Duel to death:

The Kuranies nobles did not come out of their reverie. That morning had been bizarre for everyone, much more so for the women in the pavilion, who had been honored and elevated in the most unexpected way.
"Many of you think that I have become weak." His voice is a mocking whistle. "Many believe that having taken so many wives for myself has softened my heart." Even in the darkest moments of our recent history when there seemed to be no hope and many of those present preferred to flee rather than face the enemy, my wives, those women for whom I have been criticized so much, were by my side and supported my sword so that I would not falter, that is why I have seen fit to honor you above any man.
A deathly silence fell over the throne room.
"Now let's move on to more serious matters." It is time for us to deliver the justice of the gods. May today be a demonstration of how weak I really am! - now his words, like thunder, make the ground tremble under the feet of those present in the room.
"Bring him!" ordered the Emperor.
Within seconds, a man completely dressed in rags and dirty was brought before the throne. Thick shackles bound his wrists and ankles. His face and hair were covered in dirt.
Umara struggled but was finally able to recognize the former Prime Minister, Cassio.
´´Behold! Oh nobles of the Empire. How your Emperor punishes traitors! Today, before the sun goes down, the head of one of the two will roll on the ground. Behold, Cassio has challenged me to a duel to the death.´´
Alessios stands up, and slowly descends the stairs, taking one step at a time, without rushing. Like a lion approaching a prey that he knows is his. He arrives next to the prisoner and gives him a push, forcing him to advance through the crowd that moves away so as not to contaminate himself.
Outside, in the main courtyard, all the nobles and dignitaries who had been gathered in the throne room for moments, have come out to contemplate the bloody spectacle.
Cassio has been freed from his chains and provided with a sword while the Emperor wields his as well. Cassio wears his dirty and smelly rags while Alessios has shed his jacket, taking the muscular and bronzed torso bare.
Alessios holds his weapon in both hands, in front of his face, as his opponent exercises his muscles, switching his weapon from one hand to the other and performing complex movements while holding it.
From one moment to the next and without warning, Cassio launched himself against the Emperor and both men crossed swords, thus beginning the fierce combat. The blades of the weapons crashed against each other over and over again, Alessios leaning on his strong legs, pirouetting on the ground and evading his opponent's blows. There was a moment when Cassio exerted pressure, pushing Alessios and forcing him back, dust from the floor rose. The Emperor recovered quickly, leaping and forcing Cassio back, holding his sword against his, nearly bringing him to his knees.
"If you surrender now, I will be benevolent and leave your fate in the hands of the wild beasts."
Cassio stepped away, moving to the side.
´´Only cowards surrender after having proposed a duel.´´
Umara:
I watch the fight disinterestedly, I don't have the gift of clairvoyance but I know perfectly well what the result of this confrontation will be, Cassio's minutes are numbered.
With an accurate blow, Alessios has embedded the sword in his opponent's chest, deeply, up to the hilt. A vomit of blood shoots out of Cassio's mouth, making a great contrast between the inhuman pallor that his face acquires and the brilliant red of it on his lips.
Cassio falls to his knees, his breathing is ragged, his eyes look like two huge bottomless pits, death is reflected on his face.
´´Don't worry about your dear sister, she will follow you to the underworld very soon.- Alessios whispers victoriously and I look away.
With a clean and accurate cut, Cassio's head was severed from the rest of his body, rolling to the ground at the Emperor's feet. The body of the former vizier contracted in an agonizing spasm, falling to the dusty ground of the courtyard.
"Long live the Emperor!"
´´Long Live!´´
"Long live the great Warrior Wolf!"
´´Long life!´´
The women of the pavilion joined in the cheers, proud of the man who had demonstrated his supremacy in combat without the need to resort to his animal form, Cítiê, Burya and the twins ran to surround him, to kiss him, to hug him, to take the sword of his hand and wipe the sweat from his forehead.
Only Umara remained apart, inexpressive, disinterested, Alessios saw her contemplate for a moment the painting that he presented surrounded and pampered by the rest of his wives, and leave, silently in the direction of the Luna´s pavilion.
The little garden in the imperial quarters was in full bloom. The tree, and all the nocturnal plants exhaled a disorder of different aromas, turning the air sweet and a little heavy.
"Won't you speak to me, little flower?" Alessios murmured.
Umara remained seated on the granite bench, her eyes fixed on the floor, her hands clasped in her lap.
—I know, I offered to return each of the others to their respective lands, but it's impossible for me... doing so would sentence them to death or slavery and I couldn't live with my conscience if...
“I know, sir. I don't require your explanations. - she whispered.