My Most Precious Human novel Chapter 88

Soldiers surrounded me, glaring at me as if I was some kind of villain. They all decided to support Kylo, no questions asked. Only Patrick stood beside me, shielding me from whoever thought of attacking me, physically or verbally. I started to be seriously sick and tired of everyone purposely disregarding my authority and stripping me of a single ounce of respect.

"Your sister deserved what she got. She insulted me, she brought me rotten food intentionally, and in the end, she tried to attack me. She is the only one she can blame, as a maid who tried to step on the King's concubine," I said calmly, surprising myself that I was able to keep my composure.

"She did what?" Patrick gritted his teeth, his eyes widening at my words.

"She insulted me and attacked me. Now, her brother is trying to do the same," I stated, catching the gazes of those who surrounded me.

Kylo stepped towards me, his teeth clenched angrily while his enraged eyes looked me up and down. "I don't care that you're a woman. I don't care that you are a human. It is my right to challenge you because you have sent my sister to her death. That is why I will kill you and restore her honor." He glared at me, then spat at my feet.

"You cannot be serious about referring to some ancient custom!" Patrick called out, pointing out the ridiculousness of his words. "Besides, the King would never allow this to happen," he claimed confidently, looking at me as if to calm me down.

"The King is away from the Palace, and he won't be back until the end of the week." Leo's strong voice came from across the hall, instantly silencing the crowd.

He seemed to appear out of nowhere, but it looked like he was observing the whole situation from a distance. The soldiers stepped aside, making space for him as he walked toward us. He looked me up and down with a smirk and then gazed at Kylo, raising his eyebrows.

"So, you want to challenge this… pretty little lady to save your arrogant sister's honor?" he chuckled, mocking him.

"It is my right to challenge her, no matter who she is," Kylo hissed.

Leo sighed, "Very well… Since the King is gone, it is up to Lady Lilith whether she accepts your duel or not." He pointed his hand my way.

I felt instant relief. It was obvious that I wasn't going to agree to fight this 6.2-foot ogre. The thing that bothered me was the sudden grin and the wicked spark in Leo's eyes as he approached me.

"I accept your challenge in her name," he tossed nonchalantly.

"What?!" I shouted, my eyes filling with shock and confusion.

Leo grabbed my hand while smirking, then he slowly turned towards Kylo, "As the King's right hand and his counselor, I claim that Lady Lilith will duel with you in three days. I suggest the duel take place after sundown so that every commoner soldier can also be present."

I nearly collapsed while staring at him in disbelief and outrage.

"Master Gotha!" Patrick thundered, "How can you do such a thing?!"

"If Kylo wins, he will restore his sister's honor as he wanted," Leo stated, facing the crowd, and then added, "but if Lady Lilith wins, you will all have to admit she is worthy of your loyalty… After all, she is going to fight one of the strongest soldiers in the Royal Army."

The soldiers nodded in agreement, which came along with whispers filled with mockery, sneering, loud remarks, as well as all kinds of snorts and chuckling that spread through the hall. It was clear that those soldiers had already predicted a winner of this upcoming duel, and they certainly weren't betting on me. Since they were convinced that I would die, they all accepted their part of the bet suggested by Leo.

Initially, I wanted to yell, rejecting this most ludicrous idea. I thought that Leo was using a perfect chance to get rid of me, but his words almost sounded like he believed that I could win against Kylo. He still held my hand as if he was trying to prevent me from calling the duel off. I looked into Leo's eyes with question marks all over my face. I knew that there was a huge probability that I had become stronger recently. I even wanted to test the ability that came with my super-genes, but not while fighting an almost-noble-vampire!