by K.N. Lee
Gods had once fought in that same arena.
Being in line for the throne, Aric had always felt the pressure to be the best. It was his duty to give his people what they wanted. Aric had competed in the arena for three years now, and not once had he lost a battle. That first time he stepped into the coliseum when he was sixteen had been a turning point in his life.
The hundreds of spectators cheered Aric on when he drew his sword.
The crowd wanted a show. Each year the stakes were higher. This time, Aric would give them a fight that would go down in history.
With his red and gold shield in one hand, his sword in the other, Aric watched as his mother and father arrived.
The cheers rose to a thundering roar as Queen Nevah and King Lavi entered the coliseum along with the parents of his opponent, King Tynic and Queen Lucia.
Aric looked across the platform at his opponent, a female warrior from one of the western kingdoms, Brenton.
Pria.
Princess Pria watched him, a cocky grin on her beautiful face. She winked at him and turned her attention to nod at her parents that watched from above with pride.
If they only knew how sneaky their innocent daughter was.
There was no way that he could let that woman defeat him, not when countless men from all over the world had lost to him in combat.
Aric hid a grin of his own when Pria glanced at him. He’d beat her and bed her again later that evening.
Good plan.
The cheering continued as his parents walked hand-in-hand to the balcony that overlooked the coliseum.
In a slim white gown, Queen Nevah still looked as young as a woman of her late twenties. She and Aric shared the same pale blue eyes and blond hair. Her hair was braided and twisted into a bun that had a golden comb stuffed into it to hold her hair in place.
King Lavi was a stark contrast to his beautiful wife. With olive skin, dark brown hair, and a large muscular frame, he towered over the queen. His brown eyes cast a look across the crowd.
He made a slight gesture with his large hand for everyone to quiet and the spectators sat in their seats in obedience.
“Good citizens of Rhene,” Queen Nevah said, loud enough for all to hear her, yet with a voice as soft as a child’s. “As part of our final battle of this day of celebration, the king and I are pleased to present you our son, Prince Aric the Valiant and Brenton’s own, Princess Pria the Swift.”
Pria the Swift, Aric thought to himself with a laugh. She had indeed made a name for herself in the arena before arriving for their annual winter festival. He grinned, remembering her moans as he pleasured her just the night before.
The crowd clapped and shouted encouragement to the young warriors.
Aric loved the attention and soaked it all in.
The crowd’s cheer elevated as the princess pulled free her sword and readied them with a slash through the air within a sharp whistling sound. Her black hair was pulled into a long ponytail, her silver light armor glittering in the sunlight.
His grin vanished. It was time to get serious.
Aric became focused as he readied his sword and shield.
King Lavi took a step back and raised a hand.
“Begin!”
Pria ran at him with such speed that Aric was taken aback.
Aric raised a brow as he held his golden shield against her tirade of strikes. He staggered backward at her surprising strength. The loud crashing of her two-handed sword resonated in his ears.
Pria may have been slim, but it was apparent that she was composed of pure muscle.
He quickly found himself fighting as seriously as he had against all of the other assembled princes from the surrounding kingdoms. The winter festival was one of the few events that kept the kingdoms from war.
It soon became obvious that this show was about more than entertainment for Pria. Aric saw the determination and intensity in her gaze.
Pria fought as if her life depended on it. She was skilled beyond her years and the clashing of their weapons could be heard well by the spectators on the higher levels. Sparks flew all around them from the impact of their steel against steel.
Aric swallowed, sweat slinging off his forehead. He didn’t want to hurt her, but he also didn’t want to embarrass himself in front of the entire kingdom. He took a deep breath and held his sword a little tighter.
His eyes went from pale blue, to a silver glow.
He saw Pria lose a little of her color when she saw the glow in his eyes, and her stance changed to one of defense.
“Not fair,” Pria said. She wiped a fallen strand of hair from her face and readied herself.
“Come now, Aric,” Queen Nevah shouted from her spot above the battle. “Show the Brentons what real power looks like.”
Aric chanced a glance up at her, and Pria made a quick kick at his legs. He grabbed her leg and tossed her across the coliseum. She flew yards away and landed on her rear.
Aric frowned up at his mother. She hid a grin as she folded her hands before her. He may have been a cocky young man, but he was against an unfair fight.
Pria wasn’t a descendant of the gods that used to walk their world. With only a small part of the bloodline, Aric had certain abilities.
Unsure of whether he should heed his mother’s command, or trust his own judgment, Aric watched Pria push herself to her feet. Instead of taking a defensive stance, he relaxed his shoulders and lowered his weapon.
Pria paused her approach when she realized what he was doing.
“Have it your way,” she said.
She charged at him with all of her speed and strength.
Aric sighed. He hated to do this to the princess.
Ripples of power flooded his body and he closed his eyes. The crowd gasped, as Aric’s shield knocked Pria’s sword from her hand.
All sounds faded and all light went with it. Aric felt as if he was alone.
