Page 51 of Frost and Death
Niko lifts his blade again, a reminder of the challenge to Rick, and I pray to the Makers they will protect my fiancé.
Ricks sighs, drawing his own sword and swinging it with flair. “Fine, but expect this to be over sooner than the guards can break down the door.”
Guests closest to the aisle veer backward, no one able to escape.
I catch Bernie, Princess Vivienne, Betina, and her family, they too cannot do anything but watch.
Niko charges Rick, my chest plummeting fast when their blades lock.
The swords clash and drive, the clang of each hit filling the room. Fighting in an aisle puts both fighters at a disadvantage.
My eyes track every lunge, hit, and pivot.
Rick blocks and dodges each one of Niko’s slashes with grace.
I haven’t seen this man fight, but Niko is one of the best swordsmen I’ve seen.
Yet Rick looks bored.
Blades compose their own melody with the mix of feet sidestepping, everyone locked in place, staring in awe as the fight unfolds before us.
The sight of Niko’s exhaustion has me wishing I could do something to stop it, but I remain frozen in place, watching and forgetting to breathe.
Rick’s blade slices through the side of Niko’s jacket.
Niko shrieks in pain.
People gasp as he applies pressure to the bleeding wound.
Rick pauses, a sinful grin hardening his features as he taunts Niko, “Might want to dismiss the guests. Don’t want them to see you meet your demise.”
Niko’s eyes flash, and Rick laughs wickedly. “Oh wait. You can’t, and you will.”
Niko roars and charges Rick, neglecting the blood seeping down his arm.
Rick pivots away, a gleam of amusement hinting in his eyes as he fools Niko, swinging his sword arm in a swift attack.
Niko turns, barely able to fend off Rick’s offensive strike.
“Please, my lords, stop this!” I exclaim, trying to command the fighting to end. “We can talk through this, I am sure.”
My plea is ignored as Niko lunges for Rick, a dagger drawn from his other side.
Rick sidesteps him again, as if he anticipated it, forcing Niko to roll down the aisle, giving the enemy his back.
No.
A scream rises. “Wait! STOP!”
Rick moves faster than my words, drawing his own dagger and bringing it around Niko’s throat.
I muffle my own scream, and the guests gasp.
Rick kicks Niko’s sword and dagger from his hands, twisting to me. “Or what, My Queen?” Rick laces every word with menace.
Niko struggles to free himself from Rick’s hold.
My heart stops when Rick’s dagger pierces Niko’s skin, a small dribble of blood trickling down.
