(Lina)
I gripped the sword, feeling in my hands as Kieran watched me. He had been the one to suggest it.
"You need to know how to defend yourself," He'd said. And I didn't disagree. The idea of relying on anyone else to keep me safe felt like a weakness, a weakness I couldn't afford.
We trained in secret, sneaking down to the castle's old armory late at night. Kieran was wary of others finding out, and I understood why. They'd wonder why a princess needed to learn to fight. But he didn't know this wasn't my first time holding a sword.
He studied me as I moved. "Okay," He said, smirking a little, "show me what you've got." He took a few steps back, giving me room.