No one knew what it felt like to just vanish in plain sight. Apparently the power skipped his father and grandfather’s generation, reappearing in Aric, making him a nothing more than a prized possession.
Aric took in a breath. He saw Pria standing there with a look of fear on her face. She swirled around, searching for him. She scrambled to pick up her sword and resorted to slashing at nothing but air.
At this moment, she was the enemy, and for as long as his power lasted, she was defenseless against him. The wind swept in from the open ceiling. The sky was a dull yellow, as the sun shone its face. Such was rare in these times. The golden rays spilled on Aric as he closed his eyes to the warmth on his cheeks.
It was as if the gods spoke to him at that moment.
Aric enjoyed that moment of solitude. It was a rare occasion to have a moment of peace, and ironic that he found it during a sword fight.
Aric’s arms felt heavy and there was an acute pain in the forefront of his head. He could feel his energy draining. It started to flee his body with each breath and step he took.
He wanted this to be over.
“Here,” Aric whispered to Pria, giving her a clue as to where he was. She spun on him and brought her sword down across his. Relief flooded her face.
It didn’t last long. He knocked her down to the ground and pinned her on her back.
In the end, Aric had his knee in Pria's chest, his sword at her smooth chestnut-colored neck. He reappeared and she closed her eyes. She worked to control her breathing.
“Bastard,” she shouted at him.
That stung.
“So this is why I was called out here,” Pria said once she opened her eyes once again. “All of my years of training, and you made a fool of me.”
Aric stood and held a hand out to help her up.
Pria glared at him. She came to her feet and turned on her heels to walk away.
She didn’t even glance back at him.
Disappointed, Aric watched her leave. His shoulders slumped.
So much for bedding her again that evening.
THE PALACE WAS much more intimidating than Raina anticipated. Her eyes rose to the high stained glass ceiling. Not even their home in Latari was as lavish as the Rhene Palace.
Mother and father lived simply by god standards. They kept a small staff and had only increased the number of guards on their property when Raina and Allan were named as the next to rule Aden.
As Raina was led to her new sleeping chambers, her mind would not let her forget the young man she’d encountered outside the palace.
There was something about him that left her feeling unsettled.
Errison and Olia were allowed to stay in the palace for the night, but Olia would have to leave in the morning to set up her new shop.
So many new opportunities had presented themselves that Raina felt a giddiness in her gut.
One day, if she and Allan survived, they would live in the Aden Imperial Palace. They would be the most powerful beings in all of the five worlds. Raina already took note of what she’d want the palace to be decorated like when she was made a queen.
Just like the Rhene Palace.
Two guards led her to her room. When she opened the door, she lifted a brow.
Impressive, she thought. It was much bigger than the room in the monastery but smaller than her room back home in Latari.
Still, it was beautiful, even in its simplicity.
The moment she closed and locked the latch on her door, she called for Desi.
“Are you well, Desi?”
The fairy transformed into her normal form, but there was a gray tinge to her skin and a droopiness to her once alert eyes.
Desi rested in Raina’s lap the moment she sat on the bed.
“I am so tired. The very air here drains my power. It’s the strangest thing.”
Alarmed, Raina hugged Desi to her. “What can I do to help you? Will you be all right?”
Desi’s breath was shallow. “This world,” she began, closing her eyes. “It does not agree with me. I cannot stay out long, sweet Preeti.”
Raina nodded. “I understand,” she said. She gave Desi a smile. “I’m going to miss our games. When we return to Aden, promise me we can play them again.”
Desi smiled wide, her eyes brightening. “Of course, sweet Preeti.”
Raina kissed her tiny forehead.
Desi looked up at her. “Do you know your name means beautiful here?”
Raina nodded. “Isn’t that something?”
“It is because you are,” Desi said and started to transform back into the necklace, where she could rest.
“Good night, Desi.”
“Good night, sweet Preeti.”
Chapter 13
THE NEXT EVENING, Errison, Raina, and Allan sat for dinner with King Lavi and his family; a beautiful wife, Nevah, his middle son, Eryon, and one young daughter named Arela. Prince Lavi had yet to make an appearance.
Never did Raina dream that the humans lived in such beautiful places. Even their clothes were worthy of the royal court in Aden. Perhaps they remembered more of the ancient times when gods roamed the Abyss alongside them.
Still astounded by the beauty and elegance of this large kingdom, Raina absorbed the festive atmosphere.
Raina enjoyed sitting next to Princess Arela. She was a pretty child, with hair the color of straw and hazel eyes full of joy and innocence.
Food.
There was so much of it spread out on the table. It was the night of one of Rhene’s annual festivals, and guests filled the seats at the long table that stretched between both ends of the massive room.
Raina chewed her roasted chicken and listened as Arela listed off the many toys she had back in her room.
“When dinner is over we can play with my dolls.” Arela lowered her voice and leaned close to Raina.
Raina leaned in, intrigued.
“They are talking dolls.”
Raina smiled at the child. “I haven’t played with dolls in so long, dear girl. They sound delightful.”
