In a Prisoner's Cage

Dael nodded. "Win. I will."

Osbert's mistress smiled and drew up her hood. Then she called for Darius's lanistas.

As they led him back to the cell, he listened to the crowd, their cheers and shouts, boos and hisses. Were they happy or disappointed? How was Avery faring? The Lion was an arena favorite. More than once, Darius had bemoaned selling him to a competitor.

The prisoners hooted and hollered at him; they thought they knew what had gone on between Dael and the woman.

And then Flavia called out. "Dael!"

He turned instinctively and saw her, in a prisoner's cage.