The Princess and the Blade

[Emora Deen]

Laurius smiled and, without meaning to, said in Ren’s native tongue, “I prefer if we sit together. You can lay your head on my shoulder.”

He guided Ren to the couch and made the man sit in the opposite corner as Tenara, placing his hands on his shoulder’s and pushing him down into the soft cushion. Laurius had the momentary curious thought to wonder if the couch was filled with moss or mushrooms. Then, he turned and sat next to him, in the ample space between Tenara’s small feet and Ren’s thigh. He leaned into the man, and rested his head back against the couch. “There. A moment of peace.”

[Soran Nightblade]

Ren's heart was still pounding from the sound of Laurius pronouncing such an alluring request in his native language, and now the man's warm weight was leaning against his side. A moment of peace? He felt like his heart might explode.

And yet, he couldn't deny the sense of security that wrapped over him as he settled back against the soft material. He wondered if Laurius was comfortable. He stretched his arm back, looping it around his shorter master's shoulders.

"I will get you home tomorrow," he swore quietly.

[Emora Deen]

Laurius settled against Ren. “I have all the faith you will,” he said. “But… if you can’t, if something happens…” Laurius wasn’t sure what that something would be. Their plan seemed simple and straightforward—barring Tenara’s trauma didn’t cause her to obliterate them. “It matters not what world we are in as long as I’m with you.”

[Soran Nightblade]

"That's-... What are you-...?" Ren spluttered. Something in Laurius's words short circuited his thoughts. They closely resembled a Bonding vow, but there was no way Laurius knew that. Of course not...right? Of course not. There was no way a male could bond another male, even supposing they wanted to.

Moreover, if they stayed on this world, the dagger the merchant valued so highly would never remain in Laurius's possession. The blade would belong to whatever Yurivie took charge of him. Was he aware of that when he said he would be content to be in this world? Not with the blade, but only with him? No... there was no reason he would feel that way.

And yet... In retrospect, it occurred to him with the benefit of his newfound perfect memory that Laurius had done nothing but protect and attend to him since coming through that portal.

He sucked in a breath and scratched at his scalp. His horns felt tingly.

He had to get them home.

"Stop speaking nonsense, and go to sleep," he muttered, even as he tucked his chin over Laurius's hair and drew in the scent of the man leaning against him. He closed his eyes and tried to practice drawing the runic array on the back of his eyelids. His recall was still perfect, but his stamina was spent. Within moments, his head was heavy with sleep.

__________

The knock on the door the next morning nearly made Ren jump out of his skin. He jerked alert, and immediately regretted it as his head throbbed with recollection of.... well, everything.

He muttered a curse and wiggled under his slumbering master.

After a brief pause, the guard from last night spoke through the closed door. "The Marquess will receive your challenger whenever you are ready, Princess."

[Emora Deen]

Laurius rubbed his temples and eyes as he came awake, uncertain how long he'd slept. It didn't feel like very long.

At the knock, Tenara came awake with a sharp, terrified sound—something caught between a gasp and a scream. Her gaze was on the door, and she was up, on her knees on the couch, cramming herself into the corner of it, but ready to bolt if she had to. Red glowed fierce and bright in her eyes and the air shifted, pressure crushing down on him until he felt as if every limb he had were weighted in stone.

"Easy," Laurius said, struggling to reach a hand toward her. "It’s just the guards coming to collect me."

She shook her head fiercely. Steam fluttered up where her body touched the couch, but no smoke. The room was cold enough that even a slight increase in body temperature was sure to produce something of note. "The soldier. He's here."

Laurius tried to keep his voice calm. "You were dreaming. It’s just the guards. Breathe. It's too soon to bring the mountain dow—"

She curled her fingers in her silver hair. Laurius frowned, watching the tears brim her eyes. He winced and reached out, brushing a hand over the side of her head. She jumped a little, but allowed him to smooth her sweaty hair from her face and curl it behind her ear. Still, she watched the door, waiting for someone to enter the room, to hurt her. The rage he'd felt for Elias earlier flickered back to life. The walls rattled a little, dust breaking lose from the cracks in the stone above them. "He's not out there, Tenara. You're safe. Take a breath. Calm down. He's not there. Don't bring the mountain down on us just yet, okay?"

