The duel is set to be held at the palace training grounds, one week after the grand ball. When the announcement spread, the tension in the kingdom grew into anticipation, excitement, and even dread. Knowing a thirteen-year-old boy will be pitted against Etienne von Ravenshade.
The announcement of the duel still hung in the air like smoke after a fire, and the nobles had not taken it well. Murmurs swelled, sharp and disbelieving. Some faces twisted in outrage, others pale with fear. A few whispered behind gloved hands, voices carrying in the charged silence.
"How can she agree to this?"
"A child, barely grown into his strength—against Etienne von Ravenshade of all people?"
"This is madness. Irresponsible!"
