At the first clang, my mind focused towards the sharp edge of the sword that could hurt, and potentially kill, if I wasn't careful.
Ren was just as skilled as he always was, if not, even better. He met every one of my strikes with precise ones of his own, the look on his face telling me he was not going to lose.
I scrunched my eyebrows in concentration and made sure that every one of my parries were good enough, at the right angle, so Ren's sword wouldn't touch me.
Sometimes, the fae coated their weapons in poison, paralysing their enemies, and then slowly killing them. It was a gruesome thing to watch.
Ren was good, better, so much better than before. And I was not practicing, so every one of my hits were a second after his. Mistakes like that would cost you your life on the battlefield.
He could feel it, feel the pause, the hesitation, and that was enough for him to knock the weapon out of my hands, sending both me and the sword skidding to the ground.
He let out a low chuckle "What was that about being 'better than ever' again, Auralyn? Do remind me."
I growled. "Don't be an idiot. And don't ruin my dress. You know Celta will have your hide before you ruin one of her garments."
Celta was the head dressmaker, and one of the best in Lehienia. She was from the Autumn Lands, and the only reason she existed for her family was for breeding. But she wanted to be free, so she ran from the Autumn Lands. When she reached the Spring Lands, she met me, and I offered her refuge. Of course, when the Autumn fae found out, they were furious. But, I managed to bargain for Celta's freedom.
She had a horrible temper when it came to the garments she made, especially if they were dirty, or mistreated. Ren was certainly in for a beating.
Ren laughed louder, ignoring the glare I gave him. "Like I would be scared of Celta!"
I hissed and pulled myself up. "Don't be a cocky bastard, Ren. That will cost you on the battlefield, one day."
He shrugged. "I'd like to see someone try,"
"Then where's everyone else? If you're so good, why's no one practicing with you?"
He flinched, and I realised my mistake too late. Ren was a general, and a bloody good one at that, too. But because he was raised by Mala, so he was a demi-faerie and not a pure-blooded faerie. And so, they resented him. Called him a bastard whenever I wasn't around, so they wouldn't get in trouble. They knew of my so called 'friendship' with Ren, and hated him even more, for that.
He smiled, trying to laugh it off. "Guess they're just too scared."
Trying to make up for my mistake, I smiled crookedly. "Yes, guess they are."
"What are you doing here, anyway?"
"I'm getting married to the Spring Prince, so I needed some...air."
His eyes narrowed before he burst into laughter. "Married?! You jest so well, Auralyn!"
I scowled. "I'm not jesting."
He continued to howl. "Definitely not!"
But as he continued to analyse my expression, he saw the truth in there.
He stopped laughing. "You're not lying?"
I huffed. "Of course not! Why do you think I'd lie about such a big matter?"
"You can't marry him!"
"Why not?"
He stumbled for words. "I don't know! You're too young, and the prince wouldn't want to marry you, anyway!"
I glared at him. "Are you calling me a horrible partner to have in life?"
He grinned, and said, "Maybe,"
I rolled by eyes. "And for your information, Eden is very eager to marry me."
"I thought you guys were childhood friends. And he has a mate, who he is obsessed with finding."
"We are. And if he marries me, he'll find out who his mate is."
"Stupid idiot."
I shrugged. "Couldn't agree more. But he's a good enough person, unlike his parents."
I thought I saw a flicker of pain travel over his face, but it was so quick, I might have been wrong.
"It's almost dawn. I have to go."
"Why are you acting so secretively? I'm sure that if you go back a bit later, no one will be suspicious."
"I can't take the risk. Would you rather I never come back?"
He shook his head. "No. Who would I torment, then?"
I snorted. "Bye, Ren."
"Bye."