Page 79 of Scars and Burns

I have no idea what the day entails for the celebrations. Not sure what I am expected to attend.

Not wanting to go out of my way to be involved in the celebrations, I think I’ll go train.

Stretching my arms over my head. Leaning to one side and then the other. Getting a few good cracks out of my spine. Tossing my covers to the side. I leave my bed. Heading for the bathroom to relieve myself and ready for the day.

Putting on my normal trousers and tunic for training. I stare at myself in the mirror. My face is the same as it was but I’m seeing my eyes a little differently after last night.

Perhaps it was the makeup Saphrina put on my face. But I know what it really is.

Aeron.

His comment, my black dahlia eyes.

What is a black dahlia? Why did he compare those to my eyes? It has to have something to do with the color.

My eyes widen in realization. Dahlia, it’s a plant. The flower. The only plant I’ve ever been able to grow. They’re the exact same color. The same deep purple.

I don’t know how he knows of them but I intend to find out.

My body is antsy. I need to train.

Grabbing my blades I make my way to the training hall.

No one is there but me. That’s quite alright. I prefer to train alone anyway.

Starting with my normal stretching and warm up movements. Isharpen my blades. Since I’m not currently facing an opponent there’s no need to worry about harming anyone.

“Why am I not surprised to find you here?”

I whip my head to the voice. It’s my old fighting master, Christopher. I smile, huffing at his sarcasm of my presence in the training hall.

“I heard of King Elio’s announcement. Shouldn’t you be out with some nobleman trying to secure a proposal?”

“Huh, a proposal I’m not even sure I want.”

He grabs his sword and begins to sharpen it himself. I watch his movements. He intends to spar. Knowing I’ve already sharpened my own. Also knowing fighting is one of the few ways I distract myself.

“You sure you don’t want to talk about it?”

Over the years he and I have become quite acquainted with one another. He was the same Fae that I flew here with from the Celestial Realm. True, first he was cold and callous towards me. Beating me down with gruesome training. But after witnessing my work ethic and determination. We slowly began to respect the other. For fighting abilities and in personal regards. Having spent nearly everyday together. He’s a worthy opponent and an occasional confidant.

“Please, you know me better than that.”

“True, I do but I don’t believe this is something you can fight your way out of or push away.”

We both stand. Walking over to one another, taking our fighting stances. “Plus,” he continues, “This is the first court matter that actually involves you and requires a decision… from you.”

Our blades clash. The ringing of steel meeting steel filling the air.

“If you are so well informed. You should know I have the choice to leave the Middle Kingdom. Meaning I may not have to marry at all. Marrying a noble is a requirement of King Elio for me to be allowed to stay in his kingdom.” I say through gritted teeth as our blades meet again.

“Why give you the option? If he wants you gone.” Sweat begins to line his brow.

“Your guess is as good as mine.”

His technique is still impeccable. Never wavering in his movements.

“I must say I am surprised you are even considering it. I would have thought you wanted to leave the Middle Kingdom. Following Princess Saphrina to the Celestial Realm would have been my first guess.”

---