When We Were Kings (The Wolf of Oberhame Book 1)

by Auryn Hadley

  "Enough, pup!" Tristan snapped.

  She stopped immediately, turning to him with a smile. "What are you doing here?"

  He pointed to the far side of the sands. "Heading over there to practice. Now curb your temper. It won't do you any good in the arena – and will make you stupid." He tipped his head, making sure she was listening. "That's how gladiators die, Ley."

  "Yes, sir," she said, then turned back for her sparring partner.

  At the front of their group, the trainer was glaring. Leyli didn't care. That little mistake had made two things very clear to the men around her. She could see it on their faces. First, she wasn't helpless without the Lion. Second, he might be the only thing keeping her in check. It wasn't at all what they'd expected.

  "Again!" the instructor yelled, and Wave pulled himself to his feet.

  This time, when they fought, he didn't try to show off. Nope, he was doing a lot more work keeping her attacks from connecting. Leyli didn't really like the guy. Then again, she didn't exactly dislike him, either. Wave was just another face passing through, and she knew how quickly those changed. She couldn't think of him as anything but a target for her next hit.

  Over and over, they repeated the same stupid lesson. Merino was losing money with this man. He wasn't teaching the gladiators how to be better fighters. He was trying to make his preferred style fashionable, not caring how many people died in the process. Fighting with two swords was something that happened more in plays than in any real combat because it left the body open to attack. At least a shield gave some protection when the bearer wasn't looking. A sword only worked if you saw the swing coming.

  But it made her faster and stronger, so Leyli tried. Who knew, she might end up in a sword-only fight sometime, and this could be the lesson that saved her life. She put her all into it, but when the session ended, she wasn't disappointed at all. Her partner, on the other hand, was going to have a few marks to prove that some women could hit like a monster.

  Then came lunch. She and Tristan gravitated to each other without needing to say a word. After that was yet another round of weapons lessons with a different instructor. This one, at least, had a few useful tips. Mostly, he focused on teaching the fighters how to adjust to a new weapon quickly. When he heard that Leyli had experience as the shieldman in a tandem duo, he pulled her up as an example. The next four hours were almost fun.

  But it was exhausting. Leyli was staggering toward the dining hall when Tristan called to her from the front of his quarters. She turned, and he waved for her to come over. That put a little spring in her step. When she got closer, she could see he was grinning.

  "How's your first day with the regulars?" he asked.

  She stuck her tongue out at him. "Miserable, and you know it. What'd you want?"

  He tilted his head back toward his door. "I have a nice table and two heaping plates of food. If you're real nice, I'll share some of this beer I carried over."

  "You got me dinner?"

  "Just trying to impress a lady," he teased.

  She smacked his arm as she headed inside. "Still not a lady. I kinda prefer gladiator. Makes me sound tough."

  True to his word, a full meal was laid out. Two plates were set across from each other. Between them was a tin pitcher of beer and a third plate filled with bread. A contented sigh fell out as she claimed her chair and kicked her feet out under the table.

  "I think we're making you into a man," he teased, taking the place across from her.

  Leyli rolled her eyes and dug in. "Not like it matters. They won't take it easy on me because I'm not, right? And it hurts too much to sit up, so don't make me."

  "Not gonna." He pushed a mug toward her. "Few more wins and you'll be able to enjoy the life of a veteran. Think you can do it? Means no more training lessons with the scrubs."

  Her spoon paused halfway to her mouth. "Yeah, but I won't be celebrating. I should get that just after you win free."

  "Not gonna celebrate for me?"

  She shook her head. "Not where anyone can see, at least. I'm also going to miss you."

  "Mm," he grumbled, taking a bite of bread. For a moment silence hung between them, then he swallowed and gestured with the heel in his hand. "I did this because I got spoiled. I'm too used to having you around. Felt weird today."

  Leyli closed her eyes and let her body relax. It wasn't just her. His words proved that she wasn't crazy thinking it felt like a part of her was missing. She'd never done anything on her own, so it only made sense. Even her first day as a gladiator, he'd been there, and before that she'd had staff and servants.

