Page 74 of A Dagger in the Ivy

I scoff at his words, my frustration bubbling to the surface like molten lava. “Why are you so eager to share my secrets?”

A steely resolve settles into the lines of his face. “It’s not about sharing secrets. It’s about finding answers.”

“Why do you even care?” The question slips from my lips before I can stop it.

Dante’s gaze flickers, his expression momentarily faltering before he schools it into a mask of stoic indifference. “It’s my duty,” he replies, his voice firm and unwavering. “To keep an eye on you, as promised to my brother.”

The tension between us crackles like lightning, a palpable force that threatens to consume us both.

“Why don’t we let fate decide?” Dante crosses his arms.

“‘Fate’?”

“You’re training today, are you not?”

I furrow my brow. I realize I never answered him the first time he asked. “Yes.”

“Here’s my challenge: I will train with you. If you’re able to disarm me, you can keep your secret to yourself, and I will never bring up the subject again. But if I disarm you, you must reveal your wandering episodes to the magister.”

“That’s not really leaving it up to fate. That’s a matter of skill.”

He shrugs. “Do you accept my challenge, Celeste?”

I can only blink—because I think it’s the first time Dante has ever said my name. I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry as dust. I feel off-balance, but I steel myself. I can’t show him any weakness.

Despite my initial reluctance, there’s a part of me that can’t resist the thrill of the challenge, the opportunity to prove myself against him. “I accept.”

Ezra seems surprised to see Dante entering his lesson room, righting his posture and straightening his robes. “Your Highness,” he begins, obviously taking Dante’s presence into consideration while addressing me, “Lord Stregasi, a pleasure to see you both this morning.”

“Magister Kadmiel, I’d like to offer myself as the princess’s training partner today.”

“How wonderful.” Ezra dips his head. “The gods have smiled upon her to have such a master swordsman at her disposal.”

“What’s this?” I ask Ezra, pointing to a pile of books on the seat usually occupied by Nadya.

“Nadya has shown some interest in historical accounts from the Age of Dragons. I found a few books on the subject she may wish to peruse.”

“History books?” I let out a small laugh. “That’s new. I’ve only ever seen her reading fiction.”

“Perhaps her interests are expanding.” His attention is drawn over my shoulder. “Ah, there she is now.”

Though there are still dark circles under her eyes, Nadya appears cleaned up, wearing a new dress and the tangles brushed out of her hair. “Good morning. Are those for me?”

“You are welcome to borrow them, as long as you return them in good condition.” Ezra interlocks his fingers.

“Thank you, Ezra. I’m grateful.” She studies the titles as I turn to Dante.

“Shall we?” Though I feel the need to work my muscles and practice my aim, I’m also anxious to prove to Dante that I can match his skill with a sword.

“After you.” Dante holds his arm out, gesturing for me to proceed before him.

The four of us stroll out to the training area in the courtyard. Dante picks out two training swords for us, handing me one with a small grin on his face.

“Don’t expect me to keep score.” Nadya holds up a book. “I’ll be reading under that tree.”

I give her a nod before she traipses to sit under the magnolia tree. She leans against it as she immerses herself in whatever story she’s invested in.

“There is no need to keep score,” Ezra says to me. “This is simply training for the purpose of maintaining your skill and agility.” He gives us both a slight bow before joining Nadya under the tree, standing beside her as he watches us.

---