Chapter Twenty four

Soon, Ileus knocked out the sword from Zayen's hands and took the sword for himself. Everyone gasped looking at if Zayen would surrender or not because there was no way he could stand a chance against two swords. 

Surprising everyone except the Lords and Alora who had seen him train, he started dodging each attack launched at him, using his bare hands to fight against the swords and surprisingly, the swords didn't tear his skin. 

Ileus was also shocked and Zayen used that opportunity to hit his sword out of his hand and he got his sword back. 

"Give up already Ileus, you see you don't stand a chance against me. I've done all my researches and trained as hard as I can." Zayen smirked as he continued fighting swiftly without showing any sign of fatigue. 

"I never give up Zayen. You would be the one to give up by the time I'm done with you." Ileus smirked back and they continued their fierce battle. 

"I don't want to actually hurt you." Zayen sighed before her thrusted his sword. "But you'll leave me no choice."

Zayen gave his last strike and his sword went between Ileus and his sword, making the sword call off and with the help of his fist fights, he was able to knock Ileus out.

Ileus managed to get up his feet after the strike from Zayen but he was too late, two minutes had passed and Zayane was declared the winner. "Lord Zayen of Arran kingdom is declared the winner."

Zayen gave Ileus a hand and helped him up. "Sorry bro. My sis can take a look at it for you." Zayen looked towards Alora as he helped Ileus out of the battling ground. 

"I'll be back father." Alora stood up and walked out of the place reserved for them to seat. A maid was following her with a small bag that looked like her herb bag. 

"Sis can you please check his wounds?" Zayen asked with pleading eyes. 

"Seriously you can just go to the doctor over there. I'm out of herbs. Well I still have one that can help him but you owe me a leaf gathering spree." Alora pointed her fan at him and he smirked. 

"Deal." 

After helping him check his wounds, she made sure she used an herb with lesser effect that would make it look like he was healing normally. 

"Thank you my lady." Ileus appreciated. 

"Alora." Ilyas called and she turned to look at him with a smile on her face. 

"It's nice to see you here Ilyas." Alora smiled. 

"Well thank you. Since you promised me a time to get to know each other few days ago, why don't we get to know each other now? Besides, we still have sometime before the end of the tournament." Ilyas asked. 

"Well, I'll ask my father then, I'll be back." 

After asking Ruger, Alora walked towards Ilyas who was standing with two men with horses. 

"Would you like your own horse or… would you like to ride with me?" Ilyas asked as he winked

"I'll ride with you." Alora smiled.

"Oh, sure." Ilyas blushed, not expecting her to actually accept his offer.  

They both rode out of the place and Ilyas rode to a green field right behind the village. 

"Why are we here?" Alora asked.

"Wait until you see the best part." Ilyas helped her down from the hires and lead her to a group of bushes. He pulled them away and revealed a small wooden door, making Alora gasp. 

Alora followed him through the door as he opened the door slowly. She was surprised by the sight that welcomed her.

The place was filled with different types of flowers; jasmines, roses, bluebells, sunflowers and more. There was a clothes spread on the grass between the flower garden.

"So how did you discover this place?" Alora asked him with curiosity obvious on her face.

"Well it used to belong to my mother. She was from Arran and she brought me here once." Ilyas led her into the place that looked like a beautiful paradise on Earth. It was even more beautiful than the gardens she saw in Ophyrium. "Do you believe in love at first sight, Alora?" 

The question made Alora stop and look at him with raised brows. "Of course I do. Even though I don't know what it feels like, I've only read it in books." Alora replied. 

"This place is a very special place to me. Mother asked some to bring the person I love here." Ilyas coughed as if he had said too much. 

"What…..what do you mean? I'm…..sorry. What?" Alora looked at him feeling a bit awkward.

"I'm sorry I shouldn't have said that." Ilyas said.

Alora nodded as they walked down to the creek that was flowing in the place. Alora sat by the creek, removed her shoes and dipped her legs in the water. The water was warm and refreshing. 

"Well Alora. I would like if we could know each other more like. Know each other more." Ilyas said and Alora turned to look at him only to realize their face was close to each other.