The beginning of the war-council meeting was all battle strategy. Most of which went right over my head. If there is one thing my Mother never prepared me for, it was war. Theora always seemed to be at peace, so there really was no need. The Kings and Princes handled this sort of thing if there was a need. I look around me at this group of women and somehow feel like an outcast. Each one of them has something to bring to the table, whether it be knowledge, weapons, or even tactics to be used in the field. While I am sitting here, contemplating what my role is in all this.

“What about the armies to the western desert?” One of the Sanserpants members said. “Surely they can provide support from that area?”

Do they have armies to the west? Their militia is a lot larger than I imagined. We could have a fighting chance.

Queen Kahi nods, “I’ll send word to them immediately… Let us table this matter for now. We should continue our discussion of the future of our Kingdoms after our victory.” Her confidence was reassuring, up until now there has been doubt that we would indeed win back our lands. But with their help now and in the future, I don’t see how there can be any other outcome.

“As we agreed, The Sandsperpants would no longer have to hide. They can live in Xosta out of the shadows, and live out their lives amongst the people.” Esteve stated.

“Yes, but what of Theora? After all, the three kingdoms would all be connected, and as such, I think that invitation should extend to them as well. Don’t you agree Princess Ariella?” The Queen’s royal gaze met mine, burning for an answer.

“I don’t see why that shouldn’t extend to Theora. We would happily welcome any of your people your Majesty.” She was pleased with my answer. Her shoulders and smile told me so.

“And as such, our cultures dictate that only a female would be a suitable fit for the throne. No male from our victory forward can ever rule Theora again. What say you to that?”

I knew what she wanted to hear, but I couldn’t give that to her. I need to choose my next words wisely, or everything we worked for could be ruined.

“I respect your culture, and everything your people will do for us now and in the future, but Theora has its own traditions that I do not wish to dismiss.”

Rage flamed in the Queen’s eyes. “Really? Please tell me about these traditions? How long have humans oppressed women? You should be thanking me for requiring this in our treaty. You would never have to answer to a man again!”

The room went silent, all eyes on me. Be strong…

“To a degree, you are right. Over the centuries, women have been oppressed in one way or another, but that is not the way I plan on governing Theora. Marriage is one of the most sacred bonds for my people. When we become man and wife, you become one; one entity, one family. I would be doing my Husband an injustice if I allowed him to be isolated from his role as King.”

The Queen stood up so quickly that her chair studded backward. The scratching sound of the floor beneath her cut through the room, causing the tension to rise.

“I cannot accept this. If this is how you truly feel, then you will fight for it.” She opens her slender scaly hand as one of her guards places a gold staff in her palm. “A duel. If I win, you will agree to my terms. If you win, I will agree with you. If you refuse my challenge, I will take it that you do not want to be allies after all...” Casually the Queen takes her goblet and presses it against her dark lips.

My muscles freeze. She wants me to fight? I have never even picked up a sword let alone dual. I can’t even remember having a fight with my little brother.

“If you do not have the courage to fight for your cause, then you don’t truly believe in it.” Her intimidating stare pierced right through me. I believed in what I said, with all my heart. But a fight with the Queen or anyone for that matter would end in my failure. I could feel the water welling up in my eyes with frustration. Thinking about how if I fail I am letting down everyone. I am such an emotional mess, I don’t think I could fight her even if I wanted to. My chest starts to tighten as a dwell on the moment at hand. My parents would be ashamed of me…

Suddenly, a hand touches my shoulder. “Keep it together.” Esteve stood up, tall and strong, what I should be looking like right now. “The Princess is not a trained fighter, your highness. It wouldn’t be a fair fight. Let me take her place.”

Every Sanderpant gasped, muttered whispers to follow. The Queen arched her brow. “Then we must raise the stakes. If I win...I take all of Xosta under my authority. All of the humans can live in Theora.”

I grab a piece of cloth peeking out from Esteve’s armor. “No. that is too much of a risk-” But before I could reason with her she grabbed the hilt of her sword.

“Done.”

