by Auryn Hadley
"Debtors?" Leyli asked.
"No," Theodian assured her. "Each team has to do a culling, as part of our entry. I make sure to spread that out, so no one gets burned out. I meant fight together."
"How?" Plague asked. "What game?"
Theodian shrugged, turning them both for their cells. "Dunno. If I get an offer, I'll run it past you first, just wasn't sure if you'd be interested."
"Sure," Leyli said, hoping it would never happen.
Plague tapped her arm. "If you teach me, then yeah."
"I promise." She flashed him a smile. It was the least she could do, because the men still hadn't figured out that she'd come at them from under her shield.
When they reached their cells, Plague stepped right in, but Theodian followed Leyli into hers. He gestured at the basin of water. "Wash up, then we're shopping."
"New fighters?"
He smiled. "New something. I'm gonna let you tell me what."
That was all she needed to hear. She took only a minute to wipe the blood and gore from her face and arms. She certainly wasn't clean, but at least she wasn't sticky. The entire time, the door behind her stood open. So long as her owner was beside her, they wouldn't dare lock her cell.
"What does it feel like to be on that side?" she asked, stepping into the hall with him.
He sighed. "Sad, mostly. Some of my best memories happened down here, and all of the worst ones. After a few years, they've started to mingle together into an emotion I just don't have a name for."
"Nostalgia?"
He shook his head. "It's like hope, but in reverse. A whole lot of what if things had been different." He cleared his throat. "But hopefully we can change a few lives, today. There's fifteen men we need to look at."
"No women?"
"None," he said. "Only one fought this weekend – besides you – and she died in her first fight." He passed her a piece of paper with a list of names and prices. None of them were more than seven thousand crowns.
"How much as we spending?"
He scratched at his jaw. "I brought twenty, but can write a note of credit if you insist."
"Twenty should be fine." She pointed at a name. "I want to see if this is the right one. If it is, get Vulture off my cart and put him on it."
"Love of your life?"
She shook her head. "The next Lion of Lenlochlien."
He looked over her shoulder at the paper, then turned down the hall. It wasn't far. Then again, the entire building was a circle, so nothing was really more than the size of the sands above. The cells were all lined around the edge, but there were tunnels that passed through the center, making it easier to get around. Before she knew it, Theodian was pointing at faded numbers above each cell, looking for the one that matched the man on the list.
Leyli found it first, and she was right. Huddled on the mattress, with his knees pulled against his chest, the young man stared at the far wall. She passed the page back to Theodian and grabbed the bars.
"Do they call you Snake?"
His head snapped around. Probably because he heard a woman's voice. The name wouldn't matter to him, not yet, but it would. The kid bobbed his head at her nervously.
"Yes, ma'am. A guard came by last night and told me the Wolf said it would be a good name. He said you're never wrong."
She crooked a finger. "Come closer."
He had to take a deep breath before he could crawl off the cot, and he couldn't hide the way his hands shook, but it didn't stop him. The Snake walked right up to her, waiting for whatever came next with his chin up. It was the first time Leyli got the chance to look in his eyes. They were perfectly green, like spring grass, and clear. His gaze didn't dart from side to side, and while he was terrified, there was something there.
She put on her best court demeanor, the one that made men bow before her. "What did you do before you ended up here?"
"My da' had a bakery. He died last winter, and I kept it going until there wasn't any more money to borrow."
"You any good at it?" she asked.
He huffed once and looked down. "If I was good at it, I wouldn't be here."
"I know." She turned to Theodian. "Buy him."
"A bad baker?" he asked.
"Yeah." Leyli smiled at the boy, then grabbed the paper to find another. "I figure it can't be that much different from a bad blacksmith, right?"
Theodian chuckled, understanding completely. "Or a bad lady?"
"No." Leyli pointed down the hall, aiming for the next. "I was a very good lady. The problem was that I was a lady."
