Page 40 of Chosen By the Fae King

“So, do me a favor, and go over there, find something to physically challenge you that doesn't involve a sword or someone impaling you, and clear your head. Yeah?”

“Why are you being nice?”

He scratched his jaw again. “Just go clear your damn head.”

“Fine.” I left Liam at the entrance to the yard and took my time wandering to see what might do the job.

Zoriyah glanced up and sneered, shaking her blade at me. “Look who decided to grace us with her presence. I'm surprised His Highness let you into the yard with all these sharp, pointy things flying about.”

“Are you referring to your cone-shaped breasts or your tail?” a familiar voice dared.

I couldn't help the barking laugh I let out. I looked around the crowd and saw Mirrelle strutting toward us, followed by Astrid, who was glowing with health. Literally.

And by the gods, they both looked like warrior princesses in their dark training attire and matching updos. Especially Astrid, who'd painted symbols on her arms and face. This didn't look anything like the female I'd met in the coach.

Joyful that Astrid was well, I reached for her when Raina touched my arm and gave me a subtle shake of her head. My brow lowered. I looked at Sofiya and she gave me the same small shake.

Apparently, I'd missed something. I forced myself to relax, refusing to give Zoriyah the satisfaction of a reaction. Besides, Mirrelle and Astrid seemed to be huge distractions which benefited me greatly.

Zoriyah squared off with them. Before words could be exchanged, Lorne charged over and ordered them to separate areas. The contestants all went back to what they were doing.

Lorne came to stand before me. “You look like you just got out of bed,” he observed bluntly.

I gritted my teeth and then my mouth moved faster than my brain. “Thank you, my lord. You look like you're about to rip the seams out on that shirt. You do know you can get a bigger size, yes?”

Lorne's eyes narrowed, but he let it go. “We need to assess your skills and determine what you require to catch up.”

I straightened. “You are aware that, for me, there is no catching up to them right? The trials are in a matter of days.”

The big bad blondie just stared at me. I relented. “Alright, Sir Lorne, tell me what you want me to do.”

Lorne put me in a group with Raina and Sofiya, quickly giving instructions and the shortest demonstration in existence on a series of self-defense movements. When he thought we were ready, he ordered us into a fighting stance and called out commands.

My body might still ache for Nox, but here I could forget. Here, I had control.

I blocked out everything but the movements, losing myself in the rhythm of a practice Lorne had called Geruntin. Raina, who had experience already, eventually left to go do something else and took Sofiya with her.

I remained focused and intent. I would choose this over ballroom gowns every single time. Because I was comfortable, I found it easy to pick up. I'd always loved dancing and it nearly felt the same. Natural, even.

“Stop.”

Torn out of my trance, I looked up at Lorne.

“I want to try something with you.”

“Like what? ... Sire.” Stupid titles. I should stop bothering. I only got it right half the time, anyway.

Lorne came up to me, close enough I couldn't see around his broad frame. “I'm going to come at you. Don't let me touch you. Remember what you were just doing.”

It was the only warning I got before he struck out. I bent back and around, the first movement in the sequence. Another swing, and I ducked under his arm, the second movement.

Then the third. The fourth. Every piece of the sequence once before he changed it up on me. I stumbled once and rolled, but avoided contact. His meaty fist might kill me if he landed a punch.

His attacks came faster, and I adjusted. He kept coming and coming until my instincts had to take over. I couldn't fight back, but I could evade. It was enough. It had to be.

We danced across the yard, boots churning up dust with every step. On and on it went. I could taste the salt of my sweat, feel the pump of blood to my muscles.

I felt more and more clear headed. Alive. Liam had been right about exerting myself. Unfortunately, I couldn't beat the shit out of Lorne.

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