If Raven had to do a walk of shame, at least the only one in the hallway was Robin. He looked up from where he was sitting on the floor with his phone playing tetris and like the gentlemen, didn't mention the fact her clothes were askew, her hair was a mess, and she could not make eye contact. He even tried to surreptitiously look at his watch which just caused Raven's blush to deepen.
"Shut up," she said as he stepped in beside her.
"I haven't said anything," Robin said with raised eyebrows.
"You were thinking it," she muttered leading the way and stomping down the hallway.
He remained silent the entire way back and left Raven at her door. As she walked in, Raven knew that she would not get the same respect from the gentleman that had just left her. The first sign that Raven's predicament was obvious was when she heard a cackle from the elder princess of Tamaran.
"Oh X'hal!" Blackfire chortled with a gleam in her eye. "Lady Raven! You are so flush! Did you go out for a jog?"
"Florfka," Raven snarled in Tamaranean without realizing it and turned her back to head to the bathroom to clean up.
"You swear in Tamaranean?" Blackfire said even more surprised as she walked behind her in the bathroom, touched her neck and then giggled even louder.
"Hellfire! It appears our champion found a lover."
Raven looked in the mirror and saw the little, red, bite mark that Ghostfire had left behind in the middle of their…lesson.
"None of your damn business," Raven shot back.
Blackfire's face got even more confused before smoothing out in understanding.
"What?" Raven demanded.
"We've been having this entire conversation in my mother tongue," Blackfire continued. "And you have spoken perfectly and without accent. Your lover was Sovku? How were you blessed with such a gift? Did you just kiss her or did you actually let her open up your legs and-"
Raven slammed her fist into Blackfire's face which only caused the princess to stumble back, her face fine thanks to Tamaranean physique. She just grinned black after blinking quickly a few times in surprise. Raven's actions were completely Tamaranean.
"Oh, ho! You did!"
Raven's face burned with heat as she tried not to remember all that she let the blind girl do to her. Not that she was ashamed, but she did not want to add more color to her face.
"I hear when it comes to sexual prowess, Sovku are excellent," Blackfire cooed. "Please! You must show me some of what you were taught."
Raven bodily threw the laughing princess out of the bathroom and slammed the door.
The last of the days before the Dyois felt like a blur. Honestly, that was probably because what she had been struggling to understand seemed like child's play. The entire essence of what it meant to be a champion was right there in front of her and everything else that had been said and done made sense.
The Sovku had truly passed a lot of knowledge on to her to the point that it almost felt like it made up for how she got it.
It was the morning on the seventh day that Raven had been provided a white version of the demon's dress with its fancy silk but was much lighter and easier to wear. She wore the crown of the Champion, the small faceplate that just covered her forehead. Blackfire had dressed in her royal crown, asymmetrical skirt and decked out in her arm bands and crown. Hellfire wore something that was similar though it could be made out easily she was subservient to the accused.
"Ready for your big day?" Blackfire had asked as they walked down the hallway.
"Are you?" Raven responded coldly. The flippant nature of her charge still caused her concern and irritation.
"Ready as I'll ever be. Honestly didn't think I'd make it this far," the woman amused to herself.
Raven did not have a chance to dig in with more detail when the doors of the throne room had opened. Like the last few times she was there, it was set up the same except that instead of being on the raised dais, Starfire's throne had been moved down to be at the front of a curved table where each Baron stood. A circular carpet of white had been laid in front of it, the place where they would stand. Raven easily read the facial expressions to know that she was up for a challenge. Around them, keeping to the far walls, were hundreds of people. Courtiers, royal officials, citizens of the Empire who had randomly drawn lots to witness the trial. This would be a very public discourse.
"The Court of the Dyois has now begun," Galfore called from his place beside his Queen. He was decked out in his fanciest uniform, his single eye focused on them. "May Princess Komand'r step forward to face the charges brought by this powerful body."
Raven put her hand out to stop Blackfire from moving and stepped forward instead and stood in the center, her eyes roaming around.
"Before the Trial of Dyois begins, I demand the Nroflek. Prove to me that you do not hold ill will towards my charge. Show those in attendance that you bear only the pure heart of X'Hal."
Her words caught multiple Barons off guard but a hint of a smile crossed Starfire's face. She knew. Tin'ar burned with fury as this was not something he was expecting.
It was Baron Lushan'vr that started.
