Chapter 757 (2/2)

“You might find this surprising,” Rumi said seriously, “But I want to be powerful. An ultimate warrior capable of controlling the fate of entire Schools… so I say we bet the reasons we wield our spears on the tournament. But since there are only two of us, we only lose if the other person’s choice wins. If Silo wins, for example, you must agree to give up your precious duty; you will cast aside your spear. As a show of generosity, I will agree to accompany you on a date. Which would be our first day, just so we are clear.”

Snorting, Shal shook his head. “What woman would want to date I, should I be spearless?”

Rumi snorted right back at him. “Now who is making ribald jokes?”

“I am being honest,” Shal rumbled. “My drive comes from the spear and the future it grants me. There are many things I want to accomplish, and without the spear, I am incapable of reaching the heights I pursue. I cannot help but wonder… Why do you covet the weight behind my spear?”

“Think about it,” Rumi said softly. With her fingers, she delicately brushed the Silo doll’s hair to the side. It was pure gold and caught the light well even in doll form. “What happens after you reach the end of this road? Are you yourself any longer...? The rivers of blood that flow to the pinnacle of Tellus have tolls. Perhaps… I don’t want to see you pay them.”

“Because I am your man, you worry for me. It is unnecessary,” Shal drawled.

Rolling her eyes, Rumi tossed the Silo doll back into its wooden bin. “If you aren’t going to even listen to me, I will go find our seats alone.”

“The fight will not be for a bit yet. And besides, I have not yet learned what I will win, should Azriel prove victorious in this tournament.” Shal’s gaze remained fixated on Rumi’s shoulders as she marched away from him. It was a habit from reading an opponent’s bone structure in fights to the death, but Shal was shocked to find how much he delighted Rumi’s musculoskeletal system in smooth motion.

There was an uncommon grace and lightness to her movements. She walked like morning mist arriving, all silent approach and cool tingling. She seemed so small and so slight, and from the moment that Shal saw her, he felt a deep longing in his heart to protect her. Of all the people that he had encountered in his life, even Randidly, this young woman was by far the most bright and delightful soul he had met.

Rumi spun around and caught him staring. Putting her hands on his hips, she tsked lightly and said. “Don’t look at me like I am a cut of meat when you ask what you will win. This isn’t a scenario where I offer you my hand in marriage. Besides, the bet you are putting up is a weighty thing; I must even the scales with something of equal value-”

“And as you are already my woman-”

“THEREFORE,” Rumi said with a glare. “Therefore, to stand opposite your deep dutiful spear… I offer my vast potential in spear work. Should Azriel Blanche prove the superior spear user, I will willingly pass to you my infinite amount of possible power.”

Shal blinked, opened his mouth, then frowned. Of all the things he expected her to offer, this was… most unexpected. “This…”

“Ha, you don’t believe me? Let me prove it to you.” Rumi turned around and walked smoothly toward Shal. She was perhaps only two thirds as tall as him, a slender and slight thing. And when she stood before Shal, he once again felt the urge to grip her and wrap his arms around her.

His right pointer finger twitched.

Very slowly, Rumi raised her arm and drew the back of her hand across his cheek. The short stubble of his face caught on the tender skin of her hand. While Shal stood shocked by the sensation, he couldn’t help but notice that she was standing on tiptoes to so casually reach his face. Then she twisted her hand and with fingertips traced the line of his jaw to his neck. From his neck, she followed the thick veins of his shoulders down to his collarbone. She tapped his collarbone three times and then allowed her hand to drop.

“There,” Rumi announced, beaming up at him. “Would you not be dead, had I done that with a spear instead of a hand? Perhaps next time I will show you the secret of my moves.”

Shal chuckled, in spite of himself. “You cheated. This proves nothing.”

“You know what they say. There is no such thing as unfair to a man holding a spear.” Very pleased with herself, Rumi spun in a circle, then hopped up and planted her feet to stop herself. “Ooooo, okay. Let’s go. I want to get a good seat, so let’s go early.”

“Are you worried?” Shal asked as he moved to her side. “Your brother is facing the favorite today.”

“Of course I’m worried,” Rumi said. And as she spoke, she seemed to pale. “But it is not for my brother that I worry.”