The next few days passed by in a blur with Davina acing all her tests and improving her skills. Even the ever-so-stoic Sir Martius was driven to show his support for her as she improved.
"Good one, Dimitri." He'd tell her each time she did something beyond his expectations.
As for late-night training with the devil, she made sure never to return there. Everything about Caspian screamed danger and if there was anything the past two weeks at that castle had taught her, it was never to dive head-first into danger without a solid plan. And when it came to Caspian, sjhe lacked a plan before all else.
"Gather around everyone." Sir Martius called for the men.
Davina recalled their first day of training which ended with all of them too tired to move a muscle by the end of the third hour, and now, despite having trained nonstop since sunrise, none of them complained, slouched their backs, or sighed out of frustration. Their physical stamina had significantly improved throughout their training.
"During the last two weeks, I have seen a remarkable amount of growth in all of you and as your trainer, that makes me proud." Martius kept quiet, giving the men time to cheer for themselves before resuming his speech. "However, from the moment you all got here, there has been a secret mission."
The court went silent. Confusion quickly replaced the happiness on all their faces as the men shared glances, wondering if anyone in their midst was aware of the mission.
After building up enough tension with his dramatics, Sir Martius continued. "In as much as you've all ameliorated your skills, there are those who did so tremendously more than the others. I've watched you all the past few weeks, not just your strength on the field but also the way you conduct yourselves and interact with one another.
With that thought in mind, I've selected selected three of you as part of this secret mission. The three most improved men in this court will be given two days off to go check on your dealings at home while the rest of you remain here to train."
The men were now split into two, those who thought they had improved and could be part of the chosen three, and those who were sure they hadn't been chosen or even considered for the prize.
Excitement rushed to the faces of the former half. None of them were expecting a day off until the three months of their training was over and now they have not one but two days off.
The men clasped their hands together, praying to be chosen, praying Sir Martius would pick them at the dying minute.
"The following three are the men who deserve these two days off; Evan, Abel, and lastly, Dimitri."
The unexpecting half, erupted into cheers for the lucky three while the expecting half tried to mask their jealousy and disappointment over not getting chosen.
Davina couldn't hide the happiness on her face from being among the lucky three. She had been cooking up ways in her head to sneak out of the castle unnoticed but none of her ideas were good enough to make it out of her head, but now, an opportunity presented itself to her.
"Congratulations you three." Sir Martius briefly shook each of their hands, the only form of intimacy he had provided during the last two weeks. "You'll all be leaving tonight and returning the day after tomorrow. Do what you please in those two days but make sure to come back in one piece as the respectable men you left here as. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Sir." The three of them said.
"As for the rest of you," He turned to the now brooding men, "Training continues tomorrow at sunrise so don't let this affect your performance, understood?"
"yes, Sir." The men replied not so enthusiastically.
"Dismissed."
Just as Davina was about to make her way out with the rest, she heard her name. "Dimitri." Sir Martius called her.
"Sir."
"Someone left a gift for you." Sir Martius handed her a suspicious-looking bag.
"Gift?..." Davina's voice trailed off as she opened the bag. "This..." She was at a loss for words, staring at the dark twin dagger with intricate designs on its hilt in her hands.
Davina hadn't seen it since after her duel with Ryan where she used it so she just assumed it was placed there by mistake but now she was getting it as a gift?
"Is this some sort of mistake, Sir?" She thought out loud.
"Not at all. This is a gift to you from Lord Caspian."
There was something about the look on Sir Martius's face that Davina couldn't decipher, it was a look she hadn't seen before. "But why would he..."
"Give it to you?" Sir Martius completed her statement. "That, I do not know. However, a gift is a gift so make sure to treasure it. You're skilled with daggers, might as well put it to good use don't you think?"
Davina silently nodded, still feeling a cocktail of inexplicable emotions and a whirlwind of unanswered questions. "Thank you, Sir." She managed to say.
"It is not me you should thank."
Davina pursed her lips tightly. She knew what Sir Martius was referring to, or rather who he was referring to but for some reason, she just couldn't bring herself to face him again.
"Before you leave, Dimitri... Is there anything you're perhaps keeping from me?"
The room went eerily silent and Davina felt like she could hear her own heartbeat pumping faster by the second. "N-no! Of course not, Sir." She caught her lower lip between her teeth, trying to remain composed and unfazed by the question but she had a feeling Sir Martius had already caught on to something.
"I see." He slowly nodded, still not taking his eyes off her. "That's good to know. However, if you do have something you're keeping from me, best say it now before I find out myself." His voice was stern and his gaze was piercing, depicting just how strict he was.
Davina gulped, steeling herself. "There is nothing I'm keeping from you, Sir Martius." This time her voice came out more clear and decisive.
"Good to know. Enjoy your leave, Dimitri." Martius whispered one final thing to her right before walking off, leaving Davina with a light pat on her shoulder.
"Thank goodness." Davina heaved a sigh of relief once Martius was gone. She thought he had figured out her ruse and was ready to deal with her but apparently not.
She knew, however, that he had his eye on her, and carelessness on her end couldn't be tolerated.