As Qiyana's piercing eyes scanned the opulent entrance hall, her gaze landed on a striking figure standing amidst the throngs of guests. He was ruggedly handsome, the epitome of strength and danger. A man who carried himself with an air of dominance, like a wolf among sheep. It was clear he was a mercenary, his rugged attire and the way he seemed to command the room setting him apart from the refined nobility that surrounded them.

With a mischievous smirk playing on her lips, Qiyana sauntered over, her steps exuding confidence and entitlement. The bratty princess couldn't resist the temptation of challenging this newcomer, toying with his expectations and asserting her dominance. She approached him, her voice dripping with condescension.

"Well, well... A mere mercenary in the presence of royalty. Tell me, peasant, what brings you to my castle? Have you come to entertain me, or is it mere coincidence that you've stumbled into my distinguished presence?"

"I see... You're not here to pay your respects, then? Pity. But perhaps I can find some other amusement in the company of someone like you." With a sneer, she extends her hand, palm upward. "Why don't you prove yourself to me, little mercenary? Show me what you're made of." Her golden tiara shimmers beneath the chandelier light as she challenges him, eyes narrowing dangerously.

With surprise and rage clouding her features, Qiyana struggles against the magical restraints that hold her in place. "How dare you!" she spits venomously, blood boiling as she futilely attempts to break free. "Let me go this instant, or suffer the consequences!" Her voice is laced with anger and a barely concealed desire for retribution.

The other nobles in the hall, shocked by her behavior, begin to whisper amongst themselves, casting dirty glances at Qiyana and Kashimo. The tension in the air thickens as their private battle escalates into a spectacle for all to see.

Her breath hitches as she glares at him with venomous eyes. "Very well," she rasps through clenched teeth, realizing that she has no choice but to acquiesce if she's going to salvage any shred of dignity in front of these guests. With a slow deliberate movement, Qiyana retracts her hands from the chains. "Fine then," she says through gritted teeth, swallowing her pride for now. "Let us see what you can do."

Without further warning, Qiyana spins around, her blue-green dress flaring out dramatically as she twirls on one foot before launching herself into a backflip that lands her squarely in front of Kashimo. As she comes to a stop, she assumes a defensive stance, her ohmlatl gripped tightly in one hand. "Begin when you're ready," she challenges, eyes fixed on the mercenary as sweat trickles down her bare back.

Her lips curl into a thin line as she studies the mercenary before her. Despite his unorthodox way of approaching their 'duel', there was something about him that spoke of great power and experience. With a sharp intake of breath, Qiyana dismisses her annoyance and focuses on the task at hand. She nods curtly in acknowledgement before launching herself into motion once more, spinning around with dizzying speed as she brings her ohmlatl swinging down towards Kashimo's head in a devastating diagonal slash. The blade hisses through the air, leaving afterimages of blue flame in its wake.

As Qiyana completes her spin, she lunges forward with renewed vigor, aiming to close the distance between them before he can react. Her movements are graceful yet powerful, flowing seamlessly from one attack to the next as she uses her elemental magic to enhance her strikes. The air around her crackles with energy as she launches a flurry of blows aimed at Kashimo's vulnerable flesh, determined to emerge victorious and reassert her dominance over this unknown threat.

Her eyes widen as she takes in the strange markings on his hand. This mercenary wasn't just some common thug; he was skilled and powerful. Suddenly, her initial confidence wavers for a moment. But Qiyana quickly regains her composure, refusing to show any weakness or uncertainty. With renewed determination, she launches herself into the air, spinning upside down in mid-leap as she brings her ohmlatl swinging down towards Kashimo's head with deadly force.

The blow is aimed at the markings on his hand, hoping to disrupt whatever magic they held. As she lands gracefully back on the ground, Qiyana lunges forward again, taking advantage of her upside-down momentum to launch a series of quick kicks aimed at Kashimo's stomach and thighs before pulling herself back into another spinning slash that aims for his chest. The air around them crackles with energy as they continue their fierce battle, neither one willing to admit defeat.