One by one, she talked to men who looked promising. Some she refused. A few she felt would be useful at something other than fighting. Four, she told Theodian to make into gladiators. He never balked. Everything she suggested, he was willing to do, and the men in the cells noticed.
It was on her fourth trip around the dungeon when she started to hear the whispers. She knew female gladiators were rare, but seeing one treated as an equal by her team owner? It was enough to make everyone pay attention. She shot a look at Theodian, but he was amused.
"What?" he teased.
"I know you hear them."
He nodded. "You think they're wrong?"
She paused, holding up a finger for him to be silent. Her owner obeyed, but moved behind her to lean against the wall. It didn't take long before another man said something to the cell beside him.
"The Wolf of Oberhame. Yeah. Sounds like she's damned good." He paused while the man beside him whispered too softly to hear, then spoke again. "I'm telling ya, she's got her owner trained. That girl's walking around down here without a chain or a guard, just like a fucking gladiator queen." Another pause. "No, it's not just because she's a girl, you idiot. Vixen never got that. I think it's because she's better than us. I'm telling you, like a real queen, all regal and shit."
Leyli turned, looking at Theodian. "Why would they say that?"
His mouth curled up. "Do you think they are wrong?" he asked again.
"Shit," she breathed. "Oh shit."
That's when Theodian's expression finally fell. The amusement dropped in an instant and he leaned closer. "You weren't kidding about a war, were you." It wasn't exactly a question.
For a moment, all she could do was breathe, then she shook her head. "No, and this is not the place to talk about it."
"Ok. I want you to stay with Plague until we leave."
"Yeah." She tried to smile, but it wouldn't quite work. "I think that's a really good idea. You and I need to talk when we get back."
He nodded, but the corner of his lip twisted higher. "Does that mean I've finally passed?"
She turned for her cell. "Yes, Theodian. It does."
This was the same arena her cousin had dumped her at, and now they were whispering that she was a queen. It was too close to princess. If the wrong person heard, she'd be dead before she could get back to Theodian's training compound. As she walked back to her cell, Leyli remembered why she'd been so scared that first day. There were some things that were more dangerous than standing in a gladiatorial arena, and being in the way of the crown was probably the worst.
Chapter 31
Theodian locked her in with Plague. The little man gave her a confused look, but when she said not to ask, he didn't. Thankfully, it didn't take long for their team owner to buy the men she'd listed and pack them all up. While they waited, she explained her trick of attacking under the shield. Plague caught on immediately.
When she loaded into the cart to head home, the Vulture had been replaced with a Snake. She didn't invite the boy to sit with her, but she did tell the others to be nice to him. It would have to be enough. Plague, however, took his place at her feet.
Leyli was dozing in the back of the cart when they returned to the compound, but the sound was different. It wasn't just the new place. Something was happening. Dozens of scenarios flooded her mind, and she looked across the cart, hoping for some weapon. Plague saw and patted her leg.
"Probab
ly a trade," he said softly. "Dunno what's gotten into you, but Theodian said not even a guard was allowed to give you shit."
That made her feel better. They might not be armed, but she wasn't alone, and two gladiators could make one hell of a mess, even without weapons. Knowing someone had her back helped a lot. That it was Plague was even better.
Sitting up, she strained to listen. There were too many voices, and they were much too far away to make out. When the guards opened the cart, she tensed, expecting Palino's men to rush in, but it didn't happen. The other gladiators jumped out first, like nothing extraordinary was going on. Then she followed, not even waiting for Plague to help her down. The courtyard was covered with dozens of horses and soldiers in armor.
"Theodian!" one of the guards yelled. "King's men. Have questions for you."
"Show them the books. We're legal."
One of the visitors stepped closer, moving into the torch light. With the King's crest easily visible on his uniform stood Alain Roy, the Master of Horse for the King of Norihame. Behind him was the guard she'd met the first day, Gustavo. Leyli's heart hung in her chest as her mind tried to catch up. They were here? They were really here! Just when she needed them most, they'd finally found her!
"I heard you recently purchased a new fighter," Alain called out. "Your guard says a woman?"
