Chapter 36

Once Vius was done, Solna guided him in for one last, sweet kiss.

* * * *

A huge circle of people greeted him as he stepped into the courtyard where Ilul already waited for him in the center. Not just nobles had turned out to see the Consort fight, but it seemed word had spread to at least some of Tanchar. Common folk intermingled with their brightly dressed noble counterparts. He turned towards his husband and waited.

King Tylele, because he wasn’t Vius here, walked out behind him and stood tall at the front of the space. “General Ilul Carorva has challenge Consort Solna Nalion to combat,” the King’s voice carried across the entire area, cold and detached. “General Ilul’s demand is for Vius Tylele’s hand, which belongs to Solna Nalion.”

No one breathed.

Vius met Solna’s eyes, sorrow heavy in his husband’s gaze. “Begin.”