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Scorpia had gathered all the Bone Reavers around and was standing up on a dais generally used to look over her people during times of revelry. Jade stared up at her in amusement, the look on her sister's tattooed face was one of mischief. Scorpia unfurled a scroll and began to read aloud.
"Her Majesty Sorsha Tanthalos is pleased to announce the impending 'Tournament for the Hand' on behalf of her daughter, Her Royal Highness Princess Kit Tanthalos.
In honor of her eighteenth birthday, the palace will be holding a Grand Tournament to find the best warrior in all the land. That individual will be given the honor of my daughter's hand in marriage and the title of champion of the Realm. The tourney will last over a week, featuring a joust, hand-to-hand combat, and archery. For the first time, we will be extending this invitation to all of Andowyne in search of the absolute best partner for Her Royal Highness."
The missive went on, but Jade was distracted. All she could think was how terrifying that must be for the princess. She was practically being sold off. Jade shook her head to herself; worse, she was being given away. No one deserved to be treated that way, princess or not.
Jade–putting a false smile on her face–caught up with her sister later that night as Scorpia still laughed. The sound was one of Jade’s favorites in all the world. Wild and free. But Jade felt sad at the sound of it as Scorpia mocked poor Princess Kit, the golden girl trapped inside her tower. The tone grated beneath Jade's skin, but unsure of how her sister would respond to her disagreement, Jade played along. "What would happen if you sent me to compete? Can you imagine the looks on their faces? A Bone Reaver marrying the princess. A female Bone Reaver." Jade forced herself to laugh. She hated not being able to be herself around her sister. She wondered if she might have been able to if they had been able to grow up a whole family.
"No, that would be truly hilarious." Scorpia snorted her laughter, but Jade's joke seemed to have sparked an idea. “No, wait. We could pull that off. They said anyone. We're part of everyone and baby sister, you're the best . You could pull this off."
"Okay, definitely not. I have no idea how jousting works. Our style of fighting is completely different from anything we'll see there. I was joking. They would probably kill me on sight." Jade scoffed and shook her head at Scorpia who only seemed to be buying in further and further. She was taking this seriously.
“Well, I have the utmost confidence that you can figure something out. This is what we train for, no?”
“No, actually it’s not . We don’t train for whatever this is at all.” Jade protested but Scorpia only hummed and waved her hand.
Her smirk only broadened as Jade’s concerns were dismissed. It wasn’t as though Jade didn't feel flattered and a little proud by her sister’s confidence in her, she was just bothered by the absolute lack of consideration that it would be Jade thrown into the middle of this.
The further the days went on, the more plans Scorpia concocted. She made a list of people they could spare to head out with Jade and Lori, the head guard who had trained with Jade most when Scorpia was unavailable, and what Jade would need. Jade was horrified to have accidentally set this into motion. This had been the opposite of her intentions. Ideas of best and worst-case scenarios started to haunt her dreams.
A week and three days later, Jade was packed with a brand new set of leathers and the best weaponry the camp had to offer.
"You may run into a tall, bearded, goofy man; name of Boorman. Give him a shiner from me." Scorpia requested, a twinkle of mischief in her eyes. "When you become Princess Consort, I promise to be proud as well as to laugh so hard that I piss my pants."
Scorpia’s belief in her made Jade’s heart sing.
"Gee, thanks. "Jade scoffed with more scorn than she felt. "I can't believe you're making me do this." Jade understood the politics of how this could be very beneficial to her people, but the morals of the situation still distressed her.
"It was your brilliant idea, kid." Scorpia smirked.
"And I was joking. "Jade insisted.
"And I am not joking when I say that if you die, I'll kill you." Scorpia kissed her first two fingertips and pressed them to Jade's cheek. I love you, little one."
"Love you, too." Jade's heart warmed when Scorpia betrayed her feelings for a singular moment.
Jade allowed her eyes to fill with the tattooed face so much like her own... in case it was for the last time. They both knew that this joke had transformed into a true diplomatic mission. If Jade performed well and carried herself properly amongst the nobility, she could earn some incredibly precious respect for the Bone Reaver community, and everyone else in the Wildwood.
-----/////-----
The ride was long and arduous, but Jade used the time for meditation, to focus up before she faced the biggest battles of her life. She would be putting herself on display for the rest of the world. She would be representing Bone Reavers in front of all of the best fighters of all of the kingdoms. She didn't know what to expect from them, but that advantage went both ways. When they saw her, slight and feminine in form, they were sure to underestimate her. Suddenly, Jade felt empowered– though the idea of a princess being forced into marriage still messed with her head. The idea of anyone being forced into marriage messed with her head.
Tir Asleen was beautiful with its tall, gray towers and brightly colored pennants flying all around. Instead of a castle or a home, it looked like a bright and shining city. The walls were high and Jade felt like it would make her feel incredibly claustrophobic after only a couple of hours. Jade couldn’t imagine growing up somewhere like that after spending her life in the nomadic Bone Reaver culture. Stands and an arena had been set up beyond the walls where the tournament was likely to be held. Beyond that was an encampment of brightly colored tents where the competitors would be staying until the tournament was over.
Jade and Lori set up their tents and wondered quietly to one another how they seemed to take up only about a quarter of the space the other groups did. Jade had to roll her eyes. Their set-up was as organized as possible, trying to look as nice and professional as the other camps around them. Lori joked to Jade, “How can these people think they’ll win against you when they are all kept in enclosures like this. They’re so prissy and clean and neat.” Jade chortled in response.
When everything was set up, Jade washed the sweat and dust from the ride and the work away before taking a short nap to reenergize herself. Less than an hour later she was rudely awakened by a horn blowing in the distance. Lori met her outside of the tent once she was dressed, tossing her an apple to snack on.
"What was that?" she asked, on alert.
"No clue. I figured we would follow the crowd and find out." he suggested and they started walking.
A crowd had gathered in front of a dais where the royal family stood, Queen Sorsha at the railing. Jade and Lori pushed their way to the front, intent on getting clear information for once. Jade's eyes were immediately pulled away, though, to the princess all of this was about. Her Royal Highness, Kit Tanthalos of Tir Asleen stood with a bowed head in a bright green dress, a metal corset tight around her middle. Her hands were balled into fists at her sides as floppy brown hair fell to cover her face.
Jade could see the fists shaking at Kit's sides, the knuckles white. The princess glanced up, and Jade got her first look at her face. She was immediately taken by the pale skin and contrasting brilliant blue eyes. They contained a shocking amount of fire and fury. Jade couldn't look away. A girl like this shouldn't have ever been a princess. Jade couldn't believe she had been so wrong. Princess Kit wasn’t scared of what might happen. She was angry, so angry it threatened to escape her skin.
Sorsha had given a speech, but Jade hadn't heard a word of it. Hopefully, Lori had. Kit caught Jade staring and the Bone Reaver champion had to wonder what Kit saw when she looked back. Red curls were tied back haphazardly, and her armor was a combination of maroon-dyed leather and bone. The princess gave her a short nod. Jade replied in kind.
"Did you get your eye full?" Lori asked as they walked back to their tents. "I saw you checking out the princess prize up there."
"Evaluating more than anything else. She isn't what I expected." Jade admitted, wanting to get her friend's take on it.
