To the Victor

by Samantha M. Derr

  Renee turned to Patrice, her mouth dry. "A ball? My lady, I cannot attend. I don't have an appropriate gown…"

  Patrice took Renee by the shoulders and shook her gently. "Remember that you are a knight of the realm, my child. You have a dress uniform to wear, and I believe Chloe," here she looked at Chloe, "has the full set packed. There's plenty of time to press them and make them suitable to wear."

  "Yes, Lady!" Chloe scrambled, and most of the other knights followed, still chattering about the ball and why Renee was invited.

  "This is your chance," Patrice said in a soft voice. "Meet the princess in her world, Renee. Decide if you wish to fight for her. Otherwise you must say goodbye."

  Renee stared at the invitation long after Patrice left.

  Chapter Nine

  This gown had been months in the sewing, based on Adi's old measurements and commissioned by her brother the king. She'd held still as the seamstresses—and there was an army of them—made the last minute alterations.

  Many things could be said about Al, but he did have a good eye for quality fabrics. In another world, he could have been a tailor himself. Adi smiled and decided to share that thought with him later.

  The gown was deep blue, almost the purple reserved for royalty, but not quite. The shade made her red locks look like flame, and the maids had dressed her hair to emphasize that, twining her locks around the royal gold circlet. She felt, as she circled the ballroom on the arms of her brother, that she was being paraded around like so much meat. She'd feared this from the moment she'd left the monastery. Without Renee by her side, she felt unprotected, and could not shake the sense of danger as they walked.

  "Smile," Al told her. "At least pretend to be enjoying yourself."

  She squeezed his arm tightly in retaliation. "I'm being mysterious. I don't want any of these prospects to think I favor one over another."

  She sounded liked her old self―the court-trained princess who could spin words into silken lies. It hurt to think Al didn't see right through her. Perhaps he preferred to believe she had fully accepted her fate. He had his own worries to deal with, and she couldn't imagine how he felt, waiting for a girl to come of age to be his queen.

  Adi turned to ask him about her―as far as she knew, the two had corresponded by letters for the past several years. The Arcedians were understandably very protective of their youngest princess. But before the words could reach her lips, the Kurm ambassador approached them.

  "Your Majesty. Your Highness." The bow he gave was perfectly correct. Adi should not see anything mocking in it.

  "Archduke Simeon." She inclined her head, keeping her hand to herself instead of holding it out to be kissed. There would be no flirting on her part. Adi would not encourage him.

  "Your Majesty, a word please?" The ambassador from Arcedia took Al aside, leaving Adi alone for the moment with Simeon. Had this been planned?

  "In the stories told of you, few mention your beauty." He flashed a smile at her, showing all of his teeth.

  Perhaps the stories mentioned how she'd killed one of his countrymen. Adi forced a slight smile on her face, already re-learning how to school her features. "You flatter me, Archduke."

  "Indeed. You will find I am a man free with compliments. If I had not been born noble, surely I would have been a poet."

  "And a modest one," Adi said.

  "Modest? Honest, my dear." His eyes narrowed. "Let us be frank, princess. I mean to offer for your hand and you would do well to accept it."

  "For compliments and poetry?" She tried to return the lightness to the conversation.

  "For peace." He took his bow. "Save a dance for me."

  He'd disappeared into the crowd as Al returned to her side. "What a ridiculous time to discuss trade fares across the border."

  "He most likely thought it the best opportunity to catch your ear." Adi slid her hand around his arm, needing him to anchor her. Her heart raced in her chest and she forced herself to breath out her anger.

  How dare he? Simeon seemed certain of his reception. It only made Adi more determined to send him home packing. Oh, if only she could speak to Renee. She would know what to do, and for a moment, Adi entertained herself with mental images of Renee tossing Simeon over her shoulder, like the beastly men at the inn.

