A/N: I would like to know every readers view in the pacing, characterization, and plot. Is it been draged? Leave your thoughts, and proffer any suggestion to make it better.

The chapter's pace is a mix of introspection, description, and dialogue.

"Keiya," Karmadin smiled, his voice warm and congratulatory, "you have won yourself a fine brave man."

"Not a brave man, a fortunate one," I corrected, feeling a sense of humility wash over me.

Karmadin chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "If it is fortune that led you through the game...then fortune would lead you through the ills of life." He tapped my shoulders with a smile, his grip firm but friendly.

I remember everything about that Unending Night. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silver glow over the blood-soaked field. The air was heavy with the stench of death, but the gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers, a stark contrast to the carnage that lay before us.

As I stood there, bathed in sweat and blood, I felt the prickling sensation of the breeze on my skin, a welcome respite from the heat of the fight. It was a reminder that, despite the brutality of the game, I was still alive.

I recall the way Prince Karmadin ushered me to my prize, Keiya. She strode forth with angelic grace, her poise and beauty leaving me breathless. From where I stood, I couldn't believe my fortune. In my heart, I wondered if this approaching creature would consider a mere Tribesman like myself worthy of her attention, let alone her affection.

But she melted my doubts and uncertainty with a single, astounding gesture. A calm sweep of her smile assured me, and her beautiful eyes shone with a glimmer of admiration. Drawing closer, her fragile hands rested on my shoulders, sending shivers down my spine.

With a graceful move, she leaned in, her tender lips brushing against my forehead. I inclined my head, bowing to her gentle touch, as I allowed her soft kiss to linger on my skin. She had accepted me.

I recall the endless cheers and chants that washed over me as I walked out with Keiya, the woman I'd craved. The union would bring assurance to my tribe, and for a moment, it felt like the best day of my life. But the tale wasn't yet ended. Newer days brought fresh obligations and worries. Questions swirled in my mind: What was the true purpose of the contest? Why were we manipulated into a life-or-death situation? Why was sorcery involved? And what about the last adversary – how did no one realize he was cheating? And more even, He was very formidable, but it seemed the longer the fight went on the more he lost life, was his advantage counteracting?

As I pondered these questions, I couldn't shake the feeling that Karmadin's excitement about my win was more than just mere pleasure. His enthusiasm seemed calculated, and I wondered what lay behind his smile.

The excitement of the contest eventually died down, and reality set in. I was a guest in Karmadin's mansion, but I knew I couldn't stay forever. I had to take Keiya home, but what home could I offer her? My Chief had forbidden me from returning to Gezon with the "strange woman." Karmadin, too, seemed reluctant to let his beloved daughter leave his shadows.

In a surprising move, Karmadin gifted me one of his many estates, a mansion that rivaled the luxury of his own home. Our new mansion had everything a satisfying home needed, and more. It was a home fit for royalty... and, amusingly, I had become exactly that. Yet, despite the opulence, I couldn't shake the longing for my simple, humble home.

Keiya was a mystery to me, and I to her. Our differences were stark – our characters, beliefs, heritage, and traditions. Yet, despite the contrasts, our love for each other only grew stronger. The first months of our marriage were a whirlwind of sweetness and worry. I was forbidden to return to the Plains, and the ache of longing for my homeland still lingered.

As I navigated this new life, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had been drawn into a larger game of politics. Karmadin's actions were as elusive as ever – his ways sly and unpredictable. He sent envoys to Gezon, bearing gifts and proposals that were met with acceptance. But I was kept in the dark, shut out from the negotiations until they were all but concluded. The uncertainty gnawed at me, leaving me wondering what lay ahead.

As a leader in Gezon, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I needed to know more about the state of my tribe. Family and friends still lingered in my thoughts, and the distance weighed heavily on me. Keiya, sensing my concern, once told me, "Your family is here now. You are Kedrone." Her words, though reassuring, didn't quell my worries entirely.

Keiya had proven to be an exceptional wife and companion, taking up responsibilities with ease and navigating the complexities of our new life together. She managed the textile factory, a gift from Karmadin, with intelligence and poise. I, on the other hand, focused on the operations of our lands, preferring to leave the factory's management to her capable hands.

More so, Karmadin had tasked me with several military assignment. His words still echoed in my mind: "War comes at any time." I struggled to understand what threats loomed on the horizon, but Karmadin's concerns were palpable. I worked closely with Captain Corl and Commander Girod, and their drills and training exercises were always tinged with a sense of urgency.

