Transition from one scene to the other is quite confusing, maybe because you put both scenes (present and [start of] the flashback) in a single paragraph.
Actually, I've been considering chopping off the first scene altogether, or at least rewriting it. Though it does have the right feel I want (that she did not understand what he meant by playing the game with him until then) I think the description of the duel is flat. *sighs* More reading for me!

Status: Drafty-ish but I have to submit it already
I'm serious! This is the draft, because I haven't even done any editing on it at all. If you'd notice, there are too many sentences with commas - a sign I haven't been thinking again except for the sound of the sentence.

The heart of the story. This should be emphasized more at the end.
I've had a few misgivings about the end - I muddled through it with no definite thought of what their status at the ending 'should' be. By the time I did get there, I was too drained to do anything more than hit the save button (no excuse! says the beta reader in my head)

It's a refreshing change from beta reader to being beta-read, since I'm cruel to myself most of the time. Your comments are refreshing, and gave me the points I should try to look over. Thanks! ^_^