"Majesty," she said, "I wish to fight Ser Arthur Dungen"
The hall seemed to still.
"to prove my skills before the people in the arena."
Silence followed.
King Alric studied her without a word, his gaze heavy and unreadable.
Leah drew a steady breath. "I can fight like Damian," she said firmly. "I learned from the best."
Her eyes shifted toward Uncle Garron.
Garron smiled gently and gave a small nod.
The king turned slowly toward his brother, his expression tightening.
Leah continued, her voice gaining strength. "Uncle Garron taught me to master the sword. He taught me techniques few even know. Even though I do not possess an awakening or powers like Damian, I can fight well." She paused. "Uncle once said I was a quick learner… and that with discipline, I could even surpass Ser Arthur Dungen in sword practice."
The king's eyes narrowed at Garron.
Garron lifted both hands defensively, palms out, shoulders raised in exaggerated surrender. "Don't look at me like that, brother," he said with a crooked grin. "She cornered me every morning with a sword in her hand. What was I supposed to do,run?"
"You spoiled her too much," the king said flatly.
"Father," Leah stepped forward, "all I want is one chance. Just one chance to prove myself."
The king's expression softened, his voice lowering. "Leah, my child… I know you are capable. But I want you to be happy. I want you to marry someone brave and wise, to have children, to live peacefully before my eyes." He shook his head slowly. "This warrior's path will not bring you happiness."
Leah's jaw tightened.
"This sword brings me more happiness than anything in this world," she said.
She drew the sword from her back, knelt, and held it with both hands: vertical, the tip resting against the stone floor.
"Father," she continued, "there are many women in our battalion. Even Ser Arthur Dungen's wife is a warrior. She is admired by her husband. She is happy. I yearn for a life like that. I want to fight for my people, to protect them,even without special powers like speed or fire or air."
The king's voice rose sharply. "Leah! The bloodline of this country depends on you. I do not want to lose you. You must carry the legacy of Grimfort."
"All I ask," Leah said quietly, "is to fight today… and hear the crowd appreciate my skill."
The king turned away, troubled.
"Leah," he said after a pause, "you will attend the arena with Thalia. Nothing more. Nothing less. This is the order of His Majesty."
Leah's shoulders stiffened.
"Yes, Majesty," she replied softly.
She rose quickly, turned, and walked toward the exit.
Garron followed her. "Your time will come," he said gently. "You will shine brighter than the sun,but today belongs to your brother. Let him have his glory."
Leah nodded, her eyes downcast, and continued walking.
"I guess that didn't go well," Mauris said as he approached.
Leah said nothing.
Thalia stepped closer and held her arm. "Don't worry, darling. Everything will work out. Now smile a little,I don't want Damian worrying."
"I don't want Damian worrying," Hentry mimicked dramatically.
"I don't want my darling Damian to worry," he repeated, striking a pose.
Everyone laughed.
Thalia blushed and lightly smacked him. "Knock it off!"
"It's getting late," Frauner said pointedly.
"Let's go," Mauris agreed.
"I wanted to use the special rope line from the Eastern Tower to the arena," Hentry said excitedly. "I want to glide!"
"No," Thalia snapped. "It's dangerous."
"Please, sister," Hentry begged, eyes wide.
"I can't in this dress," Thalia replied.
"I'll go," Leah raised her hand.
"I'll join," Mauris nodded.
"I don't think so," Thalia said. "Your armor is heavy."
"Oh, come on!" Mauris groaned.
"I'll go with them," Frauner said calmly. "Someone has to keep them alive."
"Fine," Thalia sighed. "Mauris and I will take the chariot. Meet us at the arena."
"Yeah!" Mauris cheered, hugging his sister before running ahead.
"Be careful!" Thalia shouted.
"Wait for us!" Leah and Frauner called, running after him.
They reached the Eastern Tower breathless.
The tower was tall and round, built of ancient stone, its surface scarred by centuries of wind and rain. It rose so high it seemed to pierce the sky itself, clouds brushing against its upper rim.
"Woah," Hentry whispered.
They climbed the spiraling steps, legs burning, until they reached the top.
"Welcome, my lady, and handsome lads," the technicians greeted.
Leah's gaze fixed on the rope: thick, twisted, deep brown, stretching into the distance with a wide harness attached. The far end vanished into open air.
"Careful, lady," a technician warned.
Leah stepped closer… then glanced down.
The world shrank beneath her.
Trees became dots. People looked like ants. Buildings turned into small boxes. Clouds drifted past the tower's edge.
Her breath caught.
She stepped back and stumbled.
For a split second, balance vanished.
A hand caught her at the waist.
Firm. Steady. Warm.
Leah inhaled sharply as she felt herself pulled back: safe, grounded.
She froze.
And slowly turned her head.