Chapter 35

Cassia

Cassia and Kain circled each other, their eyes fixated on one another. Both their swords were brandished, reflecting iridescent lights across the wooden stage. Everyone had backed away from them, giving them space for the duel that would determine who the future ruler of Oflaria would be.

Kain lunged forward and Cassia parried his sword away. For a mere second he was open and Cassia struck forward, but in lightening speed Kain blocked her blow and their swords rang out. The crowd gasped and Cassia gritted her teeth as she plunged forward.

She unleashed a flurry of blows on Kain now, her sword swinging wildly as she pushed him farther and farther back. Kain's eyes flew wide; he hadn't expected someone like Cassia to force him back, but she did and Cassia smirked. Maybe just maybe, she could win.

But then, Kain slammed his sword down on Cassia's and she gasped at the impact. Her entire arm vibrated and Kain shoved her back, causing her to stumble away. And before Cassia could catch her balance, Kain lashed his sword forward and Cassia fell back.

Her knees hit the ground and she kneeled there for a moment, gasping for breath. Kain may not be as fast as Cassia, but he was definitely stronger and Cassia threw her sword up to block Kain's next blow. Their swords collided and the sound pieced the air and the crowd shouted out as Cassia's sword fell down for a moment.

"Pathetic." Kain laughed. "What a fool you are to think you could defeat me."

Cassia gasped for breath before pulling herself up, lunging away before Kain could strike her down. She wheeled towards him, body shuddering and aching and she gasped as Kain plunged his sword forward, slicing a gash into her arm.

Warm blood seeped out of the wound and Cassia backed away, stunned. She had grown up with a sword in her hand, duelling others and practicing with many different opponents, but no one had ever drawn blood. No one had ever looked so delighted to see her hurt.

"Cassia! Fight back!" someone in the crowd shouted.

Cassia shot them a dark look. What did they think she was doing?

"You can do this!" Maria cried out and Cassia's heart leapt to her throat. "We need you as our future Queen of Oflaria."

Cassia's eyes flew wide as she remembered what Maria once said; that they needed Cassia as their future queen. And to Cassia surprise, she found herself smiling.

"Why are you smiling?" Kain sneered.

He thrusted his sword forward and Cassia hopped away; a newfound adrenaline pumping through her. She then stuck her sword forward and Kain parried it away, but Cassia attacked again, leaving Kain to grunt as he barely missed it.

Once again, Cassia unleashed a flurry of blows, her legs pushing her forward, her arms swinging around to keep Kain on his toes. Kain was now being pushed back again. His eyes grew wide, his arms trembling as he tried to keep up with Cassia, and Cassia plunged her sword forward, nicking Kain's neck.

He gasped and Cassia struck again, this time slashing his thigh and Kain shouted out as his leg gave out and he fell to his knees. He kneeled in front of her - one leg propped up as blood leaked from its, and Kain stared up at Cassia, looking utterly shocked.

"I won," Cassia said, smirking at the sight of Kain bleeding on the ground. "You know that, so surrender."

Kain growled and rose to stand, but his leg gave out and once again he was on the ground. He glared at Cassia.

"You have officially lost," Cassia said and the crowd roared with cheers. With Kain unable to stand, Cassia had officially won and her heart slammed against her chest, joy pumping through her as the crowd cheered her on. She glanced at her father who wore a proud smile. "You are not worthy of the crown."

Cassia's sword hovered in front of Kain's face; the point directly in front of his chin. His eyes were cold on her and Cassia glared back at him, uncaring about the man in front of her. She hated him. For everything he'd done to not only her, but Hunter, she detested him.

"Rise," Cassia demanded.

Kain scowled, but rose to stand. Cassia continued to keep her sword trained on his face, ensuring he wouldn't try anything.

"Surrender, Kain," Cassia said, glancing around. "Your followers are blocked by our knights. I've beaten you in our duel and you have nothing left to try. So give up and maybe we'll be more lenient with your punishment."

"Liana, kill the king now!" Kain roared. "Slay him."

Cassia's eyes darted towards her father who was still pressed against Liana; her sword pressed against his neck. Her heart slammed against her chest. She forgot her father was trapped.

"No," Liana spat. And to Cassia's utter surprise, Liana let go of her father. "I will never listen to you again, Kain. I am now on the side of the future Queen of Oflaria." Her eyes darted towards Hunter. "I told you I was on your side, Hunter. So is Chase and Haru."

Chase and Haru walked over to Liana's side and they all stood tall and proud together. Their eyes burned into Kain, however, who gaped at them. His eyes flew wide with horror.

"Traitors!" Kain roared. "Hunter, kill King Julius. Now!"

"No," Hunter said. "I will never do your bidding again. I am also on the future Queen of Oflaria's side. And... And I no longer fear you."

