CHAPTER SEVEN
Alex considered the warriors who'd made it to the third round of the trials. Most had either been eliminated or fled. Five men stood before him and one woman. They were all talented, all unique. Maybe they were all even worthy of being his champion.
But only two held his interest.
He'd always thought Edmund would win. He'd never seen a man more skilled with a sword. He'd wanted him to win. The man had been with him since they were both just thirteen-year-old lads. He was the only guard brave enough to befriend the prince, to spar with him and drink with him.
But that girl. He shook his head. No, he didn't want her to kill his friend, but he didn't think he could stand to see her fall either. He was impressed she hadn't run, awed by her skill. He knew all the highborn ladi
