“I need to show you something. It cannot wait.”
I reached into my pocket and pulled out the final vial of truth serum.
Chapter 36
KING TOLERO
Brax wore black-plated armor this time, and as he held his sword before him, I knew he took the Trials as seriously as they were always meant to be taken. He was a proud young fae, and I saw so much of my own son in him. As he faced the naga before him, he did not show concern.
“What’s Muth’s top fighter named?” I asked.
“That’s Seel. He is from the south and as vicious as the naga are known to be.” Inok kept his eyes forward, indulging my curiosity, but still incredibly invested in the show.
“Do you think Brax can beat him?”
“Yes, but if he does, he will have to fight that giant, and that’s where my concern comes in. This won’t be an easy fight, but following it with that, I don’t see how he can manage.”
The drums beat loud, signaling the beginning of the final two fights. A horn blasted through the air, and my heart raced. The crowds shifted forward as electricity crackled through the air in anticipation.
The naga coiled low as Brax brought his sword up. They wouldn’t fight to the death, but nearly. Until one of them stopped moving or forfeited. I knew Brax’s honor would never allow him to, but I prayed he didn’t end up with severe injuries. Inok was right. I hoped Brax didn’t win this fight. Until it began, and then I could never root against him. I had placed him there. I would see it through with him.
I clenched my fists and forced short breaths as they attacked each other. The naga held a slender sword, similar to a rapier, while Brax fought with the standard sword issued by the royal guard. Brax was quick, but his opponent was faster. Being able to coil and rotate quickly gave him the upper hand. They had countered each other’s swings for so long they both had slowed and tired.
Brax rolled behind Seel. He swung from his knees. The naga countered with a blow to his head with the side of his sword.
“Come on,” Inok growled from beside me. “His left.”
Of course he’d noticed. The naga had left his left side wide open, only blocking his weaker. Again, Brax lunged, missing completely. The naga slithered sideways and knocked him down. Before he could react, Seel had his blade pressed into Brax. He whispered something to him.
I thought that was going to be it. The final battle would come down to the naga and the giant after all, but Brax slammed the side of his sword into the male, and it knocked him off balance. It was enough for Brax to get to his feet. The anxious crowd cheered and yelled for their favorite contestant as Brax stalked forward. He blocked every blow and continued to inch closer until he reached out and grabbed the naga by his neck and squeezed.
Seel tried shoving Brax away, tried to slither backward, even tried bashing him on the head, but nothing worked. It was like he had been possessed by a male scorned and seeking revenge. Whatever the naga had said to him was his own undoing.
Eventually, Seel tossed his sword into the sand and forfeited the match. The entire stadium erupted, filling the air with chants of Brax’s name. Like they didn’t remember that he would now have to face the giant.
“Can we buy him time to recover?” I asked Inok, grabbing my side as I remembered the injury.
“You’re the king, I think you can do whatever you want, but I’m not sure how the people will feel about it. It would show favoritism, and he is already your fighter.”
I waved, gesturing Brax to approach. He jogged across the arena. “Can you fight the giant?” I asked. He nodded. “You’re sure? Do you need a break?” He shook his head. “Do I even want to know what the naga said to you?”
Fire lit his eyes. “No.”
“Don’t fight him with the sword,” Inok leaned in, pinning him with a look.
“What should I use?” he asked.
“You need to stay out of his reach, which is expansive. Get him to his knees and then don’t let him get up.”
“I’ve got a plan.” His eyes lit up with whatever had struck him.
“Off you go, then.”
He walked out of the stadium as, once again, the drums pounded through the space. One by one, each fighter filled the area below, lining the walls of the pit. Standing on shaking legs, I stepped to the edge of the stage and turned to Umari. She rose from her seat. “Are we sure everyone is here?”
“Every last fae in the kingdom, Your Grace. We’ve flown in those who stayed behind, though there weren’t many.”
“And the hunters?”
