The duel was set for two days later, at dawn. Despite Kara trying to make his brother understand that they could simply exchange favors, and that no challenge was needed to grant him a magical wish, the Prince's resolution was definitive. Verina, obviously unwilling to back down from a similar confrontation, treated the upcoming battle seriously; it didn't matter if he was the prince and if he was desperate for his wish to come true: her possible marriage was put on the table, and she was ready to accept the bet.
Laster avoided the two girls as much as he could, while he prepared physically and mentally for the task at hand. No one else, except the three of them, knew about it. It was a matter of principle: now that the gauntlet had been thrown, they had to see for themselves who was stronger: the newly appointed Marshal of Romiria, or the rusty Dragon Slayer.
As the sun timidly appeared on the horizon, the two contestants and the princess left the castle, to use the garden's 'meditation spot' for their confrontation.
The chilly air filled Verina's lungs, as she inhaled and exhaled profoundly. Kara, worried, inquired: «You... are not going to kill him, right?»
The witch stopped, confused «...no? Kara, of course I'm not killing your brother, we are going to make a 'magical contract' that will nullify injuries. Seriously, did you think that was a possibility?»
The princess bit her lower lip, remorseful; «You... have never looked this serious. I was overthinking, sorry.»
Verina hugged her girlfriend tenderly, consoling her «Do not worry too much... and be witness of my victory.» The other contestant arrived, awaiting in silence. «I want a lot of cuddles, when we return home, my dear Kara... prepare yourself.»
The witch faced the prince, giving each other a little bow as a sign of respect. The prince, despite the cold, wore light garments that allowed him better mobility. A similar choice was Verina's, whose ponytail and the short trousers under the long, open skirt felt highly uncharacteristic, giving Verina an entirely different vibe.
«Those clothes... Shendu fashion, it seems.»
«Would you stop if I revealed to you that I was trained by the Demon Queen herself?»
«No.»
Kara, now at a distance, blurted out «What is exactly that you didn't do, Verina?!»
Verina stuck out her tongue playfully, adjusting her robe. Laster closed the distance, and held his hand in front of her, ready for the magical handshake.
The witch took his wrist, sealing that tacit pact: until the end of the battle, no hit from them would hurt the other. It was standard practice, for non-lethal duels, as it allowed greater freedom and safety.
They separated again, and went to their starting positions. The prince unsheathed his weapon from his side, entering guard.
«I see... a broadsword. The blade of a marshal. I am quite lucky that my weapon of choice is also a sword, or this would probably not be fair...» Verina extended her arm to her side, and with the usual dust of sparkles, her own weapon appeared: the cobalt blade shined like it emitted light of its own, creating little rainbow-like reflections on the pitch-black backward guard, picturing a heron's wings, as its inlaid body merged with the handle, as its head locked the blade; in the pommel, a pending blue tassel waved lightly, moved by a non-existent wind gust.
«And you have... another Shendu relic. Are you sure you are not a demon, Lady Verina?» Laster understood immediately that was no ordinary weapon: the witch lived up to her name, even in situations like that.
