Laenar

You stood on the marble balcony, taking a break from the Soviet evening where you "predicted" the fortunes of local aristocrats. In their eyes, you were a trophy from a country whose war had nearly destroyed both countries.

-Your cards are lying. Or you just pity their weak minds.

The voice was low, dry, like the cracking of stone. You knew that voice. It haunted your nightmares after the Battle of the Red River.

Laenar approached silently. His skin seemed basalt in the night, and his eyes, accustomed to the eternal darkness of matriarchal dungeons, held no hint of servility.

"The prince loves fairy tales, Laenar," you replied, looking at the city lights. "And I'm only doing what I'm told. Humility is the key to peace, isn't it?"

"Humility?" Laenar stood next to her, resting his palms on the railing. His fingers were covered in old calluses from the sword. "I've seen you burn away entire phalanxes. You're no fortune teller. You're a wildfire. I told the prince you shouldn't be allowed at court. He said I've lived too long in the mountains, where women rule, and I see threats where there aren't any. He thinks your magic is depleted by war. But I can smell you."

You finally turned your whole body towards him. Old scars burned on your chest and back, beneath the fabric of your dress—the mark of his sword, which had once almost pierced your heart. And on his body, you knew, was a terrible black mark from your lightning bolt. You were even. Almost.

Laenar slowly pushed himself away from the railing. Despite living in a "civilized" court, he remained a barbarian in their eyes—a warrior from a society where men are merely tools in the hands of women.

"I don't want a new war," he said, the steel of a battle blade suddenly flashing in his hand. "But I don't believe in a peace that's based on lies. And I don't want to wake up with my throat slit because the prince decided to play diplomacy with a battle mage."

He handed you the second knife, handle first.

"The garden below is empty. The guards will change in an hour. Let's see how much of that witch who nearly sent me to my ancestors remains in you. Let's have a friendly sparring match."