"You can't come at strangers with expectations like that. You'll always end up thrown for a loop." he chuckled. "You’re right though. That wasn't your average family. at all." he scoffed, amused and concerned all at the same time. "I'm sorry for whoever ends up marrying her. They'll probably end up stabbed in their sleep."
Jade laughed as well.
"It's the mom that deserves it." Lori answered derisively then turned pensive as though remembering something. "There's a dinner in a couple of hours. You can do more investigating then."
"A dinner. Great. Another chance to be paraded about. Like cattle." Jade was no longer amused. None of this should be happening at all. She definitely shouldn't have to sit through a grandiose meal while there were starving Reaver encampments out in the Wildwood. She couldn't accept that.
—--/////—--
Jade tugged uncomfortably at her dress shirt as she stepped into the grand hall for the first time. The room was packed with the royal family sitting in a place of honor at the far end of the room. Kit was slouched low into the chair as her mother visibly berated her. Prince Airk, her twin brother, winced as he made small talk with some of the guests. Jade wanted to chuckle but knew that wouldn't be appropriate. She had spent days so curious about this strange princess, and now she found herself absolutely fascinated.
She settled into her seat and followed those around her with her eyes for cues on how to properly eat the fanciest food she had ever seen in her life. The meal was rich enough to make her stomach hurt, but Jade wouldn't trade it for the world. She tucked extras away in a napkin for Lori to try.
As her food digested, Jade observed the various fighters–the best fighters in Andowyne supposedly, all gathered into one room. She tracked the way they moved, how they carried themselves, their unconscious movements. A mental list formed in order of threats they posed. Jade came away with three concerns, potential threats.
She shifted her attention to the princess arguing with her mother, and being comforted by her brother before being made to dance, her brows knitted with a glower on her perfect face.
The first was a large Cashmeran woman, arms striated with muscle, who moved with a lithe grace that warned Jade of danger. The prince of Galladoorn didn't pose a threat himself, but there was a danger to be had in angering him, or worse, his parents. Then, there were the hulks, giant fighters from the south with arms wider than Jade's head. Each of their steps, even in a large and crowded hall, was audible. Jade knew she would at least have the advantage of dexterity over them. The final danger would be the princess herself. Kit was a cornered animal and there was no telling what she might do. Jade watched the princess and quietly wished she didn't have to go through all of this alone.
Kit caught Jade looking again, and her stomach did a funny kind of lurch in response.
"I don't believe I've ever had the pleasure." Kit said by way of greeting, a thin smile on her face, the same kind Scorpia used when she didn't want to be doing something. There was at least a glimmer of interest in blue eyes. Jade smiled back, finding herself being surprisingly honest. She knew she should be holding more back, but wasn’t able to help herself.
"Jade Claymore, your Majesty." She attempted a bow, coming out of it pretty sure it had been a complete failure. Kit's lip quirked wryly in response.
“It’s Your Highness, actually. Your Majesty is my mother. You're from the Bone Reaver community, right?" Kit asked, her gaze now evaluating Jade openly. "I'm surprised they would let you throw your hat in the ring."
"The Queen said it could be anyone. I consider myself someone... or at least my sister does." Jade revealed more than she meant to in what appeared to be an ongoing theme.
"If we're going to talk we should do it as we dance. Wouldn't do to have some lord or another getting jealous that there's someone actually interesting here." Kit scanned Jade again curiously before she took Jade's hand and led her to the center of the hall where she used her hands to guide her into the steps with a practiced kind of ease. "So, this excursion wasn't your idea? You didn't want my Kingdom and crown for your own?"
Jade stepped in time with Kit. "I made a joke of applying. A female Bone Reaver winning this would be laughable. She took the idea seriously. Scorpia thought this might be a chance for legitimacy, peace at the very least." Jade sighed. The mere thought was rather exhausting. She realized she had begun to dance with Kit without having to be moved into the steps. "Not my idea of fun to risk my life to marry a girl I don't know... whose father killed mine, but we are not our fathers, and I don’t carry his burdens with me."
" You're Scorpia Venoma's sister . One of General Kael's progeny." Kit realized aloud, eyes going wide. "You’re like... so cool. I heard you once fought a pack of wolves."
This was not the reaction Jade had been expecting. "It was one wolf." she chuckled, a little proud the story had made it out this far. "I used her skull for my mask and the pelt for my winter cloak." Jade told her honestly.
"I've always wanted to go on an adventure," Kit admitted a little forlornly. "I doubt that will ever happen for me now."
Jade only nodded in response. Nothing she said would change things for the princess. "Adventures are best had with someone you care for anyway... If it helps, I believe you would also be able to go toe to toe with a wolf, Princess. You look like you could be fierce… should the occasion arise."
The dance ended but Kit didn't move away from her.
"I could." Kit agreed and suddenly the fire was back in her eyes.
—---/////—--
That night, Jade could only stare up at her ceiling, stomach pleasantly full to the point of almost hurting. She should have been extra sleepy because of it, but her mind was just as stuffed as her appetite had been. Kit Tanthalos had far surpassed Jade's expectations in the best possible ways. The princess was funny, smart, and a little bit rude in a manner that stuck with Jade afterward. She caught herself smiling a lot in a manner that didn't often come naturally.
For the first time, Jade truly wanted to win, not only to prove herself and please her sister but also to make sure Kit wasn't forced to marry someone unkind... someone who would let her live her life. Princess Kit wanted a life of adventure. Jade could make that happen for her. She sighed to herself and settled beneath her covers, letting her imagination guide her further into sleep. It was the most restful sleep she had in a while.
—--/////—--
This was the day everything would begin. There were sign-ups and then an open workout so the competitors could show off their abilities in so far as they were willing. Jade planned to keep her truest talents close to her chest. She would be paying attention to everyone else's performances and knew eyes would likely be on her as well. Jade dressed lightly for the day, armor not necessary without any true competition or combat. Some of the knights were in their full plate mail and Jade knew they would regret that as soon as the sun came up the rest of the way. Most of them weren't going to last the full day. She kept the bright smile to herself.
Sorsha had things to say this morning as well, but Jade only listened to the rules, finding her attention better spent on Princess Kit. She watched Kit stand and wait, find the opportune moment, and sneak her way off of the dais, out of the crowd and into the distance. Jade glanced around, and the queen commanded so much attention Jade was pretty certain she was the only one who noticed. She rolled her eyes; annoyed. If she knew the princess the way the other people up there probably did, she would have gone after Kit. Jade would have made sure she was okay.
Jade grumbled to herself all through the exercises until a latecomer appeared and made her way to Jade's side. They were slighter than Jade, with a strip of blue ribbon around their face to disguise their identity. Hair and other facial features were disguised by a light hood. The person had a lithe kind of grace to their movements Jade could have sworn she recognized but couldn't place yet. Jade nodded a greeting, glad the stranger didn't try to speak to her, instead settling in to stretch.
Jade found all of this very stupid and was determined to do as poor of a job as she could without getting kicked out of the competition. She stayed aware of her surroundings and her competitors. The girl with the blue ribbon was going much too hard, right out of the gate. Jade knew she wouldn't be able to last like that. The prince was a row down from them and putting in the required amount of effort. It was a good strategy, but Jade could tell just from looking at him he wouldn't be a threat. Jade was deeply annoyed that they had to do this at all.
