The arena is a sea of colorful banners that represent different noble families. The sun is glinting off the weapons that are wielded by the skilled combatants, their sweat and determination evident on their faces. The crowds cheer and jeer as they watch the intense bouts, adrenaline pumping across the arena. I sit beside Gideon, his hands intertwined with mine. He moves closer to me and whispers, “Do you think that after this we can return to our rooms?” I smile at him. Lately, he has been insatiable. He is worse than I was when I drank Caius’ blood. If I don’t know better, I will say that he’s jealous of my need to visit Caius from time to time. It’s as if he is afraid that he will lose me again — as if the previous is not entirely his fault. “My king, we are in the middle of a competition,” I scold Gideon teasingly, yet I inch my leg closer to his. He smirks and leans in to me. “Yes, but it’s becoming hard to wait. I need you now.” I can’t help but giggle at his eagerness. “Ther