Strong women: Love bets before the battle

Even though the first battle was won, it was only the beginning. The Dark King challenged one territory after another. Although he had suffered a bitter defeat in the first battle, his desire to establish himself in Bayaroma and overthrow that continent only increased. But Mortis and his people were undeterred by the continued onslaught. The rapid victory sent waves of hope, especially to the smaller territories that did not have as many fighters. However, every nobleman was ready to participate in several battles and help his neighbors. A week passed while Mortis traveled from battlefield to battlefield to motivate his people and collect souls of the deceased. To him, it didn't matter if they were good or evil; each soul would make him stronger. But no sooner was the first week over than the larger territories were challenged, including the kingdoms of the two marquises and, on the final day, the kingdom of Rome itself.

Mortis had little concern for Rome. He was confident of himself and firmly believed that no matter what strategy or force the Dark Emperor used, he could not win this battle against him. Venice, however, gave him a headache, for two of his betrothed nobles lived there - Elysia and Elara. Both were the rightful representatives as Margravine and daughter of the former Margrave. Although both were warlike in nature and seemingly unfazed by the impending conflict, Mortis could not hide his concern for them, despite the short time he had known them.

The day before the battle, he traveled to Venice with all his wives to support the city and his betrothed. He would have loved to use all the souls he had collected to prevent them from having to participate in the battle themselves. But that was not possible. Therefore, he chose the elite of his collected souls, determined to win the battle at any cost and bring both Elysia and Elara back to him safely.

The sun rose and the warriors - adventurers, citizens and nobles - were already wide awake. They checked their armor and sharpened their weapons, especially the nobles who had the dwarven steel swords promised by High King Hargwin. Other races were not allowed to participate in these conflicts, and so the vampires, who had recently spread to some areas, watched the battle from close by. Many wondered about Leroy, but as a servant of Mortis and a reawakened one, he seemed to be an anomaly on the battlefield, as did Casanova.

Elysia and Elara bickered as usual, but as the hour of battle approached, they too grew calmer and more nervous. Mortis, seated on a podium with the women, made a speech, followed by Elara, who spoke as Margravine. Mortis, however, left the field, as he was not allowed to participate. To his surprise, some of his wives stayed to support Elara and Elysia in the fight. When Mortis noticed this and went to get them, portals suddenly appeared on the other side of the battlefield, from which demons and devils emerged. A barrier formed in the middle of the battlefield and stretched across the entire field. Mortis was pushed away by this barrier and could do nothing about it. As the barrier took its full form, he could only watch and hope that Marina, Kathrin, Helga and Valeria, as well as Elara and Elysia, remained unharmed.

"We're definitely going to be in trouble," Helga said as she looked toward Mortis.

"Pff," Katrin countered, "When Valeria was so headstrong the other day, she was rewarded too. It's about time he realized what he has in us."

Valeria grinned cheekily and said, "Known how. I'm just thinking of myself and how to get time with our husband. But that for another time. How about a bet? The one who kills the most opponents gets a week alone with him."

Marina, watching the demons pouring out of their portals, said, "All right, I'm in. But how do we explain it to the others?"

As she drew her bow, Kathrin replied, "Too bad for them if they miss out on this fun and miss out on the chance to get stronger. We all know Mortis won't stay on this continent forever. If he finds a suitable successor, the throne will be passed on and our journey will continue. And I have no desire to stay behind."

"Well said, sister," Helga added. "And don't think that just because I'm a priestess that I'm too supportive of you. The days with Mortis are mine, too."

While the other women discussed their bet, Elara and Elysia stood apart, yet close enough to hear every word. Elysia looked at Elara with raised eyebrows. "Do you hear that? They're betting on who gets to spend the most time with Mortis."

Elara snorted. "Kid stuff. We have more important things on our minds."

Elysia nodded, but with a sly grin. "Oh, of course. Like which one of us is going to marry him first?"

Elara laughed. "Oh, please. I'm the margravine. There's no question that I have the right first."

"Just because you have titles of nobility doesn't mean you're closer to him. Perhaps he prefers a woman who fights with passion and doesn't brag about her title," Elysia countered with a twinkling look.

Elara took a step closer so that their noses almost bumped into each other. "Then let's find out. Whichever of us fights braver in this battle shall marry him first."

Elysia grinned broadly. "It's a deal. But be warned, I will not back down."

"Nor will I," Elara replied firmly.

The two women stepped back from each other, ready for the battle ahead. But their inner contest had just begun.

And so the battle began.