Page 35 of Of Withering Dreams
Gavrel sighed in resignation. “I welcome your feedback, Breena. It looks like the dagger master is ready to go again, Seryn.” One corner of his mouth tipped up briefly as he surveyed the training field and barracks. “I’ll be back shortly. I need to discuss something with Hale.” He stepped toward his second-in-command.
It seemed Rhaegar was finishing his morning rounds through the camp. The strapping warrior smiled brightly at his commander’s approach, thumping a large hand on Gavrel’s shoulder in welcome. Gavrel returned the greeting.
“Rhaegar has been through a lot. I suppose as much as any of us.” Breena’s subdued voice brought my focus back to her. She stood unmoving, staring at her leather boots. Her hesitation falling thickly at her feet.
With a deep breath, she continued, “I ran into him turns ago in Pneumali City while he was on duty. I mean, I literally ran into ‘im. I was outfoxing some Order twats after, uh, borrowin’ some bread from the market. Ran smack into the hulking mass of ‘im.” A faraway smile flitted across her profile, her already strong accent thickening with unsolicited emotions.
I listened intently in absolute stillness, not wanting to deter her. It wasn’t often Breena shared glimpses of her life—in such a sincere tone, at that. One wrong move, and I thought she might scamper away into the woods.
She continued, “I’m not sure what he saw in me, but he didn’t give me up. He gave the guards some coins and directed them to pay the shopkeeper. Then he walked me home to Gran. She adored ‘im.” Her lower eyelids glistened with unshed tears I doubted she’d allow to escape. She sniffed and continued, “Made the big lug stay for supper, which was the bread with leftover pickled vegetables. More than most people have in the city.”
“That’s lovely, Breena.” I hugged her sturdy side to mine.
She put her arm around me, squeezing before facing me and standing tall. She pushed her shoulders back, puffing out her chest. “Yes, well. It’s something. Worthy pals are hard to come by. Rhaegar has my seal of approval. As do you.”
“Awwww,” I crooned, touching one hand to my chest. “I adore you as well, Breena.”
She waved her hand at me. “Did I ever tell you Gran and I were originally from Pyria Island?” I shook my head, my eyebrows rising. “After my parents died in a volcanic eruption when I was young, she brought me to Pneumali. I don’t recall the island much, but she said it was too dangerous to stay there. ‘The land is too treacherous, my girl. It’ll eat us alive,’ Gran would say to me.” A wistful smile came over her.
“I’ve only heard tales. It sounds like a harsh wilderness to survive in. I’m sorry to hear about your parents.”
“Thank you, but don’t fuss. I don’t remember them.” She lifted one hand loosely, palm up, and let it drop to her side. “It was always me and Gran. I want to go back someday. Learn more about my people; where I’m from. I think she would have liked that.”
“I think it’s a must,” I agreed, smiling brightly.
She touched my shoulder, giving it a little squeeze. “Right, so. Let’s go again.” Her form settled into a fighting stance once more.
“Now, Breena, you can’t have all the fun,” Kaden interrupted, strolling over to us. His hair was tousled as if he’d just woken up, which was probable.
“By all means, I’d love to watch her stab you,” Breena goaded, handing over her practice weapon. She rubbed her abdomen. “But I’m going to head for breakfast instead. Dagger master, out! Toodles!” I waved a hand, chuckling.
“I’ll take it easy on you, Ser.” Kaden smirked. I rolled my eyes in reply, taking position across from him.
“No need. She’ll prevail either way,” Gavrel countered as he returned, a confident smile unfurling. A warmth seeped through my chest at the compliment.
“Stop the chit-chat, and let’s do this. Unless you’re worried I’ll actually stab you in your tender bits this time,” I taunted.
“I wouldn’t dream of?—”
I thrust the dulled blade toward him, but he feinted to the side, barely dodging my attack. He stumbled a bit before righting himself, holding his dagger in front of him. “Ah, I see how it is.” He chuckled.
“Lesson one. Always be ready.” I smirked. Gavrel’s shoulders shook, one hand cupping his jaw and mouth.
“I was born ready. Especially for the likes of you.” Kaden flipped the dagger in his palm, holding it in a reverse grip. He sliced his hand diagonally upward. I blocked his blade with my own, slamming my shoulder into his arm to create space. He lost his footing, and I swiped my weapon into the side of his neck.
“Defeated again, you braggard. My advice is less talking and more action.”
Kaden exhaled, puffing out his cheeks and tipping his head toward me. He leaned into the wooden blade, grinning. He reached his left hand across his chest, enveloping my hand in its warmth. My heart flipped, forgetting how to beat momentarily.
His eyes held mine with a burning intensity, his grin dissolving. “I see I’ve underestimated you.”
“Per usual,” I murmured.
“I have no objection to taking action with you, by the way.” Kaden’s hand squeezed mine gently before sliding his palm over the top of mine. He took my dagger as his other hand, now empty, met the curve of my waist.
A blush swept across my face and chest. For simply standing still, my breathing was far too hurried. He dropped my dagger on the grass next to his, his other hand rising toward my cheek.
“Perhaps you are the one who needs further lessons, Kaden.” Gavrel’s disgruntled tone broke through the fog.