"What!" The sudden contact with another person's body sent Qiyana stumbling backwards, her eyes widening in surprise and anger. As she recovered her balance, she glared at Kashimo, teeth gritted in frustration. "You cheated! That was completely unfair!" Her shout draws the attention of everyone in the hall, the tension spiking even higher as they watch their confrontation with bated breath.

Ignoring the stares of disbelief and admiration, Qiyana focuses her anger on Kashimo once more. "Very well," she hisses through clenched teeth, a dangerous glint in her eyes. With surprising agility, she sidesteps another guest who lunges towards her before launching herself at Kashimo in a swift and deadly attack. Her ohmlatl whistles through the air as it swings like a wrecking ball, aimed directly for his chest this time. The impact sends him flying backwards into a nearby pillar, which crumbles under the force of the blow.

"Is that all you've got?" Qiyana taunts, not giving him time to recover. Her eyes flash with determination as she prepares herself for whatever he might throw her way next.

With a scream of rage, Qiyana uses her magic to create a barrier of water between herself and the oncoming wave of guests. The ice cracks under the force of their bodies as they collide harmlessly with the wall of water. She pushes outward with her powers, sending them sprawling across the hall in a jumbled heap. As she regains her composure, she narrows her eyes at Kashimo and grins wickedly.

"Oh? So you're resorting to using innocents as your pawns now?" She sneers contemptuously before thrusting out her hand once more, sending a blast of magma hurtling towards him. The hot air sears his flesh as he throws himself aside to avoid the onslaught.

"You think you can best me with such cowardly tactics?" Qiyana mocks, her voice echoing through the hall. "Then come at me head-on, and maybe I'll give you a real fight!"

Her eyes widen in surprise as she feels something cold and painful encircle her waist. She tries to break free but finds herself trapped by the unyielding grip of her captor's magic. "Let go!" she shrieks, struggling uselessly against his hold. Her ohmlatl clatters to the floor as Kashimo launches another attack, this one directed at her already weakened arm. With a sickening crunch, her arm gives way beneath the onslaught of his magic and strength. "No!" she howls, tears streaming down her face as pain shoots through her body.

But even in the depths of her agony, Qiyana refuses to surrender. She uses what little energy she has left to lash out with a tiny wave of water aimed at Kashimo's legs, hoping to trip him up long enough for her to break free from his grasp. Her breath comes in ragged gasps as adrenaline courses through her veins, fueling her determination to win this fight, no matter the cost.

Panting hard through gritted teeth, Qiyana winces as she regards her now limp and useless arm. Blood trickles down her forearm, staining the delicate fabric of her dress. Her eyes narrow to slits as she watches Kashimo back away, a slow smirk curling its way onto her lips. "You think so?" she breathes, her voice almost a whisper. Despite the pain wracking her body and the exhaustion clouding her mind, Qiyana's determination to win remains undiminished. With an animalistic growl, she pushes herself off the floor, ignoring the searing agony in her arm as she launches herself at Kashimo once more. Her ohmlatl materializes back into her hand, flashing silver as she swings it with renewed fury.

"Give me your best shot, peasant!" she snarls through clenched teeth. "Let's see if you can really beat a princess."

Even as she launches herself at Kashimo, her eyes widen in shock and pain as the two marked guests collide in midair with an explosion that engulfs her entire body. The impact throws her off balance and sends her crashing to the floor, sending a spray of dirt and debris flying through the air. Her limbs twitch uselessly as she tries to push herself back up, but she can no longer summon the strength to fight on. Blood pours freely from her wounds, staining the pristine marble beneath her. With a strangled gurgle, Qiyana lies motionless on the ground, defeated and humiliated in front of all of these people she once considered beneath her.

The echoes of laughter and cheers ring out through the hall as Kashimo stands over her victorious form, surveying his handiwork with a satisfied grin. The aftermath of their battle leaves destruction and chaos in its wake; shattered glass, splintered wood, and crumpled bodies scattered across the floor. But despite it all, Qiyana's humiliation burns brighter than any fire she could ever summon, searing into her soul as a reminder of what happens when one underestimates true power and strength.

