, with her deep blue eyes full of compassion.

It's warming my heart. I wonder if this is one of the Church's fabled healing techniques.

*whisper* “Thanks.” (Sistina)

“My sweet Liara hates seeing people suffer. Especially her friends. Just make sure you make a full recovery, that's all this child desires.” *warm smile* (Serina)

Friends... My heart skips a beat as I hear that word. The closest thing I had to a friend was Aurora, and she~

*tears up* (Sistina)

I look at the little girl heading for the large wooden tub filled with water. Her body is the right size for a three years old girl. The only strange thing about her is that Liara does not stumble while walking like young children sometimes do.

As for her looks... Liara's skin is as white as milk, she sports short white hair that reach her shoulders and she has deep crimson eyes. It's strange, but you get used to it.

Another strange thing about Liara, is her speech. She knows lots of words and at times she speaks with the wisdom of an old master. Even stranger, she speaks with an heavy accent! One I do not recognize at all. If I didn't know better, I'd say she was a foreigner...

Maybe her first language is that of the Gods? Maybe Liara can teach us how to talk with Gloria! How wonderful would it be to write a book about that!

*smirk* (Sistina)

Without taking her night dress off, Liara start dancing. Her dance is somewhat different from Aurora's. She can surrounds herself with highly dense magic threads. In a matter of seconds, she is fully enveloped in a tangle of them. It's like looking at the sun with my magic sight. Not even the Queen can pour out so much power!

And Liara did it casually.

Weaving comes as easily as breathing to her. I do have some aptitude, but is disheartening to see how far apart our skills are. And I get to see people better than me all the times...

(Liara)

Wow. The Liara's is incredible. The large tub of water heats up in pleasant looking steaming vapours in a matter of seconds! The greatest Magi in the world need minutes to achieve the same results.

I used to think the Queen was unbeatable, but looking at her I'm reminded of the tales of Dragons and High Elves i read so much about.

This power is not something humans can achieve on their own.

“There, the bath is ready. Do you want to go first?” *smile* (Liara)

*whisper* “Uhm... Thanks.” *blush* (Princess Sistina)

I undress and enter the hot bath.

I feel my fatigue and anxiety melting away in the waters.

*whisper* “Aurora...” *tears up* (Sistina)

Liara is not the Beast.

Liara is not a monster either.

Liara is nor a tyrant nor a sadist.

Why is everyone in the Royal Palace so hellbent on demonizing her?!?

Liara is the only one who is both willing and capable of helping you! Why can't you see it?!?

Do you want to die alone?!?

Leave me~

Alone~

*sob* (Sistina)

“... Do you still want to help Aurora despite what she said and did to you?” (Liara)

*nod* (Sistina)

Words just won't come out. I can only pitifully nod while curled in the tub. I'm so pathetic.

“She does not deserve your friendship. And you don't have to go back. You can stay here, with us. Alba can be your new home. Right, Mother?” (Liara)

“Of course, you are welcome to stay!” *smile* (Serina)

I have no answer for her. As tears drip down my cheeks. I drop lower in the water to hide them.

*whisper* “Aurora... Scared...” *sob* (Sistina)

I want to say that Aurora is just as scared of the Queen as I am.

I want to say that she is just as scared of the other princesses as I am.

I want to say that she didn't mean what she said to me!

She couldn't possibly mean what she said to me~

I want to tell her a thousand things!!!

My useless mouth can't give shape to my thought!!!

*weep* (Sistina)

“I think your tears are wasted on Aurora, but if you want to help her this much, than so be it. I'll heal Aurora for you.” (Liara)

“...” (Serina)

I lift up my head in disbelief. Would Liara really do this for me?

“But~ (Liara)

Of... course.

She will want compensation.

Despite being a princess I own nothing.

I don't care. I'll just work until~

~this is the last chance you give her. If Aurora betrays you just one more time, I want you to sever all ties with her. Deal?” *extend hand* (Liara)

*whisper* “yes” (Sistina)

Her hand is so small. Why am I feeling like I'm shaking hands with a giant?

*knock* *enter* (Sister Eureka)

*gasp* (Sistina)

A sister enter Liara's room unannounced! She looks at me with contempt. I want to disappear.

“What's the big deal?!? You can't enter someone else's room like this!” (Liara)

*glare* (Kara)

Liara and Kara comes to my aid. I still have to get used to people helping me out like this. I feel tears swelling inside me. Again.

