We had been steady with our wielding practice, and though exhausting, it was going well. I had solidified my skills on the basics of my power, but was yet to try more challenging commands. Sebastian kept pushing me to, but wielding took so much out of me that I didn't know if I could handle it.
Thankfully we said our goodbyes outside last night after our session, as I threw up the moment I got back to my room. The overexertion was beginning to affect my whole body, and no one knew about it besides myself. The whole thing perplexed me. None of the other students seemed to get nearly as depleted when they used their magic.
I had gotten fairly good at using my mental shields as well. Most times I could keep my eyes open, not needing to concentrate nearly as hard as I did when I first began shielding. I learned the hard way however, that losing my focus could be detrimental. One evening Sebastian was summoning iciclesfor me to block, but I had gotten distracted and one pierced between my shoulder blades. He felt horrible, but the ice shard only drew a little blood, which Pia was able to heal with hardly any effort when I got back to my room.
Sebastian had agreed to start doing our combat training in the morning and wielding at night. This schedule definitely helped me retain my energy, but with classes in the mix, I still felt my body get weaker with each passing day. I had shown some improvement though, having successfully blocked Sebastian from stabbing me with a training sword twice in a row. He was dumbfounded when the weapon fell from his clutch, and the look on his face was one I wouldn't soon forget.
My week of classes had come to an end and I was looking forward to having some down time the next fewdays. Although I'd still have my nightly sessions with Sebastian, the days would be free to spend as I pleased—aside from a certain soldier accompanying me everywhere.
He was waiting for me this morning in his usual spot on the staircase. My heart fluttered when I saw him reading a book—like always.
I found it incredibly charming that one of Caelestis’ most talented soldiers had such a knack for reading. He could take an enemy down with a singular swing of his sword, but spent his downtime doing one of the most virtuous hobbies.
I smirked and made my descent down the stairs. “Whatcha reading?”
Sebastian slammed the book shut and tilted his head up. His eyes followed me down the spiral of the stairs. I sat down on the step next to him and though he tried to fight me, I tore the book from his hands.
My lips trembled to fight back a smile. “I didn't peg you for a romance reader.”
He shrugged as he took the book back, tucking it into his rucksack. “What can I say, I'm a hopeless romantic.”
“Yeah right,” I laughed with a roll of my eyes.
Sebastian smirked sheepishly and rose from his spot on the steps. “Breakfast?” he asked.
“What about combat training?”
“I’m giving you the day off.”
“Why?”
“I have something to do this morning,” he said, and I trailed behind him as we commenced our daily hike across the castle grounds.
Exhaling deeply, my heated breath turned to mist from the chill of the air. I had my winter cloak on, which provided me a thick layer of protection, but it didn't block the frigid wind from blowing my hair in every direction. I regretted not braiding it today as some strands got stuck in my eyelashes.
Sebastian noticed me quivering and sped up so that he could walk in front, blocking the wind from hitting me. It turned out he was hotandchivalrous.
“So do you read anything besides obscene literature or is that what really gets you going?” I broke the silence of our travels.
Sebastian stopped in place, pivoting to look at me. He bit his lip, smiling at me bashfully. “It's notobscene. It's a work of art that you are clearly too young and immature to appreciate.”
“I’m not that young.”
“You're only twenty-one.”
“You're only four years older.”
“Yes, and it shows in my ability to read mature literature.”
I raised an eyebrow. “You're really showing your age, soldier.”
Sebastian's eyes rolled up and with a shake of his head, he turned and started walking again. I trudged along behind him, appreciating how his large frame kept the wind from knocking me on my ass. I also appreciated the view of him from behind.
“What do you have planned for today?” I tried to makeconversation to avoid dwelling on my skin that would soon be blue and frozen.
“I have a consultation with the other head soldiers and my father.” Sebastian looked over at me. “Then the rest of my day depends on yours, I suppose.”
“Oh.” Guilt overwhelmed me. As annoying as it could be to have someone knowing my every move, it was arguably worse to be in his position. I liked Sebastian and didn't mind his presence, but I wasn't sure he felt the same about me.
