An Arranged Marriage

The Duel and A Big Mistake

You smiled as you were on your way to the training grounds with Kazue at your side. He seemed nervous, especially when he looked at your sword at your side. You noticed his gaze and stopped to turn to him, "something wrong Kazue?" You asked, grabbing his hand in yours. 

"I'm only worried about your chance in this match," he said truthfully causing your brows to scrunch, "you have two djinns and can only use one." 

You knew what he was talking about. After all, you hadn't had that much time to train with Amdusias and last time you did all that happened was that you almost sucked your father's castle into a black hole. Nonetheless, you smiled at him, "Kazue don't worry about me. It's just a friendly match and besides, I took on a dungeon monster all by myself. I'll be fine."

Kazue nodded and gave you a quick hug, "give him hell," he muttered before letting you go.

You giggled and playfully pushed him, "Kazue," you lightly scolded causing him to smile at your and continue walking. You chuckled to yourself and walked alongside him. 

*~*~*

Koumei sighed to himself as he watched his older brother getting ready to fight his wife. It was surprising circumstances to him, he never thought Kouen would go as far as suggesting something like this. He should've known better than to tell him about her sword skills, unbeknownst to him, they were using their djinns as well. 

Kouha, however, already knew and was more than excited to see the outcome. "En-nii is definitely going to win this one! Y/N-nee doesn't stand a chance!" He said proudly. 

Kougyoku, who had just gotten there, glared at her brother. "Are you kidding?! Y/N has a lot more of a chance than him!" She argued. 

Kouha scoffed causing Kougyoku to glare and then soon after an argument began to ensue between the two. 

"We'll just see whose power is stronger," responded Kouen, cutting off the small argument. 

This caused Koumei's eyes to widen. "Please don't tell me you're using your djinn in this duel," he said, fearful of the state of the palace after the duel. 

"Of course, I'm curious to see her power," said Kouen while unsheathing the sword containing Astaroth. That was the purpose of the duel and he was sure Koumei understood more than anyone. Kouen couldn't help himself when he wanted to learn more, he loved that more than conquering land for the Kou Empire. 

Koumei suddenly felt the bags under his eyes grow heavier, "please don't destroy the palace during this," he muttered. 

"I'm not reckless, Koumei," said Kouen sternly, offended his brother would need to warn him of something like that. 

Any other conversation from Koumei would soon be interrupted by your arrival along with Kouen's household vessels. They all seemed excited to see this duel after hearing about it from several servants, most of them do gossip after all and were now placing bets amongst each other. While Koukuton and Shou were on Kouen's side, Seishuu and Kin seemed to be on your side. 

You grabbed your necklace and you walked up to Kouen. "Are you ready to lose, my prince?" You teased, hoping to rile him up. 

He only smirked with a small glint in his eyes, "we'll see about that, my princess," he said, his smirk widening at the blush adorning your cheeks. 

"Wow, who knew you could be such a tease," you said while winking at him. 

"Here I thought you would know after those nights we spent together," he teased, knowing he won after that comment; especially after seeing your face go fully red.