The guard in charge of it all announced and demonstrated how they were to lay on their stomachs, plant their hands by their shoulders, brace with their toes, and push themselves up. The heat beat down on them and Jade tried to figure out the point. If Scorpia wanted all of this for the Bone Reavers, maybe she ought to be the one out here humiliating herself before their oppressors. All for some princess who didn't want any of this, who didn't deserve to be put through any of this either. The sun beat down on Jade as she put in the bare minimum of the 'push-ups' and continued to scowl straight ahead.
The group was dismissed for a short break. Kit reappeared on the dais and spoke quietly with her brother, fully ignoring everything that the queen said to her. Jade found herself thoroughly amused. The girl vanished again, just as quickly. Jade couldn't forget the way it had felt when Kit's eyes met her own; Kit noticed Jade's noticing. There was a light snack made available but Jade only took a couple of bites so that she could feel something in her stomach, she would still be light enough to move well but still with plenty of energy.
Jade was assigned the young prince do Galladoorn as her first sparring partner of the day. She resolved to go easy on him. His eyes were wide and nervous enough looking at her as it was. Jade defeated him easily but he was a good sport about it. Jade thought maybe he knew she didn't mean to hurt him or anything. She shook his offered hand.
“You don't talk much, do you?" he asked her as they waited for their next set of partners.
"Not to people I don't know well. "Jade answered with a half-hearted shrug. She attempted a smile for him.
Jade found her next matches to be a little more difficult than Graydon's, but to her, it seemed like all of these people fought in the same way, using all of the same predetermined sets of moves. Jade found the matches a little boring once she found the counters, blocks, and escapes necessary. By the time she was through the next three matches, no hits had landed on her. That wasn't necessarily true of her next fight.
The person with the blue ribbon over their face was Jade's next opponent. By then, after the workouts and multiple fights, the sun was out in full force and they were dripping with sweat. A few of the knights had already been forced to drop out from heat sickness. The person in the blue mask wiped at their forehead and unleashed a string of truly impressive curses. Jade laughed out loud. Prince Graydon had been right, maybe there were some people worth getting to know in this competition.
"You hear something funny?"
"I just haven't heard anyone from outside of my community curse like that before." Jade said with amusement still in her voice. Something about this person brought a smile quickly and easily to her face. They didn't seem to share the sentiment.
"Mm. You ready to get on with this?" came the consternated voice. Jade didn't know why, but she only grinned harder.
She brought her hands up.
"Yeah, let's do this." Jade confirmed. The smile fell away as her attitude fell deadly serious and her posture firmed up.
There was a flash of blue before Jade got her arm up to block. It would have been a solid hit if it had landed, the pain resonating up her arm and into her shoulder. Jade grimaced with a tight smile she knew would come across as savage. She felt a blow catch across her ribcage that would smart for days, but made for a solid opening. This fighter didn’t move like the others. She struck out with her leg immediately. catching her opponent in the chest with her heel and shoved. This elicited a low growl out of the fighter, who charged right back at her.
Jade dodged the angry response easily, catching her opponent with an elbow across the nose; it wasn't a hard enough blow to have broken bone, but it brought blood and would likely bruise around the eyes. Jade grinned as the fighter stumbled back, but didn't fall, obviously shocked. They brought their fingers up to their nose in horror. They huffed a laugh and paused, angry.
Jade made to charge for another attack when the figure turned and held a hand up in Jade's direction, speaking in an imperious voice.
"Hold." they ordered.
Jade held.
The person turned on their heel and stomped towards where Graydon was flat on his ass in the dirt, terror was written all over his face. Even at this distance, Jade could tell by his sword in the dust beside him and the sweat on his face that he had been beaten in another spar. A man stood over him as his opponent awkwardly shuffled away. Jade identified the man as the source of the yelling that had drawn her opponent’s attention. She then recognized him as Graydon's father, King Zivian Hastur, evoking terror in his remaining son.
Jade followed.
Jade's opponent was drawn across the field; dodging between knights, soldiers, and warriors who continued their bouts. Jade dismissed them all mentally for knaves. Anyone worth marrying Princess Kit ought to be doing as this warrior was as well. They should have the same disgust for bullies. Her opponent came to Graydon's side and pulled him to his feet.
"Leave him be." they said, voice pitched deeply, the sound resonating in Jade's chest pleasantly. "He has fought to the best of his ability, and that is to be commended as far as I am concerned. If you feel you can do better, pick up his sword and spar on his behalf."
"Do you know who I am ?" Grayson's father yelled, spittle spraying through the dusty air. Jade was glad they were wearing some kind of mask.
"Yes, but I have you at a disadvantage. Do you know who I am?" quiet confidence rolled through the air at the intonation of the low and calm voice.
Hearing the question turned back on him and in such a threatening way took King Hastur by surprise, especially by a masked figure who could have been anyone, Jade pulled away her bone mask, put Graydon's sword back into his hands silently, and cast an understanding look into his face. Her opponent nodded to Jade when they returned attention to one another.
"Take your son and go, or stay and watch. I won't allow this contest to be an excuse for you to bully your own child. Learn to value him for who he is. Smart and kind; with more grace in his pinkie finger than you have in your whole body." the stare that found the king through the ribbon slits was steady and unflinching.
—--/////—--
Jade had a sneaking suspicion that bore more investigating. She had only just gotten to know the Princess a little and the warrior in blue, but the similarities were striking. Jade knew a kindred spirit when she met one. All she needed was a bit of proof. Jade thought it was hilarious if she was right. The princess would go up a lot in her respect then. They were on a long break after the Galladoorn incident so Jade had the time.
Jade rushed through changing and stowing her gear so quickly that she almost fell a few times and hurriedly rushed through washing the sweat away with brisk cold water. She formulated lies for why she loitered around the castle, waiting to catch a glimpse of the princess. Jade didn't know what she would say but knew she had to tell the princess how much she respected her fighting for herself.
"Ms. Claymore, I heard you've been looking for me. Is there anything I can help you with?" Kit asked without looking up as she entered the kitchens where she had been loitering. She looked up finally and the fake smile finally spread. "Oh, it's you."
"It's me. I came to scrounge up a snack and thought I might check in on you. Your staff has been very accommodating." Jade took pride in the way most of the kitchen staff flinched away from her in fear. Only one had spoken to her, eyes bright with curiosity, a naive blonde called 'Dove'. Jade had been pelted with adorable questions. Jade had answered them with grated patience.
Kit dismissed the page that had escorted her and the kitchen emptied. "What did you want to talk to me about?" Kit was visibly nervous, something Jade was pretty sure didn't happen very often. Jade studied her face and watched the nerves worsen and a blush began to form across her cheeks. Those weren't what drew Jade's attention. She was more intrigued by her proof as she stepped into the princess' space. Jade licked her thumb, holding Kit’s gaze evenly, then leaned forward and wiped at the bridge of Kit's nose, the rise and fall of the princess' chest quickening at the contact. Kit winced but didn’t flinch away.
"That's what I thought. What has possessed you, your Majesty? Have you lost your royal little mind?!" Jade hissed. This was not what she had meant to say, and I ain't the tone she had planned to say it in. She shouldn't even care this much.
