Chapter 12 – Fight!

TAWNY

“No!” I say loud and clear - my voice raising above the arguing males.

“Tawny,” Mason sighs, coming to stand in front of me. His hand reached up, palm cupping my face tenderly. “He is an unknown. You are skilled and strong but…”

He doesn’t have to finish the sentence. I get it. He’s a huge bastard, one hit from him and I could be knocked out, killed even. Then he would hold a position to be named the next King. “Worst-case scenario, he wins, then he will have to fight Crimson once his and Gillian’s contract has been fulfilled.” I look between Crimson and Gillian for clarification.

Crimson nods, defeatedly “That is correct. But Princess, you can rescind your acceptance of the challenge. You can’t fight him.”

I rear back at his words. I am not weak. I will rescind nothing. “I will fight,” I say matter of fact. “Whether I fight and lose or dispute the challenge – the outcome will be the same. I will not lose.” I hope.

“But Tawny…”

“No ‘buts’, Mason. In battle, we don’t get t