Almost immediately the room shifted. all of the Sandserpent council members pulled back from their chairs taking parts of their table with them. The once roundtable became broken off into pieces, pushed away towards the walls, creating an open floor in the middle. This was their dueling ground...

The Queen stood tall beaming at her Challenger. The Confident smile that was painted across her face cause me to doubt Esteve capabilities. Esteve drew her sword and walked out to the middle of the room spreading her feet wide in a battle stance. She was unshaken. The shine of her polished armor gleamed brightly in the torchlight. As I looked around us I realized that I was the only one rooting for her to come out of this as the victor. She had told me that she would be at my side no matter what my decision was, but now that the stakes are so high I am starting to doubt myself.

Esteve did not break eye contact with the Queen for one moment, determination pouring out of her eyes. She had no fear, no doubts, in the way she carried herself. She did not even flinch when she offered to take my place. In a lot of ways, I envied her for that. A true leader would have no fear to stand up for what they think is right. Not like me...

When Queen Kahi approached, her slender arms looked as if she would not put up too much of a fight. however, when she began to swing her staff, the speedy nature of the weapon around her shocked me to my core. In a flash, she twisted and pulled her long weapon with ease, while still maintaining the goblet of wine in the clutches of her opposing hand. I swallowed hard, my nerves getting the better of me. But when I looked at Esteve, she did not budge. There my loyal Knight stood waiting to make her move.

“Do you know why they call me the Empress of fire?” The Queen said slyly taking a demure sip of wine. When the metal goblet released from her lips, a bright flame appeared bursting forth from her mouth. Like a dragon, she stood breathing fire towards Esteve in every direction imaginable.

Even if the Queen was facing towards Esteve, the fire seemed to have a mind of its own, moving around the room as if it had no control. Esteve was light on her feet as she dodged each one of the burning flames. The unpredictable nature of the hot fire in the air caused me to clench my fists as I watched my friend fight for not only myself but for all of the people of Xosta and Theora.

My chest tightens as I see one of the flames dancing on Esteve’s right sleeve. In a panic, she pats on her arm rapidly putting out the fire with her own hand. I could hear her cursing under her breath as she continued to dodge the flames. Every time she went to go make a strike, the Queen was able to dodge, either by moving her body quickly or blocking it with her staff. Between the Queen's agile movements and the never-ending flames, it seemed like an impossible battle for her to win.

From my seat, I could see beads of sweat begin to fall from Esteve’s brow no doubt the battleground was hot from the fury air, but her movements in battle must be putting a strain on her body. The two of them danced moving back and forth from each other's movements. Strike. Block. Evade. Repeat.

Sir Esteve’s breath became heavy, while Queen Kahi seemed to have barely broken a sweat. The Queen laughed as she observed Esteve clearly struggling.

“You could always surrender. There is no shame in admitting defeat.” With a swift strike, she knocked Esteve to her knees. I jumped out of my seat as I watched her hit the floor, my heart racing. Get up!

She was still maintaining her sword in her hand but was struggling to stand. Queen Kahi moved closer and whispered something in her ear. I tried to hear what she was saying but I was too far and too panicked to pick up any words.

Suddenly the Knight pulls the Queen's arm forward, forcing her Goblet of wine out of her hand. The goblet slammed to the ground with a metallic clang, rolling around them. But to my surprise, the liquid was not red like wine, but a turquoise blue color but seem to glow upon contact with the floor. I recognize this glow. It is much like the ones of the potions that Esteve would frequently use.

Esteve combated with another quick strike of her sword. Queen Kahi startled by her second wind, took her staff with both hands blocking the blows as best she could.

“What are you without your potion Queen Kahi?” Esther said mischievous grin. “For years I have fought and battled with some of the strongest warriors of the land…” she struck the Queen again, her staff bending slightly to the Knight’s strength.”... I have fought through feast, famine, and destruction…” Esteve took another swing or her sword, this time knocking the staff from the Queen's hands. “...but never in all my years have I used a potion to win in a fight.”

Queen Kahi stood speechless. Esteve placed her sword back in the sheath at her side. “We are done here.” and with a bruised ego, the Empress of fire’s flame was extinguished.