The morning sun bathed the grand arena in a golden light, casting long shadows as the crowd poured in, eager to witness the second round of the royal tournament. The energy was palpable, a hum of excitement rippling through the stands as nobles, merchants, and commoners alike jostled for the best views. The air smelled of roasted meats and freshly cut flowers, a stark contrast to the metallic tang of blood that would soon linger after the matches.
The arena's official, clad in ceremonial robes of crimson and gold, stepped forward, holding a gilded box encrusted with jewels. The box held the fate of the remaining competitors, its contents ready to shape the next stage of the contest. A drumroll echoed as he reached in and drew the first name, his voice booming across the arena.
"Match One: Prince Alexius versus Prince Tobias!"
The crowd erupted into cheers, some laughing in disbelief. Alexius's surprise victory over Roland had earned him notoriety, but Tobias, known for his strength and chivalry, was a favorite to win the tournament. The pairing felt unfair to many, a young underdog pitted against a seasoned warrior.
The official's voice continued. "Match Two: Princess Selene versus Prince Adrian!" Another roar greeted the announcement, with whispers of how Selene's magical prowess would fare against Adrian's ferocity.
"Match Three: Prince Darius versus Prince Aldric!" The audience buzzed with excitement at the thought of the flamboyant Darius squaring off against Aldric's cold precision. The tension thickened as the official concluded, "Let the first match begin immediately!"
Alexius stepped onto the sandy arena floor, his twin swords sheathed at his sides. The crowd's cheers washed over him like a wave, but he blocked it out, focusing on the task ahead. Across the ring stood Tobias, a towering figure clad in gleaming silver armor, his sword and shield reflecting the sunlight. Tobias was the picture of a knight: noble, disciplined, and strong.
As Tobias approached, he inclined his head in a respectful nod. "You've proven your courage, Alexius. But courage alone won't save you here. Stand down, and I'll ensure your honor remains intact."
Alexius met his gaze, his expression calm and resolute. "Thank you for the offer, brother. But I've made it this far. I won't stop now."
Tobias sighed, a hint of regret flashing across his face. "So be it."
The trumpet sounded, signaling the start of the match. Tobias wasted no time, charging forward with his shield raised. His opening strike came fast and heavy, a downward slash aimed to end the fight quickly. Alexius dodged to the side, his twin swords unsheathing in a flash of steel. The clash began.
Tobias pressed his advantage, his strikes precise and powerful. Alexius moved like water, flowing around the blows, his blades darting out to test Tobias's defenses. Each strike met the unyielding surface of Tobias's shield, the clang of steel on steel ringing through the arena.
From the royal balcony, King Lucian observed silently, his expression unreadable. Beside him, Princess Selene leaned forward, her brow furrowed. "Tobias is too strong," she murmured. "Alexius's speed won't be enough."
Prince Darius smirked, lounging in his seat. "Don't count him out just yet. He's proven more resourceful than we thought."
The fight grew more intense as Tobias pushed Alexius toward the edge of the arena. A powerful shield bash caught Alexius off guard, sending him stumbling backward. Tobias followed with a slash that grazed Alexius's shoulder, drawing blood. The crowd roared, sensing the younger prince's impending defeat.
"Stay light, Your Highness!" Kael shouted from the sidelines, his voice cutting through the din. "Don't let him pin you!"
Alexius steadied himself, his grip tightening on his swords. The pain in his shoulder burned, but he forced it to the back of his mind. Tobias was powerful, but power alone could be predictable. He just needed an opening.
As Tobias lunged for another attack, Alexius sidestepped, using his smaller frame to slip behind his brother. His swords flashed, scoring a shallow cut along Tobias's side. The crowd gasped as Tobias staggered, his shield lowering slightly.
Alexius pressed his advantage, darting in and out of Tobias's reach. He landed quick strikes on Tobias's arms and legs, each one weakening the knight's movements. Tobias gritted his teeth, his strikes growing more aggressive but less controlled.
From the stands, a nobleman leaned forward, his earlier derision replaced by intrigue. "The boy fights like a viper," he murmured to his companion. "Quick, precise, and utterly relentless."
The tide of the battle shifted as Tobias grew visibly tired, his strikes slowing under the weight of his armor and accumulating injuries. Sensing his moment, Alexius feinted left, drawing Tobias's shield out of position, before spinning to the right and slashing upward. Tobias's shield flew from his grasp, landing in the sand with a heavy thud.
Alexius didn't hesitate. With one sword pointed at Tobias's chest and the other at his sword arm, he issued a single command. "Yield."
The arena fell silent. Tobias, breathing heavily, stared at his younger brother. Slowly, he let his sword drop to the ground. The silence broke into thunderous applause, the crowd rising to their feet in astonishment and admiration.
The narrative shifted briefly to the other battles:
In the second match, Princess Selene's mastery of magic overwhelmed Prince Adrian. She manipulated the battlefield with ice and fire, immobilizing Adrian before he could close the distance. With no choice, Adrian yielded, earning Selene her place in the next round.
In the third match, Prince Darius's charm and flair clashed against Aldric's cold precision. Despite Darius's best efforts, Aldric's calculated strikes proved superior, ending the fight with a decisive blow that left no doubt of his dominance.
As Alexius exited the arena, his subordinates rushed to his side, their faces alight with pride. Garret clasped his shoulder. "You've done it again, Your Highness. They won't underestimate you now."
Alexius's gaze drifted to the royal balcony. King Lucian's expression remained inscrutable, but there was a faint nod of acknowledgment. It was enough.
Tobias approached, extending a hand. "Well fought, Alexius. You've earned this victory."
Alexius accepted the handshake, a rare smile breaking through his usual stoicism. "Thank you, brother."
As he walked away, Alexius allowed himself a moment of quiet pride. The next round would be even harder, and Selene loomed as a formidable opponent. But for now, he stood tall, his resolve stronger than ever.