They had plaited her hair in true Andarion fashion and then coiled the pale, thin braids into an intricate style that wouldn’t interfere with her peripheral vision. His grandmother had also commissioned for her a true Andarion fighting suit in the deep burgundy color of their family crest. The leather pants clung to her body and were tucked into a pair of buckled boots. Her cutaway suede coat fell to her ankles and exposed her holster. It was fastened diagonally with six buttons. Three burgundy leather stripes decorated the sleeves and matched the gloves that covered her hands. His family’s Warsword was strapped across her back.

Best of all, his grandmother had painted her face not with the eton Anatole crest, but with theirs. His heart filled with pride at how good Andarion looked on her.

“You are exquisite, mu tara.”

Kalea tilted her head back until she could see him. “Mommy looks like a fighting princess, Daddy.”

“Your mother is a fighting princess. The best in the universe.”

“Really?”

Hauk nodded as Sumi came forward and knelt on the floor beside them. “How do you feel?”

“Syn’s a magician. I feel fine. Nothing hurts at all… except for having to leave the two of you.”

“You’re leaving?” Kalea’s bottom lip quivered.

Hauk knew the feeling. He just wished he could do the same as their daughter.

Sumi brushed Kalea’s hair back from her cheek and kissed it. “Just for a little while, sweetie. Your daddy will take good care of you, and I’ll be back before you know.”

“Okay.”

Hauk took her hand and held it. “How can I let you do this?”

“We have no choice.” She kissed him fiercely. “I won’t be defeated. When this day ends, you will be mine. And no one will ever take you from me.”

“I am already yours.”

She kissed him again.

“Sumi?”

She pulled back at the sound of Nykyrian’s voice. “I know. It’s time.”

Hauk had to force himself to stay in his chair and not go after them. This had to be done. He knew it. But every fiber of his being screamed out against letting her fight for him.

Don’t get hurt. He could handle anything but losing her.

And still that bad feeling stayed in his gut. Holding Kalea tight, he prayed.

Sumi took a deep breath as Nykyrian, Fain, and Cairistiona led her into the arena. Fadima had gone over everything for her, a thousand times.

And still she felt unprepared for what was facing her.

There were three judges from the Andarion royal court to oversee the fight and to make sure the rules were followed. Dariana’s family sat to the right of them. And sure enough, there were Dancer’s parents with her people.