Page 81 of Scars and Burns

“I should like to spar.”

I stutter, “with me?”

“Yes. Right now.”

“Now? Don’t you have some royal celebration or activity to attend for my sister’s wedding?”

He glances back to Saphrina. He would have hit me with his shoulder if I had not stepped away.

I step around him. Looking over to Saphrina.

“N-nothing is pressing. We have time.” she says with a shaky voice.

“Excellent!” Aeron exclaims, removing his jacket.

I watch the action diligently, though I know I shouldn’t. Opening the panels of his jacket even further, his broad muscular chest exposing itself as his tunic shifts underneath. The jacket getting caught on his large biceps. Forcing him to reach around behind himself to remove the sleeve by the cuff. Gracefully, pulling the rest off and walking over to the rack of weapons against the wall.

I glare over at Saphrina. Giving her a look.

She mouths the word sorry to me. Shrugging her shoulders, glancing over to Prince Aeron.

I glance over at Christopher. Him and I share a look. Both exhaling in unison.

Aeron is already standing on the other side of the mat. Sword in hand. Saphrina walks over to the viewing bench. I start walking over to the opposite side of the mat when I’m stopped by Christopher.

He grabs my bicep, whispering in my ear, “I’ve never seen him fight but his reputation is not something to take lightly. This may just be sparring but do not allow him to win. I know you have plenty of tricks and your own developed skills. Not wanting to expose them, I understand. But now would be the time to use them.”

Our eyes meet. Seriousness on both of our faces. I nod at him. Understanding what he is saying. He releases my arm and heads to the viewing bench with Saphrina.

I stand opposite Aeron on the training mat. Both are blades drawn. “Ready?” He asks.

Smiling, I huff, “Are you?”

He matches my grin, “More than you know.”

We circle each other at first. Each of our steps matched the other’s. Keeping our distance.

Then he lunges, making the first move.

I dodge. I am smaller and faster than he is. I will not evade the entire time but I can still tire him out before giving anything away.

He moves quickly. Faster than I was expecting. Hitting my lip with his elbow. Breaking skin, I taste crimson in my mouth.

“Do not think you will tire me out. My… endurance is quite good.” He smirks.

Our blades crash together. Constant ringing fills the air. I hear Saphrina gasp. For who, I’m not really sure.

Blades locked together. This is going on too long. It’s time for a change. He could easily overpower me. His strength alone would send me into the ground. He’s holding back.

Why?

I push off of him, swirling around him so our backs meet and I am behind him. Quickly, while his eyes are off of my blades I bring the heels of them together. Clicking them into place to form my double edged sword.

By the time he is facing me again, I am already maneuvering myweapon in a completely different manner. He falters. Putting me in the offensive position. He’s walking backwards now. Nearly at the edge of the mat.

“That’s a neat trick.”

Just as I think I am about to have the upper hand the tides change just as fast. He begins swinging his sword even harder than before. I knew he was holding back. Only using a fraction of his true strength against me.

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