Book 3: Interlude XV: The Scorpion’s Whip
Interlude XV: The Scorpion’s Whip
If the crowds of witches entering the Tri-Tournament at dawn had been impressive, then the veritable swarm of witches that filled the seat rows below Duke Tyrell’s private viewing box once the sun had reached the top of the arena was practically overwhelming. Once again, Tristan was reminded of the vast difference in population and power between Lafeara and the Witch Nation, where purebloods and coven witches of every elemental affinity gathered beneath the banners of the Scorpion Emperor.
The black flags bearing the golden scorpion of Arius’s coven flew proudly all around the great arena, sectioned off by the four large pillars that held the colored flames of each of the three great covens, orange, green, and purple, as well as the Emperor’s red flame. Each coven gathered beneath their symbolic torch, carrying a flask of Tears of the Sun to refresh themselves throughout the long day of matches. Now and then, the bastard prince saw a burst of fire go off in the crowds, usually where different covens sat a little too close to each other, but for the most part, order and civility were maintained beneath the watchful eyes of the coven elders and the Palace’s Scorpion Guards.
The shadow guard, which the Emperor had assigned to Tristan, had been pulled back during the last week of training when he had barely set foot outside Farrell’s palace. The bastard prince found their absence oddly freeing yet disconcerting as he had become used to always seeing them in the corner of his eye.
So it was with some surprise—and an embarrassing amount of relief—that he noted the two shadows who entered the viewing box silently before kneeling behind his chair.
“Honor and Glory, Altius Ignis,” the first shadow spoke respectfully.
“Should I be worried?” Tristan murmured before tossing the last of the nuts and dried grapes from his plate into his mouth.
“The Emperor is aware of the discord between House Tyrell and Princess Aurelia. We are to remain at your side until the issue has been resolved.”