Cedric glared at his brother. “In war, sacrifices must made to protect the kingdom. I would ask no less of her than of any of my subjects.”
Jarret stared, wide-eyed, as Sophia was dragged struggling into the arena. The stewards threw her to the floor, and slammed the gate shut behind her. Opposite her, the knight looked questioningly at Jarret, who simply nodded affirmation. Sophia picked herself up from the ground, and dusted her heavy velvet dress off.
Horns sounded, and the battle commenced. The knight began to sidestep towards Sophia, swinging small circles with his sword. Copying his steps as best she could, her dress hampering her retreat, Sophia circled away from the knight. She watched him warily, eyes narrowed.
Growing impatient, the knight ran forward, swinging lazily at the princess. She dived, falling to the floor. Grinning to himself, the knight swung overhead, down at the princess, but she rolled out of the way, grunting. The knight made mocking stabs towards her as she shuffled backwards on hands and knees.
Jarret sighed to himself and began inspecting the board. He knew that when the knight killed Sophia it would be his turn, and he would of course send the knight in for Cedric. There was no love lost between siblings in this family, but he’d expected more of a challenge.
The sound of thunder broke his reverie, and surprise caught him as he looked first to Cedric’s ecstatic face, then to the arena to see Sophia upright, six inches off the floor, feet dangling, one arm pointing to the now writhing form of the knight as lightning repeatedly struck his body.
Cedric clapped excitedly, shouting encouragement to Sophia whose face creased in concentration. “Bravo! Encore!”
Shit, thought Jarret.
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