Arela nodded. “Father gets many special toys from merchants all over the world. Eryon and Aric both have those special horses that can fly. Father won’t let me have one until I get a little bigger.” She sat back in the high back wooden chair. Her eyes examined Raina’s face.
Raina looked away, hoping the girl wouldn’t notice her tattoo beneath her bangs. She wore her Seer uniform and was covered from head to toe, but the fear of discovery lingered in the forefront of her mind the entire time they were in the presence of so many people.
“I like you,” Arela said. “You have pretty eyes and a funny accent.”
“Do I?” Raina never realized she had an accent. She decided to try to emulate the speech of the Rhene people a bit better.
“My birthday is always during the annual spring festival. Maybe you can take off that cloak and wear a pretty pink dress for my party tomorrow. I will be eleven, and eligible for my first Pegasus.”
“Maybe,” Raina said. Only three years of being little more than a governess and she and Allan could return home. It seemed so far away.
“How old are you, Raina?”
“Sixteen.”
Arela nibbled on her sweet roll and lifted a brow. “You aren’t that much older than I am.”
Everyone’s chatter ended and was replaced by loud cheering when a young man dressed in a white suit with golden buttons and a red sash entered the room.
When everyone stood, Raina and Allan followed their example and stood along with them.
Raina’s mouth parted as she looked at him. He took a moment to bow before his adoring admirers.
“That must be Prince Aric,” Allan whispered.
Raina swallowed when the young man’s eyes lifted and went directly to hers. It was the young man from the night before.
Her words came out soft. “Must be.”
Never had a simple look ignited such new and exciting sensations within Raina. His blond hair was long and pulled back into a ponytail. Raina’s eyes followed him to a seat across from her at the table.
She wished she could hide her reddening cheeks when he continued to stare at her with those intense eyes. His lashes were long and dark, tipped with a shade of blond lighter than his hair. He had perfectly arched brows and a strong chin.
And he was tall. Raina never realized how much she valued height in a man. She’d never thought of a man in that way before that night.
Handsome didn’t begin to describe the young man before her.
He nodded to Raina and Allan, his eyes lifting to the king’s as everyone settled back into their seats.
“Who are the Cloaks?”
Raina figured he referred to Allan and herself.
“Call them by their proper name, Aric,” King Lavi said. “They are Seers. This is Raina. She will be Arela’s tutor and Allan is the new translator of the ancient texts. They will be staying in the palace.”
Raina struggled to take her eyes off of him, but it was impossible. She couldn’t even compare his beauty to anyone back in Latari or all of Aden.
Relax. He’s only a man. A human man, she thought as she realized that while everyone else had sat back down, she was still standing.
She flopped back into her chair and lowered her eyes to her plate. She no longer had an appetite. When he sat in the seat across from hers, she avoided looking at him.
“Raina, is it?”
Raina tensed at hearing him speak to her.
She nodded, looking at him as he drank from his wine goblet.
“I don’t think I’ve heard a more beautiful name,” Aric said.
A smile came to Raina’s lips. “Thank you.”
“Welcome.”
Something stirred in Raina’s belly. There was no way she could eat now.
Somehow Prince Aric’s gaze frightened her more than the thought of Litha finding them. Not because she feared him, but what he made her feel.
Chapter 14
SOMETHING AWAKENED WITHIN Aric as his eyes met t
hose of the new Seer once again…something that frightened and intrigued him.
Need and desire. One that went beyond his usual urge to seduce a beautiful girl.
Seers weren’t supposed to have eyes like that; eyes that threatened to bend him to their will. Princess Pria and the battle earlier faded into the forgotten recesses of his mind as he drank his second goblet of wine.
Aric sat back in his chair and sighed. There was no use getting fixated on a girl had committed her life to the teaching of the gods.
Something about her presence commanded his attention. Father spoke to him. He barely heard a word but knew better than to ignore the king.
“What was that?”
King Lavi pursed his lips. “The ship sets sail in three days. You make sure you have everything ready for the journey.”
Aric nodded, turning his attention to his father. “I will be ready.”
“Good,” King Lavi said. “Because you’ll need to be prepared for the weather and customs of all of the nine kingdoms. I remember when I went abroad for the first time. There were so many different kinds of people and cultures that I simply couldn’t appreciate without experiencing it for myself.”
“I’m certain it will be an enriching experience,” Aric said, taking a bite of smoked ham. “But do I really need to bring so many guards with me? You’ll have everyone thinking I am weak. Don’t I make it clear that I am capable of protecting myself every year during the tournaments? No one has ever defeated me. Ever.”
“It is precisely why you need more guards. Many will want to test their luck against you. You never know if a friend can turn into an assassin. There are very few people left with traces of real power, Aric. Having you rule Rhene someday poses a great threat to the other kingdoms.”
“But we are at peace right now.”
King Lavi lifted a finger. “Exactly. Right now.”
Aric sighed. His appetite was ravenous after the constant battle in the arenas all week. He looked forward to a relaxing voyage.