  "I kinda felt alone, too," she admitted. Her eyes were on her plate.

  He reached across and caught her hand, his thumb caressing the back. "I'm kinda glad."

  "Is it going to get us killed?" She finally looked up.

  "No."

  "You said anything could be an advantage."

  He nodded. "And so can this. I promise you, pup, fighting alone makes me want to get that rudis even more, so I can do everything possible to get you out of here and back where you belong." He moved his hand away from hers and onto his own mug. "I just need you to swear you'll stay alive."

  She giggled. "I cannot be defeated, remember? No, I promise. I'm not going to get stupid in the arena."

  "Like today, trying to impress that guy?"

  "Huh?" She had no idea what he was talking about.

  Tristan gestured toward the training area outside. "When I pulled you off that pretty little boy that you were pounding into the sand. You don't think that was stupid?"

  "He hit me!"

  "So do I." One of his brows lifted. "That shit only works in practice. You lose your temper in a real fight, and you will be the one hauled out for compost."

  "I know, but – "

  His chuckle interrupted her. "You aren't going to convince me you're right, so just agree. Doesn't matter how much it hurts, you will not go rabid in the arena. Swear it, Ley."

  "I swear. I don't know what comes over me."

  He took another bite, then leaned back, pulling his plate against his chest so he could stretch out his legs. "It's called seeing red, pup. Happens to a lot of fighters. You get mad and the emotions take over, but that's the problem. Emotions don't have strategies, they just make us stupid. Kinda like how I wanted to help you bash the guy's head in."

  She sucked in a breath. "Why?"

  "He hit my girl."

  It was hard to smile while drinking, so she pushed her mug to her mouth. That didn't stop the tingly feeling in her stomach. Every time Tristan called her that, she turned silly, like some foolish little maid. She knew better, but that didn't stop her from feeling like she wanted to giggle and brag about it.

  "I guess this means you're the only one that gets to hit me, huh?"

  "Only to make sure you stay alive." He tossed his plate at the table and sat up. "Ley, you know I wouldn't otherwise. I would never hit you."

  "Hey." She'd been joking, but he was completely serious. "I know, ok? The only times you've hit me are in training, and that doesn't really count."

  "Doesn't it?"

  "No!" She groaned in frustration. "Tristan, training is keeping me alive. Neither of us wants to do this, but we have to. I'd much rather you pushed me hard so someone else's blade doesn't do it for you!"

  He nodded, believing her. "But when we're free? You know I wouldn't hit you, right?"

  "I do. Besides, it's not like I'm some frail little girl that can't take care of herself."

  His breath rushed out. A split second later, he stood, trying to keep his hands busy with clearing the table. Leyli could tell that something had just changed, but she wasn't sure what. She sat up, watching him wide eyed.

  "What did I say?"

  "Nothing." He tossed her a weak smile, but didn't relax.

  She rewound the conversation in her head, but it didn't help. As soon as she said she could take care of herself, he'd turned strange, like he was trying to get distanc
e. He looked like he was disappointed.

  "Would you rather I needed some man to take care of me?" she asked.

  He froze. "Yeah, Ley, kinda."

  "Why?"

  Slowly, he set the things down again, then took a deep breath. "Not some man. I was kinda hoping that once we're free, we could take care of each other."

  "But that's what we do!"

  He leaned closer and palmed the back of her head. "I know. I was hoping you'd want to stick around when we aren't chained together."

  "Yeah." She leaned into his hand. "I feel so alone without you, and I hate it. This was just one day, I can't imagine how horrible it's going to be waiting years to win enough to get out."

  Dropping into the chair beside her, he scooted closer, his face serious. "I have a plan. You know my statue?" He gestured at the cheap ceramic god in the corner. "He's filled with trinkets from the sluts. I was going to use that to start a new life, but I'd rather buy you out."

  "Merino won't let you." She twisted to face him. "Buy a trip to Oberhame, and visit the royal stables. Ask for Alain. He's always there, and he'll figure something out."