  She scanned the crowd, hoping for a glimpse of Renee. Adi wanted to twist her fingers in the fabric of her gown, desperate to hold to something as she hoped to see that familiar and much beloved face. But she kept her body as still as possible, to not show the turmoil within.

  Just when she had decided that Renee had stayed away, Adi saw her.

  Renee stood in the middle of a crowd, standing out as the only woman without a flowing gown. Instead, she wore a fitted jacket in the Wolf Knight colors—navy blue and white—decorated with a set of honor ribbons, all over tight leggings and a pair of black boots polished so they gleamed. The cut of the jacket set off her figure and her broad shoulders. The brass buttons up the side begged to be undone.

  Adi bit her lip and dipped her head, hoping to hide her blush. She had thought often of that night they had shared together. It brought her comfort in her strange bed, remembering how it had felt to have Renee beside her. But oh, did her body still burn for Renee's touch, even now in this crowded ball room.

  The musicians began to play, and naturally everyone lined up for a dance. Al led her out into the middle of the room and stood across from her. Adi tried to keep sight of Renee, but lost her in the mess of dancers.

  Then it was time to move forward and twirl around Al, clapping in tune to the music. Adi had been taught the steps as a child, so it was easy to slip into them, though her knees felt a bit rusty. She stumbled once as they changed partners, and someone caught her to keep her from falling.

  Adi looked up to say thank you, and the words could not meet her lips.

  Renee was her rescuer, of course. She winked and fell back into step as Adi quickly slipped into the movement of the dance. They couldn't speak, not like this. Adi wished for more than the warmth that remained between them.

  The dance came to an end, and everyone applauded. Adi smiled, but by now the royal mask she wore had made her weary.

  Al gestured to the musicians, who played a sour note to get everyone's attention as he went to stand on the little stage where they'd set up his throne. "Esteemed guests, I thank you all for coming. Tonight marks the beginning of our yearly tournament. Knights from all over the continent have come to compete, and of course, these games of war only remind us how long we've had peace."

  "To peace!" someone shouted.

  Adi felt a chill down her back. Was that the Simeon who spoke? Had he felt need to remind her of his threat?

  "Indeed. But before we begin, I have the first of many awards to give out. As you know, my sister has returned from her exile. You've all welcomed her here tonight."

  Adi smiled and waved as attention turned her way. She clasped her hands together and forced herself to remain still, like a statue. Right now she missed her quiet monastery very much.

  "She did not come alone. And her trip was not easy. All thanks go to one of our courageous knights, who escorted her to safety. This first ribbon of bravery I present to Knight Renee Wyvern." Al gestured to the crowd.

  And there she was again. Could not everyone see how extraordinary she was? Her black hair gleamed in the candlelight, and her blue eyes sparkled as she accepted the ribbon from Al, adding to her impressive collection.

  Adi could not bear it any longer. She moved through the crowd and back through one of the servants' entrances. She needed air. The ballroom had become entirely too stifling for her.

  She reached an alcove with a balcony that looked out over the gardens. Adi grabbed hold of the stone railing and tried to breathe. It was not easy. Her chest felt too heavy, like no matter how she tried, she could not fill it with enough air.

  "I think I prefer you in the veil."

  Adi whirled to see Renee standing behind her, the l
ight from inside the castle illuminating her, making her look like some manifestation of a goddess. "How did you find me?"

  "I think I can always find you." Renee stepped closer and stood next to her. Her brow furrowed and her face looked quite stern as she stared out at the gardens.

  Adi shifted her hands, so their fingers tangled together. "Thank you."

  "For what?"

  "Finding me." Adi swallowed. She could feel her eyes fill, and she hurriedly blinked back tears. She could not ruin the careful application of cosmetics her maid had placed on her face. Even now, the powder felt heavy on her skin.

  Renee let out a sigh, but didn't speak. They continued to stare down into the darkness, together.

  "My brother has invited a swarm of potential suitors. Most of them are in that room." She thought of the sly words from Simeon and shivered.