Theodian chuckled. "Wolf!"
"I'm here." She walked closer so they could see her, forcing herself to stand straight and tall. A part of her was terrified of their reaction. The other part couldn't believe that her nightmare might really be over. "It's good to see you, Alain."
The King's soldiers, the Master of Horse, and one timid guard all dropped to their knees. Awe was mixed with smiles, but none of them seemed upset to see the Princess of Norihame wearing wool trews and a cheap tunic. In fact, they all looked relieved.
"We thought we'd looked everywhere, your Highness. We got a letter, but the address led to nothing, so we thought it was an attempt at the reward, yet here you are. The King will be very happy to hear that his daughter is not only alive, but," Alain looked up with a smile, "also seems to be just as strong as when she was taken from us."
"Oh, fuck," Theodian breathed, dropping to a knee. "The Princess of Norihame? Your Majesty – "
"Highness, technically," she corrected. "You were right the very first time. Now, everyone get up. I'm tired and sore, and just glad to see you all."
Behind her, Plague made a strangled noise. "The Wolf..." he breathed. She was pretty sure that no one else heard.
At her side, Theodian looked up at her wide eyed. "Leyli. I mean, Highness. I knew you didn't belong, but I had no idea. I swear it!"
"I figured that out when you asked about my intake papers."
The Master of Horse glared at the man. "You bought an illegal fighter?"
Leyli stopped him before things got out of control. "Alain, he tried to do right. He even asked me about the discrepancies, but since I didn't know the state of Oberhame, I thought discretion made the most sense. Who holds the throne?"
"Your father." Alain looked at her. "Why?"
"Because my abduction was a political move, not a financial one. The offender is situated well enough that I felt drawing attention to myself might be a bad idea."
"You could have been killed!"
Theodian still knelt before her. "Leyli, I didn't know. I thought you might be engaged to someone, but..."
"I know," she assured him, again, turning to lift him up. "How much did I make you at this event?"
"Fifteen. I bet heavily on you."
"Ok. I need you to find him. Buy him. I'll cover anything you don't have. I'm pretty sure my dowry is going to be useless, now, and I have that." Her fingers tightened on his arms. "Theodian, you have to find him."
"He's moving from one event to the next. Unless I have his schedule, I'm not sure I can."
She groaned, turning back to the King's men. "I need to find the Lion of Lenlochlien before he's killed in the games. He saved my life." Seeing nothing but confusion on their faces, she changed her tone. "He's the reason I'm still alive, damn it. I owe him his life, if nothing else!"
"Highness," Alain said gently. "I'll send men. We'll find him."
Then Theodian let the bad news drop. "You only have two weeks before his last fight, and no one can survive that."
"We'll find him," Alain swore. "If this is the man who saved you, the King owes him. The whole country owes him. Princess, we will turn the nation upside down, but you need to return to the palace where you belong."
She turned to Theodian. "I'll pay you back. We'll make this right. Thank you for being good to me." Then she hugged him, slapping on his back the way fighters tended to.
He patted her shoulder gently, then stepped back. "Let me get your papers. At least what records I have. Maybe it'll help."
While he ran off to get those, Alain gestured for her to move among the guards. Leyli was amused by that. For months, she'd been with the gladiators, and she'd learned how to hold her own. In Theodian's compound, there weren't many men that could best her in single combat.
"Can you ride?" Alain asked, keeping his voice low.
She looked at him, lifting a brow. "This morning I killed a bunch of men in a very unfair battle. Yes. I can ride. My muscles will probably protest, since it's been a long time, but I'm sure I haven't forgotten how."
"Highness," he breathed, daring to touch her shoulder. "You must have suffered."
"I learned how to survive. I'm ok, Alain. I'm Ilario's daughter." She chuckled. "They called me the Wolf of Oberhame in the games. I'm not the delicate girl you remember. I'm also not ashamed of who I had to become."
"Your father's daughter," he agreed.
