TWELVE

Today is the day of the competition and I feel both anxious and excited.

I woke up earlier than usual which I'm thankful for given that I don't want any mistakes today.

Looking around my room my eyes fell on the box Lucien gave me yesterday. After taking my bath I decided to put on the outfit.

The gown if I can call it that, is a hooded sleeveless light purple gown with a v neckline.

The material was soft and light to the touch. Just below my breast, were jewelries wrapped around it. A slit started from just below my belly button by the sides all the way down. A leather black pant as well as a leather fitted boot adorned with the same jewelry as the gown finished the look.

Turning to look at myself in the mirror I was impressed. The outfit was not too fancy that it will stand out and not less fancy that you won't notice. It perfectly fitted what I want to look and feel like. I braided some part of my dark long luscious hair and let the rest fall. My blue eyes were more pronounce and my shape looks more defined thanks to the practice i've been receiving from Lucien. He made sure I did not just practice my magic but my fighting skills as well. He made sure I ate healthy too then you add my clothing I even get to admit that I look good. Even while I was with my family i've never looked or felt this good. Knowing I look good however chased away the doubt I was beginning to have.

Ionia are you up? asked celeste from the door.

It is quite unusual of you not to barge into my room unannounced I replied.

Don't give me that, you gave me keys to your room yourself. You can't call it barge if the owner gave me unrestricted access. She said entering.

Call it whatever you want.

By the spirits ionia! is this really you?

You look divine, I bet all eyes will be on you.

Ionia are you sure you are up for this?

You look too beautiful to suffer shame and embarrassment my friend. Please reconsider one last time. Even I haven't seen you do any form of magic.

You worry too much you will see when it is time, for now let's go.

The duel has always been held in the valley of the gods.

The valley of the gods is a sacred ground in ataraxia, it is said that during the reign of the first king of ataraxia, the kingdoms surrounding it wanted to take the land of ataraxia seeing so much potential in it. The then king being noble, just and kind was beloved by the gods. Not wanting to shed blood unnecessarily he came to the valley and prayed to the gods to aid him, he begged for the protection of his people. The gods moved by his kind heart and just nature blessed him with unimaginable powers. He was the first person to possess Alevia. Not only was he blessed but his descendants as well. That's why it is only members of the royal family that possess Alevia. The king's power was so mighty and powerful and with the help of his wise and just council they defended and protected ataraxia. They laid the very foundation of which ataraxia was built. Till now no one in the royal family has posess such powers. Though the royal family are powerful but no one has come close to the powers of the first king.

And then it hit me.

Lucien is extremely powerful, no commoner or even member of elite society can possess such powers. Even king Alaric himself, known for his insane powers I don't think even he can compete with Lucien.

Just who exactly is he I wondered. This past weeks training with him has opened my eyes a great deal. He has taught me things I could only dream of. His powers are beyond my comprehension. Not only is he good at magic but he is just as good in combat. Frances and jasper seems like a joke in comparison to him, in fact the whole might of Ataraxia is nothing compared to him. Demon is too mild a word for him. I am most fortunate to be acquainted with him

Why are you smiling questioned celeste bringing me to reality.

Nothing I'm just excited I guess.

You are excited!?

And why are you wearing the hood?

Me wearing the hood does it make me ugly?

Not at all it makes you look mysterious.

Perfect then, we are here I said.

Those responsible for the decoration deserve praise. The valley in reality is a forest covered with beautiful flowers, gigantic stones and a narrow lake. It has somehow been converted into an arena with the stones carved into benches for the commoners and different section separated and arranged for the elites, royals as well as dignitaries from other kingdoms. Lots of people have arrived including people from other kingdoms.

Everyone is looking at you ionia, you are too beautiful. You know yesterday at the tavern they were saying that the Rania dynasty will be in attendance and everyone know how beautiful the people of Rania are. Some of the girls were saying you would not stand a chance. Look over there those are the people of Rania look at them they indeed are beautiful but I don't think you lose to them at all. You are not dressed as fancy as them yet you look this amazing. You are not just beautiful ionia it seems as if you are actually glowing. I think wearing the hood is a wise decision after all.

Celeste and I looked for a secluded place and sat down waiting for the arrival of the royal family and other guests.

Excuse me celeste, I will be back shortly.

I walked to the back of the biggest stone and saw something that looks like a cave I looked around and found myself alone. After making sure there is no one around I called lucien.

He appeared clothed in his usual all black attire looking aloof, cold and mysterious.

Is it time for you to compete?

Wait you only want to watch me compete?

Do I know anyone else?

But that's not how it works, you will watch me but at the same time have fun. And you promised not to be invisible.

I won't be invisible but I don't know if I will enjoy watching others.

Trust me you will love it, I don't like being around others as well but a dueling competition is exciting plus the people of Rania are in attendance, you do know of the Rania dynasty right?

Yes they are known for their beauty and spells.

Right that's them. Aren't you interested in seeing beautiful girls?

Why would I, I see you everyday?

Pffffftttttt you have the nerve to call me beautiful you haven't even commented on the clothes you gave me.

I gave them to you ionia so definitely I know you will do justice to it. With or without the clothes ionia you are beautiful.

I heard the announcer inviting in the royal family. Which was perfect timing considering I didn't know how to reply lucien.

Come let's go, I told him holding his hand and walking back.

See, look around Lucien you are not the only one wearing a mask, people wear them for fashion purpose. Look how colorful and flamboyant the mask they have on are. No one will single you out. No one is even paying attention to you so relax and enjoy yourself.

I walked back to where I was sitting with celeste, to find the place empty. Looking around I spotted celeste with the others not too far from me in a corner. I need to join the others and listen in on the plan for today. So you sit here and watch me.

Wish me luck I said to Lucien.

You don't need it was his reply as I turned to leave.

I joined the rest.

Everyone was busy talking and asking questions when I joined them.

Listen young ones began Illaesa

As you can see we have the kingdom of Hantis and VIra, the Yaenem and Khegalla empire as well as the Rania dynasty in attendance today. Each of them have strong and powerful magic and you are to compete against them. Remember all that you've been taught, make your families proud and bring honor to Ataraxia.

We will came the chorused reply.

Ionia is that you, asked Illaesa walking to stand in front of me.

My lady I greeted with a small bow.

I was still wearing my hood so half of my face was concealed.

You said you've learnt a thing or two while watching others because you couldn't find a master?

Yes my lady.

Why are you not dressed like the rest? Everyone is wearing a formal fighting attire you are the only one dressed differently.

It is best my lady at least she won't be associated with us said Rhea.

I think it best suit me my lady I answered ignoring Rhea's comment.

Indeed you look amazing.

Thanks for the compliment my lady.

Now children I leave the rest to you and may the spirits be with you.

After illaesa left us I could feel everyones stare on me, I ignored them and went to stand with the elementals.

Together we all looked at the platform where to no surprise of mine, my father stood addressing everyone.

I welcome you all to this event.

I welcome our guest who has travelled far to be amongst us today. Ataraxia is grateful for your company and hope you enjoy your stay. We have a lot of things to do today so without wasting much time, let the duel begin.