What the heck was that about?
She threw me to the wolves by formally announcing me as the savior of the realm, and now that I’ve agreed, she’s offended? I didn’t even get a chance to ask her if traveling back and forth would be a possibility for me once the magic returns and I accept my new title.
But even as I think about it, Gran’s words to Lachlan circle through my mind:“Don’t come back.”
18
SUCKER PUNCH
Word has spread about my decision to stay and my training with Odessa. Clusters of people are gathered along the fence of the training grounds when I arrive this morning. They’ve all come to see how the future queen will measure up.
My palms grow slick at the eyes turning my way, and I clutch my necklace in my hands. It’s cold to the touch, but the feeling of it brings peace to my nerves. My feet get tangled beneath me, and I almost fall flat on my face when I spy Lachlan leaning on the fence next to Evander. His arms are crossed, and he studies me closely as I walk carefully across the grounds. There’s an overwhelming sadness still rolling off him, and his jaw clenches when I pass without addressing him.
Great.
That’s not who I wanted to see down here. Especially since I’ve never sparred in front of him before. He’s managed to become the captain of the royal guard, and I’m only a novice. The last thing I want to do is embarrass myself.
Metal clashes, startling me out of my thoughts as I take in Julius and Odessa warming up together, their new trainingleathers repelling the abundance of sunlight around us. The sight of them is causing whispers and even a few glares from the people gathered. The color is so unusual compared to the dark brown ones that the rest of us wear. The onyx gives off a sinister vibe.
Usually, gossiping about someone’s clothes is not an activity I condone, but this time, I actually agree with them. They look wrong. It’s not just the color. The weave pattern of the leather itself resembles snakeskin, and the dark red buckles like drops of blood.
They halt their warm-up as I approach.
Odessa gives me a long look, from the top of my head to the boots on my feet. “I want you to spar with Julius for your warm-up, then we’ll begin.”
Her tone brooks no argument, but sparring isn’t a warm-up activity for me. “Usually, I begin with some stretching and jogging to get loose first …” I trail off at her scathing glare.
“I don’t have all day, so you’ll spar now,” she reiterates.
She turns on her heel, walking to the fence with the other spectators. On my end of the grounds, I spy Artemisia standing with Boudicca. Her eyes linger on Odessa and then narrow in suspicion. Boudicca gives me a small smile of encouragement, her crude green eyes radiating warmth, and I nod in return, grateful for her support. Julius scoffs at the sentiment between us and sneers at me.
My nerves vanish. I cannot wait to remove that look from his smug, stupid face.
I draw my blade and get into a ready position. We’re on the shady side of the training grounds, but Julius’s blade reflects a ray of sunlight right into my eyes, blinding me, and he quickly slashes out.
I manage to dodge at the last second while furiously blinking my eyes to clear the dazzling spots blotting my vision. Grunts of disapproval ring out at his unsavory tactics, the loudest I recognizecoming from Leif. He’s standing right behind Julius and in my direct line of sight. I see him cross his arms and spit on the ground in pure disgust.
I do my best to stay focused on Julius and his movements, while also utilizing Mathilda’s instructions and staying alert to everything else happening around us.
When we begin to circle each other, I notice Evander and Lachlan making their way closer to us.
Julius chuckles, and I decide to take an offensive approach. I begin attacking Julius with upward slashes and strikes.
My sword is firm in my grip, but its weight is light, like an extension of my arm.
He blocks each one of my attacks, but my offensive tactic has caught him off guard, and he’s only able to take a defensive approach. Whenever he’s trained me, I’ve always been on the defensive, so he hasn’t had the time to memorize any of my moves.
My footwork is impeccable, thanks to Mathilda and Tane, and my balance never wavers, thanks to Mina.
Overall, my breathing stays relaxed, and my core is strong. I work him into the corner with ease. I’ve been clever at hiding my newfound abilities from him during our mornings, afraid of a moment like this where he would try to embarrass me in front of others.
Cries ring out as spectators clear the fence. I push him into an undesirable position against the railing, and I catch a glimpse of Satiah, her black hair glinting in the sun. An approving smirk graces her mouth.
But I underestimated the lows Julius would stoop to if he became cornered.
With an evil grin, he kicks dirt directly into my eyes. The gritty sand stings and scratches painfully. I scrub my eyes with my free hand and try to force them to remain open.
But his booted foot connects with my stomach. My abs flextoo late to absorb the impact, and the force sends me flying through the air.
