Asha's step faltered a moment as she caught her first glimpse of her instructor. He seemed younger than she'd expected—which meant he was remarkably accomplished, given the stocks she could glimpse across his skin.
But the hybrid recovered her composure quickly, his timely bow helping hide her misstep, and she nodded politely as he rose and pulled out a chair for her. Exceptionally talented and exceptionally well-mannered then.
"Thank you," she said, perching in the chair and turning her gaze expectantly towards her father.
Shax, who had been silent during this exchange, now frowned openly at his daughter, clearly worried. "Ash, what happened to your arm?"
"It's just a scratch. I slipped on a ladder in the library. And before you start, you know I don't bother Kat about small stuff like this," Asha said as she put a hand over the bandaged wound, glancing pointedly at the extra demon in the office as if to tell her father that he was embarrassing her.
Shax's frown didn't lift, but accepting his daughter's explanation, he straightened, folding his hands in front of him. "Well, I won't waste anymore time then. You both know why you are here. Ash, this is your combat instructor, Xarakas. I've spoken with Elias, and he's given you full reign of his arena for the three hours every day for your lessons. The soldiers aren't supposed to use it at that time anyway, but he'll make sure they stay away. All equipment either of you could need for these weapons can be found in the arena's storage. Ash—"
"I know, Ryn will have the key for me when I leave here," Asha interrupted with a little smile.
Shax nodded. "And the arena's key. You'll need it to access the indoor training grounds. As for which of your current studies this will replace…"
"My time shadowing and assisting Ryn?" Asha suggested hopefully. "Really, I've been at it so long that she's said herself that I could take over for her. She uses making that suggestion to you as a threat!"
"That was actually my thought too," Shax admitted with a chuckle. "Ryn and I already discussed it this morning. The only caveat is that you'll still submit economic reports to her. I am also to remind you that Elias's strategy plan is due tomorrow."
"Damn," Asha sighed, but nodded in understanding. "Is that all?"
"One more thing." Shax stood, placing his hands on his desk as he looked Xarakas in the eye. "The purpose of this training is to prepare Asha to one day be Queen of Hell. She needs to be able to protect herself from threats, whether they come from Heaven or Hell. I've seen enough bloodshed to know it isn't an easy process, and I'd prefer she never have to know any of this. I won't get in your way so long as your lessons remain reasonable, but for the duration of three hours each day, her safety is being placed in your hands. Don't fuck up."
He straightened, then added, "And she isn't to leave palace grounds." Motioning to them both, he said, "Dismissed."