Chapter 21. Replacement.
Silver greeted me when I entered my room, his tail wrapping around my ankle as he circled by my feet.
“Hello, friend.” I crouched to pet the creature, the tip of my sword scraping the floor. Silver’s purrs echoed through the room; his fur warmed my frozen fingers as they slowly regained mobility after the trip. “How was your day?” I brushed the cloak off my shoulders, letting it fall onto the floor.
Silver rushed to the fallen piece of clothing, caring not for my attention any longer. He settled in the middle of the cloak, embracing the warm material.
I shook my head at his betrayal when a smile stretched my lips. “I’m glad you are enjoying yourself,” I told the cat, getting up to my feet.
The sword reflected the candlelight when I removed it from my belt, setting it on its designated place atop the drawer.
My back straightened, freed from the additional weight of the blade, and I almost laughed at the ridiculousness of the situation: how could I pretend to be skilled with the weapon when my body screamed in pain from merely wearing it?
I had to get back to training if I wanted a chance at surviving whatever the Wurdulacs would bring upon us, and I had to start soon: right now, perhaps.
I grabbed the hilt of the sword anew, pointing it at an invisible opponent. My legs moved into the correct stance.Was the sword always this heavy?
I swung the weapon in every direction until my shoulders ached from the motion. My wrists weakened with every passing second, making me realize the absurdity of my body’s lack of strength.
And I thought I was capable of destroying Kane singlehandedly...
I charged for another swing of my sword as the force—or rather fragility of my hold—sent the blade flying across the room.
Oh, dear Gods...I rolled my eyes when the sword clanged against the floor, the bang bouncing off the walls.
Silver sprinted under the bed, distraught from the noise, before I could comfort him.
“Sorry, friend!” I searched for his glowing eyes underneath the frame. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”
Silver stared at me, refusing to accept my apology, getting comfortable in the corner by the wall.
I sighed, retrieving my fallen blade from the floor. The blade stood unscratched despite my clumsiness—a miracle, nevertheless. I laid the blade down onto the drawer and wondered how Father could have ever trusted me with such a weapon. How could he have gifted me a sword that was more likely to be my end rather than salvation?
At least one thing was abundantly clear—I needed assistance if I wanted to change the inevitable outcome.
The sound of Francis’ steps reached my ears, freezing my fist inches away from Francis’ door. The door creaked open as Francis stood at the threshold; wet curls were brushed away from his face, his torso completely bare.
“How can I be of service, Your Majesty?” He bowed to his waist, a playful smirk curling his lips.
My eyes traveled down to his loose trousers that hung low around his hips. The candlelight played on his warm–toned skin. “Cease calling me that, Francis.” I regained my clarity, meeting his eyes.
“And yet?” He gestured for me to come in. “How can I be of use at this late hour?” He closed the door behind me, walking towards the table that carried many tomes of works I’d never heard of.
The close proximity pressed against my lower stomach; his eyes glowed into my soul.