"I, Baron Lushan'vr of House Tamara-Kila, do offer up the estate of Retev to the accused, as collateral to my honor that I bring these charges with a pure heart and no deception."
"I, Baron Chuvan'ta of House Tamara-Oden offer up my commission to the accused, as collateral to my honor that I bring these charges with a pure heart and no deception." Said a middle-aged man wearing the same colors as Starfire.
"I, Baroness Yan'tev of Tamara-Petu do offer up my body to the accused, as collateral to my honor that I bring these charges with a pure heart and no deception."
"I, Queen Koriand'r of the Tamaran Empire offer up my crown to the accused, as collateral to my honor that I bring these charges with a pure heart and no deception."
There was murmuring through the crowd as Raven knew that Queen never had to do this. Raven raised an eyebrow.
"Baron Tin'ar," Raven challenged. "Do you not have a statement for Nroflek."
The young man seethed, his eyes roaming between Raven, Blackfire, and another younger Baron beside him.
"I do not declare a Nroflek," he hissed, the hatred coming out. "I state for all to hear that I seek justified revenge against the Princess who stands before us."
"The house Tamara-Xelo has seen the justification and stands with House Tamara-Qeta." The other baron said putting a hand on the Baron's shoulder.
"I demand to understand before we continue as the life of my charge stands on the line and already the Council has shown it's fractured state," Raven demanded to Galfore.
"I seek retribution," Tin'ar interrupted Galfore who was about to speak. "For what the accused has done to my betrothed. The Lady Jun'vr who no longer abides upon Tamar."
Raven shot a look at Blackfire who had only raised her eyebrow.
"Well, that's a new one—" Blackfire started before Raven gave her a slap.
"You don't speak until it is your time," Raven warned in perfect Tamaranean. "It is my time."
Blackfire's eyes burned but she remained silent.
"Lady Raven," Queen Starfire began. "The council is aware of Baron Tin'ar's grievance against the accused. Both House Qeta and House Pala have agreed to reduce their vote by half to compensate. The evidence of this revenge was dutifully provided to Galfore, the magistrar of this proceeding and has certified it."
"I have not seen this," Raven answered though her absorbed knowledge knew that she wouldn't have and that by law, Galfore's position was absolute and trusted. It was more like an act for the audience.
"You shall be shown when time," Starfire promised. She continued with her voice raised for everyone to hear. "All the Barons who have not spoken in Nroflek due to the grievance brought forth. They have agreed to the same conditions when voting time comes. Let all know that I, Queen Starfire, do certify this action and accept the bond of the Dyois."
Well, the cards for this game were drawn and it was now time to play.
To say it was rough would have been an understatement. Raven found that, in a way, the entire case was a free for all with witnesses being called, the different barons asking questions and the mystic was expected to defend her charge zealously to any of the charges to the eyes of the public.
What did stand out to Raven was the fact that though Galfore was adjudicating it by calling on the different barons, it appeared that surprisingly, it was House Qeta was leading the assault. The public was watching closely as Baron Ruvand'r narrated his evidence before calling witnesses to substantiate it. What was more irritating was Blackfire continuing shuffling her feet in exhaustion. Raven finally rolled her eyes and what she did next, she wasn't sure if it was the demon or the Tamaranean imprint.
For the last three hours they had been standing in the center and this Baron was going on and on. Without a thought, Raven turned and walked away towards the crowd which cut the Baron off in surprise. The mystic Titan walked up to one of the plush chairs and picked it up. A guard stepped forward and made the mistake of laying a hand on her shoulder. The onyx whip like energy grabbed him around the waist and slammed him against the pillar. Among the gasps, Raven hefted the chair and warned the other guard who had approached with a glare. Wisely, he stopped and stepped back.
Once she had gotten a few steps away, the mystic let the guard down instead of slamming him in the floor as much as she wanted to, set the chair down, grabbed Blackfire by her shoulder and shoved her into the chair.
"Continue," Raven said monotone.
Her eyes flicked over and saw that Starfire was attempting to hide a giggle.
"My barons," Starfire said with as much grace as she could muster. "I believe the Champion has made a point. Let us recess for a few hours to think and to contemplate on the wisdom of X'Hal before we reconvene."
When the cute servant with long braided green hair stopped by with a handwritten note for Raven and Blackfire, the mystic Titan was confused. It appeared to be an invitation to the courtyard of light in another part of the castle. It was written in elegant Tamaranean and signed by the queen. Raven tossed it to the other princess.
