The Ruler's Rift

Mislaid Maiden

Celeste prioritized sleep over her ritual, so she'd save it for after the battles. Rest probably wouldn't help her against the absolute force of nature that is Amber, but she had to try.

When the sun came up, the queen sharpened her weapon for perhaps the tenth time. As she gazed into its sheen, she breathed deeply and contemplated the past. Facing Amber in the battles just felt right; not as revenge, or evening the score, but as some strange closure. Celeste meant every word when she forgave Amber. In a fair, honorable fight, the demon believed she could prove how much she's changed.

Eyes dampening, she stood and propped up her halberd. Staring into its blade, she muttered, "thanks for everything, Amber. Sorry in advance for kicking your ass, heh."

Chuckling to herself, Celeste tied up her regalia and strapped her weapon to her back. The action reminded her of how little her proxy emerged these days. Whether hushed by Amber's kindness or the throne's busyness, the proxy made little appearance. She smirked - hopefully it liked a heavy halberd on top of it.

Quick on her feet, she marched to the colosseum - at least, that's what it had become. Despite its dark roots as one of Violet's dungeons, it made for a fantastic arena after some repurposing.

Biting wind whipped through Celeste's hair and clothing as she stepped outside. She reached the colosseum and admired the way it bristled with chatter and cheers, bursting at the columns with crowds of people. Celeste smiled. She made her way through her happy subjects, waving at those who called to her. Above, sunlight dared to peak between winter clouds in bold beams. Golden, heavenly, they spilled onto the world like scattered spotlights. The gentlest of snowfalls merged with the scene to make a beautiful painting. Celeste could've sworn she saw a work of art and not of life - all was too perfect and peaceful.

Atop the tiered seats, at the imperial box, the queen met Nova. She took her seat next to the Sharcanid. The crowd buzzed and would continue to do so until the first match began. Celeste sighed, "quite a turnout."

Nova looked over, tail flicking. "Did you expect anything less? Most of our budget went to the battles! It's a fan favorite of sorts."

"Sure looks that way," Celeste hummed, eyes scanning the rows of seating which encircled the arena. All the seats were filled - some perhaps crammed two people.

"Nervous?" Nova smirked.

Celeste laughed and replied, "Never! I'll win easily." Once again, her eyes darted to the empty seat at her right. "Speaking of...I wonder where Amber has gone off to."

"That darling should be here by now," Nova agreed.

"I suppose she's taking extra time to prepare," Celeste mused. She stretched. "That or she's scared, heh."

They waited a while longer before starting the battles without Amber. As a skilled assassin, it didn't surprise Celeste that her aunt would need so much prep time. Soon, Celeste opened The Battles of the Promised with a speech much like her first one.

Immediately, the audience exploded when the first match commenced with a familiar Sharcanid massacring a Leafleffish man. Lucian's participation made Celeste raise an eyebrow, but she was happy to see him enjoy himself. He probably deserved it in return for the failure of Lucille's divinity.

Lucian's ascension into the next round was marked by his bold boasting and his Leafleffish opponent being left in a heap centerfield. Though distracted by the match, the seeds of concern took root - Amber hadn't shown up yet.

As match two began and the fighters clashed swords, Celeste caught a tray with beverages hiding in her peripheral. One of her servants presented it to her. "Thank you," she said as she took a glass. She brought it to her lips, eyes fixed on the unfolding battle far below.