INTERLUDE – YOU OWE ME A DUEL

  I rush down toward Ellina. She’s heading for the city center.

  It’s been too long. I still remember clearly the last time she came to Omenmia. The last time I saw her—taunting me in front of the court, taunting Omenmia in front of our people. The country Father worked so hard to hold together.

  If not for him, I would’ve settled our score long ago. Every other country respected us. She never did. She always argued against me in public.

  “Ellina!” I call out.

  She turns, emerald eyes wide. Her hair catches the morning light—glaring gold. So perfect, even when turning. So annoying.

  Then she smirks.

  “Oh? Isn’t this the Crown Prince of Omenmia?”

  “Ellina. Our duel’s not finished.”

  “What duel?”

  “The one in the royal court.”

  “Please. You know you couldn’t handle me. Your father knew it, too.”

  My chest tightens. She doesn’t know. She doesn’t know Father’s gone. Is this really the time to do this?

  But even if I’m hunted by my own country, I’ll still defend its pride.

  “Well, we never got to settle it. How would you know?”

  “I know you don’t understand Shin enough.”

  “It’s been five years. Things have changed. I’m one of the best shooters in the country now.”

  She chuckles. I hate that confidence.

  “With my Shin mastery, you can barely aim at me.”

  “You’re a shiny target. I doubt I’d miss.”

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  “That’s not what I mean, you dumb prince. I’m saying I’m too fast to be targeted.”

  “Humor me.”

  She dashes straight to me—in a blink. Two houses away, and now she’s right here.

  “See? You can’t even catch this.” Her finger taps my chest.

  “Just give up,” she says, a reluctant smile curling on her lips. “You don’t need to prove anything. Your crown’s already waiting for you.”

  My crown.

  “I don’t have it anymore,” I mutter.

  I clench my fists. She wins the argument without even knowing it.

  My face twitches.

  Her smile fades. She looks at me—truly looks at me.

  “What’s wrong, Grant? I’ve never seen you like this.”

  “Father is gone.”

  She stills.

  “I’m sorry to hear that… So, you’re going to be emperor now? Why are you here in Bareniss? Shouldn’t there be a coronation ceremony?”

  “Because I was framed for killing him.”

  She steps back, eyes widening.

  “Did you?”

  “Of course not.”

  She goes quiet. Thinking.

  Then scoffs.

  “Wait—they believe that? You, capable of killing the Emperor of Omenmia?”

  She says it like we’re a nation of fools.

  “Apparently, everyone does.”

  “Your country’s really not smart.”

  “Don’t insult my country,” I snap. “This is all because of Ovivica’s scheme.”

  “Your aunt?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Then why are you here?”

  “Bareniss is the only neutral city willing to take us in. We’re heading to other countries while things cool down.”

  “You know it won’t settle unless you confront it.”

  “I don’t need your lecture.”

  She smirks.

  “Do you want my country to grant you asylum?”

  “No! I’ll never bow to your little country—or to you.”

  “Whatever you say, Prince Grant. Pride always comes with a price.”

  “So does yours.”

  “Mine?” She scoffs. “Don’t compare us. I know the weight of my words.”

  “Then prove it. Accept the duel.”

  A pause.

  Then, with a lazy grin, she draws her spears.

  “If you insist.”

  “I don’t have my rifle.”

  She steps forward, one brow raised.

  “You came to challenge me unarmed? You really are something else.”

  She sheathes her spears again.

  “So where is your rifle?”

  Finally.

  I smirk and turn toward the hotel.

  “Come on. I’ll show you.”

  Next Memory Unlocks: April 12th

  Lord of Chronicles