Page 59 of Shadow Witch

“Yeah, you’re welcome. I just…I hate this. I’m going to have to vote and everyone’s going to be staring at me and stuff. I hate being the center of attention.”

“Well, I love it, so I can totally do this job on your behalf. I’ll be really dramatic about it, too. You know, dramatic pauses, arching eyebrows, the whole bit.”

“Thanks, Dewey. I’ll just whisper in your ear like I’m actually saying something, then just announce Devon every time.”

“Got it,” Dewey said with a bob of his head as Dominic hushed the crowd.

“Good morning, everyone. And welcome to day 2 of the Amor Fortis.”

Applause broke out, and Dominic waved them quiet. “This morning we have the Duel of Devotion. Both contestants will shower the object of their affection with the true depths of their devotion to her. Their outpourings will be judged by the woman herself and a panel of judges. Before we begin, we will flip a coin to determine who goes first. As the challenging party, Henry will call it.”

Dominic produced a coin as Henry announced, “Heads.”

Dominic flipped it and let it clatter to the ground. “Heads,” he called. “You may choose your position in the duel.”

“I shall go…second,” Henry answered with an arch of his eyebrow.

“Fine. Devon, you are first. We begin now,” Dominic said.

Paige’s heart thudded against her ribs as Devon nodded and stepped forward toward her.

He swallowed hard and flicked his gaze to Paige. “Paige…we’ve had some crazy adventures. And they all started when you fell down those stairs at the library. Remember, you landed on my foot?”

The memory brought a smile to her face as she nodded.

“And from that time on, I just…knew how special you were. And that’s why I kidnapped you and asked you to marry me.”

Several “awws” filled the air.

“And I still feel the same way. Paige, I would kidnap you and lock you in the tower all over again.”

More heartfelt exclamations went up as Devon produced a single rose and handed it to her. Color rose in her cheeks as she accepted it with a tight-lipped smile.

“Gonna be tough to beat that,” Dewey said. “Really heartfelt.”

Applause sounded as Devon stepped back, and Henry approached her. He arched an eyebrow as he pulled a paper from his pocket and cleared his throat.

“Paige, I have written you a poem to showcase my love for you.” He cleared his throat again as he raised the paper to his eye level. “In your laughter, I’ve found delight. With every glance, love takes flight. Our journey, a story both playful and bright. Together, forever, our hearts unite.”

Dewey crinkled his brow as he rubbed his chin. “Wow, that was weak.”

“Yeah, and kind of stupid. I vote Devon.”

Dewey nodded as he fluttered forward. “Paige’s vote is for…” He paused and scanned the crowd before he announced, “Devon.”

A few applause broke out before they died down as they awaited the judges’ panel scores. After a brief discussion, the head judge, a balding man by the name of Ben Badman, announced their winner. “Devon.”

Devon shouted, “Whoo!” as he raised a fist in the air!

Drucinda rubbed his shoulders. “That’s it, Devon. That’s it.”

Dominic shushed the crowd into silence again before he announced the second round.

Devon stepped forward and tugged a paper from his pocket. “I also wrote you a little something, Paige.”

He cleared his throat. “Hey Paige, you make every day an adventure, and I can’t wait for more.”

He stepped back as Paige furrowed her brow.

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