I expected him to try his usual persuasion, but he just nodded once and went back to the tablet. He ran through a few more details.
“You and your opponent will enter the stadium through here.” He indicated a tunnel. “You’ll go to the royal box and bow. Oberon will read the rules of the challenge. Then you’ll separate to your marks, which will be chalked on the dirt.”
“No sweat,” I said. “I don’t even have to try to curtsy.”
He gave me a faint grin. “We’ve also arranged for you to stay in upgraded quarters tonight. You’ll be under guard. After the servitor attack, we just want to make sure you’re secure. The fortress is at your service, Petra. If there’s anything at all you need, don’t hesitate to ask.”
With the official duties out of the way, he seemed to relax slightly. “Can you believe you’re going to wield Aurora in front of Oberon tomorrow?” He shook his head slowly. “I mean, that’s . . . bad ass.”
I grinned. “Does it make me sound insane if I say there’s a part of me that can’t fucking wait?”
He laughed. “I’d expect nothing less from Petra Maguire.” Then he sobered somewhat. “But if anything happens to you . . .”
“I’m not going to die.” It seemed like I was saying that a lot lately.
Emmaline arrived to take me to my fancy-ass quarters, where there was a fire crackling in the fireplace of the insanely huge bedroom that featured a king-sized four-poster bed. My battle clothing was hanging in an armoire.
“Anything I can do for you tonight?” she asked, her eyes big and her expression drawn.
“For one thing, relax. Your face is making me tense.”
She snorted. “Sorry. I just want to do what I can to help.”
I took her by the shoulders. “I’m. Not. Going. To. Die.”
“No, Oberon won’t let it go that far,” she said firmly, and I got the feeling it was more to reassure herself than me.
“Get some sleep,” I said. “It’s a big day for you tomorrow, too, squire.”
Emmaline left, and I lowered the lights and stretched out on the bed, staring at the fire and running through battle scenarios in my mind. Eventually, the adrenaline of anticipation gave way to fatigue, and I slipped into the hard sleep that comes after many hours of physical training.
I awoke with a start in the dark room with the smell of a log fire hanging in the air. Purplish pre-dawn light filtered through the curtains. I pushed myself up and rolled over to check the time. Ten minutes till my quarters became a whirlwind of preparation.
By the time people began arriving, I had my shower-damp hair pulled into a tight braid that ran down the middle of my back.
Emmaline came into my bedroom to help me put on the battle clothing. She was dressed in squire’s clothing that matched the colors I wore. Her serious demeanor had returned, and her hands trembled just a little at first. But she held her chin up as she surveyed me in full battle dress, her lavender eyes fierce.
“You look like a legend,” she said sincerely.
“Now all I have to do is fight like one.”
We went out to the living room area, where it seemed like half the Order had gathered. Everyone was in formal dress, and you could practically smell the tension in the air.
The murmur of conversation went quiet as people noticed I’d emerged.
I stretched my hands in front of me, cracking my knuckles. “Seems like a good day to kick some Duergar ass,” I said loud enough to carry through the room.
There were some chuckles and a few shouts of agreement, and some of the pressure in the room dissipated.
Marisol was there, looking regal as always. Her eyes were tired, though. I couldn’t deny the larger implications of this battle for the Stone Order. It shone a spotlight on us, and it was a chance to show that we wouldn’t be pushed around by the established kingdoms. I blew out a slow breath and began pulling in my focus. Emmaline stood at my left, and the crowd allowed us some space.
Oliver appeared at my other side. “Remember your strategy, Petra,” he said to me quietly. “Remember what you talked about with me and Jaquard. Most of all, remember who you are, and know without doubt what you’re capable of. You can win this. You will win.”
I nodded, my gaze only flicking to his for a split second. I appreciated his support, but I couldn’t get emotional. This was the time to go within. For all the bravado I’d displayed the past few days, I knew there was a possibility this battle would be the last thing I ever did. Darion wasn’t going to take it easy on me. After all, his pride and his kingdom’s honor were at stake, and Periclase had originally called for my head.
I let the others float around me like a cloud as I was led out of my quarters, through the fortress, and into the gardens. I was aware of them, and the words being spoken, but kept myself apart by my silence. We’d be using the doorway there to get to Oberon’s stadium. The complete stillness of the void was a welcome though brief respite, further helping me sink into my mental preparation.
When I emerged at a doorway outside the stadium adorned with the banners of all the Fae kingdoms and orders, the New Gargoyle officials who were accompanying me lined up in formation. Emmaline went first, with me behind her and the rest marching like my own personal military.
As we filed toward the tunnel with the New Garg geometric insignia flying over it, I glanced over to see the Duergar doing the same. I caught sight of my opponent, a big man who in his battle gear appeared larger even than Periclase. Darion glowered at me. I gave him a little wink just before he disappeared from sight.
King Periclase went in right behind his brother, but not before sending me a hard, unblinking look. In the rank and file accompanying Darion, I spotted the flash of Jasper’s golden eyes. Even from a distance, I could see that his face was clouded. His eyes flicked over my battle clothing, and he gave me the slightest of nods.
I wasn’t sure what it meant—perhaps a wish of good luck? It didn’t matter. I pulled in my focus again as we marched into the tunnel.
Horns blared flourishes. My people continued on to the right, going up a staircase that would lead them to their seats. I avoided their glances, keeping my gaze forward.
Emmaline and I stayed behind, standing alone in the dark tunnel as the first warm light of dawn began to illuminate the circular open doorway ahead that led into the arena.
I slowed my breathing and curled my hands inside my gloves.
The horns went silent and then started again. A cheer went up from the crowd. Oberon had arrived.
Chapter 26
THE NEXT FLOURISH was my signal to enter the arena. Emmaline waited for me to go and then fell into step behind me.
The sounds of the horns and the crowd seemed far away as I walked down the tunnel and out into the faint morning light. The murmur of the crowd swelled when I emerged. Darion stood fifty feet away. We both made ninety-degree turns inward and strode toward the center of the arena and then turned to face the royal box.
I looked up and then blinked, for a moment wondering if we’d come in too early or done something wrong.