Chapter 4 - Be My Master

The atmosphere in the training grounds turned from that of fear to thrill. The knights could not help but feel pity for the poor knight. None of them would have dared to challenge the prince. But this particular knight was so arrogant that he said he did not want to hurt him. Who did he think he was to put a show for the prince? It would have been advisable for him to save the drama for another day.

Alexander charged madly at the knight with killing intent. He would make sure that he regretted everything he had said. However, the knight just stood there unmoving. It seemed that he did not care for his life. This doubled Alexander's anger to the core and he swung his sword relentlessly aiming for his chest. Everyone held their breath anticipating the outcome of the battle.

However, the young knight dodged the attack effortlessly, all the while holding his hands at his back. The scene represented that of a master and a student. Alexander was awestruck at the knight's quick reflexes but that did not deter him to attack either. Holding the hilt of his sword tightly around his arm, he let out a war scream before he attacked madly. The knight seemed amused by the way he attacked and he chuckled lightly. He had planned to be on the defensive side of the spar because he did not want to humiliate the prince.

Alexander charged again but this time, the knight dodged again letting him cut thin air. However, he did not give him the luxury to compose himself and knocked the sword out of his hand. The knight's jaws fell in awe. They could not believe that their almighty prince had been defeated by a mere knight. And to make the matters worse, he had not even withdrawn his sword from its scabbard. He merely dodged the prince's attacks and only attacked once. That one offense was enough to secure victory on his name.

The training grounds turned dead silent as Alexander sat on the dusty ground staring at his hands in disbelief. How could a human being be so perfect? He had earlier felt that this knight exuded a superior aura but due to his pride as a prince, he had ignored him and challenged him at that. He was now facing the consequences of his stupidity alone.

Rising up from the ground, Alexander dusted his pants, his cold gaze never leaving the knight's. He knew that he could not hold a candle against him given that he had not even unsheathed his sword. The knights now became worried. Was the prince really going to accept defeat. The knight didn't even spare him a glance. This seemed disrespectful but Alexander knew that he deserved this treatment.

"I accept defeat," he finally stated logic. Of course everyone had witnessed the fight. It was therefore unwise to not admit defeat. But the prince knew that he lacked in skills compared to this man in front of him. "As you are a good fighter, I presume that you are also a skilled swordsman." That went without saying. The way he had displayed his skills meant that he majored in martial arts and swordsmanship.

"I want you to be my master!" The words came out like an order. The knights gaze fell on the proud figure standing beside the prince. Of course no one knew him so it seemed that he had been either relocated in the palace recently or had just been taken in as a palace guard. It seemed lady luck was smiling on him today. Of course no sane person would reject such an offer especially from the crown prince. He would soon become someone powerful in future after the crown prince was made king. And given the king's current condition, it was only a matter of days.

Now everyone's attention was focused on the knight. Would he accept the offer? No one knew his name nor his true family. But he was just one lucky bastard. The knight looked at the prince contemplating on what he had just said. It was indeed a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity for him. He could even become the general of the royal army in future. But thinking back on his motive to come here, he gave up the idea.

"Sorry to disappoint you, your highness, but I politely decline your offer." Alexander's face turned a few shades darker. How could anyone possibly reject an offer from the crown prince? The knights' reaction was the same. They thought that this guy was making a fool of himself. How could he possibly reject such an offer? The chances were that he could even become the general of the royal army in the near future. If asked, they could say that he was a fool. But he had his reasons.

"If you may excuse me your highness, I have some matters to attend to," the knight said arrogantly. He then bowed lightly before brushing past the unmoving prince. He was so shameless. But all in all, he had defeated the prince.

Lord Richard had heard of the ordeal and he came running to the training grounds. The knights bowed at his presence except the prince. He scanned Alexander's body and he was glad that the prince didn't sustain any injuries.

"Who dared to fight against the prince?" He asked, his unwavering gaze sweeping throughout the place. He was staring daggers at the knights and they knew someone had to pay for his mistakes.

"Don't mind him. I have taken care of it," Alexander answered coolly. By saying 'taken care of it', Richard understood what he meant. But only the knights knew the truth behind those words. Besides, he was the one who had challenged that, he didn't know his name. He would ask him once they met again. It was only just for him to let go of the matter. If it had been the other way round, the knight head would be separate from his body.

"Resume your training!" Lord Richard yelled and everyone else gathered their weaponry for sparring. However, Alexander did not wish to continue given that he had lost to a mere night. So he departed with Lord Richard and spent the rest of the day assisting him in the king's office.