“Like this?” She adjusted her position.
“Yes. Exactly like that.” My voice came out rougher than intended. My hands lingered on her waist longer than strictly necessary.
From behind me, I heard Aurion mutter to Torin, “This is painful to watch.”
“They are focused,” Torin said diplomatically.
“They are utterly unaware anyone else exists.”
“I AM hearing you,” I called over my shoulder without taking my eyes off Wen.
Aurion just laughed.
I showed Wen basic blocking techniques, guiding her arms through the movements. She learned quickly, picking up the patterns with that sharp intelligence I loved. The other guards had suddenly become very interested in their own practice, studiously looking anywhere but at us.
The training continued. Wen was a natural, her movements becoming more fluid and confident with each repetition. Shealready had had lessons, but from time to time she liked to be reminded of the techniques, and I was a very willing professor.
Then, mid-demonstration, she leaned in and kissed me.
My brain stopped working. “What…”
She swept my legs out from under me before I could finish the sentence. I went down hard, landing flat on my ass in the training yard dirt.
Aurion absolutely lost it. “OH MY GODS!”
Wen stood over me, looking extremely pleased with herself. “All’s fair in combat.”
I stared up at her from the ground, not even mad, just impressed. And hopelessly in love. “Where did you learn that?”
“You. Just now. I improvised the kiss part.”
“Effective strategy.”
“Thank you.” She offered her hand. “Need help up?”
I took it, letting her pull me to my feet even though we both knew I could have gotten up on my own. “Always taking help from you.”
Behind us, Aurion was still laughing. Torin was hiding a smile. The younger guards were trying very hard to look like they hadn’t just watched their king get played by his wife.
I didn’t care. Let them laugh. Wen had won fair and square.
***
We walked together to collect Killian from his tutors, our hands swinging between us. Instructor Delphine met us at the door of the tutoring chamber with a warm smile.
“The prince did excellently today,” she reported.
“What did you learn, baby?” Wen asked, kneeling down to Killian’s level.
“ALL the kingdoms! Want to hear?”
“Absolutely,” I said.
Killian stood up straight, clearly proud of himself. “Ravenor, Valoryn, Noctherion, Moonhaven, Wynter, Duskmere, and Ebonvale!”
“Perfect!” Wen beamed at him. “Every single one!”
“I didn’t forget ANY!” Killian was practically vibrating with excitement.
