Sameer was the one to break concentration. He shared a confused look with his friend. Then said, “Princess?” while out of breath. He dug the tip of his weapon into the ground to catch it. “Good morning. Is everything alright?”
“Yes,” I said, neatly smoothing my blouse. I glanced at Mr. Evergreen. He said nothing. “What gave you the impression that it wasn’t?” I asked.
He paused. “You’ve just made an awful sound.”
“I did?” I asked.
He nodded. “So if you’re fine and not choking, to what do I owe the pleasure of this interruption?” He wiped his arm across his forehead. “Sorry. To what do I owe the pleasure of your arrival, love?” Sam asked.
I felt guilty. Guilty for intruding upon their practice that was apparently so strenuous, and guilty for humiliating myself for so little attention from his instructor. Somehow, I had made myself feel worse.
Cyrus was silent until hewasn’t. He mumbled something about a drink, then turned around and walked away.
“You don’t have tofleeon my account,” I called after him.
My comment was enough to stop his exit, though he wasn’t exactly animated about it. Mr. Evergreen turned around and then moved next to Sameer. He cracked his neck, and I died inside as I became certain of my fear: he hated me.
“How-How is…this proceeding? Your training?” I asked.
Sam dropped his gaze to reinspect me, examining every part, like I was a puzzle he wished to conquer. “You came out here to see me?” he asked.
“No. Yes. But I… It’s going well, then?” I asked.
He nodded. “Yes, I have the best instructor.” He gestured to his friend. “...I like that color on you. Is it new? I don’t recall your dresses being so vibrant.”
“It’s new,” I said. “Thank you. I had a good advisor, so I made some changes accordingly.”
Evergreen didn’t react.
“Did I buy that?” Sam asked.
I laid a hand on the bodice. “You did. Good morning, Mr. Evergreen,” I said. “Do you approve of this dress?”
He only nodded.
“Wonderful,” Sam said. He grinned. “It’s lovely, Svana. The pattern really brings out your eyes, as well. I never noticed their color before. They’re quite blue.”
“Thank you,” I replied. “Though I cannot take credit for the pattern. It’s Miss Swift’s design.”
My beautiful Blade scowled, but his frown fell from his face the moment he seemed to become aware of my longing gaze.
He said. “Right,” too quickly. Then added, “Let’s call it a day,” to Sam. “I’m suddenly very tired.”
“What?”the Prince asked. “We’ve not been out here but an hour?”
“Aye,” Evergreen said. He shrugged, then used the length of his sword to point. “But your princess misses you. Take her on a walk; spend time with her. We’ll meet again next week.”
Sameer and I shared a panicked, “I don’t want-” before we realized the duet.
He stopped, acknowledging the offense with a nod. He said, “Apologies. Please. You first.”
“I…” I didn’t know what to say. “I did not wish to interrupt your practice,” I pleaded. “I just thought...” I searched for an excuse. “I thought I could come see you train. Is the yard off limits?”
The idea was not well received, prompting a different kind of disdain from both men.
Finally, Sam begged, “Why would you want to see me train?”
“Because,” I said.
