Chapter 31 – Challenge
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EUNICE’S PERSPECTIVE
The silence in Dravic’s war tent was thick, but I didn’t flinch.
He stared at me like I was unreasonable. Like I hadn’t just laid the truth bare. His fingers drummed once against the table, slow and measured.
Then he said, calmly, like I was a child making a fuss, “You want me to strip Marcia of her rank.”
“Yes.”
“Based on what, exactly?”
“Based on the fact that her command is a farce,” I snapped. “She gives orders, but the soldiers don’t follow her out of loyalty. They follow because they’re afraid of the badge sewn to her chest. They’re afraid of you.”
One of the generals nearby muttered something under his breath.
I turned. “Say that louder.”
General Ivar straightened. “I said you’re wrong,” he announced.
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Chapter 31 Challenge
I stared him down, waiting.
Ivar didn’t look away. “I was there when her squad cleared the ridge. She could’ve waited for reinforcements. She didn’t. She led from the front and got her unit out alive. One of the cleanest maneuvers I have seen in months.”
“A lucky break,” I said. “A single rescue doesn’t make her a leader.”
General Bronin spoke up next. “She’s been running drills morning and night. I’ve seen the changes in the elite guard. They used to drag their feet. Now they’re sharper. Faster. And they call her ‘General‘ without hesitation.”
“Because they have to,” I snapped. “Not because they mean it.”
Dravic still hadn’t moved. Just watched, waiting.
“She’s not ready,” I said. “Does no one realise how big a liability she is? She is wolf–less. She hides behind her name and behind you. The only reason she’s wearing that crest is because of the Prime King’s pity and your protection.”
Ivar gave a short, bitter laugh. “You think she’s protected? That girl’s out there every night, running through fire like the rest of us. She’s earned more in two weeks than most do in six months.”
My jaw clenched. I refused to be lectured like some bitter
Chapter 31 – Challenge
foot–soldier looking for scraps.
“Then put her to the test,” I said. “Since you all think she’s so capable, let her prove it.”
Dravic finally stood up.
“How?”
“I challenge her,” I said. “One–on–one. If I win, I take command of the Prime King’s guard. If she wins, fine, she keeps her rank. But she won’t win.”
Dravic’s expression didn’t shift. “You want to make this personal?”
“It is personal,” I said. “She’s tarnished the guard’s name with her undeserved promotion. She’s embarrassed the kingdom. And she’s been allowed to walk untouched through the chain of command because she has you to hide behind.”
“You’re angry she replaced you,” he said flatly.
“No. I’m angry she never had to earn it.”
Another pause. I thought maybe he’d argue. Defend her. But instead, he nodded once.
“Very well,” he said. “You may issue a formal challenge, like Jareth did.”
Chapter 31 Challenge.
I lifted my chin. “Good.”
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“But understand something, Eunice,” he said, voice sharp now. “If you lose, there will be consequences. You’ve questioned your commanding officer. You’ve accused her of dishonour. You’ve demanded her rank be stripped in front of your peers. If you lose, I will not protect you from the fallout.”
“She won’t win,” I said again.
“You sound sure.”
“I am sure.”
He leaned slightly forward, resting his hands on the table. “Then accept the terms clearly. You win, you take command. You lose, and your place here will change permanently.”
“You think that scares me?” I scoffed.
“I think it should.”
I looked around the tent. None of the generals spoke now. Some wouldn’t meet my eyes. Others looked curious. Amused.
Let them doubt me.
They wouldn’t be laughing after tomorrow.
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Chapter 31 – Challenge
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“I’ll fight her,” I said. “Fair and square. And when I do, I’ll prove to every soldier watching that she’s nothing but a figurehead wearing borrowed armour. Just a wolf–less girl raised above everyone else out of pity.”
Dravic gave a slow nod. “Then I’ll make the arrangements.”
I didn’t thank him. I didn’t need to.
I turned on my heel and strode out of the tent.
Let her have tonight.
Let her believe the soldiers respected her.
Because once I stepped into that ring, there wouldn’t be a shred of doubt left. I would take back the title, the guard, and every ounce of ground she thought she’d gained.
And if Dravic thought I’d go quietly after that, he was more foolish than I gave him credit for.
She had been allowed to stand tall for too long.
But that was about to end.
Marcia Xendale was about to bite the dust.
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A Rejected Luna – Her Rise to Power
13 min left
Chapter 32 – Regret