"Thoughts?"
Blackfire looked read it and then tossed it to the desk and lounged back. "We can go. It's a common ploy. Secondary discussions. This trial is political. We may be winning if they want to talk."
As much as she did not want to go, there really wasn't an option. Changing into a pale gray version of her normal dress (Raven hated these dresses and how they made her sweat), the two made their way with Hellfire in tow.
There were only two servants at the double doors that they pushed open, and the bright sunlight made Raven blink a few times. The white and gold marble floor was laid out in an intricate pattern and the black obsidian that made the fence around the open-air terrace glimmered in beauty. A large wooden table sat on one side piled with food while on the other there were multiple weapons. Starfire stood with her back to them, dressed in her usual glory of a long flowing dress that was sheer enough to make out her legs, her top imperialistic and jeweled, her crown perfectly placed to her forehead. She turned to see them come in and broke into a smile.
"Friend Raven! It is wonderful to see you!"
She turned to her sister and though the excitement cooled, there was no hostility in her eyes. She gave a small nod.
"Princess Komand'r."
Title and name. No sister, no friendly term of endearment. Raven winced at the massive rift those two words made between them. Raven glanced back to Blackfire to see that the words weren't lost on her.
"Kori," she responded in a way too familiar response purposefully egging her sister on. Starfire did not take the bait and turned to motion towards one of the Barons from the Dyois that sat at the table with a small plate of salad.
"Barononess Yan'tev is here as an observer to keep ourselves on the correct path. Please, if you are hungry, have something."
"Why are we here, Starfire?" Raven asked ignoring the rumble in her stomach. "I mean no offense but-"
"I completely understand," she said continuing with a smile. "I wish to speak to your charge just between her and me but do not wish to incite concern. Will you speak with me, Princess?"
Blackfire's eyes watched her sister closely and then gave a nod. "Sure. Why not. Though I'm easily bored."
"As I would have expected," Starfire said with a gleam in her eye. She walked over to the table with the weapons and picked up a wicked-looking sword and tested its weight.
"Shall we talk over a friendly sparring match?"
Raven frowned and glanced over at the other Baroness present, but she had not seemed to react to it. The Sovku imprint mentioned such duels before as a way of communicating but between these two…. the demoness wasn't sure. Blackfire was enjoying all this way too much and that was a problem.
Blackfire had failed to hide the glee in her face as she walked over, checked out the weapons and then stopped in front of one that was just a solid piece of cylindrical metal with a bulb at the end and etchings on it. She picked it up with surprise.
"My glaive?"
"I kept it safe after the war," Starfire said swinging the sword that sung then rolled her arms and hips to loosen them. "You may use it if you wish."
Blackfire clicked a button, and it telescoped out as a long polearm with a jagged looking flat blade at the top. It crackled to life with violet energy. The energy illuminating the pure enjoyment of holding it again. It crackled as the elder princess twirled it to re-familiarize herself with it. Taking a small gold square, the princesses placed them on the center of their crowns, tapped them and a shimmer of a forcefield around their heads appeared to protect them.
"Are you sure, sister?" Blackfire drawled. "I was the better fighter."
"I am quite sure," Starfire said with a soft bit of iron in her voice. "And things have changed since the last time we dueled."
"Oh? How about we make it interesting then? Ve'shlek?"
Raven's heart jumped at the word bet. Her imprint told her that this was a bound duel with a promise if the other won. X'Hal's solution to duels to the death.
Starfire hesitated for only a moment and then nodded. "Yes. I agree. Let us play for the Ve'shlek. What do you wish to have if you win, Komand'r."
The princess gestured to the crown and the smooth smile Starfire showed told her she had expected it.
"Unfortunately, the crown is pledged to the Nroflek. I cannot offer it to the Ve'shlek."
Well, that explained why Starfire had pledged it. A glimmer of comprehension of how skillful Starfire was at this political game crossed Raven's mind. In the tower, she never had to act this way, but everyone knew she was whip smart.
"Then Lok'mar for two evenings," Blackfire responded with a dark look of smugness and hate in her eyes.
The queen stopped her stretching and looked at her sister with a hint of disgust. Lok'mar was the duel of passion. These people did not just go on dates and go back to the apartment for some late-night fun. They fought until one was victor and the other must serve the winner.
"I am your sister by blood," Starfire said coldly. "Does your perversion know no limit?"
