I awoke in the morning to sunlight filtering through the light drapes. Stretching leisurely, I rolled out of the soft comfort of my bed. I sauntered into the kitchen and saw a steaming cup of coffee waiting for me on the counter. I loved magic. As the potent flavour of the beans hit my tongue, I sighed in contentment. I stared at the clock on the wall: 7:02 A.M. I wandered into my bedroom closet and sifted through the various clothes I'd brought with me from home. I threw on a pair of tight leggings, a black sports bra and a black tank top. I strapped my long dagger to its sheath on my thigh. I grabbed a bagel with cream cheese from the fridge and opened the doors to my apartments.
As I meandered my way across the expanse of property owned by the royal palace, I took a moment to observe the few Fae folk I saw milling about. A few walked dogs, some pushed toddlers in strollers. I smiled and waved to them all. The mothers of the babies eyed me warily, fixating at the weapon sheathed at my thigh. I waved politely and smiled. They waved back and continued their way. As I approached the training fields, I could hear the clang of weapons, the grunts and shouts of soldiers. Above the din of it all, I could hear Kellen's booming commands from across the field. As I grew closer to the training fence, a few of the men lifted their gazes to the woman approaching. I gave a small wave. By the time I was standing at the fence, many of the men were sneaking glances my way, trying to observe what I was doing here. Kellen finally noticed the distraction of the men and came running over, a lazy grin on his face.
"Come to enjoy the view, princess?" He chuckled, I stuck my tongue out at him and shook my head. As he raked his gaze down my body, taking in my appearance, his smile faded into a thin line.
"I'm here to train." I stated and began to step over the fence. Kellen placed a hand on my shoulder to stop me.
"Wren, I'm not sure that's a good idea. These are seasoned soldiers." He warned. Nodding, I observed the various stations of soldiers. They were separated into groups doing drills that I had known by heart my entire life. The men were huge, all encased in layers of thick muscle. There's no question I'm not a match for them in terms of strength. But as I observed, I noticed some mistakes with weapon handling, footwork, speed. They were uncoordinated, and many of them untested.
"Kellen, with everything going on, I think it would be invaluable for me to be able to defend myself. Who better to learn from?" I fluttered my lashes and looked up into his eyes. Flattery would get you everywhere. I needed to be in a position where I could listen to the soldiers and gather information. Also, I needed my fighting skills sharp. Kellen seemed to mull it over and a small smirk played at his lips.
"Well, we're going to have to test your abilities. What do you say you fight for it?" He grinned. I gulped and tried not to think about the way his muscles stretched taught the fabric of his uniform, how the sweat on his brow made his skin glow. The muscles that were on his body encased him like a lethal weapon.
"If I pass your test, I can come to practice and train with the men?" I clarified, arching a brow. He nodded. I bit my lower lip and nodded. His eyes darkened and his gaze fixated on my mouth.
"Alright. Tell me who I'm sparring with." I agreed. His lips quirked up and his grin grew, his eyes shimmering in amusement.
"Me." He said and gestured for us to walk to a square clear area. I walked with him and swallowed hard; my fists clenched. Fighting Kellen? He's the goddamn general! I stared around the practice yard.
"Wouldn't you rather I fight one of your men so you can observe?" I questioned. He growled low in his throat and shook his head.
"They'd enjoy it too much. Are you scared?" He laughed. I crossed my arms over my chest and scowled. Proceeding to the area he'd indicated, I stood across from him and lowered my legs into a fighting stance. Feet planted, evenly spaced apart for maximum balance. I noticed a few of the men turning to watch the excitement. Kellen nodded in approval at my stance and lowered himself.
"No magic, weapons only to draw the first blood." He announced. We began to circle each other.
He stalked with the grace of a leopard, his eyes never leaving me. I turned with him, watching his stance, anticipating any attacks. My heartbeat rapidly in my chest, I tried to keep my breathing steady. In, out. I patiently waited. When he realized I wasn't going to make the first move, he lunged forward with preternatural speed, as his hand locked around my wrist, I moved.
I counter locked his wrist with my grip, spun around and flipped him over my shoulder. Maintaining my grip on his hand I twisted and locked it. Threatening to dislocate his arm. He grunted and launched backwards, knocking me off him I backed up a few paces and we resumed circling.
He danced forward but telegraphed his move by raising his right arm slightly, and as he lifted his arm for a punch, I kicked my leg out and locked it behind his knee, forcing him to kneel on the ground. He gripped my arm as he fell, pulling me underneath him.
He landed on top of me on the ground, the hard line of his body pressed up against my every curve. He froze momentarily as I wiggled underneath him. I used his momentary distraction to wrap my legs around his hips. His eyes widened and he groaned, then I used my weight as leverage to flip him over, so I straddled his hips, with one hand I reached the dagger at my thigh and plunged it toward his neck, stopping before hitting the mark. I held the blade against his carotid artery.
We both were breathing heavily, my chest rising and falling with pants for breath. His eyes glowed amber and a smile played at his lips. As I adjusted position on his lap, I could feel a hard length prodding against my core. My cheeks heated and I realized our position.
"I yield." He said quietly. I sat back on my heels and smiled. Cheers erupted from around us and looked up to see a crowd had gathered around us. Men were whistling and clapping. A few came forward and clapped me on the shoulder. I blushed and rose to my feet, shaking hands with a few. I felt a hand briefly touch my hip, and I felt lips next to my ear.
"Your mother taught you well." He smiled and patted my arm affectionately. I swelled with pride for my mother and nodded, thinking back to the years as a little girl flailing a wooden sword around in the forest. Playing games of goblins and princesses, learning how to survive alone in those woods. She was teaching me to survive my whole life.
I caught a glimpse of something over by the training fence, across the field. I adjusted my supernatural eyes to be able to see clearly the tall, platinum blonde figure. She was wearing a pale blue diaphanous gown, her grey eyes crinkled in amusement. Several royal guards surrounded her from all angles. It was Queen Ravenna, and she was smiling. Her eye quickly closed in a wink, she turned around and retreated from the field.
"Heads up!" I heard from beside me and I twisted to catch an object in the air, gripping the hilt of a long silver sword. Kellen smiled and pointed in front of him.
"Get in formation. It's time to train." I nodded and began the drills.