Returning home to Keiya was a balm to my worries, but even she had her secrets. There were times when I'd catch her lost in thought, her mood darkening like a stormy sky. I'd leave her be, wondering if my own imperfections were to blame or if there was more to her story that I had yet to uncover

As I interacted with the military and the people of Kedrone, I sensed a trend – they all seemed comforted by my victory. But I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. How could they choose me, a warrior from a distant land, over the refined champions who had come for the contest?

Keiya and Prince Karmadin seemed overly pleased with the proceedings of my luck. This had me wondering if it was merely my good fortune or if I had come as a piece in a bigger plot. What piece was I missing in the puzzle?

And that was the beginning of my inquisition. Stories about Karmadin and Keiya came to me in little snatches – from conversations overheard, from gossip and chatter flung carelessly, and from paid services. In all, I was able to piece together a measure of understanding about the situation.

It seemed that Prince Karmadin was the younger and most loved son of King Molar the Great, a monarch whose dominion spread across the Western Kingdoms, encompassing Riher Vale, Majertar Trails, and the Kingdoms of the North.

King Molar's power had spread like wildfire, humbling strong Houses and reprimanding those who refused to pledge fealty with blood and fire. Even the Plains offered tributes as peace offerings to avoid his wrath. We'd called him the Deranged King, but King Molar the Great was a conqueror who held the West and North in authority and organization.

However, within the walls of his own home, disarray persisted. Rivalry was rooted, fueled by the love between a father and son. Karmadin, the younger son, had received fair treatment, but this had incited jealousy in his older brother, Hadero.

As King Molar's passing time drew near, he feared what jealousy was capable of and what might evolve between his sons in his absence. In a bid to prevent conflict, he sent Karmadin away to rule over Kedrone, while Hadero remained in Amlyxone as its prospective leader.

King Molar had hoped that by sharing his inheritance and making both sons rulers, he could keep Karmadin safe from Hadero's wrath. But could this truly keep the peace?

At the fullness of time, the Deranged King passed, leaving Hadero to ascend the throne of Amlyxone. With power in his grasp, Hadero threatened his brother with war, a war that would surely tear down Kedrone. Understanding the strength of Amlyxone, Karmadin made his resolve. Before his brother, he bent the knee and acknowledged Hadero's kingship over all kingdoms, including Kedrone.

With Karmadin's submission to King Hadero's rule, Kedrone was burdened not only with a yearly tribute but also with fealty, which Hadero was sure to exploit. For the sake of peace, Karmadin had considered this a small price to pay. However, fate's cold fist was sure to strike sooner rather than later.

King Hadero resolved to visit Kedrone with his son and crown prince, Dakor. Upon their arrival, Dakor's gaze fell upon Karmadin's only daughter, Keiya. My own Keiya! Dakor's desires for her were ignited, and his lust was so rooted that he would stop at nothing to have her.

Dakor turned to his father for help, and King Hadero, eager to appease his son, sought to make Dakor Keiya's husband by force. However, Karmadin would never agree to this, condemning his cherished daughter to a life of lamentation.

The wise Karmadin devised a plan, knowing Dakor's pride would be his downfall. He dared Dakor to participate in the vicious fight, a challenge that would prove his undying love for Keiya. As predicted, Dakor accepted the challenge.

Karmadin's plan was set in motion, but its success was far from guaranteed. Dakor was a formidable fighter, and mere men would not be enough to defeat him. So, Karmadin embarked on a journey to invite mighty swordsmen and famous fighters to participate in the contest.

Some accepted the invitation, while others were carefully selected by the prince. But I remained, a mysterious and unassuming presence. Perhaps my tales had found their way into Karmadin's ears, and he had come to my village seeking me out.

Lucky for them, I was already trapped by my own temper and lust. These two fires burned within me, urging me to participate in the contest. By good fortune, I had unknowingly foiled their schemes by defeating Dakor.

Some of my new friends who knew Dakor well advised me to flee Kedrone. "Is he alive?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.

"Of course," one of them replied. "He survived the vicious game, but he was badly wounded on the night of the contest."

I couldn't help but ask more questions. "Who is this man, and what does he look like?" The description I received was vague, but it led me to a startling realization: Dakor was my last adversary in the ring, the same man who had boasted that he wasn't scared of me.

Fate had been cruel, but I wasn't quick to draw conclusions. For all I knew, I had left Dakor to bleed out to death in the ring. In my heart, I hoped that he had indeed met his demise. I couldn't face the same demon twice and hope to be so lucky. Only time would tell if this rhythm would last forever.