Steel met steel with a vicious clang as Grand Duchess Amana and Melissa crashed together again, their mana flaring like wildfire across the courtyard.
Each blow echoed like thunder through the exhausted royal palace grounds, drawing the attention of nearby soldiers and servants.
"Stop them!"
One guard cried, rushing forward.
"No one interferes!"
Amana shouted, her blade driving Melissa back a step. Her voice rang with authority, and even the most loyal soldiers froze under her command.
Melissa gritted her teeth as she parried another heavy strike. The Grand Duchess wasn't holding back—and neither was she.
"You don't get to decide what's best for him! You only see him as your future husband. I've followed him through blood and ash!"
Melissa shouted.
Amana's eyes narrowed.
"And I've fought beside him with my life. Don't think you understand him better than I do!"
