Page 3 of The Storm of the Empire

“Who taught you?” she demanded, almost annoyed.

“I taught myself,” I spoke while moving, not stopping like she’d done. I stopped opposite her, my sword was in the same position as hers.

“What’s your name?”

“Luka. And you’re Hazel.”

The second my blade lowered, she launched herself at me. I barely got my weapon up to block the attack. She struck relentlessly, testing for weaknesses. Blow after blow, she chased me across the mat before her tip found my sternum. She’d pulled it, but I’d have a bruise.

“You’re good.” She wiped her brow with the back of her hand.

“I would be better if you taught me.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere.” But she hadn’t said no.

“I’m not flattering you so that you’ll teach me. You’ve already decided to do that.”

“Sure of yourself, aren’t you?”

I shrugged.“Confidence is different than arrogance.”

“Well, you can’t flatter your way into my class. You have to earn it.”

“It’s not flattery. I’m flirting so you’ll let me take you out, but that’s totally aside from wanting to be in your class.”

She rolled her eyes. “No.”

“Please? Just one date.”I wasn’t usually one to beg, but with her, I had to.

“No.” Her eyes locked onto mine. “I know your type.”

“You can’t possibly know my type. There is no one like me here.”

“They all think that,” she huffed. “It’s always the same.”

“They all grew up in a cult and then worked for smugglers before coming to the First Kingdom? That’s interesting. I really thought I was unique here.” I made a face like I was embarrassed.

She narrowed her eyes, but I had her attention. “No, they are all imbeciles who run through females like wine. I have no use for males like that.”

“I’m not like that.” Maybe a little, but I had one difference. “Those males don’t care about their partner’s pleasure.”

“Isn’t that what they all say?” She lifted the tip of her sword level with my mouth. “I’ve heard you’ve been working your charm around the palace.”

I grinned, taking a step forward so the blunt metal tip sat on my lower lip. “It’s you who flatters me.”

“It wasn’t a compliment.”Her dark eyes could have pierced my soul if she tried hard enough.

It only made me want her more.

“It wasn’t a no either. You’ll have fun, I promise.” I dropped my voice as she dragged the tip of the sword down over my chin, stopping it at my throat.

“You can’t guarantee that. You don’t even know me.”

“Let me kiss you once, and you’ll know what a good time I can give you.” I lifted my chin, exposing my throat to her.

She didn’t say anything for a long moment, and then she smirked. “Fine, if you can convince me with a kiss, I’ll let you take me out.”

“No, I think I’ll wait until after our date to kiss you.”

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