Her lip trembled, and the fear shifted to shame and embarrassment as the red glow in her pupils faded. The pressure eased away. Her cheeks darkened and she turned her face away and started to cry.

Laurius looked at Ren, taking a deep breath. He hadn't realized how shaken her magic made him, but he remembered a time when she nearly pulled his limbs off after losing control, and he never wanted that experience again. But, he stretched his hand out again, hesitating on offering comfort. He was not Havitharon. She was not his. But, he cared for her, in whatever strange way he seemed to. Not as a lover. Perhaps a friend. One sided, he thought, because she hated him—and rightfully so. This... this was his fault.

“Hey, it’s time for Havitharon to beat the shit out of me until I pretend to get the upper hand. That should cheer you up." She glowered at him but he saw the hint of a smile. “Come on. Hand me over.”

Tenara nodded and smeared her hands over her face, wiping away her tears and taking deep cooling breaths to calm herself. She went to the door. “He’s ready,” she managed.

[Soran Nightblade]

"He's ready."

Ren's hands clenched tight around the cushion beneath him as the words set off alarm bells in his skull. He stared at Laurius's back, and all their careful planning seemed absurd. What if Thvoros killed him?

What if the princess wanted Thvoros to kill him? No one else knew what the two had discussed last night. She bore no love for Laurius, and she'd been terribly mistreated. What if she chose to stay here, where she could safely rule a harem that would die rather than harm her?

His stomach dropped to his feet as the door opened and two guards stood read to receive Tenara's champion. "No... Don't do this," he gasped, unsure which of them he was pleading with.

[Emora Deen]

Laurius put a hand up, attempting to calm Ren. “It will be fine.”

Tenara’s blue eyes swept up to Ren, confusion creasing her brow. She knew he didn’t want Laurius harmed, but it was the only way to get Havitharon back. She opened her mouth to assure him Havi wouldn’t hurt Laurius too badly, but caught herself. The guards would overhear and admitting that Havi would throw the match was likely to disqualify them.

“We can all go and watch,” she said.

“Only the Ivie are permitted,” one of the females said.

“Oh?” Tenara didn’t like that. She wanted to watch, even if she knew the outcome already.

“Then… you can go with him,” Tenara said, even if the idea of being alone terrified her. She told herself there was no one here to hurt her—not Vardner, or Elias, or any other man. Even the women would do her no harm in her cell. And, to help Ren feel more confident in the plan, she added, “I will mend him.”

Laurius’s eyes widened. He knew what magic it took to mend—what sensations it would stir in them both. He doubted Tenara wanted him to feel any of that where she was concerned, especially after what had happened. For her to offer such a thing—offering to sacrifice her energy and comfort for him—was an act of love. He knew it wasn’t for him. Couldn’t be for him alone. She really cared for Ren, having formed some strange bond towards him in the short days they had been trapped together. A sisterly affection he knew Ren was unlikely to understand.

[Soran Nightblade]

Ren's first instinct was to turn to follow Laurius. After all, she'd given him permission. Instead, his legs stiffened, refusing to move him. If he went with Laurius, that would leave Tenara alone in a place she knew nothing about. But what if Thvoros went too far?

As if I could do anything to stop him in that scenario, he thought grimly. He glanced back at Laurius with a torn expression, mindful of the guard's listening ears. "You are always so warm to us, Tenara. Thank you. While I'm curious about their match, I would prefer to stay and attend to you while your other Ivie compete. If you'll allow me." He dipped his horns to her loyally, blushing. It was the first time he'd used her given name.

[Emora Deen]

Tenara seemed surprised by Ren’s choice but didn’t hesitate in accepting his company. In fact, she felt a bit relieved she wouldn’t be left alone in the room. And… he’d said her name. What did that mean? “Yes, of course. Besides, everything will be fine. I… have a good feeling.” That good feeling was Havitharon’s assurance that he’d give Laurius the win.

Laurius patted Ren’s back, more of a comrade gesture than lovers but they had eyes on them. “I’ll be back soon—with a win.”

[Soran Nightblade]

Ren set his jaw and didn't look back at Laurius and the guard. Even without a mirror, he was sure that if the guard saw his face right now, she would know something wasn't normal. "Good luck."

