Clovis knew his wife would never put him in danger, but he couldn't help but feel uneasy. She had high standards when it came to hand to hand. There was a good chance any teacher she took him too would be of the same mind. As they crossed into a small training area, he was reassured he knew his wife well.
There, half naked and glistening with sweat was his brother in law brawling with another man who seemed to be a giant. Taller, broader, and armed with a sword, and yet he seemed to be taking the brunt of the damage. Bruises, fresh and still red from impact were peppered across his skin. It was clear the pair were not holding back, suddenly Mordakai grabbed the other man's fist and twisted it, nearly breaking the arm. Hs opponent stopped moving instantly.
"Yeild, there is a lady and child on the grounds." Mordakai explained a bit apologetically, but ice cold as he let go of his arm. He turned and flashed a smile at the visiting pair. "Kyera, brother in law what bring you to my circle?" He walked over and hugged Kyera, noticing Clovis had to restrain his instant reaction to block. Mordakai smiled with approval, perhaps be could protect her. .
"Clovis needs a teacher to take my place. I was hoping…" Kyera trailed off to let him fill in the gaps. Clovis felt apprehensive as he looked at the man the Shadow Prince had been pulverizing. He knew he couldn't meet those strikes.
"Ah so you need combat training?" Mordakai turned to Clovis with a different air about him. Though his presence was rather oppressive and strong as he looked his brother in law over, Clovis stood tall under the scrutiny.
"Yes. I," he cast a side glance at Kyera "Need to be able to protect what is mine, from anyone. Even if that means raising blade against my own brothers." It sounded as though he meant his kingdom, but the look he gave Kyera when she was watching Mordakai told another tale. The ShadowVeil Prince couldn't miss such a obvious clue.
"Come then. I am going to he training the knights this morning. This was just a warm up." Mordakai nodded at his sparing partner who bowed and wandered off to treat his battered skin.
"I will leave my student in your care then. I am going to go and enjoy some archery." Kyera replied and he frowned.
"Don't overwork yourself, Sis. I will see you at lunch." He reminded her with a easy smile. Kyera nodded, one hand resting on her tummy.
"It isn't like this little one is going to let me miss it." She laughed, met by Mordakai's chuckle. Only Clovis sighed.
"That is because the baby is like its father and wants its mother healthy." Clovis replied, casting a sympathetic glance at the child. He knew how stubborn the mother was. "Be careful, I will see you at lunch, assuming the Shadow Guard leave me in one piece." Clovis teased her, but there was apprehension under that tease. He knew he wasn't good enough to take on the guard, for the sake of the heavens he was a bookworm, politician, and a horseman with minor sword capabilities. Against the highly trained, illustrious shadow guard… he would look like a grown man with a child's dagger.
"You will be fine. Draw strength from my brothers if need be." Kyera offered and he was a little confused but, he nodded kissing her forehead before a hand grabbed his collar and tugged him back. He made a undignified choking sound and glared at his brother in law.
"Come on, Lover boy. We are going to be late." Mordakai chided, honestly annoyed by the sweetness. Clovis chuckled and followed him away, stealing one last glance at his lady's back as she left the yard.
"She will be fine. I would be more worried about you right now. No one will touch her in this castle, and if someone dared there are 10 guards in any hallway off duty and on that would gladly step in." Mordakai reminded him, remembering how he had felt about Vella when she was pregnant. Clovis seemed to think the same thing.
"Does it get any easier? I mean do you worry less?" He asked a bit helplessly.
"Nope, it gets worse. Wait till you leave ShadowVeil." Mordakai replies rather abruptly. There was no use lying.
"I figured as much. Let's go beat the hell out of me so I can try and keep her safe." He replies with a heavy heart. Mordakai smiled and gave him a slap on the back.
"That's the spirit!" Somehow, to Clovis that didn't sound comforting.