"Traitor," Gavriel snarled, glaring at his former best friend. "I'll kill you for this. For betraying your oath, your country, your people." His chest heaved, his breaths coming raggedly as he fought to stay upright. He was panting, his hair mussed, his armor dented and cracked. Blood seeped down his leg, and he staggered, leaning on the wall for support. "I'll destroy you."
There was much he'd left unsaid. Yes, he hated his childhood friend for having betrayed the empire. But most of all, he hated his first love, first everything, for betraying him. Gavriel knew the new emperor was mad with power. Knew it would end badly. Knew that the corrupt government, the oppressive nobility, and the suffering of the commoners was going to cause an uprising. But he'd been raised a member of House de Castellan, loyal retainers and servants of the ruling family. Devotion had been drilled into him from birth.
"I won't let you destroy everything," Gavriel growled, his voice a low rumble. "I won't let you win." His army had already surrendered. Gavriel had no choice but to surrender as well, if he wished to live. His heart had already died, though, so what did it matter? He would not die a traitor. His last act as the loyal son of House de Castellan would be to take a stand.
He drew his sword, his hand trembling, his body weak. "We're not done," he rasped between ragged, painful breaths. "Draw your weapon, traitor. One final duel, just us."
It took everything in his power to keep his voice steady. His heart was in pieces, but he wouldn't let his old friend, the one person who had meant everything to him once upon a time, know that. "Fight me," he demanded. "Let's settle this."