Page 48 of A Pact of Blood

“It’d be even less wise for me to go off on our trek to theTemple of Fruitful Fields underprepared. Please, let me see where my worst limitations are so Prince Raul may help me mend them.”

The guard still looks as if he’s just swallowed a lemon whole, but he goes to grab one of the blunted swords.

Raul folds his arms over his chest. “If someone comes at you with a blade that much bigger than your own, your best bet is to get out of the way as much as you can. The sword is going to strike you either way, so better that it hits something less vital. If you can deflect it with your knife or even get in a strike of your own, great, but don’t focus on that.”

I nod, shifting my weight on my feet. “All right. Kassun, you attack, and I’ll do my best to dodge.”

Kassun approaches tentatively at first, taking a swing and a jab that I easily leap away from. When I duck under another swipe and tap my knife against his belly, his forehead furrows with consternation. “You wouldn’t normally get an opening like that.”

I grin at him. “Then don’t give me one. Make me fight.”

Despite his obvious misgivings, he comes at me faster. His sword slices through the air with enough force to ruffle my hair when it veers close.

I dodge and weave, and fend off one blow with a clang against my knife that reverberates down my arm. More sweat trickles down my back.

“Always move to the side as well as backward,” Raul calls after me. “Focus on keeping your head and torso out of reach. Don’t be afraid to duck right down to the ground if it keeps you safe.”

I end up crouching on my knees and flick my blade across Kassun’s shin as I scramble away. His next swing nicks my shoulder. I suck in a breath, and the guard freezes.

“Your Imperial Highness, I’m so sorry—I?—”

I stand, holding up my hands in appeal. “I’m fine. Itbarely hurt. You’re only doing as I asked. But while we’re here…”

I swipe my arm across my damp forehead and then slash out without warning. My knife stops an inch from Kassun’s eye before he’s quite got his sword up again.

He jerks backward, his jaw twitching. “You wouldn’t have gotten that close if we were still sparring.”

“I know.” I lower my knife. “But you didn’t expect me to try it. I wantyouto know that if my own security—or that of the people I rule over—is under attack, I’ll do whatever is required to protect it. The idea of peace doesn’t do anyone any good unless you’re willing to fight for it.”

Raul’s laugh rings through the room.

Kassun gapes at me for a moment before a trace of a smile curves his lips too. He bends into a brief bow. “I won’t argue with that, Your Imperial Highness.”

“Good. Now I think I’d better retire to my chambers for a time before I present myself before the court again.”

And perhaps it’ll be with one fewer potential enemy to worry about.

Chapter Sixteen

Aurelia

Islip out of the palace in the pale sunlight just after dawn. Most of the court is still asleep; the only talk I hear is the chirping of the birds.

I make my way swiftly and steadily to the herb garden around the side of the building near the kitchen. We’re meant to leave for the Temple of Fruitful Fields tomorrow. I don’t know how much access I’ll have on the road or at the smaller imperial residence near Ubetta to the various common ingredients I might require for a potion or salve.

It seemed wisest to gather a small stash now in case I should need any of them before we return.

I’m prepared to find one or two of the kitchen staff among the rows of herbs, gathering what they need for the day’s planned meals. But when I come around the last row of hedge sculptures, the sight of a woman bending over one ofthe small bushes in an elaborate silk gown draws me up short.

Bianca’s head twitches toward me at the soft tap of my footsteps on the path. We stare at each other, her smooth brown face seeming to yellow in the wan light.

She straightens up abruptly and pats her sleek upswept hair as if making sure the strands are in order. Her other hand clutches a sprig of thin leaves I can’t imagine what she’d do with.

“Your Imperial Highness,” she says, her typical haughty voice just slightly roughened. “What a delight to run into you out here.”

I tread closer, knitting my brow. “What are you collecting rosemary for?”

The vicerine tucks her acquisition closer to her flowy skirt. “I enjoy the flavor.”

---