  "Not a friend of your cousin?"

  She shook her head. "No. I don't know if my dad is alive or dead, but Alain will be there. He won't believe you, but tell him I wore a pink dress. That'll prove it."

  "Why?"

  She rubbed at her face, aware that she was coming too close to telling him too much. "Because his wife picked it. Just trust me, Tristan. Alain's like a second father to me. He'll help. If anyone can, I know he will, and I know he'll be ok, no matter what my cousin did."

  "Wouldn't your cousin go after him?"

  "No," she insisted. "He's the Master of the King's horses. My cousin has no idea that he and dad are best friends. People in his station don't normally associate with people in mine."

  He rubbed her arm soothingly, showing that he'd taken that the wrong way. He thought she meant she was below the royal staff, and she let him. It wouldn't matter until they were free. If she was still alive at that point, then she could beg him for forgiveness.

  "And what if your father is dead?" he asked softly.

  She took a deep breath, trying to find a safe answer. She'd thought about it. Oh, she'd thought about it millions of times, but she'd never dared put a voice to the words for fear that it would make it true. Skirting the issue was something she was getting a little too good at.

  "Then you'd better not tell him we shared a bed."

  Chapter 24

  No longer were the Lion and Wolf kept in a cell together at the games, but usually they were placed side by side. The draw of their names was enough to bring rich fans into the arena dungeons to gawk at the famed gladiators. Unfortunately, the fights kept getting harder, but they managed to keep going. The schedule became more hectic. Where they had grown used to three events a month, Merino began to schedule them every weekend. Still, they managed to survive. When Tristan won his two hundred and forty-first match, everything changed.

  They returned to Villanelle to find another team waiting. It was only four men, but the colors showed their owner. Theodian had come to make a trade. Tristan lifted Leyli out of the cart, both of them scanning the compound before heading toward their barracks. They didn't make it.

  Dressed in a flamboyant yellow shirt and overly tight leather pants, Theodian's black skin was hard to miss. He strode toward them with Merino at his side. Tristan grabbed her wrist tightly. Leyli knew something was up, but they didn't have the privacy to talk about it. His touch conveyed his fear.

  "I'll give you an extra fifty for the Lion," Theodian said, his eyes on the gladiators.

  Merino chuckled. "Tempting. He only has nine fights left."

  "Think on it, then," Theodian said. "The Wolf will do for now."

  "No," Leyli breathed, suddenly understanding. She looked at Tristan. "I'm being sold?"

  "Yeah. He thinks it's the last straw."

  "Hush!" Merino ordered. "Lion, get cleaned up. Petya's waiting."

  He didn't obey. Squaring his shoulders, Tristan stepped before his master. "Gifts are usually not taken back."

  "You got plenty of use out of her. Stop complaining."

  "I trained her. You owe me for that."

  Merino just shrugged. "It's your job. Now get out of here, or I'll have the guards haul you out."

  "Tristan," Leyli said, grabbing his arm. "We're fine. Win for me, ok? Then find me."

  "Ley, your dad..." He grabbed her arms, but the guards were heading toward them. "I swear I'll find him."

  "The Master of Horse," she whispered, stepping into him. "Don't forget. He'll give you a recommendation, too."

  "Let's go, Lion," Merino insisted. "Your bitch is leaving. Her time here is over. I got four good men in the trade."

  A guard grabbed Tristan's arm and pulled, hauling him back. "She's worth ten!" Tristan yelled. "She'll make you rich, Theodian, if you take care of her."

  "In the cart," Theodian ordered, gesturing.

  Leyli stepped back, her eyes on Tristan. "I'll find you," she promised.

  "Damn it," he growled, then pulled free.

  While the guards tried to stop him, Tristan stormed toward her. Without pausing, he caught her face and his mouth followed. She heard Theodian laugh and Merino snarl, but it was distant. Her mind was stuck on the fact that she was being kissed. She'd never been kissed, it wasn't something a lady did, but Tristan was kissing her. It took two heartbeats before her body caught up, then her arms found his neck.

