Cassandra took his invitation and flirt in a very different light. The distrust that had developed of people from constantly getting hurt by her close ones fuelled her fears.
She believed he thought her to be a pushover just like her family did. Just because she couldn't defend herself when they used magic against her.
Her nostrils flared and those cheeks reddened in embarrassment. Knowing her father had asked her to treat him like a proper guest of the Alpha and not disappoint him.
She believed this man was playing with her feelings too. Understanding by now that no one cared for her except Lotus.
"Don't disrespect me. I am engaged and although we are to work together for the arena, no way I am sitting anywhere near or in your lap," she told him flatly. The uneasiness in her pit kept growing from his sultry gaze.
"You will be comfortable, I have thick thighs." He patted his right one, the muscles rippled under his contoured hand.
The man certainly didn't know when to give up. Was he that stubborn or did his Alpha put him up to it?
To flirt with her just to embarrass or humiliate her. If anyone were to see her like that, her reputation would be ruined, and her fiancé, who already remained detached, might find a reason to break off their engagement.
"I would like to politely refuse. Can we speak about how we are going to survive that arena? It's not a child's play. Both of us can die there."
Cassandra tried to change the subject.
"We won't die, I will protect you," he nonchalantly said, placing one of his extremely tanned legs on the other and placing his elbow on the armrest.
'Protect? Did he really mean what he said? No males ever tried to protect her.'
He sat like a king, not an ordinary slave, though that slave collar around his neck said otherwise. Cassandra couldn't decipher this man at all and his objectives.
She had to be transparent with him, he needed to know what he was getting himself in. Cassandra didn't wish to be the cause of his death.
"I don't have any magic, all I can do is a few tricks with swords and kunai knives," she stated, a hint of sadness coating her words while readying herself for any derogatory remark he might float her way. She crossed her arms, hugging herself with her hands. A way to protect herself whenever people slandered her.
That's how it always happened. The youngest mage princess of the greatest magic kingdom had no magic.
What a joke.
Instead, he spoke smoothly as if he had been expecting the very answer from her. There was no derision, only swirling softness in his eyes.
"Show me and we will strategise from there. Don't worry about magic."
Cassandra blinked several times, hoping she had heard him right. Finally breaking out of the stupor she said.
"We will need to go to the training grounds, I can show you the arena as well. You will get an idea."
He slowly got up and ambled towards her.
"Lead the way, Princess Cassandra," he requested as if tasting her name on his tongue. Notes so deep that they unsettled her. Although the word 'princess' was said with a tease instead of being used as a title.
Gulping with some difficulty she willed herself to speak.
"Firstly tell me your name."
A vague smile tugged at his lips, turning them upwards.
"Siroos! That's what they call me anyways," he merely shrugged his shoulders as if it wasn't a big deal.
'Siroos,' Cassandra repeated his name under her breath and wondered what it meant.
"Thank you! Come." She led him through different corridors of the grand castle with its majestic towers and rich tiled floors. The exuberance and riches were evident in every nook of this place and yet Siroos's eyes were fixated only on her.
He remained behind her by a step but she could sense his looming presence. It unwinded something inside her, something she didn't understand.
The candles sputtered in their candle stands and the lanterns lighted the corridors they passed through. She grabbed one lantern off the hook from the wall.
The silence was awkward.
"You are not disappointed?" She shattered it with her question. It had been on the tip of her tongue.
"Disappointed?" He blankly asked.
"Every other participant will have a magic-wielding partner which will enhance their chances at winning, and here I am," she couldn't help but lament, lowering her eyes as their feet kept moving.
"I was sent as your warrior for a reason. It will be my duty to protect you in that arena," he vocalised so self-assuredly that Cassandra wished she had half of that confidence which oozed out of this mysterious man from a strange land.
Did he really wish to protect her?
Or was it part of some elaborate scheme?
Only time would tell.
Walking outside the castle Cassandra trudged along the winding path that led to the giant structure which they called: The Arena.
The colossal structure was constructed from massive white limestone blocks and extended to a height of several stories.
The exterior was adorned with a series of arches, stacked in multiple tiers, giving the structure a sense of elegance irrespective of the bloodbath that occurred within its walls.
"Here!" Cassandra announced as they entered through one of the entrance arches of white marble adorned with several gemstones.
Siroos watched the arena with wild admiration settling in his eyes. That animalistic side of his, which he kept buried under, began to surface, sensing the blood that spilt there.
Cassandra raised the glass-metallic lantern as they entered the dark passageway; her companion didn't need light to see in the dark, though.
The sharp tang of dampness abused their nostrils as they walked through the passage and arrived at the vast open area of rammed earth.
The walls on the four sides were adorned with weapons of all kinds while raised platforms behind them held the spectator seats and a grand podium for the important guests and members of the royal family.
"Not bad," Siroos observed, the gold in his eyes was flickering with multiple shaded flecks. As if a conglomeration of colours has been birthed in them. Cassandra was beyond mesmerised, she had never seen something like that before.
"Let's begin, show me what you got," he addressed her with a hint of amusement.