27. En’Zal

The blast is powerful. I immediately wrap Stella in my arms, shielding her from the rain of broken glass.

The screams of the crowd are deafening. Cold, sharp glass cuts through my ceremonial robe, but I don't care. Stella is safe.

People run for the exits, lost in a panic. Royal guards run towards me with their weapons drawn as I look up.

Soldiers descend into the chapel through the shattered dome. They wear black armor with the unmistakable yellow-crest of Kalnia on their chest.

This is bold, even for the Mad King.

To my surprise, I see a flash of blue among the invading warriors. A very familiar hue.

"En'Zal! The man cries. "You would marry my slave?!"

No way.

King Ro'Kal himself drops down in front of us. How the hell did he get through all my defenses?!

I look up through the shattered dome, and see an unfamiliar ship hover above the grand chapel. Must be alien design — the slavers, no doubt. If Kalnia has unfamiliar tech, that's very bad news for us.

All around us our forces do battle, my royal guard trying to reach me, as the enemy king stands in front of me.

"Ro'Kal," I say, shielding Stella with my own body. "I don't remember inviting you."

"An oversight on your part, cousin."

Stella gasps. "He's your cousin?"

"Most kings are," I say. "It means nothing."

"Oh, but it does," King Ro'Kal says. "You break tradition. You steal my property. You intend to put an alien on an Erullian throne! The people will no stand for this, not even the docile herd that is your people."

"That is where you're wrong, Ro'Kal. Stella is beloved by my people, and she will make a fine leader. Not that you know anything about leadership. You're a pariah to your people, cousin."

Ro'Kal's forked tongue wets his lips. I just stung his pride.

"How about we settle this the old way?" He says. "Just you and me. Winner takes all. And I mean all."

His eyes flicker toward my bride, and anger floods through my veins. I'll never let him touch my bride. Never.

I reach for the ceremonial dagger that's hanging from my hip.

"Bring it."