Stolen by the Rebel King-Chapter 544: The Second Event

Before Atticus could do something ridiculous like fling himself out of their window, a knock at the door distracted them.

"Your Highnesses? Princess Cordelia is requesting your presence."

"Duty calls," Daphne said, blinking rapidly as she mentally told herself to snap out of that dreamy state. The way Atticus had gazed at her had sent a frisson of desire coursing through her, causing her to feel breathless in a way the corset had failed to do.

"Right," Atticus said faintly. Were his ears fooling him, or was there a hint of disappointment in Daphne’s voice?

But Daphne merely turned away and followed the servant Cordelia had sent to fetch them. He led them to an open courtyard, where Cordelia was dressed in a suit of lightweight armor as she rested underneath the shelter in her tunic and slacks. There was a table with a pitcher of juice in front of her, and next to her were racks after racks of weapons, glinting menacingly in the sun.

The men who made it to the second round were not given the luxury of shade. Like the weapons, they were left to bake in the sun, and Daphne’s nose wrinkled at the smell.

"Some people here really need to take a bath," Atticus muttered, loud enough for her to hear. Daphne nodded discreetly.

Meanwhile, she also spotted Jonah, who was once again clad in a suit of lightweight armor as he lingered behind Cordelia, all embarrassment forgotten. She couldn’t help but notice that his suit seemed to match Cordelia’s in design and intent as if they had been crafted in a set for a couple of warriors.

Then again, Cordelia would definitely have a new set of armor made for Jonah― Vramid’s armor was made with the intention of keeping one warm and safe as they trudged through the heavy snow, which meant that it was an utter disaster for Nedour’s climate.

Such rationalizations failed to appease Atticus, who scowled heavily as he stared at Cordelia. Cordelia smirked and waved a lazy hand in response.

That woman was effectively staking claim on Jonah in public by making him wear matching armor! What was next― her cloaking him in her colors before she marched him into the bridal chamber to take advantage of him?

"Excellent, you’ve finally arrived. We can start the next stage," Cordelia said, clapping her hands as she rose to attention. The men turned to her like sunflowers towards the sun, she beamed.

"The first part of this competition was a bore for everyone, so I decided it was time to liven things up. As my spouse, in addition to having political acumen, you’ll also have to demonstrate a certain proficiency for combat. I will not accept a spineless paper-pusher as a husband."

The men shifted in eagerness. Finally, they could do something interesting. Daphne didn’t doubt that there were some participants who would use this chance to beat up those whom they were angry with without repercussions.

"I allow you a weapon of your choice. If it’s not present, you’ll just have to make do with a substitute or use your bare hands. I’m not picky."

There was some barely stifled laughter from the men.

"Claim your weapons," Cordelia said, and Daphne wisely stepped out of the way as the crowd of men began to surge closer, picking and choosing their weapons as though they were housewives at the fish market, haggling over the best catch. Atticus planted himself protectively in front of her, the scowl on his face deterring the most hardened of criminals from coming closer.

Nikun smiled at them anyway, before he scuttled off to the weapon racks. There was the sound of several scuffles happening, and Jonah had to break up more than a few fights because these men wanted the same sword.

"If you cannot even remain civilized for this moment, you’ll do poorly as my husband," Cordelia pointed out loudly, and the contestants took the hint, settling down and grumbling in silence.

Daphne noticed, with surprise, that Nikun had not gone for a sword like she thought she would. Instead, he had chosen to go with a collection of flying daggers.

"Interesting choice," Atticus said, "He’s disadvantaged himself when everyone else is picking a ranged weapon."

"You will be paired up randomly. When I call out your name, step forward." Cordelia continued, pulling out a box from underneath the table. She reached into it and pulled out a slip of paper, reading out the name.

"Tiernan Ragner."

Tiernan swallowed as he stepped forward, a polearm in his hands.

"Bael Abaron."

The second man stood forward and gave Tiernan a polite nod. They moved to the center of the courtyard and began to spar.

Daphne watched as Tiernan managed to eke out a win, pinning the man down by his shoulder. frёeweɓηovel.coɱ

"Victor: Tiernan. Congratulations," Cordelia said, before drawing out the next pair of contestants. "Next pair, Aikat Crolet and Aeson Crolet," Cordelia said, with a raised eyebrow as she noticed the identical surname.

"Twins?" Daphne wondered. They looked pretty identical, save for the shape of their eyes. But Daphne recalled how often Drusilla was mistaken for her twin due to their similarities.

"Ouch. Guess we’ll see if their familial bond will survive this contest. But it’s smart of their family to send both sons," Atticus murmured into her ear. "I guess someone is pretty desperate to join families with the princess."

The fight between the brothers went a lot longer, as each side was evenly matched. They seemed to be able to read each other’s minds, every strike was blocked and every blow was parried. In the end, it was mere chance that caused Aikat to stumble minutely, giving Aeson the opportunity to land a quick hit that sent him sprawling on the floor, his weapon lying forgotten on the other side of the courtyard.

"Very nice," Cordelia said approvingly. "Aikat Crolet, do you wish to continue?"

"I surrender," Aikat said and patted his brother in approval as he walked to the side, disappointed in himself.

"Next pair... Waylen Argyle, and Gallagher Gaimont."

Daphne looked over the both of them critically. Waylen was most likely, in Cordelia’s words, a paper-pusher. But he held a sword well and looked supremely confident in his own abilities. Meanwhile, Gallagher had chosen to go with a pair of gauntlets.

"That’s not a good matchup," Jonah frowned. "I’m surprised he chose this when he is more skilled with the polearm." Jonah had more opportunities to observe and befriend the contestants, hence he knew more than Daphne and Atticus.

"Strange," Atticus crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes at Waylen. "Do you think that nobleman had anything to do with it?"

The fight started out normal enough, with Gallagher trading blows with Waylen. It was clear to anyone with eyes that Waylen, for all his confidence, did not know his way around a sword. He was all but swinging it haphazardly in a manner that made Daphne fear for the lives of the audience and for himself.

However, when Waylen finally let go of his sword, causing it to fly through the open air and into the bushes, it was Gallagher who raised his hand.

"Princess Cordelia, I humbly surrender."