Nodding, she turned to the guard who'd ridden out to tell them. "Gustavo."
He dropped to his knee. "Highness!"
"Get up, Gustavo. You've seen me at my worst. I want to thank you. Hopefully the money will help."
Slowly, he pulled himself back up, a smile flitting over his face. "It will, Highness. Thank you. I'm glad to be of service."
Then she turned to the silent man still waiting behind her. "Plague." He hadn't moved, and his mouth still hung open in shock. It made her giggle. "Trust Theodian," she whispered, wrapping her arms around him. "And take care of Snake?"
"Yeah." Then he cleared his throat. "If we find Merino's team, should I say anything?"
"Tell him I'm free, and that my father found me. Then tell him I'm looking for him. If you find him, do whatever it takes to let me know."
He nodded. "Can you give a rudis?"
"No." She shook her head sadly. "Only the King and heir can do that, but I will try."
"Thank you. The Lion first. I understand that, but at least it's something to hope for."
"I promise. Just don't die before I get the chance, ok?" Leyli took a deep breath, then clasped his shoulders and lean toward his ear. "Tell Theodian I made enemies for you. He'll make sure your back is safe," she whispered.
His head bobbed. "Thanks, Wolf. Guess this means I get to be third, huh?"
"Unless I can change things, and I'm going to try." Then she stepped back and offered her hand. "Thank you, my friend."
When he took it, his cheeks were darker. "Never thought I'd meet royalty, let alone share a cell with her. Maybe I'll even get to tell the story to my children. Just make this right, Highness."
She patted his arm, then turned back to the king's men. Alain did not look pleased, but he didn't dare rebuke her before commoners. Not that she cared. She owed Plague and Theodian enough to speak up for them.
Theodian returned before Alain could grumble about it, jogging toward them with a handful of papers. "Do you have a horse?" His words were for Leyli, not her new entourage. "You're welcome to the cart, if that's better, even if it's not exactly suitable for a woman of your position."
"We have horses," Alain assured him. "The Princess will not be riding in a slave cart."
She gra
bbed Alain's arm. "It's all he has, and it's nice of him to offer. Stop acting like a spoiled prick." Then she turned to her former owner. "May I call on you? There's a chance I'll have need of your knowledge."
"Always, Your Highness. I am at your disposal, but it's my privilege to be. Safe travels, Princess." He stepped back with his head bowed, gesturing for his guards to clear the gates.
It took two tries to get on the horse. Leyli's muscles had changed so much since the last time she'd ridden, but she made it. The King's men had no interest in waiting to get her home, though. They rode late into the night before stopping, then slept on the ground with plans to start again early the next morning. When they tried to erect a pavilion for her, she waved them off. When they wanted to give her additional blankets for padding, she laughed. Leyli had spent five months in hell. Another night wouldn't matter.
The ride was long, but the only hard thing about it was the ache throughout her body. She'd gotten used to her masseuse. They'd left so fast she didn't even get the chance to soak out her muscles after the fight. Never mind that she hadn't been on a horse in a long time, and her legs were protesting the work. When they reached the edge of Oberhame, Leyli began to get nervous again.
Women's value was based on their virtue. At least for the nobility. While hers was technically intact, no one would believe it. A few minutes alone with a man was enough to cast doubts. Five months locked away with gladiators? They would never believe she was still a virgin. Then there were the other things she'd learned, like killing and profanity. The precious Princess that had been taken from her bed had become everything the nobility despised in her gender. It would take time for her to remember how to be just a lady.
She wasn't even sure she could.
Leyli had never owned her own life, and each step closer to the palace reminded her of that. She was supposed to have been her father's bargaining chip until she became her husband's heir producer. Instead, she'd spent time as a team owner's fortune maker. She was property of the country and the men that held power in it. She'd never noticed, not until she met Tristan. Now, she couldn't look back. For a moment in her life, she'd been treated as an equal, and that glimpse of respect had changed her more than the number of men who died at the end of her blade, but how would her father take it?