  "I see." Renee's voice sounded cold, and Adi could not leave it that way.

  "My duty would be easier to face if I had not come to care for you," she burst out. "Oh, that sounds like I regret it, but I do not. Not a moment of it! And if I could, I'd get on horseback and chase you back up into the mountains."

  Renee had caught both her hands and brought Adi close, rubbing her back. Only then did Adi realize she was shaking. She melted into Renee's warmth, wanting to stay in this embrace forever.

  "I swear," Renee said, her words a whisper in Adi's ear, "if there is an honorable way for us, I will find it. If you would have me?"

  "Never doubt it."

  *~*~*

  Renee dreamed that night. Three goddesses stood before her―Elrica, Isaura, and Lunera. Isaura wore the garb of a warrior and she stood next to Elrica in her maiden guise. But Lunera stood as high priestess, and joined the two in matrimony.

  She started awake, at first disoriented from her barracks bunk. She'd thrown off her sheets in the night and shivered in the morning air in nothing but her nightshirt. Renee got to her feet, quietly so not to disturb the other sleepers in the room, and went to the washstand. The cold water she splashed on her face helped wake her, but still could not shake the oddness of the dream away.

  After dressing, she left, prepared to do some warming up for the day. Her first competition would be this afternoon.

  "You're up early for one who went to bed late." Patrice was already up and working in the practice arena in full armor. Of course, as a captain, she had her part to do in the sorting of the rolls.

  "I find myself too excited to sleep." Renee tried out the lie as she moved into the forms designed to stretch and warm her body.

  "Hmm." Patrice watched her. She'd always been able to take Renee's measure, even from when Renee was her squire and missing her home. "The others wanted to hear about the ball."

  She'd come home far too late to tell them, although Renee had found Chloe sleeping half-dressed on her pallet. Renee had guided the groggy girl to her own bed, promising tales on the morrow. "But you don't?"

  "I've been to my fair share of royal soirees." Patrice grinned at her. Then her eyes grew serious. "You know this is a very special tourney, correct?"

  "I cannot forget it."

  "Every year, the king grants a boon to whoever can defeat his Golden Knight. No one has done it in ten years."

  "Indeed." At first Renee was puzzled by Patrice's words. What of it?

  Then she realized. A boon. The king would do whatever she asked. If only she could defeat his champion in battle.

  Did she have strength enough to do it? To take down a man half again her size? And then stand before the king and demand his sister as prize?

  "We need to practice." She whirled on Patrice, who laughed.

  "Get your sword, girl."

  Chapter Ten

  Renee waited until the last day of the tourney before she challenged the Golden Knight.

  From the moment she had decided this course of action, she knew this was not something she could win on her own. Every single one of her sisters had a hand in helping. They watched all of the Golden Knight's matches, scrutinized every thrust of his sword. Each of them trained with her, pushing her harder and faster.

  She pulled out of two of her last assigned matches to be sure she was ready. It dropped her in the rankings, and at one point, that would have upset her. Now Adi was far more important than Renee's standings in the rolls.

  Chloe, her brilliant squire, had been the one to point out the most obvious flaw. "His squire is not doing his duty, or else he'd notice the strap on his poleyn is worn and ready to tear."

  She prided herself on making sure each piece of Renee's equipment was not only shining, but in good condition, replacing leather bands and buckles that looked ready to break. She had a fine eye for detail, which Renee knew she herself lacked.

  Still, on the morning of the last day, Renee's belly twisted and turned as she went to put in the challenge request with the quartermaster. He looked at the scrap of parchment and frowned. Most matches had to be approved in advance, no matter how romantic it seemed for her to simply call out the Golden Knight in the middle of the arena.

  "I wish you luck, girl. No one's shown Roderick's ass the ground in many years." He shook his head and puttered away.

  Renee had to stifle her laughter. She was afraid it might turn into tears.

  "Come. One last prayer before the battle." Patrice said as Renee waited for her turn, dressed in her armor except for her helm.

