“I was planning to amend our schedule so that you could sleep in a real bed tonight, but if you stand there all day…”
I turn and dash through trees before he can finish that sentence. Not only do I need to put physical distance between us and douse myself in cold water, but there’s not much I wouldn’t do for a hearty meal and a night on something more comfortable than a damn bed roll. Even if that inn happens to be in the capital city of the Ruby Region.
Once I’m clean, calmed down, and dressed to spar, I make my way back to camp. I would usually forgo my leather corset as it constricts my range of motion, but it also allows me to hide specially designed blades in the faux boning. And, selfishly, it also makes my breasts look great. An asset that will no doubt work in my favor when it comes to distracting my opponent.
“This one is eager to have a rider. I think she missed you yesterday,” Cal says, handing me the reins of my caramel-colored mare.
Thank the gods he’s fully clothed again.
The horse whinnies as I mount, clearly aware that we’re talking about her.
“I think extra apples are in store for you when we reach Gathe.”
Cal and his mare let out a snort at the same time.
“Do you hear that old girl? She gets a day off and extra apples. Meanwhile you’ve carried twice the weight while I rode bareback for hours.”
“Fine. Apples for all three of you. But only if you’re on your best behavior today.”
Cal’s mare lifts her head high as if to show how dutiful she plans to be, eliciting an unexpected laugh from her rider.
“I don’t really care much for apples anyway.” Cal’s voice is low as he spurs his horse ahead into the woods, once again leaving me in his wake.
CHAPTER 17
The clearing Cal has chosen for our makeshift sparring ring is bare. A small stream runs along the edge of the trees, but no other brush or plant life can be found besides a small patch of grass the horses immediately start to graze. No vines or thorny bushes that I can multiply when he isn't looking.
Cal may have acknowledged my magic, but he still hasn’t divulged his secret power. For better or worse, today’s fight will have to be purely physical.
As if he can hear my thoughts, Cal slips his black shirt over his head, exposing the sea beast inked on his rippling muscles to the sunlight.
“Is that really necessary?” I taunt.
“This is a clean shirt and you’re very fond of sharp objects. I’d like to keep it in one piece.” He stuffs the shirt into his rucksack and stalks towards me. “You’re welcome to take yours off too if you’d feel more comfortable.”
A heat flushes up my neck and I open my mouth to make a snarky comment when Cal moves. Stepping towards me, he uses one leg to swipe both of mine out from under me. A startled yelp slips out as my ass hits the ground in a hard thud.
“Nick should have taught you to anticipate distractions. How many battles has he won?”
I stare up at Cal from my forced seat on the forest floor and roll my eyes. “Just like a man to make everything a dick measuring contest.”
Cal grabs my hand, pulling my chest against his as I stand.
“I’d win that, too.” He winks before dropping my hand and backing away several paces. “I’ve seen your defense in action; now show me your offense. Attack me,” he demands.
I watch for a moment observing his stance. He’s nearly a foot taller than me and easily outweighs me by 100 pounds. He’s got more muscles than a god and I’m fairly certain he could take down a house with brute force alone. I will never win a match-up of physical strength, but physicality is only one part of a soldier. Strategy and cunning carry their own weight on the battlefield, and as a woman and a politician, they happen to be my strongest weapons.
“You favor your left side,” I say, nodding my head off to the left in an attempt to distract him.
“You couldn’t possibly know what I favor.”
Cal’s eyes are fixed wholly on mine while I approach, allowing me the opportunity to slide my fingers into the sheath hidden on my right outer thigh. I move to pull the dagger and Cal is on me in an instant, grabbing my left arm and twisting so that my back is pressed against his chest. The blade in my right hand now rests delicately across my throat.
Cal is in full control. He could slit my throat with a single thought. My magic sizzles under my skin, searing me everywhere his skin touches mine. Adrenaline kicks in, preparing me to fight despite knowing I’m in no real danger.
Well, at least no physical danger.
“You’re going to have to do better than that.”