Kit's eyes darted across Jade's face. There was surprise and fear in Kit's eyes along with the bruising from the hit Jade had landed. She felt a little guilty now. Jade wiped again, a bit more gently.
"I was thinking that I didn't want to let my mother have all of the control anymore. I was thinking I would fight for myself, maybe prove that I'm strong enough to lead all on my own, just like my mother has." Kit's voice was vulnerable before dipping into a low growl.
"That's honorable, but could you let me win for you? It wouldn't do for you to get any more injured than you already have been. You can't risk additional strain on your royal constitution." Jade teased, though she knew she had no place or right to. "If I win for you I would expect nothing in return beyond your guarantee of peace talks and the beginning of reparations for the Reavers."
"I'm not a quitter. I'm not a coward. I can do this." Kit insisted, and Jade realized she had never backed away from Princess Kit. She realized she didn't want to back away at all. She wanted to be closer even, to wipe away the rest of the make-up to see the damage she had done, to feel what those short brown locks felt like underneath her fingers. Jade couldn't allow herself to think like that.
"You can't win. I've fought you, and even then, I had to hold back. You have no chance. Let me do this for you." Jade offered. “You don't owe me anything, and I don't owe you anything, but maybe we could make things better for both of our people. Do we have a deal?"
Kit's breathing visibly stuttered as she continued her search of Jade's face. Jade changed nothing of her expression in the pursuit of total honesty. Whatever Kit found must have satisfied her. "Deal." she agreed, barely above a whisper.
Jade had never seen eyes so large, open, and earnest before. People from the Wildwood didn't have eyes like that. Jade knew she couldn't let Kit down, not after whatever this moment was. She cursed herself. She cursed Scorpia. She cursed Kit. Jade was never supposed to have to take this seriously. Jade leaned down and pressed her lips lightly, chastely to Kit's. The kiss lasted only a second, but it was enough to startle hit into a squeak. Jade stepped away and grinned amused with herself. "Deal is sealed," Jade announced with a quick turn on her heel and stepped away. Maybe this was not how deals were confirmed in the camp, but Kit didn't need to know that, at least not yet.
As Jade watched, Kit refused every offer of a dance. It was severely against protocol, and as far as Jade was concerned, absolutely hilarious. The queen was displeased with her daughter. The prince, Airk, seemed to be attempting to mediate. Jade felt sorry for the twins, that they had to live like this. Jade couldn't imagine having to be so stuffy all of the time. She wanted to chase after the princess when she stormed out of the grand hall. Scorpia would accuse her of having gone soft.
—--/////—--
When Jade reentered the lists the next morning, targets were set up in rows. Bows were available, along with wooden and metal arrows. Jade still wasn't nervous, despite the added pressure of the promise she had made to Kit. Archery had long since been her favorite pastime when being the younger sister of Mistress Venoma Scorpia of the Wildwood Bone Beavers became too much. There was something downright meditative about the repetitive motions.
Jade set all of her feelings aside until all that existed were herself, the bow in her hands, and the stand with the arrows she needed in it. Jade grouped the arrows into the bullseye easily and fired the metal arrows after them, splitting three of the five. From the belt at her waist, Jade pulled the small hand axe and threw it with deadly accuracy right down the pile to split a bunch of them. Even though the knight Commander was watching over them all, Jade turned her attention, the full force of her gaze onto Princess Kit Tanthalos scooped one arm around her middle, and she bowed. Jade saw Kit bristle and grinned through her mask.
Jade stands from the bow and walks away. The crowd roared at her rare achievement. Even she hadn't expected to perform that well and a spring was added to her step. Jade took a seat just within sight of the lists, watching as Kit slipped away from the dais to join her in the walk down the hill to where the competitors were camped. Jade saw the three hulks be dismissed from the competition, any arrow they managed to fire flying wildly in a random direction. They were not happy, and Jade allowed herself a laugh at that.
"You know you won the second-best prize in this competition, right?" Kit asked as she joined Jade's side, the amusement of the hulks fully forgotten when faced with the princess. She was smiling, an honest smile at that, and wearing yet another ridiculous gown.
"And what might that be?" Jade asked, offering Kit her arm the way she had seen the lords at court over the past days. She watched Kit note the action with a tilted eyebrow of question then accept maybe a little more comfortably, a little less formally than Jade liked to imagine she would have been with anyone else. Jade allowed herself to imagine that.
"Dinner with me tonight, as the winner of the archery competition. I thought you might enjoy that. You can try some new foods and dress up a little if you like that." Kit said as they entered the camp and wound their way through the rows. Jade wondered what Kit would think of the place, then held the thick maroon flap open for the princess, and poured from a flagon of red wine for Kit and then herself.
"Dinner with you. I can think of worse ways to spend an evening." Jade played at nonchalance as she watched Princess Kit take in her surroundings, expression completely neutral. She seemed satisfied with what she observed and took a seat on one of the poufs near Jade with expectant eyes. "I don't think I have anything to wear that you might consider appropriate, Majesty."
"Don't worry, I'll have that handled for you.” Kit said with something of a smirk that made Jade a little nervous. "Now, can you tell me all about your people? The life, the culture, all of it. I wanna know."
Then there were those eyes again, wide and earnest, every shade of blue and gray all at once Jade's chest muscles seized up. "Well... where do you want me to start? It's been my whole life. I can't tell you my whole life.
"I really think you could. I would listen." Kit offered, all curiosity and naivete and innocence and some deep hidden sadness. Everything Kit asked, Jade answered willingly until they devolved into just trading stories and having fun, laughing.
"Before we have to get ready for dinner, can I ask you one thing?" Jade asked with a new tint to her cheeks as she watched Kit getting ready to head back up to the palace. People were already probably out and about looking for the princess.
"Of course."
"How does jousting actually way?"
Kit melted down.
—--/////—--
Jade felt a little more comfortable in the outfit Ktit had chosen for her than she had in the one she had brought for herself. The shirt was a golden-hued white silk that wrapped from Jade's right shoulder down to her left hip, the left side was the same piece of fabric tucked into her waistband. This waistband was of the maroon corduroy variety and there was a matching half cape over one of Jade's shoulders. She had been allowed to keep her own dagger tucked into the back of her pants. Jade just wasn't comfortable without at least that.
She had changed in the adjacent room and stepped inside to find Kit similarly dressed in shades of light and royal blue. The long flowing pants, when together, could be mistaken for the skirts of a dress. Jade thought she looked lovely. She had forgotten. what they were supposed to be talking about. Had they been talking? She didn't know. Jade suppressed the urge to shake her head and physically rid herself of the confusing thoughts.
"Good evening, Your Majesty." Jade gave a bow with a slight mocking smile that Jade knew would catch Princess Kit a little off guard in that way Jade had learned she really actually liked.
"How many times do I have to tell you that it's 'Your Highness', my mother is ‘Your Majesty'... but you can just call me 'Kit'. It is my name after all." Kit had a tinge of blush on her cheeks and a grin growing across her face. "Just because we moved from the tent to the palace we don't have to lose our rapport."
"As you say, Princess.” Jade choked out awkwardly. Kit was just as natural here as she had been in Jade's tent, just as comfortable. Jade was not. Jade felt alien in this place. She didn't belong here. She cleaned her throat, took her seat, and turned the conversation immediately around to Kit.
