Chapter 7 61 55 vouchers " If those are your conditions , then I , Azmaveth Thalrion , accept the princess's challenge ." The emperor announced with his eyes locked on Natalia's fierce green ones . She was a little surprised he accepted her challenge , and now she has to fight him , with one hand , he ripped the cloak he was wearing , the one that was hiding the menacing frame. His frame was even more terrifying as compared to when he first stepped out of his shadows . His shoulders were broad , almost as if they were carved out of stone or iron ; his hair was jet black , and it fell smoothly onto his shoulders , but what fascinated her was the crown of horn on his head . Is that a real dragon's horn ? Natalia wondered as she stared at the hulk of a man before her . Her heart pounded in her chest , and she was ready to turn away and run for her dear life , but since he had agreed to her terms and conditions , there would be no use in ruining her sacrifices . " God ! No ! " Izaiah cried , begging earnestly , but his movements were restricted by the emperor's guards . " Your majesty please , have mercy on my daughter , I will take her place instead , so please pardon her ." " Your daughter is accomplishing what your entire army has failed to do . If there's even a shred of dignity left in that hollow title of yours , you'll step aside and let her handle it . Now be useful for once and hand her a sword ." Natalia bit down on her lips , gathering all the courage she had hidden away in her , as she received the sword that was given to her , she sucked in a deep breath . Now is the time to put all the training Josiah had secretly given to her into good use . She was confident in her flexibility , but sometimes , her sword gets knocked out of her hands , if it were an arrow now , then she was confident she would have the upper hand . No , this isn't the time to keep thinking , she encouraged herself , all she had to do was , stand on guard , and wait for an opening . " I won't use any of my powers ," He said lazily , as he was handed his sword , a dull black sword , matte and rusty . That sword doesn't look like something that can pierce , let alone cause harm to anyone or anything . It won't be a fair fight because she was using a real sword . A small , shaky breath escaped Natalia's lips as the Emperor began to circle her , slowly , tauntingly , like a predator toying with its prey . His eyes never left hers , gleaming with amusement and something far more dangerous . He was taunting her , daring her to make the first move , waiting for the moment she lost control . Sweat trickled from her brows and down to her chest . She felt pressured by his domineering presence . She knew she was strong , and she had a lot of potential . Even though her heart was filled with doubt , she was confident she could at least injure him , so she took that opportunity and lunged at him . Her blade slashed toward him with all the force she could muster , but in an instant , his sword met hers , blocking her attack . Steel clashed against steel with a burst of sparks , and before she could recover , his boot struck her stomach , sending her flying . The impact knocked the air out of her lungs . She staggered back , panting . Her vision blurred for a heartbeat . It took every ounce of strength not to fall to the ground . The pain seared through her ribs . It was just as she feared , the emperor was a very strong man . 11:03 Tue , Sep 16 Chapter 7 : 61 55 vouchers It was almost as if she had struck a rock ; she felt a sharp pain in her upper arm , she had likely strained the muscle , and her grip had faltered , but she refused to show it . The moment your enemy knows you are injured , they can attack with more precision at your weakness . " You can call it quits whenever you like ." He muttered , standing some inches away from her . Natalia groaned as she lunged again , and like before , he blocked the attack . This time she was faster and her body moved more flexibly . He was amused by her outstanding skills ; she was really good . The way she fought was impressive for a human . In a blur of movement , he caught her wrist mid - swing ; reflexively , she tightened her grip on her sword , thinking he was trying to take it , but suddenly he swept his leg beneath hers . She hit the ground hard , face - first , the impact jolting her bones . Dust flew around her . But before he could seize her , she rolled away in a fluid motion and flipped herself to her feet , her chest heaving , but her eyes were still locked on him . Natalia gritted her teeth in frustration . Even though the emperor was relaxed , he didn't let his guard down , even once ; there was no opening to even get to injure him . And at this point , if he knocked her to the ground once more , she felt her back would break . Her eyes widened when the emperor lunged at her . he had given her the impression that he would always wait for her to attack first , so she didn't think of a counter if he was on the offensive side . Her hands trembled as she was barely able to block all his attacks , her foot faltered under the weight of his strike , they were heavy and they were fast , and her body weight and towering frame made it worse . She was at a disadvantage , and at this rate , he was going to pummel her to the ground . " Ugh ! " She tried to keep the attack block , and then he grinned , a kind of sick twisted grin , that made her stomach churn . He looked like all those monsters in folklore , he was toying with her stamina , increasing more pressure on his sword , trying to see how long she would last . Natalia bit down on her lips in pain , until it started to bleed , and in an instant , she felt her sword knocked out of her hands . Her eyes widened , she had lost her sword again , and the moment her eyes trailed up to the emperor . He crashed his forehead into hers , sending her flying to the ground . " Ah ! " A sharp , painful cry escaped her lips . For a minute or two , the only thing in her field of vision was darkness , but as soon as the darkness began clearing up , she saw the emperor towering over her . That evil glint remained in his eyes ; this was it , and this was her execution . Her chest heaving dangerously as she waited for his blade to descend and finish the duel . But Natalia's pride remained wounded ; her goal for this battle was to injure the emperor , and losing the duel without completely achieving her goal is a disgrace . " If you agree to surrender , I might be willing to spare your life . " He concluded with the blade pointed at the tip of her neck . Natalia's hands grabbed the dirt of the ground and sprayed it in the air . Noticing this , the emperor stepped back to prevent the sand from going into his eyes . Natalia lunged and jumped at him bringing him to the ground , she knew the weight of her punches wouldn't do any particular damage to him , so she tried to elbow him in the face , he shifted slightly , and her elbow 11:03 Tue , Sep 16 Chapter 7 landed on the crown of the horn he was wearing . 61 55 vouchers A small gasp escaped her lips , noticing that she had missed her target , almost immediately , she was overpowered , and the emperor straddled her to the ground . She struggled , but he kept her pinned to the ground with just one hand . " That's dirty , princess ." He growled as he tightened his hands around her neck . Natalia felt her air supply cut off . She held on to his arms tightly , scratching and pulling , trying to get him off , but the emperor was just too strong , stronger than any man she had ever seen . " No man has ever broken my horn , and you did , that's quite impressive , but you now you have lost . " # AD Comment Send gift Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!