“... I was sent by the Priestess. You have been challenged to a duel. You might want to go to the training grounds. Or not. You can do whatever you want. Unlike the rest of us mortals~ *leave* (Eureka)

“...” (Serina)

Those eyes. They are the same eyes that the other princesses use to look at Aurora. Eyes filled with jealousy. Maybe Liara and Aurora are not so different... but why can't they understand each other? There must be a way.

Wait, what did she say?

Duel

Location: Gloria's Temple / Serina's Chamber

Time: Y1503 / 29th day of the Wither Moon / Morning

Almost every inhabitant of the temple of Alba was gathered in the courtyard, the thirty meters wide square was filled to the brim with the exception of a ten meters wide ring in the center which was occupied by just one person. Sisters were watching from every window, and young nimble trainees were sitting on the ceilings all around enjoying a clear view of the arena.

People were murmuring in low voice, a chorus of whispers that would fill the heart of the unknowing with uneasiness. The murmur ceased when a small door amongst many others opened with everyone turning their eyes to that spot.

*whisper* “The Gifted One is here” *join hands in prayer* (Sister)

*whisper* “They are never going to let this happen~ (Trainee)

Liara, the Church's treasure, was accompanied by her two friends. The crowd parted ways , creating a corridor beginning of the door just used by the new arrivals.

*push* “Let me pass! Get out of the way!” *shove* (Serina)

“Mother!” (Liara)

*whisper* “I think this is the first time I hear Serina raise her voice” (Sister)

For many it was the first time they saw the Head Healer with her usually calm and mellow demeanour be this agitated. Seeing Serina like this was only adding to the distress Liara was feeling.

*kneel* *grab hands* “Liara! Just go back inside! You don't have to do anything! Please!!!” *tears* (Serina)

“Mother! You are scaring me! What's going on, what's this all about?” (Liara)

“Pricess Aurora challenged you to a duel.” (Priestess Mera)

The highest authority in the temple made her way through the crowd as well, confirming Eureka's earlier report. It was not just Liara, everyone there was shocked that something like this was allowed to happen.

Mera paused a few seconds to let the gravity of her words sink in before continuing.

“Princess Aurora claims only a duel can restore her pride, after~ what happened yesterday. The Kingdom's law are clear in this regard. We cannot escape them. Not at this time. I advice you to name a champion to fight for you. As a child you have that right.” (Mera)

*strongly nod* *tears* (Serina)

A confused Liara looked at Sistina hoping for answers. She was a princess too, and with the depth of her knowledge and her knack for teaching, she was the most likely to hold answers.

*low voice* “It's~ a way for royalty to do~ justice. One of the sole right of a member of the Royal Family, like Aurora and~ *look down* I.” (Sistina)

The situation was really bad. It seemed even the Church was not keen of blatantly disregarding this particular law.

There were precedents in which children of nobility were challenged, and a champion fought in their place. Fight by proxy was probably the safest way to go about it. Even if the Princess got hurt, she was the one who issued the challenge, and in theory the laws of duels protected the Church.

And even if that wasn't the case~

~the Council would agree. Even an open war with the Kingdom is preferable to a slight chance of losing Liara to Aurora.] *sigh* *close eyes* (Mera)

Many long seconds of silence followed.

It's almost as if one could see gears turning inside the head of the little girl who was thrown in such impossible situation.

Sisters and Knights around were biting their lips. Her friends where holding their breath. Time had come to a stop.

*whisper* “I'm her guardian, Mera. Can't I decide in her place?” (Serina)

*whisper* “Liara has proven herself. We are to trust her judgement.” (Mera)

*look up* “Do I have other choices?” (Liara)

Mera was taken aback for a moment. She had hoped she would simply agree with her suggestion without questions, but that was too much to ask of the curious Liara.

*exhale* “Well... you can fight yourself. You can forfeit and pay the price. But I wouldn't~ (Mera)

Before Mera could finish, another figure broke ranks from the human wall she was part of. A Fair Skin woman of average height in her mid thirties. Her skin was paler than most, hinting at her superior aptitude as mage. Her platinum hair were collected in a thick braid that was resting on her left shoulder reaching to her waist. She wore an elaborate tunic and had a belt with pouches, presumably stocked with many precious artifacts.

