His first swing didn't take her words seriously and he regretted that… instantly. Raina lunched into her defense, slamming her blade against his knocking it away and spinning him to the side. She changed position, lifting her right foot to slam into his back while he tried to regain his balance. He stumbled back bringing his sword up just in time to catch her sword's attack for his mid section.
Castiel was suddenly glad the swords were blunted. She wasn't holding back. Raina had stepped back and given him a moment to leap back to his feet. He cracked his neck looking at her curiously only to find a sweet smile on the girls face as she took a jovial bow her eyes glowing with confidence. He took a glance at his father and received a nod.
However what he didn't see was the look on Raina's face darken. She turned away from him and walked to his father.
"Weapons Master, if you want to call the shots on the field take up your sword." Raina challenged him. There was shock on his face at the fierceness in her eyes. The sound of a tail swishing could easily have been heard.
"I do not understand, My Lady Princess." The Weapon's Master frowned slightly. There was no way she saw that split second interaction and his nod had been discrete.
"Fine. King Mordakai, May I borrow Sir Ritrel? I know he will give me a fair fight." Raina asked turning away from the Weapon's master who was staring at her in shock.
"Of course, Princess. Ritrel, assist the Princess. I expect you to work up a sweat." He warns him and the knight nodded taking his cloak off and handing it to the third.
The man known as Ritrel was known to be a true knight. He was young, but fought fiercely at Mordren's side and earned his place as King's own. He wouldn't take it easy on his own wife, and she had just been training for self defense. He climbed onto the stage and nodded at the boy.
"The Princess has ended your battle. Please step off and learn some honor." Ritrel told Castiel who looked pale as a sheet. Even he felt tiny beside Ritrel. He walked over to his father with a look of uncertainty.
"Thank you, Ritel. Please teach me well." Raina bowed and he did the same.
"Of course, Princess. If I bruise you, I will not apologize." He reminded her and Raina flashed him a smile.
"Bruises are reminders of what could have killed me. Bruises heal, shall we?" She asked and he smiled nodding and poised for her to make the first move. She attacked without hesitation and he met her advances.
The sound of metal clashing with metal hard enough for steel to spark could be heard. Raina centered herself, used the magic within to protect and redirect force. Using her small size and her speed to avoid and attack from odd angles. Though she couldn't land a blow, nor could he wield his sword properly. She was in too close. The pair didn't hold back and the results were closely matched. There was no killing intent from either, or it would have been a much shorter match.
Raina finally made a mistake. He caught her ankle and flicked it out from under her, landing the princess on her back. His blade hovered at her throat. "I yield, Sir Ritrel." He smiled.
"I think you have earned my name, Princess Raina. Feral. You met me on the field and held your own." He smiled and helped her to her feet. Raina accepted it graciously and dusted her dress off.
"Thank you, Ferall, I am honored." Raina purred and curtsied as he took a knee and nodded to her before returning to his Lord's side. Raina walked back to Kyera who was brimming with pride.
"Well done. Well done." Mordakai's approval could be heard over the crowd cheers and Kyera's expression echoed it. Yet Raina took her place with a serene smile despite the pain in her back. She had no doubt it would bruise.