I frown, still skeptical, and turn my attention back to the arena. Callisia enters through a steel gate, wearing black armor that hugs her curves and reveals her legs and stomach. Of course… so practical. She hops from stone to stone, leaping further than any mortal human could, and, once in the center, pulls a long red cloth from her belt.
"And now," says the announcer, "the Reaper!"
Suddenly, a giant fish leaps out of the water, it’s large mouth and razor sharp teeth aimed at Callisia. The performer dodges, her red cloth drifting behind her. The fish falls back into the water. Its body reminds me of a shark, but its fins are long and wide, making me think of a manta ray.
Dean nudges me. "First time seeing a Windshark, huh?"
"Yeah," I say, my eyes glued to Callisia as she avoids attack after attack, luring the Windshark with the red fabric. It reminds me of bullfighters back on earth. But because Callisia is a vampire, she evades and maneuvers in ways no human can, leaping over the arena, twisting and twirling in the sky, a streak of red and black.
"They live in the oceans of Inferna," says Dean, pointing at the Windshark, "but sometimes they travel upstream, through the rivers. The fact that they survive in fresh water makes them one of the deadliest predators in the land. A live one sells for quite the fortune."
I nod, clapping as Callisia jumps into the water, then back out as the Windshark bites at her feet but never touches flesh. The event fills me with adrenaline, and I barely stay in my seat.
"Isn't this fun?" asks Dean.
"There’s a beauty to it. And I can’t even imagine the skill it takes to survive. I had imagined something far more barbaric."
"I never fail to surprise. How about—"
"Prince Dean!" a young Shade runs into the private box, panting. "I’m sorry Your Grace, but I have urgent news," he says.
Dean stands, concern flashing in his eyes. "Tell me."
"The north-eastern caravan…"
"Yes?"
"It’s gone, Your Grace. Raiders. Took all the goods and killed all but a few men who escaped."
"But that’s a new route. There is no way they could know…" Dean rubs his chin, his eyes growing dark. "Make sure the families of those who perished are provided for. Now go."
The man bows and leaves, as Dean sits back down, trembling with rage. "It appears Fenris was right. There is a spy in my realm. How… how could I have allowed this?"
I touch his hand, hoping to calm him. "Don’t blame yourself. The spy could be anyone in a realm of thousands."
He shakes his head. "Only those with power knew about the route. And Keepers know more than most."
My jaw falls. "Baldar? You think it was him? But he’s so kind."
"And he’s a Fae. A Fae who lost his home and family when we took over his lands. Why wouldn’t he betray me?"
"Just… don't do anything you’ll regret. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty."
He chuckles. "It’s not that way here, Princess. Though perhaps… perhaps it should be." He sighs, and I see some happiness return to his face. "Very well, I won’t punish anyone yet, but I will keep a close eye on Baldar and the rest of my servants."
I smile, letting him know I approve.
He smiles back, then looks disappointed. "I’m sorry, Princess, but I’ve lost interest in the match. Perhaps, you’ll accompany me somewhere else?"
I blink, surprised the Prince of Lust could grow tired of something as exciting as a fight, particularly one involving a woman in sexy armor. Perhaps he’s more complicated than I gave him credit for. "Sure."
He escorts me outside the arena, away from the crowds, and into a maze of bushes and vines. "Are we going to play hide and seek?" I ask, as Yami flies off my shoulder and looks around.
Dean grins. "As fun as that would be, no. The maze hides something more precious." He guides me through a series of turns, until we reach an ornate white door. We step through.
And into a grove I did not believe could exist.
Giant trees, reaching past the clouds, surround a clearing of grass and flowers. These are behemoths of nature, blocking out the stars, making me seem inconsequential in their presence. I wonder if these are the trees Baldar spoke of. The ancient forests that burned.
Dean guides me down into the grove, and we lay on the soft grass that smells of mint and honey. The Prince lays a hand on one of the trees, caressing the bark. "When my father invaded this land, he set fire to the forests and buildings, burned all in his path until victory was his. Somehow, this grove survived. It was when I discovered it that I decided to fight for this realm as my own."
I lean up. "What do you mean fight?"
"The seven realms were not always so. After the invasion, the land had to be divided up, and my brothers and I were all allowed to make a case for which we preferred. I requested this land, because of the grove, because of the beauty that remained here. Niam talked about using it for cheap wood, Levi for burning it down as a symbol, but I would not have it. These trees are more than bark and leaves. They are a part of this land's history, a part of its culture, and that must be protected."