*step forward* *kneel* “Gifted One! My name is Reana! I have the honor of leading the Magi of Gloria! I trained very hard to make your technique my own! Please! Choose me as your champion! I will not fail you!” *hold hands on heart* (Head Mage Reana)

Reana's eyelids left such a small window that it was hard to tell whatever her eyes were even open or not. Looking carefully, one could glimpse at a deep green coming from beneath.

**nod** (Crowd)

*nod* *whisper* “They should at least best her before even being allowed to gaze on the Gifted One!” (Knight)

“You never saw Reana in action, did you? That brat is toast!” *chuckle* (Knight)

Reana's declaration was met with strong approval from everyone. Even Liara was moved by the solemn declaration of the Head of the Magi of Gloria. The only exception being Sistina who was fidgeting with her fingers.

It was clear from her body language that Sistina was torn by the current situation. She didn't want neither Liara nor Aurora to get hurt, a fact that didn't escape the young but perceptive three years old little girl.

*Inhale* “I thank you, Reana. I don't doubt your strength, nor your conviction. But this is something I have to do myself.” *turn around* *smile* (Liara)

*whisper* *tears up* “Liara~ (Sistina)

Having made her decision, Liara walked past the dumbfounded Serina, Mera and Reana. Mera just closed her eyes, acknowledging it was beyond her power to change Liara's answer.

*whisper* “Fine. I don't see Liara losing this anyway. I'll just have to deal with the aftermath~ (Mera)

*gulp* *join hands* *whisper* “Oh Gloria~ (Serina)

Watching the small back of her precious child walking into battle was making Serina's heart clog. She joined her hands in prayer and close to her chest, offering her deepest most heartfelt prayer to Gloria.

[It's about time that evil girl paid for her crimes.] *grin* (Initiate Kara)

Liara slowly but surely walked past the members of the church.

*whisper* “Burn her.” (Sister)

*whisper* “Return her soul to Gloria.” (Sister)

*slow clap* (Sister)

Now that it had come to this, many were simply anticipating seeing the Gifted One in action and were eager to see the rude guest that dared challenge their messiah pay with her life for her sins.

An ominous, barely audible chorus from hundreds of follower of Gloria was filling the air.

Just a few more steps and Liara made it in the ring.

Her challenger was laying in wait, her face like marble not betraying any emotion. Once Liara had taken her place on the opposite side of the ring, Princess Aurora declared her intention aloud for everyone to hear.

*point finger* "Beast! You corrupted the Church of Gloria! You corrupted my sister, Sistina! You even corrupted my Tutor! But you can never corrupt me! Your reign of terror ends today! I shall wash your offences away with my own two hands!" (Princess Aurora)

Princess Aurora was standing on one side of the ring, she wore nothing but a set of heavy looking pieces of jewellery. A golden tiara, a necklace with an heavy pendant built around a red gemstone, two bracelet with fine inscribed runes and two anklets chains.

The princess had dark patches under her eyes, while she was not in her prime, she wasn't showing any clear sign of insanity nor neurotic behaviour. And yet her words made no sense to any of those present to witness the absurd challenge.

“Wait... what?” (Liara)

Opposite to Aurora was the young three years old girl with red eyes, short white hair and pale white skin. Her expression was filled with nothing but pure bafflement at Aurora's statement.

And for some reason, this reaction made Aurora angry, breaking her emotionless masks.

*grind teeth* “You are good. Very very good. But you can't fool me! Ready or not, here I come!” (Aurora)

Words would not lead anywhere. Now that it had come to this, the Princess had no choice but push forward. She gathered herself, and posed for a moment, raising her hands in a gracious gesture upward to the skies, than, in a seamless motion, her hands fell down, leading into a pirouette. Aurora started dancing with the grace one would expect from a princess of the Kingdom.

*angry shouts* (Sisters)

*ready weapons* (Knights)

And yet, the beauty of the spectacle was not nearly enough to make bystanders forget what was transpiring. Royalty or not, Aurora just launched grave accusations toward the messiah of the Church of Gloria, not only that, but she was preparing an attack against Liara. It was not something a true believer could let slide.

*raise hand* (Liara)

The little girl standing in the ring raised her little hands. The effect was immediate, the shouts stopped.