  She gave herself to it, the dance so natural Leyli didn't have to think. Her lips moved with his and she welcomed his tongue beside hers. Her fingers found his hair, holding him closer. She expected someone to rip them apart, but it didn't happen. Instead, the men around them laughed and she pressed closer. Tristan's arm slid against her back, pulling her as tight to him as possible.

  It wasn't fair. The only man who'd ever kissed her was the one she could never have. His touch was like perfection, an extension of her own desires, and the feel of his lips proved that she'd been hiding so much more from him than her father's name. No matter how she tried to ignore it, Tristan had become her life. The things they'd shared, the strength he'd given her, she thanked him for all of it with just this one kiss, but it wasn't enough to explain how much she'd miss him.

  She couldn't breathe, but she didn't want to. She was losing him. She'd only get one kiss, and it wasn't enough. Leyli felt the tears on her cheek but didn't care. Even warriors cried. Her first kiss was supposed to be something to celebrate, not this. Not her last memory of Tristan.

  He pulled back only far enough to look into her eyes. "I'll find you." The words were little more than breath against her lips.

  She nodded. "We'll be ok. I owe you my life."

  "Fight well, little Wolf. Make them all pay."

  "Win." She pressed her palm to the side of his face. "All of it."

  "I swear."

  His lips brushed her brow, then he turned and walked away. Leyli closed her eyes for a moment, then did the same, heading for the wagon Theodian had indicated. Just before she climbed in the back, her new owner grabbed her arm.

  "What are you going to do if you stand against him, Wolf?"

  She lifted her chin. "Tell him the last of my secrets, then wait to die. I will not lift a blade to the person who got me this far."

  He chuckled. "And you think he'd take the killing blow?"

  She smiled. "Yes, after he hears what I have to say. I think it's the only thing he can do. I suggest you make sure it doesn't happen."

  "Oh? Going to tell me how to run my business now?" Oddly, he didn't look offended.

  Leyli pulled her arm away. She was strong enough now that he couldn't stop her. "If you're smart, you'll even listen to me. I'm pretty sure I have more experience than you, and a lot more training." Then she stepped into her rolling cell.

  She wasn't alone. Theodian had traded four men for her, but he had three more inside. Her eyes sca
nned them as she took the most comfortable bench at the front. They weren't novices. These men had done their time, and they might even have more wins than she did, but she had a feeling they weren't as skilled. The Lion of Lenlochlien hadn't trained them, and he was currently the second best in the games.

  The first man proved her right. "Think you deserve that, do ya?"

  "You want it, you take it."

  He laughed. "Girl, I don't know where you came from, but the only reason Theodian would buy a bitch is because he wants to keep us happy."

  "Or he wants to win." She shrugged and leaned back. "I'm pretty good at it."

  "Not many women can stand against the men. You won't last five games."

  "Forty-two." She shrugged.

  Another man sat straighter. "What name?"

  "The Wolf of Oberhame."

  She watched them trade glances. The brave one shook his head. "Prove it. Merino wouldn't break up that team."

  Digging under her tunic, she lifted the wooden pendant. Even in the dim light, it was easy to make out the creatures. "The Lion needs nine wins to be free. Merino doesn't want the competition, and he thinks selling me will break his best fighter. He doesn't realize I'm doing just fine on my own. I can take down Tristan one out of three fights."

  "Tristan?"

  She nodded. "You know, the Lion. Most of us do have names, even if the crowd never hears them."

  "You call the Lion by his real name?"

  She smiled. "I also saved his life, slept in his bed, and sewed a couple of his injuries. Yes, I call him by his first name, and he does the same for me."

  The third man spoke up. "So what do you go by?"

  "To all of you? Bitch, until you prove worthy. I need two hundred and eight victories to earn my way out. You've got some time."

  Thankfully, the trip wasn't far. Maybe two hours later, Leyli was stepping off the cart into another gladiator training camp. This time, she didn't have a protector. She would have to take care of herself and she had a feeling that making friends wouldn't be easy.