With the last of her strength, she mutters "D-did I lose...?" Her eyes close as her body is healed. As they open once more, the look of acceptance and gratitude in them surprise her even more than the loss itself. Kashimo's eyes meet hers, and for a moment there's understanding between them, an acknowledgement of each other's skill and determination. A shiver runs down her spine as she realizes that this is what it means to truly face an opponent on equal ground, with no hiding behind titles or magic or wealth... Only their strength and willpower mattered here.

Swallowing hard, Qiyana reaches up with her good hand and gives Kashimo a shaky smile. "Thank you... For that." Her voice is barely more than a whisper, but the sincerity in it rings clear as crystal. As she tries to stand once more, Kashimo helps her up, his touch gentle yet firm. The fire still burns within her eyes, but there's something different now; respect... Perhaps even admiration.

As they stand side by side amidst the rubble of their battleground, Qiyana can't help but feel a strange new stirring inside her. She had always known that she was good, better than most in fact, but this... This was on another level entirely. For the first time in a long while, there was

You didn't ruin anything. This hall will be rebuilt, and so will the lives of those whose bodies were used against us... But I won't forget this lesson you taught me. The true power doesn't lie in our titles or magic or wealth, but in ourselves. Thank you for showing me that.

The mercenary's smile lights up his face as he regards her with interest. Perhaps there is more to him than she first thought? A small thrill runs through her at the possibility of exploring this newfound connection further. Maybe, just maybe... This could be the start of something unexpected and wonderful between them.

Her heart racing, Qiyana tilts her head slightly in his direction, a genuine curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "So, Kashimo... What now?" she asks softly. The air crackles with an energy all its own as they stand there together, waiting for his answer.

Her brow furrows slightly at his reply as she ponders it for a moment. "But that doesn't mean you have to leave..." She trails off, not quite sure how to finish her thought. The idea of him staying makes her heart race with excitement and anticipation, but she doesn't want to seem too forward or eager.

Tentatively, she extends a hand in his direction. "You could... stay for a while? If you wanted." Her voice is soft, hopeful. There's so much more she wants to say, but somehow these simple words feel like enough for now.

Her cheeks flush with pleasure at his words, and she can't help but grin like a fool. "Well then," she says lightly, trying to play it cool despite the fluttering in her stomach. "I suppose we should find you something to do while you're here." She tilts her head, studying him once more. "Perhaps guard duty? To make sure no one else challenges my honor?"

There's a spark in her eyes that Kashimo can't help but notice, and it does strange things to his insides. He nods slowly, feeling the thrum of anticipation pulsing through him like electricity. "I think I could handle that," he says with a wry smile.

Their gazes lock for a moment longer before Qiyana finally breaks it, looking away shyly. She takes a step back, suddenly feeling self-conscious beneath his intense scrutiny. "Come," she says softly, gesturing for him to follow her. "I know just the place where we can discuss your... duties." With that, she turns and walks gracefully away, her gold-embroidered dress shimmering in the chandelier light.

Her steps slow as she hears him speak, unable to hide the blush that creeps up her neck at his words. It's an odd feeling, this admission of attraction; it makes her heart race and her breath catch in her throat. But instead of responding directly, she turns back toward Kashimo with a teasing smile. "Well, I suppose you could still find other ways to occupy your time," she says playfully. "Perhaps you could help me plan some grand celebrations or oversee the restoration of my castle? There's certainly no shortage of things that need tending to."

As they walk together through the hall, their steps in sync despite their vastly different sizes and positions, Qiyana can't help but feel a strange sense of companionship with this mysterious mercenary. The air around them crackles with an energy unlike anything she's ever experienced before, making her heart race and her skin tingle with anticipation. For the first time in a long while, Qiyana feels truly alive - and she's not sure if she wants it to end anytime soon.