Heart's Desire

Chapter 16

I couldn't help but notice the air today was feeling a bit...odd. I couldn't quite place my finger on it. Maybe it was the constant feeling of someone watching me. Or that I was being followed, aside from the guards and my father following me. My father was adamant at first on not letting me watch the challenge today, but he thought that the champion might win and I'd be there to witness Odessa's downfall. She worked too hard for this. If anyone was going to have their downfall, it would be the champion. At least that is what I hoped for.

"Smile, Y/N," my father said.

"I try, father."

"In two months time, you and Aetius will be watching over the events. You and your family."

"That's what I am afraid of," I sighed.

"Come now, the idea of marriage will settle soon enough. Just be glad I waited until after the challenge."

I wish it was never. That I would be marrying Odessa, because she would treat me better than Aetius. He was nice, I will give him that. He didn't touch me in areas without my consent. But he wasn't Odessa. He wasn't gentle and warm. There was a coldness about him and that first impression still sits with me. He's never going to wash that away from me. No matter how charismatic he is.

We reached the Colosseum and the other gladiators were just buzzing with excitement. Some of them were already getting to their seats, which was near the ground of the Colosseum so they could feel as if they were in the fight themself. I'd rather be there so I can cheer on Odessa, but I had to be with my father.

"Who are you rooting for today?" he asked, as if he already didn't know the answer. "I am hoping the champion pulls out another win."

"Odessa," was all I said.

"You think she can win against the champion? He's almost held it for nearly two decades."

"That's exactly why."

"Come now, Y/N. The champion is strong and will forever have his strength."

"Odessa is strong, too. Stronger than him."

"You can't be serious."

"I am. And remember, whatever she wants, she gets."

"Yes, yes, I know."

We reached our box that was high above the stands, so we could see everything. I was making sure I was close to the ledge, so I could see everything that happens today. Once the crowd had settled, my father stood up and walked towards the edge.

"Welcome all! Welcome! Today we have a wonderful event! A fight for the title of champion!"

The crowd roared into cheers and hollers.

"Today we have our long reigning champion fighting the challenger!"

A door opened up and Odessa walked out carrying nothing but a knife and her battle axe. Not even a shield. The crowd laughed, taking that as a sign of arrogance. That was her confidence shining through.

"Odessa Stone from the famous Stone family! Her father held the title of champion for many years until our current champion took it from him. Let's see if she can take it back!"

The champion walked out from where he was. He was holding his famous sword and shield, but he had no helmet. That was his signature look. He never wore his helmet, despite some of the head injuries he took on one too many times. I'm surprised he's still alive after all those hits.

"Champion and challenger, may the best of the best win. And whomever wins, challenger or current champion, your heart's desire will be granted. And that is a guarantee. Now, when you're ready!"