"For those who seek their passions to stand above the rest have earned the smile of the darkness," Blackfire responded quoting the book of Vershta. "But you can of course decline, sister."
"No."
Well, that caught both the Baroness and Raven off guard.
"And what do you wish to have if you win?" Blackfire asked.
"I shall not ask for anything," Starfire said which stumped them even more. Even Blackfire hesitated.
"Why?"
"How am I to trust you would keep your oath?" Starfire said with a shrug. "I would prefer not to live in a delusion that your honor still abides within your soul."
Any emotion of enjoyment immediately vanished from the face of the elder princess, being replaced by one of cold fury. With no joviality left in her walk, she moved to the center of the ring and dropped the hilt of the weapon to the floor making it ring out and then extended the sharp blade towards her sister in a salute.
The atmosphere crackled with an electric charge, mirroring the tension between the siblings. Blackfire, entire face changed from the flippant princess earlier to the embodiment of ruthlessness and cunning. The glaive crackling with violet energy as the Tamaranean charged it.
Starfire stood unmoving. Her sword tip still pointed towards the ground. Blackfire wasted no time, lunging forward with an aggressive onslaught of strikes. Her glaive whirled through the air, seeking to exploit any opening and inflict severe damage upon her sister. Starfire, however, remained calm and collected, evading each attack with fluid grace, her movements a testament to her unparalleled agility.
It took everything in Raven not to throw herself in the middle of it and stop it. It was obvious to her that Blackfire was out for blood.
Knowing that keeping distance was her strength, Starfire maintained a measured approach. She deftly dodged Blackfire's advances, fluidly transitioning from defensive maneuvers to calculated counterattacks. With each parry and riposte, she sought to turn the tide in her favor, a determination burning in her eyes not unhidden.
It was when the rebel princess rolled out of the attack the mystic Titan sensed her change. Her hand dropped lower on the staff and there was a click and whine. The bulb at the bottom of the staff detached with blades outstretched, a drone of some kind that sought of the other sister.
The drone soared through the air, launching a relentless assault on Starfire, its metallic appendages slashing and thrashing in a calculated frenzy of spins and twists. Starfire's pose did not change at the new attacker. With a calmness that Raven had not seen in her, she swiftly adapted, expertly separating her blade into two separate weapons, a cascade of emerald celestial energy illuminating the battlefield.
With blades in hand, she danced gracefully amidst the chaos, her twin swords cutting through the air with lethal precision. The drone, once a formidable threat, was reduced to mere scraps as Starfire swiftly dismantled it, each strike perfect.
Blackfire stepped back in surprise at the ease her sister defeated the surprise attack. She backpedaled, caught off guard by her sister's swift retaliation, found herself on the defensive, her relentless aggression now faltering.
The Queen of Tamaran sensed her advantage and pressed forward, her every movement calculated and precise to trip up her sister. She wove a tapestry of strikes, each one driving Blackfire further into a corner. The air shimmered with energy as their weapons clashed causing the emerald and violet energy to mix and dance of their weapons haphazardly. In one desperate move, the elder sister lunged forward trying to slice at Starfire's throat but found her sister easily twisted away catching the staff between her own two swords, much like the chop stick practice she had done a few years ago with Robin. With a twist, the glaive clattered to the ground, ripped out of her hand. The sharp blade resting gently against Blackfire's throat.
"Yield?" Starfire asked sweetly, her eyes twinkling.
Blackfire's chest heaved up and down in the rage that burned in her eyes.
"She yields," Raven said charging forward seeing the look of murder in her charge's eye.
As if it had not been a life and death battle, Starfire stepped back setting the blades down with a large smile on her face.
"Oh! That was quite the fun!"
Raven fastened a hand on the dark haired Tamaranean's shoulder to keep her still calling on the power of her father to strengthen her grip. The dark swirl of mist around her hand made it clear she was ready to put Blackfire down if she tried something.
"Was there a point to this?" Raven demanded. "Did you not wish to talk?"
Starfire nodded, picking up a golden goblet and taking a few swigs.
"Oh, yes, Friend Raven. It was a good conversation."
Even the imprint did not make understand that, so it had to be between the sisters. Blackfire ripped herself out of Raven's grip and stormed past her sister towards the exit, not forgetting to stop and hurl a silver platter of fruits across the room with a scream of fury.
Raven looked at Starfire whose eyes could only be one of apology and the titan hurled to catch up.