She asked about how it had felt for Kit to compete in the tourney and compared it with her own experience. Jade listened intently, trying to focus on the words and the grey eyes instead of her nerves and the insistent bounce of her knee beneath the table. Finally, the conversation eased her, and their natural banter returned. Jade found the night quickly becoming one of the best she'd had in a long while.
Firelight highlighted Kit's cheekbones and the lines of her throat. It was increasingly warm in the room. Music played and wine flowed freely and soon Jade felt on top of the world. For a moment she considered asking Kit to give her another dance lesson.
Though Jade knew she needed to get the best and most restful sleep of her life. neither of the young women was ready for this surprising evening together to end. They dismissed the waitstaff for the night as evening turned to night, and they went for a walk in Queen Sorsha's carefully curated gardens. Jade kept her hands carefully crossed over her chest, though she felt much more like herself in the midst of nature.
Jade reminded herself that this was a princess and that she was a Bone Reaver. This wasn't a real courtship. If it were she wouldn't know how to go about it in the proper way. Jade realized that this night was something she wanted. She wanted to win this for Kit, and for herself as well. She wanted a chance at least.
Jade had fallen quiet as they walked, but she could feel that's eyes flicking between Jade and the ground passing by her feet. The nights had begun to get cooler. Soon she would be able to see her breath in the air on nights like these.
"Are you really going to be able to do this, Jade?" Kit asked, hands twisting nervously around one another in front of her body like she was keeping herself from doing something.
"I'll do it, Kit. I might break... most of the rules along the way, but I'll get it done. I'll make sure you're able to have the life you want for yourself, no matter what that is. This has been the most real and important thing I've ever done. I'll see it through."
"That's all I needed to know." Kit nodded, her chest finally refilling with air and her shoulders relaxing in her relief. "However this ends, it's going to end tomorrow. Whatever you're doing... is it all still under control?"
"I've got you, Princess. I'm doing the best I can and my promise stands. There is a bag packed in my tent for both of us beneath my bed if we have to run. I guess your brother knows you pretty well." Jade assured her.
Kit's hand wrapped around Jade's, where it was close to her chest. She was struck by the depth of feeling she had suppressed for the past few days rising up when their eyes met and she was met with the faith being placed in her. Jade swallowed hard and took a step back, dropping the hand.
"We have a long day tomorrow, and while you know what I'm doing, I need you to know the whys. If it goes wrong somehow I need my sister to know I tried, that I didn't do it all for her, that I was doing this for you and for my people and for myself too. If something happens to me, those bags are there for you too. I want you to take them and get out of here. Lori Toth will help you." Jade said knowing that no one out there would be taking it easy tomorrow. The remaining competitors were the serious competitors. Concern grew quickly across the princess's face, followed soon after by fear.
"What, what do you mean?" Kit asked, completely taken aback.
Jade softened as she watched the princess continue speaking.
"I don't want to go without you. I don't want to leave you behind. I am not my father. I won't do that to someone else."
Kit's voice was panicked, breathless, and rushed. All Jade wanted to do was to comfort her, but she couldn't bring herself to lie. "I will admit this is risky and it'll be hard, but I have experience as the underdog. You know they'll underestimate me. You know the advantage this will give me. I'll... "Jade dropped off the sentence when she heard the snap of a dry twig being stepped on nearby.
Jade pulled the princess closer, tucked her into one arm, and moved herself between the threat and Kit. In the time it took to do so, three large men appeared from the night and garden foliage.
"Even if I asked you to run, you wouldn't would you, Majesty?" Jade asked, passing her dagger to Kit.
"Damn straight." Kit agreed with a savage smile to almost rival Jade's as she accepted the weapon. "And it's Your Highness."
"Figures, damn pain in the ass Princess."
Despite her skill with sword and axe, Scorpia had drilled hand-to-hand combat into her younger sister over the course of her life. She had faith in Kit's ability to handle herself for the most part, but not being able to see how she was faring as the hulks attacked was nerve-wracking. Jade used size and momentum against her much larger opponents and the rosebushes all around them became weapons. Whenever she could get a glimpse, Jade saw Kit holding her own well. Jade grabbed a fistful of greasy hair as one of the men she now recognized as having been dismissed after the sparring boats, charged at her. She slid out of his path and brought her knee up swiftly as she simultaneously slammed his face down into it.
The hulk fell unconscious and Jade shoved him away as she kept moving in Kit's direction.
As she moved towards Kit, Jade saw her dodge and weave between attackers letting them wear themselves out as they dodged her weapon. As she moved, Jade realized how many hits she had taken in her own fight. She could at least distract another one before the pain truly set in. If she could handle this, Kit could take care of herself.
Jade took an elbow between the eyes as she saw Kit slice a hulk forearm, twist, and jump onto a hulk back, pulling the knife along the throat, Killing him. Jade wanted to whoop in delight. Instead, she slammed a shoulder into below center mass of the hulk, bringing him to the ground, rolling through the fall to pop up. She got an arm around his throat and twisted, breaking the neck. She stood just in time to see the hulk with the slashed throat collapse before Kit could dismount.
Jade bellowed as loudly as possible until help came running or maybe they already had been on their way. Time had ceased to mean anything since they had been attacked. She fell to her knees at Kit's side, shoving the hulk off of the princess, and hauling the girl up into her lap as the Shining Legion arrived. Armored hands pulled her away from the princess even as she fought to get back to her, desperate to protect. Her knees scraped as she fell forward, landing in front of the Lord Commander or whatever, 'Ballantine' he had been called. He supported Kit and offered Jade a hand standing up.
"Don't you idiots know love when you see it?" Ballantine asked the other Legion members and let Jade take the rest of Kit's weight.
Jade felt the legs firm up in front of her and the strain lift off of her slightly if unsteadily.
"Jade? Where's Jade, the Bone Reaver competitor?" Kit was looking for her.
"Who do you think is holding you upright?" Jade laughed over Kit's shoulder. "You really got your bell rang, didn't you? Fights don't always go like they do in books, do they?"
Jade knew she was blushing when she felt Kit's huff of amusement, and her shoulders melting back into Jade's grip.
"These are Raider Hulks." Ballantine began to explain before Jad could respond, taking a deep breath when he realized both young women would be okay, holding one another up. "They were dismissed from the competition for your hand earlier today, Your Highness... and they must not have taken the expulsion well. I am very impressed the two of you were able to hold your own. With only one knife."
"It was all Jade," Kit told him with a touch of shame in her voice." She took down two all on her own." The princess had blood dripping down her face that Jade gently wiped away from her mouth and chin with the wrist of the mined beautiful shirt.
Jade wanted to argue but she wasn't sure she had the necessary energy. Kit was already swaying on her feet. "You were amazing as well, your Majesty. You defeated a whole hulk with no help and managed to still look radiant with your face caved in." She wasn't sure what she was saying or how much sense she was making. Jade's whole body throbbed painfully. Kit likely felt worse.
"If your men can handle the arrests, can I take the princess to be treated? It would be improper for anyone else to see her in such a state, "Jade said in yet another low and dangerous tone of voice she had no place using at that moment,
Ballentine narrowed his eyes but nodded, reaching down to pick up Jade's dagger and press it into Kit's bruised hands.
