The clang of steel against steel echoes through the arena as we make our way over to the far corner out of the way of the others that are training.
“Maybe we should train in the garden?” I say nervously, looking around at all the men staring our way.
Kian shrugs off his coat and starts rolling up the sleeves of his tunic. “Scared?”
My gaze whips back to him. “What? No!”
“Sounds like it,” he says, smirking.
A low growl escapes my lips as I place my hands on my hips. “I just wasn’t expecting a crowd.”
Kian’s gaze softens. “It will be fine. No one will bother us.”
He turns and walks over to a small wooden table and picks up two sticks. Facing me, he tosses one at me. I panic for a momentthen instinctively reach out to grab the stick, raising an eyebrow in confusion.
Wooden swords?
“It's necessary for you to master the basic movements first. To use a sword correctly, the movements must be as natural and fluid as the flow of water in a river.”
I look down at the wooden sword, studying the grain of the wood and the rough edges. It’s still surprisingly heavy.
“Okay. But I don't think I'm ever going to be as fluid as a river.”
“You will if you are determined. We will also have to work on your endurance and stamina.”
I lift my gaze, and I notice the mischievous twinkle in his eyes. The innuendo sinking in, I bite my bottom lip and shake my head, trying to hide my amusement.
“You’re a turd,” I chuckle.
“What?” Kian asks innocently.
“I’ll have you know my stamina is just fine.”
“Could always be better though.”
My face flushes, and I narrow my eyes at him. Deciding to give me a break from his flirtiness, Kian takes up a stance next to me. “I want you to follow my movements.”
I watch and copy as Kain gracefully moves through a series of fluid moves. After going through them with me several times, Kain drops his sword.
“Continue,” he orders.
I nod and focus ahead, going through each move he’s shown me. Kian watches and corrects me when needed. I can feel the sweat rolling down my forehead and back, as I go through eachmovement. The weight of the wooden sword makes my muscles shake with exertion.
“Okay. Enough.”
I sigh, dropping my arms. My muscles are burning, as I pant.
“You did well, but we will take a break from the sword. Want to do some hand to hand?”
I nod, unable to speak just yet.
“Okay, but first, one lap of the arena.”
“What?” I shriek.
Is he serious?
“Endurance, remember.” He smirks and takes off jogging.
