Stanley still didn't understand how getting a cleaning job at the Royal Cadet Academy would help him convince his father to make him a cadet. But he was determined to make it work somehow. His training with Sir Joseph has been going really well, waking up before dawn every day to practice for two hours, and then again in the evening for three hours. The sun would just be rising over the horizon as they began their morning session, casting a warm golden light over the training grounds. The air would be crisp and cool, filled with the scent of dew and freshly cut grass. Stanley loved the feeling of being up and active before the rest of the world, of being able to focus on his training without any distractions.
As he trained, Stanley could feel his body growing stronger and more agile. His muscles would ache at first, but as the days went by, he began to feel more confident and capable. He was determined to become a skilled swordsman, to prove to himself and to his father that he was worthy of being a mage. Sir Joseph was a tough instructor, but Stanley could see the pride in his eyes as he watched him improve. He was a natural, and Sir Joseph knew it.
Despite the intensity of his training, Stanley always made it time in for his job. Things has been quite hectic with the Legion Challenge just a few days away. Cadets would train in the Dancing Yards till past curfew. Some would even go as far as sneak out of Royal Cadet Academy just to hone their Hit.
He and Evelyn has been spending a lot of time together. They would meet almost every day, and he could see the spark of friendship growing between them. She was a kind and gentle soul, with a quick wit and a sharp mind. Stanley loved listening to her talk, loved the way she laughed and smiled. He felt at ease around her, like he could be himself without fear of judgment.
Even on weekends, Evelyn would come to the academy to train, but Stanley suspected that she just wanted to spend time with him but you can never be sure with girls. He didn't mind, of course - he enjoyed her company immensely. They would spend hours talking and laughing together, exploring the academy and its surroundings. Stanley introduced her to both Nick and Trevor, and she immediately became a part of their little group.
As the days went by, the Legion Challenge was just four days away, and the atmosphere at the academy grew more tense. Everyone was on edge, wondering who would emerge victorious, and Stanley could feel the anxiety building up inside him. He was working overtime, mainly because of the preparation for the event, and he found himself still at the academy, long after the curfew had passed.
The corridors were empty and silent, the only sound being the soft creaking of the wooden floorboards beneath his feet. Stanley walked through the darkness, his eyes adjusting slowly to the lack of light. He stumbled upon Evelyn in one of the "Dancing Yards", a large, open space where swordsmanship was taught and practiced. She was practicing her moves, her sword flashing in the dim light, and Stanley watched her for a moment, mesmerized.
When she saw him, she paused. He walked to her and they both sat on the concrete floor, talking in hushed tones. Their conversation was animated and cheerful, but Stanley could detect a hint of anxiety and nervousness in Evelyn's voice. "I don't know, Stan," she said, her eyes sparkling with uncertainty. "I just feel like there's... What if I don't win it?"
Stanley smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You'll be fine, Eve," he said, his voice reassuring. "You're an amazing swordsman, —or should I say woman— and you have the heart of a true warrior—probably." He paused, his eyes locked on hers, trying to see if his jokes were working and it seemed they were. "Besides, it's not just about winning or losing. It's about how you conduct yourself, how you represent your family and your kingdom."
Evelyn nodded, her eyes serious. "Don't tell me that boy,... I know. But it's hard not to feel the pressure. My father is counting on me to bring honor to our family, and I don't want to let him down." She looked away, her eyes drifting towards the floor, and Stanley could see the tension in her shoulders, the way her jaw was clenched in determination. What she said was true in a different context.
He reached out, his hand brushing against hers, and felt a spark of electricity run through him. "You won't let anyone down, 'kay," he said, his voice low and reassuring. "You're strong and capable, and you have the support of your friends and family." He smiled. "And you have me, too. I'll be right there with you, cheering you on all day long."
Evelyn's eyes snapped back to his, and he saw how honest he was. She felt so guilty about not telling him that she was the princess of the Kingdom. And support of friends and family? She's not so sure about that. Aside Elara, she had no friend till now and even she opposes the idea of taking part in the Legion Challenge. And if her father knew what she was planning, he'd never allow her to leave the palace. So, in one word, he's all she's got as support.
"Oh yes! You don't have a choice but to cheer me on." She said smiling.
As they sat there, the silence between them grew, a living, breathing thing that pulsed with energy and anticipation. Stanley could feel the weight of Evelyn's gaze on him, the way her eyes seemed to bore into his very soul. He knew that he was taking a risk of distraction, being this close to her, but he couldn't help himself. He was drawn to her, like a moth to a flame, and he couldn't resist the heat that seemed to emanate from her very presence.
Finally, Evelyn spoke, her voice breaking the spell that had fallen over them. "Want to go on a round?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I could use a partner."
Stanley grinned, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. "I'd love to," he said, his voice eager.
As they began to spar, their movements became a blur of speed and agility, their swords clashing in a deadly dance of attack and defense. Stanley felt alive, his senses heightened as he moved in perfect sync with Evelyn. He could feel her eyes on him, the way she seemed to anticipate his every move, and he knew that he was doing the same.
Their sparring session was a whirlwind of movement and energy, a symphony of clashing wood and pounding hearts. Stanley felt like he was flying, his body moving without his permission and he loved it. He could feel excitement, passion, and he knew that she was feeling the same.
As they sparred, Stanley couldn't help but notice the way Evelyn moved, the way her body seemed to flow like a river. Her sword, even though wooden, slicing through the air with deadly precision. He was captivated by her, drawn to her like a magnet, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and admiration for her skill and beauty.
Evelyn, too, was captivated by Stanley, her eyes drawn to his strong, half-build body, his sword moving in the dim light as he moved with a speed and agility that she had never seen before. She was impressed by his skill, his strength, and his determination, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation as she trained with him.
As the night wore on, the sparring session became more intense, their movements faster and more precise. Stanley could feel the sweat dripping down his face, his heart pounding in his chest, and he knew that Evelyn was feeling the same. They were lost in the moment, their senses heightened as they moved in perfect sync, their swords clashing in a dance of attack and defense.
Finally, they stopped, their chests heaving, their swords still clutched in their hands. Stanley looked at Evelyn, his eyes locked on hers, and he could see the excitement and anticipation in her eyes. "You're amazing," he said, his voice low and husky.
" I know." Evelyn smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You're not so bad yourself," she said, her voice husky.
Stanley grinned, feeling a sense of pride and satisfaction. "Thanks," he said, his voice low. "Been doing a lot of work lately."
Evelyn nodded, her eyes serious. "I can tell," she said. "You're really good. And I still find it hard to believe you have time to practice even as a cadet and cleaner."
Stanley shrugged, feeling a sense of humility. "It's just something I've always been interested in, so I just have to make it all work."
Evelyn spoke after a while of relaxation, her voice carried heavy fatigue. "I should probably get going," she said, her voice low and husky.
Stanley nodded, feeling a sense of disappointment. "Yeah," he said, his voice low. "It's getting late."
Evelyn smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I'll see you tomorrow," she said, her voice husky.
Stanley grinned, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. "I'm looking forward to it," he said, his voice low.
As Evelyn walked away, Stanley couldn't stop staring at her. She was beautiful, strong, and funny. He had been with quite a number of girls in the past but none like this one. He knew very well that he already took a step closer than he should've and he had no intention of turning back now. Master Lee told him to stay focused to secure his sacred future, and one of the things a women are good at us to be a distraction. And now he's willing to get distracted.