  Her sisters crouched around her, a reminder that the Knights of Isaura were a pack, like the wolves she considered holy. Renee knew they'd fight at her side if they could, and having their strength in the stands would steady her.

  "Great Isaura," Patrice murmured. "Let your will be done. You are the patron of warriors, but you are also fond of great lovers. We put this fight in your hands."

  "Isaura's will be done," Renee murmured with the others.

  Then it was time. Her name echoed from the arena, and Renee ducked through the corridors beneath that led to the field of fighting. The stands were filled with a cheering, colorful crowd, but she only had eyes for the royal box in the very center, elevated above to give the perfect view of the action.

  Adi sat there, wearing a golden gown that made her visible next to the king and the other guests of honor. Renee ground her teeth when she realized that damn Kurm ambassador sat to Adi's right. He apparently considered his suit already won.

  Renee would show him.

  "And now," the crier said into the horn that amplified his voice, "The king's champion, the Golden Knight."

  He lumbered in from the other side, a tall and powerful man in armor that gleamed as gold as his name. The royal crest had been etched on his breastplate, and he wore a scarlet armband for his patron of the moment. Renee had heard whispers that it belonged to a certain Duchess, or perhaps her Duke husband. There were too many rumors to be sure.

  "There will be three rounds," the announcer continued. "First blood ends the match. The object is to get the other to yield."

  Renee stood in the center and waited, sword and shield at the ready. She put down the faceplate of her helm as the knight approached.

  They tapped swords together, bowed, and retreated ten paces away.

  She could feel the blood pulsing in her ears when the fight began. This was not just another bout, when she'd relish the way her body felt, thrumming with action. This fight was too important. She had to win.

  He swung first, lunging forward and into her space. Instead of blocking with her shield, Renee darted out of reach. She needed to take his measure, see for herself how he fought, what kind of shape he was in today.

  Every time he came for her, she dodged.

  "Stay still, girl!" he growled.

  He put his weight on his left leg and all his strength behind his swings. He held his shield too loosely. Renee plotted her charge, coming in on the right and striking with her own sword.

  But instead of blocking, he swung with his shield and slammed the side of her helm.

  Renee felt th
e clang all the way to her teeth. The blow had her on the ground before she could even conceive what had happened.

  "Round one to the Golden Knight."

  The crowd cheered. He always was a favorite among the masses, the bastard. Renee got to her feet, clenching her sword. She could not let him take her off-guard again.

  But he moved fast, anticipating that she was going to try to stay out of reach once more. He charged her, putting her on the defensive. She spent more time blocking his blows with sword and shield that trying to attack in turn.

  She couldn't beat him like this. He had more physical strength, more sheer mass than she did.

  He swiped at her legs, and Renee leapt, tumbling out of the way. It angered her. Had she not fought a dragon a few days ago? Had she not spent her entire career taking care of villainous beasts across the land? What did this knight have to answer for that?

  She knew, those times she had her sisters behind her, or her squire, or the people of Glendola. Renee didn't fight alone.

  And she didn't fight alone now. She could feel her sisters rooting for her, their spirits entwined with hers. Her body thrummed with it, a rush in her blood as she made her next move.

  The Golden Knight fought in too many tourneys. He was used to his opponents fighting honorably. But Renee had been taught how to fight when her life was on the line.

  She charged toward him, but then, when he was about to block, she rolled to her right and threw her shield—directly at the weakened left buckle behind his knee.

  The piece of armor came loose, and the knight kicked it away. But in the moment he was distracted, she swung her sword around and sliced at the piece of exposed flesh.

  "I believe I have first blood," she gasped.

  There was a hush in the crowd. The Golden Knight stared down at his leg, at the trickle of blood running down his calf. Then, he threw down his sword and bowed. "You have bested me, knight. I yield."

  This time, the cheers were for her.

  Renee's mouth went dry as she removed her helmet and went to the center of the field, directly in front of the royal box.