For the next twenty four hours, Gavin began to think he had imagined the exchange outside the burning stable block. She made no mention of it and she barely even glanced his way. Once again she took Daniel and Julius to her bed the following night. He did not want to dwell on what they got up to, but judging by the awkward gait of the both of them, she had ridden them pretty hard until the break of day.
As if to tease him, she wore the tight black leather ensemble again on the final day, only this time with the addition of a ceremonial sword. God's did she look hot and there was a fierceness to her expression that almost made him hope that tonight would not be the night. He had no hope of dominating that which occupied the throne this day.
'Ladies and gentlemen!' Bellowed the Master of the games. 'It was promised to you on the first day of the games that on the last day the Queen herself would announce the greatest and most prestigious prize of the tournament. And since we only have one final contest left -- the last round of swordsmanship, between our finalists Magnus and Drax, it is time for her Royal Highness to make known the victor's prize...'
He made a deep bow to the Queen and Naphtalie rose. For a moment she said nothing. She just scanned those assembled. Her Seed Bearers shifted subtly, sensing a moment of gravitas.
'We have seen three days of courage, audacity, strength and acuity. Subjects from across the realm have fought, challenged, engaged, lost and won. And for that we salute you. But in this final hour, we will witness two of our bravest and strongest in battle. All for the honour of the greatest prize. And the prize is a dual one. And right now it is only known to me. Do you wish to hear what your Queen will bestow upon the victor?'
'Yes!' the crowd cried.
Oh gods! Please don't let it be a night alone with the Queen, thought Gavin. That privilege is mine, surely. Let it be mine alone.
'Hush, hush...Alright then. Alright..your Queen will tell all,' smiled Naphtalie benignly. 'The victor of the last and final round will receive an honour that no other has ever had. They will fight the Queen, here in this very arena for all to see, sword to sword, shield against shield, for the honour of receiving a singular kiss from my lips.'
There was a stunned silence and Naphtalie wondered if her announcement had been heard at all. To the right of her, Ryleigh choked on his mead.
'The second prize is that the winner will also accompany the Queen as she distributes funds to the poor and needy here in the city of Jarlsgard. Each coin rendered will be matched and presented to the winner at the end of the day.'
'Well! It is a prize without rival, is it not, my dear citizens?' cried the Master of the games, hoping to stir the crowd.
The sound of applause and the stamping of feet reverberated throughout the stadium and on opposite sides of the battle arena the two finalists -- Magnus and Drax eyeballed each other apprehensively.
'What the fuck is she doing?' hissed Jared under his breath to Ryleigh.
'I know!'
'No one in their right mind is going to want to fight the Queen. We must stop it now. Before this goes any further,' whispered Jared. 'She could be killed!'
'What do you suggest?'
'I'll speak to her.'
