Damien woke after an excellent night’s sleep, calmer and more relaxed than he had been in weeks. Making a decision about Karrie took a huge weight off his mind. He wasn’t at all certain he’d made the right choice, but he’d committed now so all he could do was follow through and hope someone swept her off her feet before the vows were spoken. He held little hope of that, but stranger things had happened.

He dressed, headed to the kitchen to collect a pair of breakfast sandwiches, and walked downstairs to check in with his master. Her door was partway open so he stuck his head in.

She looked up from the paper she was reading. “Don’t just stand there, come in. Do I smell bacon?”

He guided the bubble with her sandwich over to the desk. “I figured you’d be so wrapped up in planning that you’d forget to eat, again.”

She devoured a quarter of the sandwich in one bite. “You were right. How come you never bring orange juice?”

He shrugged and dropped into the empty chair. He’d gotten comfortable enough in her presence that he could sit without feeling like it was a breach of protocol. “I didn’t know you liked orange juice. How’s the mission planning going?”

“It’s done. I sent a summons to everyone I want. With any luck everyone will be assembled no later than tomorrow at noon. Speaking of noon, did you really have to fight that blond idiot the day before a major action?”

“It wasn’t my idea. Don’t worry, I can handle Sig and still have plenty of time to recover before tomorrow. I assume you want me to come along?”

“You assume right. You’ll be leading the first squad through the door.”

Damien looked up from his food. “I don’t think caves have doors.”

His master scowled at him. “You know what I mean.”

“Yeah. Are you coming to watch the duel?”

She waved a greasy hand. “I don’t have time to waste on that foolishness. Just be careful. Even a weak opponent is dangerous if you underestimate them.”

He stood up. It didn’t look like she had anything for him to do today. “I never underestimate my opponents. What time is the muster, tomorrow?”

“An hour after noon, but I expect you in my office by ten at the latest.”

“Understood. If you need me just send a message.”

She waved a hand and turned her attention back to the papers on her cluttered desk. Damien went outside for some fresh air. He hated the time before a battle. The minutes seemed to drag by.

He traveled the back corridors, meeting no one, following the same path he took last winter when he went looking for Lane. Damien stepped out into the courtyard and flew up on to the wall. He walked the perimeter, looking out over the bustling capital. When he reached the north gate Damien squinted, trying to see past the outer wall. Was Sig there waiting? The arrogant noble didn’t seem like the type to arrive early for a fight.

He sensed a presence a moment before John landed beside him. His old friend had dark circles under his eyes. It didn’t look like he’d gotten much sleep of late.

“I thought I might find you here,” John said. “I can’t believe he challenged you again.”

“Me either. He wanted a duel to the death, but I made a deal with the duke to spare him.”

John cocked his head. “Deal?”

When Damien finished explaining John stared, dumbstruck. “You might better kill him. If his father disinherits him Sig will be devastated.”

Damien couldn’t dredge up much sympathy for the giant Northman. “If he challenges me a third time I’ll do just that.”

John flinched. “Did you talk to Karrie?”

“I agreed to marry her. She seemed pleased.”

“I bet. You don’t seem all that thrilled.”

Damien shrugged. “Not thrilled” described how he felt pretty well. “It’s done now. Maybe it won’t be so bad. At least she won’t be nagging me all the time.”

“Not about that at least.”

They shared a laugh.