*clench teeth* [No weaving?!? I'll show you what you get for underestimating me!!!] (Aurora)

The fact Liara wasn't just taking her dress but she wasn't even gathering and refining aether while facing a powerful mage like the First Princess grated on Aurora's nerves even more. Aurora's dance became wilder and faster as she scrambled to gather power at a much greater pace.

Seconds passed, the seconds than became minutes.

*whisper* "That's a lot of aether!" (Sister)

*whisper* "Really? I can't see magic..." (Sister)

*whisper* "Why isn't Liara moving?" (Sister)

*whisper* "On my three, we move in to help Liara!" (Guard)

Emerging from the ranks, the respected Steffen raised his own closed fist, ordering all to stand down. Interrupting a duel was indeed a breach of etiquette, but many felt it was deeply wrong to allow anyone to raise their hands against the Gifted One.

"Do not interfere. That's an order." (Leader Steffen)

*whisper* “I obey, Leader. I pray to Gloria that the Gifted One won't get hurt.” (Knight)

[You monster!!! Do you really think you can take my magic on like this?!? DIE!!!] (Aurora)

Still dancing, the princess was well aware that her opponent was showing no sign of weaving. For a mage that was akin to suicide. Without refined aether, weaving magic was simply impossible. Aurora was certain that Liara hadn't gathered any, yet.

[Fine!!! I'll exploit the time you are giving me to the utmost! You can complain about your idiocy in the grave!] (Aurora)

True to her words, Aurora refined magic threads to the limit of her abilities, all without even an hint of action from her opponent.

*whisper* “Whoa whoa... This is really a lot of magic. We are going to get caught up in this at this rate!” (Sister)

The crowd was getting restless. It's not just Liara, but even they would get caught up in the magic. Fearful bystanders started instinctively to take a few steps back.

"Leader!!! This is going too far!!!" (Scout Feldris)

"Do. Not. Interfere." *glare* (Steffen)

The objection of his subordinate amounted to nothing as the Leader shut down his concerns. Steffen's fist was still raised in the air, signalling everyone to stand still. The Knights were of course ready to pounce at Liara's enemy the moment Steffen's fist would lower, a behaviour hammered as an instinct by their endless training. But the Knight knew better than to hope this moment would come to pass.

Aurora was now wielding an impressive amount of magic. Two tangles of Aether half a meter wide on the palm of her hands.

*pant* *pant* “If you really are the Gifted One than you will take my magic on without using magic of your own, isn't that right?” *grin* *twitch* *kneel* (Aurora)

The First Princess was no slouch when it came to magic, and she clearly over exerted herself, weaving far more magic than her body allowed. The damage from doing so could permanently damage her magic channels, or outright kill her had she failed to properly control the power. Aurora just didn't care.

**nggg** (Aurora)

With extreme effort, Aurora forced all the refined aether inside her magic channels, changing it to make her vision a reality. Blood vessels bulged from her skin, capillaries ruptured, painting her eyes and patches of her skin red. Drip of blood begun flowing down from her nose and ears.

After kneeling, Aurora fell lower and lower on the ground. It was like the princess was being crushed by an unseen force, while her mind racing to form a vision. The vision of the Beast becoming ash.

“Liara!!!” *rush* (Mage Knight Stella)

*catch collar* “Stand down. I won't repeat myself.” *glare* (Steffen)

*gulp* (Stella)

“Leader! We'll all die here!!!” (Feldris)

“DIEEEEEEEE!!!!” (Aurora)

(Aurora)

With an unearthly shout, Aurora let out all her anger and frustration, as well as releasing her powerful magic. The tangles of aether she held in her palms grew smaller and smaller, with refined aether flowing inside her like a river.

And yet~

[The flames?!?] *eyes open wide* *gaping mouth* (Aurora)

Aurora could not believe what she was witnessing.

Her opponent, Liara, had taken a stance with her right leg and hand extended forward, toward Aurora. Meanwhile, her left leg was slightly bent, supporting her puny weight and her left hand was making small circular motions in the air.

Right there, a tangle of aether was forming in her right hand, growing in size each second.

By following the flow of aether, it was now clear where that aether was coming from.

[She's~ Stealing~ *gasp* (Aurora)

Weaving this phantom spell still taxed Aurora's body to the brink of unconsciousness. With her own magic nearly exhausted, Aurora had no choice but to let go.

