Eddie entered the hot throne room, almost choking at the humidity. The guard guided him, obviously concerned. It did very little to ease Eddie's anxiety.
When Eddie saw the dragons he was afraid, but part of him was intrigued. He'd always read about dragons and how they were no longer on Divisus but still lived on unclaimed islands as well as Pona and Konilla.
"They're dangerous but beautiful," the king said, noticing Eddie staring at the dragons. "You have never seen one."
"No, your majesty, I have not," Eddie said. "I've read about them, though."
"Tell me your business here, Lucantian." The king's voice changed from admirable to fierce in seconds.
"I am with the Tenebrian rebels. I don't believe in what Luceat wants to do to the Tenebrian people, so I'm joining them," Eddie explained.
The king's golden eyes were narrowed into dangerous slits. It seemed as though he had snake eyes as opposed to real eyes.
"You are lying," he stated. "You don't care for Tenebris."
"Yes I do!" Eddie responded, feeling exposed and afraid. "I do care for them."
"You care for an individual. You have no intentions of returning to Divisus."
Eddie groaned irritably. "Fine! I don't want to go back and be forced into a life I hate! I tried to run away and yes, I do care about the Tenebrians I've met, but I can't go back!" he exclaimed, listening to the low growls that came from the dragons.
"Cassiopeia."
The guard walked over and bowed before her king. "Yes, your highness?" she asked, looking up at him.
"Take him to the Hourglass. He has an hour to prepare," the king stated, before nodding to one of his dragons that spread its wings and flew out of the massive chimney that took up the room of the building.
"Sir, is that necessary? He's five feet tall and harmless," Cassiopeia argued, glancing at Eddie nervously.
"I won't risk our people's safety. We'll see how smart he really is," the king responded as the guard was forced pulled Eddie out of the room.
They left the throne room and Eddie was led to a small wooden shack. It was connected to yet another shack, and behind them both was a metal cage type thing, but Eddie couldn't see the whole structure.
"What is this?" Eddie asked, not sure what to feel.
"It's called the Hourglass," Cassiopeia said, looking embarrassed. "It's a battle ring."
"What?!"
"In an hour you'll go in there with a feral dragon. Since it's illegal to kill dragons here, you'll have to rely on your wits and hope that you survive. If you can go an hour without dying, you'll be allowed to live. If not..." she trailed off, but Eddie understood.
"What did I do wrong?" Eddie asked. "It was a white lie!"
"To the king, it was selfish. Meaning he wants to punish you for it. It doesn't matter your intentions." She sighed deeply and showed Eddie into a room of armor. "For what it's worth, I think you can survive, and I am really rooting for you."
Eddie smiled but it was clear he was in mental pain. "Thanks, Cassiopeia."
"Call me Cassie, please. And I trust you'll do well."
"Do you know what time of dragon I'll be facing?"
"Hopefully an Emerald or a Jade. They're the most mellow," Cassie said with a shrug, readjusting her cloak.
