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Aculus nodded to her, headed out and down the corridor. He nearly ran into Costa as he reached the mezzanine.

“I was so relieved to hear you changed your mind about denouncing your birthright,” she said excitedly, placing her hand on his chest.

He groaned and took a step back. “Costa, I’m not cementing the entire conclave.”

“I thought since we’re holding the Trials…,” she began, looking dejected.

“No,” he swiftly interjected. “I apologize. This had become quite the ordeal,” he sighed in frustration.

“I see. I better get ready for the Trials,” Costa said and quickly headed back into her suite.

Aculus ran a hand over his face. He couldn’t blame Costa for being confused. He had renounced all of it, then Nadzia and Merus convinced him the nation needed him. He’d accept that duty because he did love his people.

Although, there’s still a chance I’ll give it all up.If Nadzia couldn’t finish the Trials and win the approval of the people, he’d leave it all behind for her.

Of course, there was another reason he’d be forced to give it all up—if the assassins got to him.

Nadzia

The floating platform the Conclave only used for pomp and circumstance slowly skimmed the wading pool bordering the city. Throngs of Osivoire lined the shore, cheering as they passed.

Holy hell, there’s a lot of people.It looked like more than when they’d first landed, if that was possible.And they’re all here to watch the Trials. Don’t fuck up and embarrass your race.

She panned from the crowd to their destination. The closer they got to the starting line, the more she shook from all the adrenalin coursing through her. So much was riding on today’s outcome.

I’m going to kick ass. I have skills they don’t.

“Careful, the water is deceptively deep here.” Aculus urged her away from the edge of the platform.

He hadn’t said much since they’d gotten dressed. She couldn’t blame him. What else was there to say? She followed his gaze to the approaching shore where her fellow competitors waited then looked back at Aculus. His fists were clenched as he studied the two dozen females competing for a coveted position in his nonexistent conclave.

Not that any of them know that.This being a life and death situation, the important details were only shared with a select few.

“Who’s not who they say they are?” Aculus murmured under his breath.

He took the words right out of her mouth. Her gaze narrowed as she looked from one female to the next trying to discern who were Jurou Biljana assassins in disguise.

I won’t let you hurt him!

As they neared the shore, her attention was drawn to the opposition. Unlike the earthy yellow armor she and her fellow candidates wore, the opponents playing the part of Osegrin’s enemy were dressed in red armor. Seeing the scores of menacing red warriors, it was hard to remember these were Aculus’ sisters and his former conclave.

Were they this daunting in the videos?They hadn’t looked so freaky, and not nearly as spiky.

“Just remember,” Aculus began.

He was so cute. He’d spent a lot of time trying to convince her she didn’t have to do this, but he’d also bolstered her with tips and encouragement, too.

“I know, handsome,” she interrupted him. “Don’t worry about me. You just relax and enjoy your cushy ride to the finish line, ‘cause you’ll need to save your energy for when I get there.”

They’d be parting soon and she really didn’t want some sort of poignant goodbye or she’d start crying.

“Oh.” Aculus’ brow arched.

“Don’t worry. I’ll go easy on you.” She nodded confidently.

It was totally crazy that after battling her way across the sprawling wildlife refuge she’d then have to fight Aculus, but this was their tradition.

“I’d really appreciate that.” His red eyes danced with amusement.