“I will catch up with you all later, once I've gotten a clearer picture of what happened here."
—--/////—--
Kit sat at the table in the kitchens as Jade reached into the chest of ice to drop a few blocks into a dean cloth for Kit to hold against her head. She carried them carefully from the cellar.
"What would the camp of suitors out there say about me now?" Kit asked sardonically, a smirk pulling painfully across her face as a bruise bloomed across her face. Her beautiful outfit was torn, bloodied, and covered with various earthen remnants from her fall in the mud. Her hair pointed in all directions and she heavily favored her left side.
"If they were anywhere near as smart as me; they would think you are brave, strong, and kind." she answered honestly and plainly, the only way she knew how. Something about the pain brought down all of the remaining walls between them.
Kit didn't respond, looking down at her hands, studying the dirt beneath her nails and the bruises on her knuckles turning purple. She had seen Airk's hands bruised like this but certainly never her own. The knife on the counter sported mostly dried blood.
"After such a short amount of time, you really believe that, don't you?" Kit said with a sigh, watching as Jade took a seat as well. Instead of being delighted at the compliment, Kit felt tired and sad as the fear drained from her. There was so much she still needed to think about and process.
"I thought you were dead , Kit. He fell on top of you and theway your head bounced with this... this sound ; people usually don't survive that." Jade felt her eyes tear up. She turned away. Words were forming on the tip of her tongue, words thought she needed to say, but couldn't let Kit know yet.
Instead, Jade's new friend, Brunhilde ran in. "There was yelling! Someone said one of the twins was hurt... " The blonde was chattering as she rounded a corner only to slam into Jade who immediately groaned in deep pain.
"Oh... oh, sorry, Jade."
"It's... It's fine." Jade replied just as Lori Toth joined them from the rear entrance.
"You are going to tell me everything that happened right now," Lori said in a voice that Jade knew meant business and brooked no argument.
Kit and Jade told the story to two sets of rapt ears, featuring both of their perspectives as Brunhilde, whom Kit inexplicably called Dove, patiently and gently wiped at each of their faces. Kit was irritated and fidgety. Jade took her hand to an almost inaudible gasp.
Jade didn't say anything as Dove finished cleaning Jade's face to get a view of the damage where she sported a knot above her eye and split lip. She gave Jade ice as well.
"It's almost five in the morning. I'll make you some of the hot brown morning potion Madmartigan used to like so much. It's supposed to help you wake up, and keep you awake. Just be aware it can be hard on your stomach." Dove was surprisingly gentle and when she finished with Jade, she moved quickly and surely around the kitchen. She made a paste and moved on to Kit. Though the class difference and tension between them were clear, Jade could tell they had grown up around one another.
"At least the bruise looks dashing on you," Kit said tiredly as Dove applied salve. "Your lip looks almost normal again.”
Jade grinned and it hurt. She sighed as she resigned herself to the fact this day was not going to go as she intended. She hoped Lori had readied her gear.
"This is bitter and hot." Dove warned when the ups were ready.
"Just like you." Jade sharked to Kit before taking a sip.
The princess barked out a laugh that made her wheeze in pain.
"This is gross. Thanks." Jade drank it all, burning her tongue in the rush. She stood and stretched out her sore muscles. Jade swept into a bow before her princess. "I'd best get going. I have a tournament to win."
"In that state?!" Kit exclaimed.
"I swore and I meant it. "Jade said seriously. "I have had to do worse on much more serious injuries before. This shouldn't be too bad and... we have the plan for the joust. I won't make any promises, but we should be alright."
"Be safe," Kit ordered and grasped Jade's wrist, pulling at the hem of her shirt until it tore, then tied the fabric around the freckled arm. She put her hand on Jade's shoulder and kissed her despite the pain flooding both of them. Maybe because of it. It was a short moment and Jade was too surprised to react, but as Kit pulled away, Jade chased.
Kit headed back into the kitchen and down the hall leaving Jade standing there wide-eyed in shock, electricity running through her veins, all of her aches and soreness forgotten. "When did that become a thing?" Dove asked, surprise and amusement dancing in her voice.
"Hm?"
"Weren't you going to do something?" Dove changed her question.
"Oh, right." Jade took off at a jog down toward the lists. Lori followed quickly after yelling at her to wait up.
"What are you doing ?" Toth asked, a voice full of fire and fury as he chased down his charge.
"I am doing what needs to be done." Jade continued to blaze a trail ahead.
"Jade, your sister would have my head if you went off half cooked like this into an event you haven't trained for. Take a minute and get your head on straight. Take some deep breaths." Lori insisted, his longer stride carrying him into pace with her.
"This isn't fair, Toth. She didn't ask for any of this, and all of these people that came to fight to marry her... they all just see her as an object." Jade was fuming, words falling out of her mouth before she got the chance to filter them. Adrenaline had returned and Jade could tell by the way her body felt that after all of this was over (if she lived) she was going to have the best nap of her life.
"Okay, stay mad then. I can say one thing for sure, though. You never saw her that way. That's why I think you're the one that will win this. you're the one doing it for the right reasons." Toth said in a careful tone.
"What reasons are those? "Jade asked suspiciously; not liking the way he was speaking to her, understanding her. "I didn't even want to be here. Scorpia made me."
"That might be why you came here in the first place, but it is not why you're fighting now. It's not why you gave her the knife during that fight. Everything you're doing now is to protect her... and if that's not love, I don't know what is." Toth paused in front of the tent, pulling Jade to a stop as well. "I admired your strength and loyalty before all of this. I respected you, but now... I'm proud of you, Jade. I'm sure your father would have been too."
Jade scoffed.
“Okay, your mother then.”
Jade didn’t know enough about the woman to argue.
Jade filed away the words for later. She could ponder them when all of this was over, whatever the outcome. She let Toth hug her, brush some dry and cracking salve off her face, and guide her into the tent. There he braided her hair in short, quick twists of surprisingly dexterous fingers. Jade had him tie them off at the base of her neck where her hair would at least be manageable. She stood with a low groan and he helped her into the bone-studded and braced leather armor, liberally applied with oil to keep it flexible.
"Good enough?" Jade asked him.
"Good enough." Toth agreed.
Jade slid her mask over her face and headed toward the lists where a squire waited with her mount. The horse bowed his head to greet her, and Jade sighed happily in response. She mounted with a groan. Jade would be jousting against grown men who were trained for this and had probably slept last night and probably hadn't had their asses handed to them in the past five hours. All she would have to do is stay on her horse... and even that would be temporary... and it would fucking hurt.
"How are you feeling up there, kid?" Lori called up to her. "We're running low on time here."
"I swore, Lori. No matter what, she isn't going to beforced into a marriage she doesn't want. Scorpia sent me here knowing I could die." unbidden the memories of Scorpia pressing that kiss to her with her fingers and the memory of Kit's lips on her own sprang to mind.
"You are as good as anyone out there, Jade," Toth reassured her. Remember what you're fighting for and you know... don't fall off. Unless you mean to." Toth patted the horse's haunches and sent them on their way.
