Chapter 48: Fight like a man. Or at least die like one.
"If there is still honor left to defend, Lord Constantine, then come out and fight. And if not, then prepare your last words."
Count Crueder turned even paler, his forehead was instantly covered with beads of cold sweat. Shaking uncontrollably, he turned his entire body to the King, offering him a pitiful stare, and pleaded,
"Your Majesty... I was cheated! This is not fair, my champion surrendered without any reason to! Please, do something, this is absolutely not fair!"
King Euris cleared his throat with an irritated growl and shook his head as his hoarse voice declared,
"I’m afraid it does not concern me, Lord Constantine, and there is nothing I can do. Her Highness Princess Aideen is the only one who can decide the outcome of this duel. If she is merciful enough to spare your life, then do your best to beg her properly."
Aideen flinched at the mention of her name and turned to face the King. Although his life was on the line, Count Crueder hesitated. He still struggled to comprehend the fact that someone as pathetic and powerless as Aideen Ruan was now controlling his imminent fate.
It was ridiculous, outrageous even, however, he could not help but agree that begging her to spare his life was still better than dying at the hands of the Mad Dog of Valentines and his legendary black sword.
Setting his pride aside, the Count took a step towards the princess, then fell down to his knees with a resounding thud, and begged,
"Your Highness... Please, I’m begging you, put an end to this madness! Let bygones be bygones. Whatever you think I have done to fall out of your grace, I implore you to forgive me. I truly have no idea what Duke Tillian thinks I have done to you to deserve such a disgraceful demise, so please, convince him to show mercy!"
Still on his knees, Count Crueder moved even closer and grabbed Aideen’s hands, pulling them closer to his chest.
This simple, yet daring action, combined with the man’s miserable cries for mercy made Aideen shudder in disgust. A relentless wave of past memories came crashing down on her, erasing all the hard work and effort put into leaving them all behind, far outside the walls of Duke Valentine’s castle.