I wasn’t a politician, but I knew well enough what had happened. “They don’t want to challenge if there is a legitimate heir to the throne. They’ve declined.”
“Oh, thank God! That only leaves three.” She seemed so pleased that I didn’t argue. Three or seven, it would make no difference, not to Nial.
As I watched Nial step forward, he bowed to the high council and staked his claim to the throne.
“I am Prince Nial Deston, son of Prime Deston, rightful heir to the throne of Prillon.”
One of the elders leaned over the short wall separating them from the arena opposite us and shook his finger in Nial’s direction. “You were disowned, Nial. Everyone knows you are contaminated and fit for neither a bride nor the crown.”
Nial held his head high and I stood, pulling Jessica to her feet beside me. Nial lifted his hand and pointed in our direction. “May I present my bride and my second, Jessica Smith of Earth, and Ander, legendary warrior of the battleship Deston.”
Silence thick enough to slice settled over the gathered crowd as they tried to make sense of Nial’s words. No contaminated warrior had ever returned to Prillon, let alone with a bride and second. It was unheard of.
Two of the challengers bowed low to Jessica and walked from the arena, also declining their attempt at the throne, leaving just one warrior facing Nial.
The council member who had spoken the first time addressed Nial again. “As the only challenger, we name Commander Vertock Prime, Nial Deston. What say you to that?” Nial’s name was no more than a sneer.
“I issue a warrior’s challenge, as is my right. I challenge Prime Vertock to a Death Match for the throne of Prillon Prime.” Nial turned to face his opponent and the entire crowd settled into their seats, eager to see the fight. All but Jessica.
She stood tall, a symbol of Nial’s legitimacy, her squared shoulders and the proud tilt of her chin daring any to challenge her mate’s worth. I sensed her fear, her worry, but it did not show to anyone who looked upon her. If I hadn’t loved her before, I would have fallen in love with her in this moment.
Reluctantly, I tore my gaze from my beautiful mate to scan the crowd and watch for danger. I could not spare eyes for Nial’s fight. That he would have to win on his own to settle the conditions of the duel. My role was to keep Jessica safe in this sea of potential danger.
Only one of the warriors now circling each other would survive, and Jessica needed it to be Nial.
A soft bell sounded and the opponent charged at Nial, trying to take him to the ground. Nial sidestepped easily, wrapped his arms around the man’s neck as he passed and gave one brutal, merciless twist.
The sound of breaking bone filled the arena.
That was it, just as I’d expected. It wasn’t a fight. It wasn’t a duel. It was just death and it had come with a simple twist of Nial’s hands. There was no opponent for him, no equal in the crowd. Perhaps I could offer a true test of his strength, but I did not wish to challenge him.
The crowd erupted into loud screams of encouragement or denial, depending on who they backed for victory. When silence reigned once more, Nial dropped the dead challenger to the sandy ground and lifted his arms above his head.
“Is there no other who wishes to die today?”
When no one stepped forward, the crowd settled immediately, but the high council members were all on their feet, seven old, stooped creatures with scowls on their faces. Their speaker had hands on his hips and glared at Nial.
“You cannot be our Prime, even after that victory. You are contaminated.”
Nial stepped forward. “What, exactly, does that mean?” He pointed to his face. “I have the marks of a warrior. The Hive implants are obvious signs that I fought the enemy and survived. I stood before you, contaminated, as you call it, and defeated the only challenger in this entire arena. I defeated him with a flick of my wrist and you dare name me unworthy? Do you issue challenge yourself, councilor? If so, I will accept.”
The old man flubbed his speech, but his eyes spewed hatred. “You are not worthy, Nial.”
“Because I am a veteran?” I knew Nial used the Earth word intentionally and I felt Jessica’s pride flare. “Because I protected the Prillon people as a warrior and would now do so as their leader?”
Nial lifted his hands and turned to address the crowd. “Do I appear weak or contaminated, Prillon people? I know the enemy. Survived the enemy. I survived my battle with the Hive. I live now with the experience and knowledge to protect this planet. To lead it to ultimate victory.”
The old man sputtered, clearly having no retort, and sat back down in his chair as the crowd cheered. There may have been some who disagreed, but the crowd was pleased with Nial, satisfied with his proof of strength and leadership. And with his beautiful Earthen bride. Warriors who had earned the right to claim a bride were well regarded. Those lucky enough to be accepted by their chosen mate, judged worthy by their bride, even more so. And Jessica, with her proud stance and eyes only for her mate, made it very clear that she not only accepted Nial as her mate, but cared for him as well.