I’m not sure why I was so angry at Wu Chen. His taunting was nothing I hadn’t experienced before, but his dare simply triggered something in me. Perhaps it was because it was similar to what Daniel had done when he’d confronted me in the Sect tunnels.

The Alpha’s words had been perfectly timed. Her suggestion that Wu Chen and I duel had left him with no recourse in the manner. If he had refused in front of the Patriarch, a high-ranking official from another race, he would have lost too much face.

Word of his refusal would have leaked, as well as the words he had uttered forcing my own participation. The room we were in wasn’t crowded, but there were staff and guards. The amusement I felt as I watched his eyes dart around the room to identify everyone who had heard was almost enough to overcome my anger.

The repercussions he would face would have been bad enough if they had only affected him, but he was here representing the Empire and Emperor. A refusal would have been worse than a loss.

Those elements of the government that opposed his father would have spun his refusal as an act of cowardice. Everyone loses a duel; at some point, a loss would not impact his or the Emperor’s honor.

It would not be pleasant, and that a newly elevated Baroness had beaten him would still be used as political hay. Still, the ramifications to the honor of the Empire and Emperor would be insignificant.

“That was impressive,” the Alpha said in greeting when I returned to my viewing room.

“I might have gone a little overboard,” I admitted, “I think the Prince was expecting an exhibition bout.” I had felt him behind me, approaching along with the Patriarch, and had been careful with my reply.

I don’t think he was injured, or if he had been, it was minimal. The Patriarch had acted to protect him too quickly for him to take any real damage. The damage to his pride, though? That would be hard to determine, and I gave him an excuse to use, suggesting he had thought the duel simply for show.

“You didn’t,” the Patriarch said as she and the Prince swept into the room. “The Prince should have taken you seriously. That he didn’t even have time to raise a shield only proves that he has gotten sloppy.

“He has spent so much time relying on artifacts to protect him that he never considered what would happen if those trinkets were overwhelmed during a fight. I will be discussing his training with his father and suggesting it might be expedient for him to remain in Four Element Sect and train with Elder Shadow.”

I saw Wu Chen wince at the suggestion, but at least he had calmed down and wasn’t demanding another fight. I didn’t feel any sympathy for him and how his father would respond to the Patriarch’s report. He had dismissed me as insignificant, meeting me in the dueling ring with not much more than token preparation and strategy. Maybe he was used to too many people simply letting him win, but I would never be that kind of person.

I had gone overboard, but once I knew he had relied on artifacts, I understood why he had been overwhelmed so easily. Those devices worked, but they were designed as last-ditch emergency devices. I had probably destroyed a few of them, as they activated to protect him when the onslaught of [Cherry Blossoms] had relentlessly exploded.

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I wasn’t sure if I’d destroyed them all or if the Patriarch had stepped in, in time to leave him some protection. Artifacts were not cheap, even for a Prince of the Empire.

“My apologies, Baroness Myche,” the Prince said, his voice filled with fake contrition. His apology appeared heartfelt, but there were a few facial anomalies that proved he was anything but. He couldn’t hide the clenched teeth, the hint of anger that he found hard to suppress as he glared at me, or the heat of anger that was evident in the changing colors of his ears.

“I approached the bout seriously,” I said, returning his apology with a slight bow of acceptance. “I didn’t realize you might think this nothing more than an exhibition bout.”

“ My actions do not detract from your own. You fought well, your control of martial technique, the elements you are aligned with, Qi, and Dharmic powers was impressive,” he said. “I will remember this fight and work to increase my own poor skills so that I can give a more appropriate challenge the next time we meet.”

I knew a threat when I heard one. And so did the Alpha. “Have you ever wondered why every Hindel that leads a pod gives up her name and is simply known as Alpha?” She asked in the silence that filled the room after his reply.

“We take the role of Alpha as our name to make it known that we chose to give up our identity for the good of the pod. I have always thought that was the reason why the Hindel do not experience jealousy, but the Elves do.

“When Alphas challenge each other or train together, it is impossible to place much importance on individual glory. How could you when any bout or battle ends with, ‘The Alpha won the fight. The Alpha lost.’?” The Alpha pointed out.

“It must make it hard for those assigning odds and collecting bets,” I replied, attempting to add some levity to the conversation.

I agreed with what the Alpha was trying to say, though. Face was not only about honor; it was also about pride and the expectations of cultural expectations. The Elves would never give up their identity as the Alpha had. The position of Patriarch came close, but even they had a name, Clan, and House they belonged to.

“Four Element Sect is hosting an event this weekend,” I said, changing the topic before the Prince could get any angrier. “Would you like to attend as my guest, Alpha?”

“What is the purpose of the event?” She asked.

“And how would transportation be provided? The Hindel abhors those vehicles we have to travel in when we leave the ocean’s water.”

“The event is a chance to network, meet new people, perhaps an opportunity for trade,” The Patriarch replied. “I would have invited you, but I was aware of the logistics involved in finding transportation. Especially for a place so far inland from the sea.”

“With the Hindel’s ability to control water, I’m surprised you need those vehicles or a means to transport you from one point to another at all,” I said, confusion evident.

“What do you mean?” The Hindel asked.

“It was evident during the contest for Consort that your people are talented with the water element. Doesn’t that control exist outside of the ocean’s waters?

“With your control of water so absolute, you could carry yourself using the water as a method of travel. Why use a vehicle you hate when you can just create a water construct to act as a vehicle?”

“How would that work?” Akil, the Alpha’s aide, asked.

“The principle is the same as those that cultivators use to fly. They use internal Qi to soar. Why can’t the Hindel do the same and carry a sphere of water simultaneously?” I replied.

“Has it ever been tried?” Wu Chen asked, his interest peaked enough to set aside his anger.

“No,” the Alpha admitted, “and it makes me wonder why not. The Baroness is correct; this method of transportation should be possible.