Rufus' POV:

The fight on the stage was getting more and more intense. Harry had been relentless in his offense, forcing Sylvia to fall back again and again.

The more I watched, the more I felt like my heart was being used as a punching bag. Harry didn't restrain his strength at all. He knew Sylvia's weakness very well and mercilessly directed his blows at it. He punched Sylvia in the belly again, making her bend down.

I looked away as I couldn't bear to watch the fight anymore. I became more and more irritable, and I couldn't sit still.

"I thought this fight would be interesting, but she was just letting him beat her," Laura sneered.

"Sylvia is just a slave. She has never received any formal training. It makes sense that she can't defeat Harry, but her getting this far in the competition is undeniably laudable," Alina reasoned.

"You're right. It's amazing that a slave such as her lasted this long. Thanks to her, today's exam is somewhat entertaining," Laura said nonchalantly. It seemed that in her eyes, Sylvia was just a plaything. "But if it weren't for Harry, Sylvia would've been eliminated already," Alina continued, an innocent glimmer making her eyes shine. "I just don't understand why he helped her. But she is indeed attractive." The ambiguity in Alina's words set off alarms in my head. If an outsider heard that comment, it could be misinterpreted.

But sure enough, as soon as Alina finished speaking, Laura chortled, "What a coquette!"

My protective instincts finally kicked in, and I tapped my cup on the table. "Guards, the coffee is cold. Please serve a freshly brewed pot to the queen and escort Miss Quinn back to her room. She's tired. She needs to get some rest."

Alina turned her head to me and flashed me a confused look. "Rufus, did I make you unhappy? Why are you suddenly..."

"What are you waiting for? I said escort her back to her room," I snapped at the guards who didn't move after I was finished barking orders.

"What are you doing, Rufus?" Laura rolled her eyes at me and then held Alina's hand to stop her from leaving.

"I just want to show my hospitality," I said, struggling to keep my voice level.

Hearing the strain in my voice, Richard started laughing. I shot him a death glare, warning him to mind his own business.

Laura stood up angrily, but before she could verbally attack me, Alina stopped her.

"Your Majesty, Prince Rufus is right. I'm indeed tired. I want to go back to my room and rest," Alina said in a voice tinged with embarrassment. The corner of her mouth drooped, and after comforting Laura, she left with the guards. She looked at me with grievance in her eyes before she turned on her heel.

I didn't bother to follow her with my gaze. I turned around and focused on the competition again.

At this time, I found Sylvia going on the offensive against Harry. She was finally fighting back and keeping Harry on his toes. Slowly but surely, she was gaining the upper hand.

"That's odd. When and where did Sylvia learn how to fight like a soldier in the Royal Army? The moves she's making now are only taught to those in exclusive military training," Richard murmured in surprise.

I smiled but said nothing. Sylvia was using the fighting techniques I used on her that night. This was another one of her strengths. She learned incredibly fast, and she had a sharp muscle memory. She could grasp and copy key skills even if they were only shown to her once.

Watching Sylvia turn the tables and make Harry's head spin, I couldn't help feeling immensely proud of her.

She was my mate. She was like a piece of unprocessed, delicate jade, shining brightly and fiercely.

In the end, I got overwhelmed with joy and excitement. Ignoring Laura's dissuasion, I walked toward Sylvia.

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