(Aurora)

*collapse* *cough* *cough* (Aurora)

The princess collapsed to the ground, coughing blood. She used far more than she was allowed, and it was to no avail. The understanding of her failure weighed down on her condition even harder causing her body to fail her.

*fall down* *short breaths* (aurora)

Seemingly at the end of her rope, Aurora was laying down, devoid of the strength to even lift a finger. With the tail of her eyes she could see, Liara slowly walking toward her.

The crowd seemed to be shouting, but Aurora for some reason couldn't hear anything at all.

Behind Liara, Aurora caught a glimpse of her sister Sistina, jumping and scrambling, trying to make her way through. What's left of her consciousness could only pity her weakness.

*close eyes* (Aurora)

As Liara came to within a step from her, Aurora closed her eyes, accepting her now unavoidable fate.

The roof was a great vantage point from which the duel could be witnessed. Trainees and initiates had climbed there and were entranced by the events oblivious of who was watching alongside them.

A Fair Skin boy no more than ten years in age, wearing his nimble training attire. A middle aged Fair Skin woman with short black hair longer on her right side to covers a fire scar around her right ear. And a tall, well built Fair Skin soldier wearing golden armor.

The Royal prince and his entourage where carefully watching Aurora's duel unfolding before their eyes.

*raise eyebrow* “Surprising... For all her faults, Aurora's powers are genuine. I was sure she would put up at least a semblance of a fight.” (Royal Guard Amerio Yastrade)

“Indeed. I can't tell how the Gifted One did it. Opposing that thing at this time is suicide, just as we thought.” +nod* (Tutor Hanna Ganimede)

The weathered royal guard and knowledgeable tutor of the prince were at a loss for words.

While they knew Aurora would lose, be it against the Gifted One or a champion, they never would have imagined that the Beast would win in such fashion. And with a technique so exotic they weren't even able to tell what happened.

*whisper* “Now I want her even more.” *lick lips* (Prince Riccardo)

As the group was speaking, Liara begun moving toward the defeated at a slow pace. No ill intent could be felt from her, leading to one obvious conclusion.

“My Prince! Liara intends on sparing Aurora!” (Tutor Sabrina)

Riccardo's eyes went wide for a moment, but his surprised expression quickly dissipated in favour of an ominous smile. The Prince now knew exactly what had to be done.

“Oh my. My beloved Liara! Your compassion truly knows no bound!” (Prince Riccardo)

In a loud voice and with melodramatic exaggerated gestures the Prince touched his heart and knelt, just as an actor would do on the stage. It was enough to distract some recruits nearby from the main event going on inside the courtyard.

“The prince?” (Initiate)

“You heard what he said? I had no idea Liara and him together” (Recruit)

*hand over spear* (Amerio)

The prince than subtly glanced at his guard, that handed him his spear. A richly decorated stick with a tip of polished metal that looked like an insect sting and body of polished wood and a long red ribbon flowing freely in the air on the other end.

*grab spear* *take stance* (Riccardo)

With his eyes fixed on the prize, Riccardo grabbed tightly the spear, and took a stance like a jaguar ready to pounce at his target.

“My love. My foolish sister is not deserving of your mercy. It is time for her to leave the stage and serve as the stepping stone that will allow our hearts to become one. It is a kindness Aurora does not deserve.” *glare* (Riccardo)

(Riccardo)

Focusing, the prince refined aether into short flimsy magic threads and directed the power inside his body, allowing him to exceed his physical limitations, even if just for a short while.

*jump* (Riccardo)

Riccardo knelt even lower to the ground tensing the muscles in his arm and leg to the breaking point. The Prince then threw the spear as hard as he could, aiming at his target, some thirty meters away.

The spear flew high in the sky, and after reaching the apex of its trajectory, it started to fell down almost vertically.

The attention of the crowd was being monopolized by the events going on in the arena. The only ones who noticed his actions where the recruits on the roof with behind him.

*walk* *stop* *look up* [... What in the name of Gloria is that~ (Patrol)

By the time a guard paroling the walls thought of looking up because something felt off, it was too late to do anything.

*cover mouth* (Recruit)

*fall* *thump* (Spear)

*stab* *spasm* (Aurora)

An incredulous crowd could do nothing but watch in disbelief as a spear rained from the skies, impaling the defenseless and broken challenger, embedding itself in the stone floor below.