The Villianess story: A 100 ways to kill your husband-Chapter 285: A slight change

Sebastian lost but he didn’t have any hard feelings. He knew this was going to happen either way at least he fought hard.

"I concede," Sebastian admitted, Cedric silently sheathed his sword. Then turned to leave through the gates no word exchanged between them. His mood was foul, that was all Sebastian could deduce. Cedric didn’t even glance in Abrielle’s direction the entire time.

Ava clasped her hands together and bowed her head to say a silent prayer. She was glad Sebastian finished the duel without any major injuries.

Today, only one rose was going to be given, the golden rose at the end of the duel, which would be presented to the victor at the celebratory festival at night.

There was a short break taken, this was the result everyone expected. The final battle between Cedric and Lucian. Abrielle expected Lucian to come out as the victor in the end. He was the male lead of the story.

******

The final duel of the Spring Festival was about to start. To some, it was a match to live for but for others like Abrielle, it didn’t matter. The sun was blazing hot in the sky, it was already past noon. The cheers of nobles, commoners and dignitaries echoed across the arena everyone was gathered for the most anticipated match of the season.

The Gold Rose. The prize of honour is offered to the champion of the Rose Duel. They say whoever received the gold rose will have eternal love, it was the greatest love proclamation.

All eyes were fixed on the two men standing at the centre of the duelling field, First Prince Cedric and Crown Prince Lucian. Two of the greatest fighters and youngest generals of the kingdom. One of them was going to be the next king. Despite the fact Lucian was the crown prince, Cedric was a figure that could not be overlooked. freёnovelkiss.com

Abrielle sat among the royal family in the royal box, her face composed but her heart heavy. The sun glinted off Cedric’s black armour, his red cloak fluttering in the breeze. Across from him, Lucian wore a gleaming silver-blue plate, his expression calm but focused.

They were both brilliant, strong and dangerous in their own ways but to her, the outcome didn’t matter. Not truly. She already knew what the end would be. Lucian would win. He was the golden son, beloved by the people, the crown prince. Either if he won or not the Gold Rose would go to Callista. Cedric would give it to her.

As annoying as it might seem she honestly didn’t care. She still had to meet Alfonso tonight to seal their deal. At first, she was worried about Cedric but it didn’t matter. Nothing does anymore.

Queen Eleanor’s gaze was proud, lips curled in satisfaction. Her crown prince was on the field. Her son. Her weapon.

Callista, seated nearby in her soft blue robes, clutched the edge of her seat, knuckles white. Her heart pounded in her chest. There was something in Cedric’s demeanour that unsettled her.

He hadn’t smiled once. The horn was blown.

Lucian was the first to move graceful, precise, sword drawn like a flash of light. Cedric met him head-on, their blades clashing with a ringing sound that sent a shiver through the air. The arena burst into cheers.

The duel began in perfect balance parry, dodge, strike. Cedric moved with deadly force and precise rhythm but Lucian countered every blow with trained elegance. Sparks flew as blades met again and again.

Elias, standing among the guards, leaned forward slightly. He had fought Cedric countless times. He knew that rhythm. But something felt different.

"He’s holding back," Elias murmured, eyes narrowing. "Why?" Elias didn’t understand since last night he knew something was off about Cedric.

On the field, Lucian began to speak between strikes. "You disappeared last night," he said, ducking under Cedric’s strike. " What happened? Callista was scared." he enquired about the strange night.

Cedric’s gaze flickered. His lips curved faintly. "So?"

Lucian’s brow furrowed. He scoffed at Cedric, "claw marks on the walls, the air was filled with a very eerie magic. That’s not normal and yet you appear this morning like nothing happened."

Still no reaction. Cedric was still calm. "I had no idea you were that interested in my affairs little brother." Cedric sneered. Lucian gritted his teeth and Cedric only calls him that in a taunting manner.

"We were born just months apart," he spat, delivering a strong blow as he swung his sword, which Cedric effortlessly blocked. "And yet you are still this week." Cedric shrugged, his gaze condescending.

It was a taunt to piss Lucian off, Lucian knew for sure he was anything but weak. He didn’t let Cedric get under his skin.

The crowd was roaring with excitement, oblivious to the exchange. The tension built as Lucian pressed harder, managing to force Cedric back several steps. It looked like the crown prince had the upper hand.

Queen Eleanor’s smile widened. She knew her son was superior and not some motherless bastard. "When will this be over?" Abrielle asked herself, getting bored of watching.

Alfonso watched every exchange. He knew combat-wise his brothers were superior and from what he watched, it seemed to be the truth, yet he had an unsettling feeling.

Everyone saw this match with a particular ending, the crown Lucian muttered something under his breath. No one else heard it, Cedric, except. A fleeting threat, spoken as their swords locked again. "Hide your dirt the best you can because anything that happens to you will lead to Abrielle’s death although she might die before that. She has been summoned to the court."

Something shifted. Cedric’s body stiffened and then he flickered between gold and black. In a flash, he struck.

Lucian’s sword shattered. The shards pierced his skin as his arm bled.

The crowd gasped. The sound of steel breaking silenced the arena in a single heartbeat.

Lucian stumbled back, stunned but Cedric didn’t stop. With terrifying speed, he moved forward and Eleanor bolted from her seat.

"Stop him, he already won." She barked, seeing Cedric was not going to stop. Lucian was already harmless yet he was still attacking.