“They’ve been offered positions in the royal guard. Both accepted. They will be initiated on the day of the ceremony.”
Relief floods through me. I’m glad they’ll be staying.
“King Dimitri and Queen Elowen have both receivedtheir invitations to the ceremony,” my mother continues.
My head snaps up. “You invited them? Why?”
“It is tradition,” she replies smoothly. “Since the first trial, several millennia ago.”
“Did they accept?”
“Yes. Both will be in attendance.”
She studies me, probably thinking my unease is Dimitri. But it's Elowen who troubles me.
The thought of her here, around my people, sets my teeth on edge.
“I’m sorry, Serenya,” my mother adds gently. “The council already discussed trade and governance earlier. We didn’t know when your trial would end.”
That’s fine. I usually like to know what’s going on in the kingdom, but my head isn’t in politics tonight. I need rest.
“Then may I assume this meeting is adjourned?”
“Yes. Thank you, everyone,” my mother says, rising.
I leave swiftly. When I’m back in my chambers, I bathe, but I’m too worked up to go to sleep, adrenaline still thrumming in my veins. Dressed simply, I slip down my balcony into the night, cloak brushing the palace wall. I’m almost to the gardens when a voice startles me.
“Do you make a habit of sneaking out, Princess?”
I freeze. Then smirk. “Do you make a habit of stalking princesses?”
Lioran grins in the moonlight. “Only thereallypretty ones. Where are we going this time?”
I had meant to visit my flower field, but not with him. That place is too sacred. Instead, I ask, “Spar with me?”
His brow lifts in surprise, then his grin returns. “You’re terrifying with a blade, you know that? But fine.”
We go to one of the outdoor rings. Moonlight pools silver over the stone as our swords meet.
He’s faster than any human I’ve faced. But speed alone cannot rival centuries of instinct. I press him easily. His stance slips, blade wavering.
“You’re gripping too tight,” I advise, pivoting around him. “It slows you.”
“You just nearly took my head off,” he pants.
I wink and offer him a cheeky grin.
“You’re enjoying this.”
“Of course I am. This is just play.” I knock his sword from his hand, catch it mid-fall, and cross both blades.
He groans, reclaiming his weapon. “Play, she says. Remind me never to spar with you when you’re serious.”
“Yeah. You don’t want that.”
He laughs, shaking his head. “One more round?”
“You’ll lose again.”