-------------

The room that was to be their arena was a large wyrm-carved chamber. The floor and ceiling had been left uneven and rough, but the walls had been refined and adorned with colorful mosaic tiles. Cera Ruthe sat regally on a tall pew at the side of the hall. The pew was just large enough for the Marquess and her honored guests. The rest of the household peered in from a gap in the stone that provided a sort of balcony area about 15 feet up the rear wall.

Havi ignored the stares as he entered the room. Perhaps at one time, it had felt odd to have all his household servants and staff, from childhood nanny to family chef, gather above him to see if a stranger would kill him. Maybe it had felt harsh to see the glint of coins changing hands as they guessed at his fate. But at this point, he'd done it all too many times to care. He walked to the center of the arena and frowned up at his sister.

...and tensed.

Cera was smiling at him. Why? He scanned the room, trying not to let her expression get to him. She should not look that confident, unless she had some scheme. What would it be this time? Multiple opponents? A poisoned weapon? But such things had not worked for her in the past.

He scanned the other faces in the pew with her, and wasn't surprised to see Kishva seated with them. Perhaps the two had struck some kind of deal?

Cera stood and clapped her hands, bringing the soft chatter of the room to silence. "Marquis Havitharon Ruthe presents himself for battle," his escort announced, latching the door behind him.

On the other side of the room, the opponent's gate rumbled as the servants drew it aside. Havi squinted into the dark hall behind it. Had she sent Laurius, as they discussed?

[Emora Deen]

Laurius wiggled in his own skin, shaking his arms and legs as he walked like he was shaking off sand. The nerves clung to him anyway as the door open and he spotted Havitharon in the chamber beyond. He shouldn't be nervous, he told himself. Havitharon cared for Tenara, and he would do what needed to be done to be with her. Of course, he would.

Laurius approached Havitharon, wondering how they would fight. Would they be given weapons? Would they have to use their fists?

"Hi," he said, feeling silly as he looked up at the man who was definitely a foot and a half (if not more) taller than him. "Nice house, by the way. Nothing like mine, of course, but it has its charms, I suppose..."

[Soran Nightblade]

Havi took in the man's anxious appearance, but there was no good way to reassure him at the moment. He was too distracted trying to figure out what his sister was up to.

Cera smiled down at them. "Laurius Marr, by challenging my brother in combat, you are accepting that your life may be forfeited to the task. You must win by your own strength, and no one from this house shall provide you aid. Do you still wish to offer challenge?"

[Emora Deen]

"Yeah, sure. Whatever," Laurius said, half of it in his tongue and half of it theirs. He shook out his shoulders one more time, and took up what he assumed to be a good defense pose. "Don't break my pretty face too badly—even if Tenara promised to fix it."

[Soran Nightblade]

"Before you begin..."

Cera's words sent tension swimming down Havi's spine.

"Just a bit of insurance, to keep things honest. My brother seems to favor the Yurivis who sent this warrior against him. He even claims her as his tamer. If he entered this contest intending to throw the fight, that would hardly abide by the rules. No one from this house may assist the challenger, including my brother himself."

Whispers could be heard on the stone balcony above. Havi glowered at his sister. "What insurance?"

A guard stepped in from the edge of the room, holding a try with two tiny cups.

"I'd like you each to drink Hydris. That should keep things honest."

Havi's expression darkened into something murderous. "Are you insane?"

"I was thinking of asking you the same question, dear brother. Running off with some Yurivis and trying to break our little agreement without even discussing with me? But here I am, meeting you halfway."

[Emora Deen]

Laurius eyed the liquid. If it was poison, she wouldn't ask Havitharon to drink it too. "Are you insane?" Laurius looked up at the anger in Havitharon's voice. He hardly thought either one of them had a way of refusing. If they didn't fight, what would happen to them? Tenara would be separated from Havitharon... He thought about the girl on the couch this morning, and the wide-eyed terror in her eyes at the idea of someone awful coming through the door. What would happen to her if she lost the one thing that made her feel truly safe?

He took the small cup in his hand and knocked it back before he could have a second thought. "Let's get this over with. Ren is getting us a way home."