I’d been far too lonely for far too long.
“I have my first report to send to the Assembly,” I said.
She paused in digging through the linens. “About the princes?”
I nodded. “About everything. There’s still not much to say. The caravan hasn’t left yet, I hope?”
I didn’t feel proud of the fact that I’d written to them about getting caught by Emrys after using my magic on him last night. Normally, that kind of thing would be a scandal. But wasn’t that exactly what they’d asked me to create? I had to show some progress, and the fact that I’d been alone with both brothers after the sun went down was probably something they wanted to hear.
“No, not yet. They’re having a lazy breakfast themselves.” She changed the subject. “It’s a beautiful day. Thought we could walk the grounds, if you’re up for it. The sheep are getting ready to be sheared, so it’s your last chance to see them all fluffy.”
My spirits lifted considerably at that. “I’d love to.”
“But maybe we’ll stay close to the castle today. No horses,” she added with a grin. “You’re still walking a bit funny.”
I laughed, ducking my head. “That obvious, is it?”
She replied wryly, “Only if you have eyes.”
I rushed to get ready after breakfast. The caravan was due to leave soon, and I wanted to hand my letters to Rhotri myself. Dressed in a simpleday gown with my new cloak over my shoulders, I jogged down to the courtyard ahead of Catrin, our breaths misting in the cool air.
The supply caravan was already assembled, horses snorting and stomping in place while the men checked bundles and reins. I passed the letter to Rhotri and sent him off with a quick hug and a reminder to say hello the next time he came to Darreth. As I waved goodbye, the sun painted the stone walls of the city below in a brilliant golden light that felt like a warm farewell to the group who’d delivered me safely here.
The day before, I’d thought the castle a marvel, but today, it really gleamed. The walls were the color of pale ivory, reflecting the sunshine, with a red and gold banner swaying lazily in the breeze.
“I never thought a place so full of politics could be so…peaceful.” It was perhaps unwise to say aloud, but the warmth of our burgeoning friendship emboldened me to speak freely to Catrin.
“Deceptive, isn’t it?” Catrin stood beside me now, squinting into the light. She gently grabbed my elbow. “Come. They’re sparring already. We can watch without getting in the way.”
“Sparring?”
***
I enjoyed the walk. I was used to city life, so the vibrant green hills alive with fluffy sheep and lambs on the far side of the castle’s walls were a wonder to me. After a bit of roaming around, Catrin led us down a gravel path lined with rosemary toward a muddy square space just beyond the stables. As we grew nearer, a rhythmicclack-clack-clackof wooden and steel blades filled the air.
We passed several trainer-trainee pairs, their differing skill levels and ages making their roles very apparent. Catrin stopped when we finally reached a group of soldiers, all watching the same battle.
The press of the crowd and the heavy musk of male sweat surrounded us as Catrin elbowed past the soldiers. I sensed their intense focus, the brief break in their attention as they noticed silk move by where rigid steel and leathers should’ve been.
The instant she found a satisfactory spot for us, I was transfixed. I couldn’t have looked away even if I’d wanted to.
Sweat dripped down their faces as they danced around one another, wooden blades streaking furiously, lungs heaving, dragging in ragged gasps.
Golden Nisien was smiling, moving like a duelist from a bard’s tale. He was graceful, agile, and perfectly in control—and shirtless. The finery he’d worn to their intimate dinner had failed to showcase the powerful muscles beneath.
But where Nisien danced, Emrys stormed. He was relentless, like fury given form. Every strike forced Nisien across the fighting circle without mercy. I already knew Emrys was built for war, but seeing the sweat sticking his shirt to his body, seeing his muscles roll with each strike left me without any doubts.
Hopefully, anyone paying attention to me would blame the brisk walk for my flushed cheeks and not the fact that I couldn’t stop ogling them.
Trying, but failing, to tear my gaze away, I asked, “Are they always like this?”
The battle appeared excessively brutal for a sparring match.
“Apparently, they’ve been at it for a while now.” Arms folded, Catrin nodded. “Argued again this morning about Prince Emrys’s behavior yesterday. This is how they…cool down. No one else dares to spar with Prince Emrys, so Prince Nisien takes up the challenge.”
Their strikes blurred. I found myself holding my breath during each exchange that ended with a point for a hit. “Why not?” I asked.
She shrugged. “He’s too good.” But I was certain there was a story there—probably a bloody one, knowing Emrys.
