Reid pulls me up, legs protesting, feet aching. Everythinghurts from last night and all day battling against Fee. The scratches on my back from the rocks ooze with blood against my leathers and everything is rubbed raw.
Though I know I’m sore, I’ve healed quicker than usual. Could that be work of the bond?
“Maybe he’s drugging you so you learn to rely on weapons instead of magic?”
“Or maybe he’s being a prick,” I counter.
Reid laughs, directing me to the far corner. “Probably that too. You’ll learn Kaden can be a prick even when he’s doing the right thing.”
Fantastic. That explains so much about his behavior. He does what he thinks is best, appearances, understanding,compassionbe damned.
It also explains why he’s been so aggressive. His control is shot and he’s trying to do what he thinks is right. Without asking for my input. Without asking for my opinion.
If he hadn’t showed that I control him, this would be suffocating.
“And what’s his reasoning for teaching me to wield a weapon? I still want to murder him in his sleep.”
“Considering you can’t,” Fee drawls, crossing her arms, judging my stance. “Or that you now have an understanding with my brother.” My cheeks heat at her implication and coy smile. “It won’t do any harm to teach you.”
“You’re going to be queen, Max.” Reid slaps one leg, making me stand further apart. My weight balances, distributed better. “Unlike in Human realms, where women are kept weak, or in the Covens when women lead from behind, the Dark Fae Queen leads at the head. Our people will only follow you if you can fight with them.”
Swallowing, I glance to my hands. How could I be a queen when I can’t fight? Who would follow me?
And why, suddenly, do I want to prove that I can lead them? Why do I want to show these siblings—their people—that I can lead? It was the same in the Coven, proving myself to them. Wanting toshow them that I’m not evil, that I’m someone worthy of their praise.
Only now, it’s for a greater cause. For a kingdom, not my selfish pride.
“Hands up,” he commands, showing me where to place them. “Using a weapon is fine in battle, but you won’t always have one. Fee taught you hand-to-hand.” Taught? More like broke me. “We’re going to spar to see what you’ve learned.”
“It’s been only a few days!”
“So, it should be fresh.” He winks.
Crouching low, I glare. “You know, I didn’t before, but now I see the family resemblance.”
Both siblings chuckle, Reid nodding at my correct posture. He sizes me up, walking from one side to the other, checking my feet and the way my elbows bend.
He comes for my head first, and I duck, twisting, my hand slapping his fist away. Nodding, he smirks, stepping back. A slight test at my readiness.
“You’re fast. Sometimes, swiftness is the difference between life and death.”
My body shudders, remembering the lord in Griffin’s palace. If I had been only a few seconds slower, duller, he would have used me as he saw fit.
I was lucky he was too drunk, too tired, to actually hurt me. But I was sloppy. I’m only alive today because of my magic.
That’s not an option here.
I glance to Reid, then Fee. “What dangers do I need to be aware of?”
They share an intense look, Reid on the attack again. His elbow cuts into my side, as I fall, kicking my leg out at his shin. I catch the edge of bone and he yelps, laughing away the pain like he always does.
“There are always dangers,” Fee responds, glaring at her brother.He’s taking it easy on me and she’s displeased. “Proper training will keep you alive.”
“Why didn’t Kaden teach me?”
“Because,” she drawls, rolling her eyes, “only a woman can teach another woman how to survive here.”
I hear what she isn’t saying, and my blood heats in irritation.