As she waited, Jade could feel herself nodding off, her body trying to force itself to rest. She imagined what it would be like to be riding away from here right now, with Princess Kit Tanthalos on the back of her horse, towards safety. Jade couldn't imagine how Scorpia would react to the young woman if they showed up together. If nothing else it would be hilarious to behold. Jade got the feeling her sister would respect Kit's choice to fight for herself. Kit would stick out there like a sore thumb... just as Jade did here. When she looked up, just once, to check in on her princess, Kit had a far-away look in her eyes. Jade recognized the expression as the one she had just been wearing herself, the dreaminess and the way she looked off to smile to herself now and again without actually seeing anything. The bruises made Jade's heart ache.
When they announced Jade of the Bone Reavers' she gave a half-bow from the saddle, but only to Kit Tanthalos. Despite herself, Jade's loyalties lay with Kit now, balanced with her family. All of that long-held pride, she had to set it aside now. She had cracked right down the middle. Jade lifted a hand in greeting and the crowd roared. Inadvertently she had shown off the blue band around her wrist. They knew something had occurred between her and the mysteriously vanished blue knight.
A big wooden board posted above the lists sported the bracket for both tilt yards and Jade was desperately relieved to find she wouldn't be first. She wanted to take the leather off and maybe lie down for a minute. Exhaustion had dunk down into her. She just wanted to know if Kit would be safe and then sleep for a week...maybe with her princess beside her. Mothers, she hoped she was able to pull this off... and that Kit wouldn't have to watch her die. When they were dismissed she laid her aching body down on a wooden bench, setting her mask in easy reach. She didn't fall asleep, but she finally felt able to breathe.
Kit Tanthalos
Lori helped Jade onto her mount as Kit watched, escaped from the dais, and jogging for the lists to secure a good place to watch. preferably amongst some commoners. She slotted herself between Toth and Dove, who stuttered and stumbled through a greeting, and some rowdy soldiers whose awful attitudes and comments soon had hit grinning through her pain. They never would have spoken like that if they recognized her. Dove hissed sympathetically at the bruise, now deeper and more swollen. Kit shrugged it off. She didn't want that from her brother's annoying ass ex.
Jade rode with confidence, a straight spine, and her chin tilted up. The contestants circled the yard, learning the field and calming their horses. This had been easier when she hadn't known the other woman. Now, her eyes tracked Jade. Without any conscious thought, Kit's hand curled desperately around Brunhilde's, eyes never leaving Jade's back. The kitchen maid accepted the gesture without question, recognizing abject fear in the princess' eyes.
Jade rode out to her turn at the joust, remembering what she and Kit had discussed, what she and Toth had planned. Deep down she was terrified, but Kit's eyes were on her, watching and waiting. Scorpia and the Bone Reavers were depending on her.
There was a mixture of confused noises as Jade rode out with only a sword on her hip. She wore her mask and no helmet. Jade blocked the sounds out. She forced herself to relax into her center, to ride with ease, and there was the blow of a horn, and for the first time, Jade eyed her opponent.
He was a good match for her first tilt of the day. like her, he was young and strong, lean. She continued her evaluation as they kicked their horses into movement and she rose up in her saddle. Jade kept her body loose as they charged. She counted the yards in her mind before grasping the saddle horn and jumping. Her feet landed where her tailbone had been. She crouched on the moving horse and counted two more beats.
The lance was pointed directly at her unprotected heart, only brittle, dried bone and leather were between her skin and the point. When it came close, Jade jumped, grabbing the armored knight and pulling him from his saddle with a bellow. All Jade could hear was her heartbeat. Everything hurt doubly from the jolt and the impact, but now they were on the ground in the dust as the horses returned to their comers.
Jade pushed the face guard up, and realized he was unconscious. She stood up, kicked him just to be sure, and grinned behind the mask as she bowed to her princess.
Jade pulled off the choking leather as the next four took their turns and she rested a while, gulping down water and a few slices of bread, fruit, and cheese. She was shocked by how well she'd done but doubted she would get through so many matches unscathed. Her muscles ached and Jade stared at the roof of the tent. Still, she had scored well in the first bout and she hoped Kit had watched.
Luckily, Toth woke her up when she was up next. He helped her into her leathers and back onto her mount. Jade was shocked by how quickly she bounced back, but she still ached. Jade knew any hit would bring it all right back. She needed to win. Everything would be worth it once she won and Kit was safe.
The princess caught her eye and Jade felt seen. Kit gestured her over and pulled the ribbon that had been braided into her hair out. "Put it with the other one." Kit requested and could hear the war of the crowd at the action. She had never thought of what the populace might read into it and felt her face go red.
"Do not die." Kit hissed at her; her voice packed with fury, fear, and concern. "If you die, I will kill you."
Jade felt a knot form in her throat; felt herself choke and Kit laughed, out of fear or relief. Jade didn't know why she found Kit's eyes on her, rooting for her, so comforting. She didn't know why she had a second favor from Kit all of a sudden, a public one no less, packed with ages of tradition behind it. For a second, all of the stakes and the fear faded away and Jade was a real knight fighting for a princess and her honor. Arrogance, Kit-like arrogance, could come in handy in a fight.
Jade drew her sword, held it aloft, and galloped around the tiltyard. The ribbon on her wrist fluttered in the wind and the spectators went wild. If Kit always felt the way Jade did now, she could understand the ego. She returned to the lineup.
On the first pass, Jade couldn't get up quickly enough and had to dodge for a net zero points. The next caught her in one of the bone epaulets, cracking it. Jade found herself unhorsed, ears ringing, and vision swimming. She barely managed to roll out of the way of a mace swing. Someone offered a pike as she scrambled to her feet but Jade shook her masked head, drawing the sword again. She would need all of her skills at her disposal to take on someone of this caliber, especially in her current state.
It was a long fight, and Jade spent more time in the dirt than she would have liked, but she came out on top in the end. Jade caught the man across the Achilles tendons with her blade. She popped up to her feet and leveled the blade with his throat. He had delivered her a fantastic bruise across one shoulder to remember him by. As soon as he conceded Jade sought kit out in the crowd.
She was down to her final bout, versus the Cash moron woman. Jade would only be given a short break. With the hit to her shoulder, every hit would be agony. Jade ducked into her tent immediately to strip. Three people rushed in after her. Before he could protest, they were helping her out of the equipment.
"Jade, you gorgeous idiot." Kit was barely breathing and her eyes were so wide it seemed like they would swallow her face whole. She knelt in front of the knight and removed the mask. Kit cupped Jade's face in her hands; brushing sweat off of her forehead. "Do you have any idea how scared I've been."
Jade didn't have a response prepared for that, all she knew was what she felt imagining what would befall hit if she didn't succeed, she bit her lip as Dove pulled her top layers off a began wrapping bandages around Jade's shoulder and ribcage to farm something of a brace for her.
"Not so tightly that I can't move, please. There's one bout left. If I can make it through the final tilts, we'll be home free." Jade explained with a low his s.
Jade looked into Kit's eyes all full of hope and adoration as Kit pulled the ribbon off the sword hilt and wrapped it around Jade's wrist where it would fit comfortably below her bracer. "I prefer your hair down." All Kit could do was chuckle. The ten-minute warning bugle sounded.
With Jade patched up to the best of their ability, the small group helped her to get redressed and re-armored. hit gingerly pulled the mask down over Jade's face, her hand lingering along the jawline a bit longer than necessary. If their gazes held intently for a while, no one said anything. Jade stretched as she stood and walked out of the tent to greet her mount.
