“This tournament isn’t over,” Bulan declared as she climbed up to the platform.

Eti gasped in Laya’s ear. “What on earth is she doing?” she cried.

Laya didn’t answer. Her heart sank as Bulan stalked closer to Luntok at the center of the platform. She remembered the broken look on Bulan’s face when the men insulted her earlier that afternoon in the gardens. Oh, Laya had a good idea what her sister was doing; she prayed to the gods she was wrong.

At the sight of the princess in the center of the fighting ring, the sea of spectators fell silent. Luntok dropped his arms. He and Vikal looked at Bulan in shock.

“Dayang Bulan!” Vikal said. “What are you⁠—”

Bulan ignored him and faced the crowd. She cleared her throat. “I, Bulan Gatdula, challenge the greatest warrior in Maynara.” Then she turned to Luntok with a hardened expression. “That is, if he’s brave enough to accept.”

Fury surged in Laya’s veins. “Luntok’s already won. Don’t be ridiculous!” she called out, only to be ignored.

“I accept the princess’s challenge.” Anger flashed on Luntok’s face. He took a threatening step toward her.

Bulan gave him a cold nod. She drew her sword and threw the sheath over the edge of the platform. “I knew you would.”

Vikal pulled Luntok to the side and whispered in his ear, trying to reason with him. Laya lunged forward. She wanted to grab Bulan and shake some sense into her, but Eti grabbed her wrist.

“Laya, no,” Eti pleaded, yanking her back. “Not here.”

At the tears threatening to spill from her little sister’s eyes, Laya relented. Maybe Eti was right. For Laya to clash with Bulan within the privacy of the palace walls was one thing, but to air their grievances before all of Mariit? Their mother might never forgive them.

Laya bit back a groan as she glanced back at the tournament ring. Healers had mounted the platform. They dressed Utu Luma’s wounds and carted him away for further treatment. Servants came with buckets and rags, mopping up Utu’s blood the best they could. Laya’s stomach turned at the rusty smell.

This was how the tournament would end⁠—her sister versus her lover. Laya wanted to strangle both of them. Instead, she stood helpless in the pit. What else could she do?

Vikal whispered one last thing in Luntok’s ear. He patted him on the back and descended from the platform, casting a grave glance at Bulan before he left. Vikal was afraid, either for Luntok or for Bulan. Laya’s eyes darted between the two warriors, terrified for both.