Now, Liana, Chase and Haru rushed to Hunter's side. Kain shot him the darkest look he could muster, his body trembling with a rage that made Cassia's heart tighten. She despised him. But, her heart soared when Hunter stood his ground, his eyes on his father who no longer scared him.

And Kain faltered. His eyes glanced between his son, Cassia's father, and back to Cassia. He hesitated, his body shifting, and then he spoke.

"Fine," Kain said. "Looks like you rightfully won and thus, you are the rightful ruler of Oflaria. I guess I've lost."

Cassia let out a breath of relief. Her sword began to lower slowly, hesitantly and knights slid closer to Kain. They won. The war was finally over.

But then, in the blink of an eye, Kain whirled around. And to Cassia's utter horror, he lunged towards her father - too quick for Cassia to stop him.

His sword launched forward, heading towards her father who's eyes flew wide wide terror. He went to move out of the way, but it was too late. Kain was too fast and Cassia screamed.

But then, Kain collapsed, his body crashing into the wooden floor. He let out a groan as he rolled to his side and Cassia gasped. Because plunged into Kain's chest was a sword someone had thrown.

"Hunter..." Kain choked out. "My... my son."

Blood poured out of his wound and onto the stage. It pooled around him as he lay there for a moment, the sword still piercing him, and Hunter gritted his teeth; his arms still stretched out in the posture one would throw knives with.

"You were never a father to me," Hunter said, his voice cracking. "I can't allow you to cause anyone anymore pain."

Kain paled before his eyes fell shut. And then, he went utterly still and Cassia's heart froze for a mere second. She couldn't believe it. Hunter had killed his own father.

"A life for a life is only fair," Hunter said, shooting Cassia a solemn look.

He tried to smile, but his smile slid off his face. Cassia nodded numbly in return, still in shock. But not because of Kain who now lay dead. Now, she worried about the boy she loved and she glanced at her father, who looks equally as stunned.

"That is enough," Hunter shouted, turning to face the crowd. "Kain is dead and rightfully so. My entire life I thought he was the rightful king and that he deserved to get his crown back, but I realized my father is a horrible man who would have destroyed Oflaria for the power he constantly seeks. No one should support him. King Julius is the rightful king and we must let him continue to rule over us."

Hunter turned to Cassia and her father, who was now at her side. And to her surprise, Hunter bowed towards them. And soon, Liana, Chase and Haru joined him, and they all bowed towards Cassia and her father.

"I'm sorry for my participation in the mission to dethrone you," Hunter said. "You are the rightful rulers of Oflaria and I will never doubt that again."

Cassia's heart raced. She should be touched and flattered, and grateful for Hunter's apology, but instead she worried for him. Because even after everything, he continued to go through hell and back.

"Thank you," her father said. Hunter rose up and stared at her father, his eyes full of sorrow. "I am indebted to you, Hunter Monroe. You have saved my life, so thank you."

Her father bowed towards Hunter and Cassia's heart lurched forward. She couldn't believe it. And when Hunter finally smiled, her heart grew warm.

"I'm sorry for the suffering I've caused some of my citizens," King Julius said, turning to face the crowd that stared at him with awe. "I've realized I failed some of you. And from now on I will provide all of my citizens a life that doesn't involve them struggling in any shape or form. From now on, programs will be implemented to ensure everyone is truly happy."

Cassia's father glanced at Hunter and Hunter's smile grew, his expression softening. And Liana and Chase's expression mirrored Hunter's, knowing this was for them; for the people who had grown up struggling to put food on the table and houses over their heads.

"We will talk more tomorrow," Cassia's father said and Hunter, Liana and Chase smiled. "But for now, we must celebrate Cassia for saving our kingdom."

Cassia blushed furiously as the crowd cheered her on. Hunter bowed towards her and Cassia smiled shyly, and her father began to applaud as well. Everyone started screaming her name, sounding so proud of her that Cassia grew emotional. She couldn't believe it. For the first time ever, everyone seemed happy about her existence.

"Cheers to the future Queen of Oflaria!" the crowd cheered. "Here's to our future Queen."

Cassia teared up, but a warm smile bloomed on her face. Her hand fell on top of her heart as joy pumped through her. For the first time ever, Cassia felt nothing but happiness as everyone cheered her on, showing her a love she never felt before.

"These are your people," her father whispered, pulling Cassia to his side. He wrapped an arm around her to hug her and Cassia smiled up at him. "I look forward to the day you rule, Cassia. I am so proud of you."

Cassia smiled brightly, feeling her heart blossom. Loved. Cassia was loved and now with Kain dead and no one looking to take them down, Cassia and her father would rule over Oflaria, ensuring nothing but peace and prosperity continued throughout the island.