Page 10 of The Warlord's Wildflower
“Just Annie,” he repeats, smiling slightly. “It’s a pleasure.”
I fold my hands in my lap, trying not to look out at the ring where Fenric is standing now, all strength and sunlight and laughter. I’d been so stupid to think—
No. I won’t cry here.
I focus on my fingers. On the little pouch of herbs tucked into the folds of my skirt. I don’t know what I’m doing here, but I smile politely and try to be invisible.
Chapter Four
Fenric
The sun blazes overhead, beating down on the ring as the crowd buzzes like a hive. Minotaurs from the stronghold, neighboring tribes, and distant outposts are packed shoulder to shoulder along the grassy slopes and crowded stands.
I’ve scanned the crowd a hundred times already, maybe more. I don’t even remember who I last spoke to. Ribbons are tied to horns and belt loops, cheers rise and fall, but none of them are her.
Maybe she didn’t come.
Perhaps I scared her off when I asked for her favor.
I clench my jaw, adjusting the wrappings on my hands as I pace along the edge of the sparring ring. My heart kicks too fast in my chest. This is ridiculous. I’ve fought in real battles. Led raids. Taken down beasts twice my size. But the idea of Annie not wanting to see me today?
That wounds me.
Then I finally spot her, sitting beneath the chief’s canopy. Hair in ribbons, the soft lavender silk of her dress hugging every curve. She looks like something out of a dream. Not just pretty,stunning.Like a goddess trying to hide among mortals.
And she’s sitting beside Commander Garron.
My nostrils flare, heat creeping down my spine. What in the hells is he doing looking at her like that? Why didn’t she come find me? Was I too forward with her?Damn it, Fenric, maybe your ruttnous reputation made its way back to her.I wasn’t just sweet-talking her when I asked for her favor; I meant it.
Before I can stew on it too long, a horn sounds from the center of the ring. One of the gamekeepers raises his staff and calls out the first name.
Mine. Of course.
I step into the ring to the sound of cheering, my muscles already singing with the anticipation of the fight. The first match is a gauntlet, three warriors, one after another. A test of endurance, strength, and focus.
Usually, I eat this kind of challenge alive. But now I know her eyes are on me, and, Gods, I want to impress her. Let her see how I earned my rank before I had even grown into my horns. That no other Bull here can touch me.
I crack my knuckles and roll my shoulders as my first opponent steps forward, a stocky male from one of the mountain posts.
He grins at me, and I give him a smirk in return.
This one’s for you, little blossom.
The horn blares again, and the crowd goes wild. This Bull is a brawler, thick as a boulder and just as tough. He barrels forward, his muscles bulging beneath his hide, ready to take me down, but I’m faster. I slide to the side as his fist swings toward me. Too slow. I counter with a strike to his ribs, a quick jab of my elbow. He grunts, but he’s not out yet.
We circle each other, both sizing the other up. He’s stronger, no doubt. However, I’m quick, precise, and I’ve been taking down males twice my size since I was a Calf.
The crowd’s roars are drowned out by the rush of my own blood, the pounding of my heartbeat, and the way Annie’s eyesare burning into me from the canopy. I don’t need to see her. I can feel her.
I dodge again as he swings, but this time, I go in closer. My shoulder connects with his chest, throwing him off balance. He stumbles back, and I take the opportunity to twist, grabbing his arm and flipping him onto his back. He hits the ground with a thud, and the crowd gasps.
He’s winded. I’m just getting started.
I stand over him, breathing hard but steady. The crowd erupts into cheers, but I barely hear it.
I glance at the stands again, and there she is: Annie, clutching her skirts tightly. Her wide brown eyes are on me. My chest swells. It’s not just the fight. It’s her. It’s knowing she’s here and watching me.
I raise my hand in the air, letting the applause wash over me as I step back, allowing my opponent to catch his breath, never taking my eyes off Annie.
