The palace training grounds had gone completely silent. Every noble, knight, and servant in the crowd turned to look at Francois.
Beatrice tightened her grip on the wooden sword, resisting the urge to groan.
Why. Why is he always here when things are about to go horribly wrong?
Lila's expression darkened. "Brother, this has nothing to do with you."
Francois did not acknowledge her. His cold blue eyes were locked onto Beatrice.
"I thought you were avoiding trouble," he said flatly.
Beatrice scowled. "I am avoiding trouble. Trouble just keeps chasing me."
Francois exhaled sharply, like she was personally testing his patience.
Then, he looked at the knight who was supposed to be her opponent. "You may leave."
The knight hesitated, then quickly stepped back.
Beatrice perked up immediately. Oh? Is he stopping this? Is he actually saving me?
But then Francois turned to her.
"If you insist on fighting," he said, voice dangerously calm, "then fight me."
Beatrice nearly dropped the sword.
WHAT.
The entire crowd gasped in unison. Johanna's eyes widened in horror. Even Lila froze, caught completely off guard.
Beatrice was already spiraling into a crisis.
"What—No—Absolutely not—" She took a step back. "Your Highness, I literally have no sword skills."
Francois didn't look concerned. "I'll go easy on you."
"Oh, fantastic," Beatrice said dryly. "That makes me feel so much better."
Lila snapped out of her shock, rage flashing in her eyes. "Francois, what are you doing?!"
Francois tilted his head slightly. "Proving a point."
Lila looked ready to murder someone. "I wasn't trying to humiliate her that badly."
Beatrice threw up her hands. "WHY IS EVERYONE ACTING LIKE I'M GOING TO DIE?"
Francois simply raised an eyebrow. "Are you not?"
Beatrice gaped at him. "What kind of question—Of course I'm not! It's just a wooden sword!"
Francois calmly picked up a practice sword from the rack.
Beatrice immediately regretted her words.
Because even though it was just a wooden sword, the way Francois held it was terrifying.
Effortless. Controlled. Like he could end her entire existence in half a second.
Lila crossed her arms. "Brother, you can't possibly expect her to last against you."
Beatrice nodded aggressively. "Exactly! Great point! Let's all just go home now."
Francois ignored her. Instead, he took his position.
Beatrice groaned internally. This was not how she wanted her death to go. But if she refused now, the nobles would say she was scared. And if she lost in three seconds, the humiliation would be legendary.
Beatrice exhaled. "Fine. Let's do this."
The crowd leaned forward, waiting in anticipation.
Beatrice adjusted her stance. She was probably supposed to keep her knees bent, right? Right. That felt sort of correct.
Francois watched her for a long moment. Then, without warning, he moved.
Fast.
Beatrice barely had time to register the attack before his sword was already coming toward her.
She did the only thing she could think of. She ducked.
And immediately lost her balance.
With a very loud, very ungraceful yelp, she hit the ground.
Silence. Complete, horrifying silence.
Beatrice lay there for a second, processing her life choices. She slowly lifted her head.
Francois hadn't even broken a sweat.
Lila looked so furious she could explode at any second.
The nobles… were trying not to laugh.
Beatrice sighed dramatically. "I have never been more embarrassed in my entire life."
A few of the knights actually snorted.
Beatrice scowled and turned to Francois. "You couldn't have gone that easy on me?"
Francois sighed. Then, to her absolute shock, he held out his hand.
Beatrice stared at it. The crowd also noticed.
Because the crown prince helping someone up? That was rare.
Beatrice hesitated for a second longer, then finally grabbed his hand.
Francois pulled her to her feet effortlessly, then muttered just loud enough for her to hear. "You dodged."
Beatrice blinked. "What?"
Francois's blue eyes locked onto hers.
"You didn't freeze," he said, voice quieter now. "You moved."
Beatrice had no idea how to respond to that.
So she said the only thing that came to mind. "Yeah, well. I was trying not to die."
Francois was still watching her.
Beatrice shifted uncomfortably. "Why do you look like you just discovered a new species?"
Francois's lips twitched. Almost like he was amused. Then, without another word, he turned and walked away.
Beatrice stood there, confused and still slightly terrified.
What… just happened?
Lila stormed up to her.
"This isn't over," she snapped before stalking away.
Beatrice rolled her eyes. "Of course it isn't."
She let out a long sigh. At least she hadn't completely embarrassed herself.
…Actually, no. She totally had.
The nobles were still whispering. The prince was still watching her.
And Beatrice's reputation?
Somehow, it had gotten even worse.