"Please, Jade. Please take care of yourself. No adventures without you, remember?" Kit held the most tightly until Jade nodded stiffly in response, unable to speak around the lump that had started to form in her throat at the look on Kit's face.
Once again, Kit found herself watching someone she loved's back as they rode away. She tried not to believe this would end the same way. She tried to believe Jade would return to her.
—--/////—--
The Cashmeran woman was bigger than her, by far,muscle-wise, and therefore had a better chance of remaining in the saddle. Jade, however, knew her mount like the back of her hand e.. or an old friend. That evened the odds. She reached forward to pet his neck as they awaited the staring bugle. Jade knew Sorsha was likely giving some big speech. She rose in her stirrups and rolled her shoulders a far times now that she was back in the godforsaken armor.
The bugle blew and Jade's mount tore off, ready and eager. The Cashmeran's horse had to be encouraged and was a full handful of seconds late by comparison. Jade had plenty of time to lift up and jump into the saddle. The other woman was so startled that she fell from her horse of her own volition. Jade dismounted and handed off her horse. She drew her sword and attached the staff end. It was a sign of respect, Jade hoped everyone understood, that she didn't attack from horseback. Respect didn't mean she was planning to take it easy on her.
The Cashmeran had a height and a muscle advantage, along with a hand-and-a-half broadsword Jade would never choose to wield herself, but definitely admired the beauty of anyway. Jade would have to fight the way Scorpia had taught her; relying on her dexterity, speed, and skill to avoid incoming blows and wear the opponent out as they fruitlessly attacked. Jade already knew this would be an intense and exhausting fight. She had watched the Cashmeran before and knew the woman could be brutal, and that she would fight to kill. Jade was willing to admit that she was more than a little nervous.
Jade yanked her helmet off and hoped the reach of the sword staff would add to her advantage, but that wasn't the answer. Jade felt the Cashmeran come to her, quickly changing her mind at the charge, unsnapping the weapon to dual wield, using the sturdy sheath defensively when ducks and dodges weren't cutting it. Jade felt like the fight lasted hours instead of minutes as the rest of the world faded away, and there was only Jade and the sword being swung at her.
All Jade wanted to do was lay down and maybe puke. She blocked with the staff and slammed her body forward and down, knowing she wouldn't be able to overpower, but hoping to surprise. They toppled over and Jade landed elbow down into the side of the Cashmeran's head.
Jade took too long to get up to her feet. She felt weak for maybe the first time, she wanted to use the sword staff to lean, but powered through despite herself. Her mask was uncomfortably stuck to her face with sweat. She stood over the Cashmeran woman and counted to ten before turning to present herself as the winner to the queen. Then, Kit's voice out through the crowd like one of Jade's arrows.
"No! Watch out!" her voice reached Jade's ears.
Jade spun on her heel and ducked at the same time she took a blind swing. The sword. "met throat meat and blood sprayed. Jade kicked the body away from herself before swiping the blade along the sleeve of her undershirt to clean it.
"Stay down and dishonor on you." Jade grumbled. "I didn't mean to kill her, but I doubt I will be losing any sleep over her loss." she didn't know who she was even speaking to.
Jade sheathed her weapon and stepped forward again as she waited for someone to say something to her. Anything to her. She genuinely wasn't sure how much longer she would be able to hold herself upright.
"Warrior, you have done well." Sorsha called down as Kit joined her on the dais. It made a lot more sense to be looking up into Kit's eyes than the queen's. Kit was worth waiting for. At least this was all about to be over, and hopefully for good.
Jade should have bowed or knelt like a proper soldier or knight, but she much preferred standing and looking straight into Kit's wide blue-grey eyes.
"We find ourselves impressed, Bone Reaver. What is your name? You have proven yourself worthy. Will you unmask yourself?
Jade had not allowed herself to dream about this moment. She hadn't expected to know Kit. She definitely didn't expect to care for her. She hadn't expected herself to care what Sorsha thought even if only as Kit's mother.
Jade reached behind her head with a creak of protesting angry muscle and joints beneath her skin. Everything hurt, including Sorsha's eyes weighing on her in judgment, heavy as Jade tugged away the now battered and broken seen-together materials. Her jaw clenched and she turned to consult with her advisors. Tension and broiling emotions roiled Jade's guts. She waited. She waited some more.
Sorsha returned to the railing and Jade spoke before she could begin. "I did this to reaffirm my people in your eyes. I did this to test myself against people of my same skill level and then… Then I met your daughter. She changed everything. Ever since I have been doing this for her instead." Jade's voice was deadly serious, her hand had never left the hilt of her sword, taking a severe risk. She held Sorsha's gaze."You... you actually fell for her," Sorsha was dumb stuck in surprise. "This was not the point of the tournament."
"Jade did everything right, Mother. Look at her! Most of those injuries were from saving my life last night. Even you mentioned how impressive it was to battle a hulk." Kit protested immediately and ferociously as she moved to the front of the dais, unaware that due to the art of her gown, the vast majority of the crowd would now be able to see the bruises thatdecorated her back and face
"You can't deny this, your Highness. Everything was to the letter of your decree. I acted well in line with the rules you set," Jade agreed, taking another step forward "and it was in front of all of these people." Jade was directly in front of the dais, looking straight up into three Tanthalos faces. Kit reached a hand down and Jade reached up to meet it. She kissed the knuckles then climbed up to join them with assistance from a sympathetic-looking Airk. Kit liked Jade's clenched fist to the sound of raucous applause. A grin started to pull at Kit's sore mouth, even while Jade was propped up between the twins so she wouldn't have to bear so much of her own weight.
"Shall I announce the engagement then?" Sorsha asked in a barely restrained venomous hiss. Kit's smile started to spread, but whatever Kit had been about to say was cut off by Jade.
"No, I will not marry the princess. No one should be able to face another to marry. Her Majesty Princess Kit Tanthalos of Tir Arleen is free to do whatever she wants." Jade announced to the crowd to a mixed combination of reactions. "she can marry who she chooses when she chooses."
Kit had never been more in love with someone than she was now looking at Jade Claymore.
"What if..." Mit asked quietly, just for the two of them to hear. "What if you are still all that I want? Do you not remember when I said I wanted all of my adventures to be with you?"
"Then I will go wherever you go. Always." Jade agreed and found the back of her neck cradled gingerly as the Princess of Tir Arleen kissed her in front of thousands of people.
"Now, let's get her to the infirmary, quickly." Kit ordered, hands gentle and searching on her skin. She linked their hands together as they walked. Jade fell asleep (or she passed, there was no way to tell) as soon as her head hit the pillow on the cot and she felt Kit's presence safe and near her. When she woke up again, she was in Kit's bed.
She could feel the other woman next to her as her aches and pains resurfaced. Kit's breathing was deep and even in her sleep, her arms loosely wrapped around Jade's middle from behind. Jade's head was pillowed against Kit's chest, her cheek against the tip of Jade's head. She wondered if Scorpia knew yet. She wondered if her sister was on the way… if she was proud.
Jade was with Kit, they had done what needed to be done, and... she knew together they would be able to figure it out from there. Jade nuzzled back in and let sleep take her away again for a while longer.