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Chapter13
“Getting used to that position, are we?” I couldn’t help the grin that spread over my face, stretching wider despite my exhaustion as I looked down at Nicole, lying at the other end of my training stick.
She laughed back, swatting my stick as I stuck my hand out to her. “Awfully cocky, repeating my words at me.”
“Impressive,” Lieutenant Tomas said. His dryness still laced the compliment, making it seem like it was actually unimpressive, but I’d take it.
My body was changing, getting used to training as if it was meant to move like this. Hand-to-hand was my strongest method of fighting, but I was getting better and faster, in other forms. As much as I couldn’t stand Lieutenant Tomas’ style, there was no doubt I was learning.
I stole a glance at Prince Noah, who was finishing up his own training, and he gave me a slight nod, confirming he’d seen my attack. I tried not to let my excitement grow at the knowledge that he’d witnessed me succeed.
Lying in bed the night after learning that war was declared, I came to terms with my loyalty to the prince but also reminded myself that if I could make myself someone he continued to trust, maybe one day I’d earn my freedom.
Never mind the fact that I wasn’t sure what that would even look like, but I operated better with a plan. A plan to focus on training, now a plan to focus on my role here and the confidence Prince Noah was placing in me.
I was hoping for a moment alone now that training was winding down. I wanted to see how he was, strictly for the purpose of being useful. At least that’s what I kept trying to tell myself.
The room was quiet as Noah, Gabe, Nicole, and I packed up our things. Lieutenant Tomas cleaned everything like he usually did. I watched the small room of fae that I had come to know more. Gabe smiled as he spoke to Noah and I suddenly wondered if Gabe knew anything of the war. His carefree personality hadn’t changed at all. But being related to the royal family, wouldn’t he know of the troubles that lay ahead?
The prince waved toward the door and I dropped the last of my training supplies before walking out, back down the hallway and toward my room.
We moved quietly, Noah in front of me while I maintained a few paces of distance behind. When we entered my room the prince was already at the door, like he was leaving right away.
“What’s next on the agenda?” I asked, warily eying his hand on the door. I didn’t want another afternoon alone to my thoughts.
He gave me a forced smile, which let me know immediately that an afternoon with my thoughts would be exactly what I was getting.
“Unfortunately,” he sighed, “I’ll be engaged. I need to visit with my parents and check on my mother. Her injuries are healing, but there’s some work I need to assist with.”
I smiled, intent on ensuring my disappointment didn’t show. “No problem. I’ll just see you later.”
He left, clicking the door shut behind him.
My neck was knotted and I ran my hand over it, attempting to apply enough pressure to release the tension in it. I turned and glanced toward my luxurious shower. At least I could enjoy a quick rinse after training. Better than my usual schedule in that sense.
I let the almost scalding hot water run over my body in rivulets, leaning my head back and savoring the way the water helped me relax. Breathing deeply, in and out slowly as I attempted to still my racing mind was working better than it normally did. The water continued to caress my tired aches almost like it knew exactly what I needed and where.
My fingers pruned and the minute the water temperature changed that slight degree, I knew my time was running short with the heat I’d overused once again.
I’d snagged a few books from Noah’s library and couldn’t think of anything better to do than curl up and attempt to read for pleasure, a rare luxury back home. I changed quickly and climbed under the covers of the plush bed.
As I flipped through the first few pages of the novel, I realized this world’s fiction measured up to my world’s.
Tap, tap, tap.
My brow creased as I looked toward the door. I never had visitor—
Before I could finish my thought or even get up out of bed, the door burst open.
Four royal guards stood eying the entire room before their gaze rested on me.
One of them stepped forward, wearing a little less armor than the others, the only one not holding a weapon like I was going to attack them. “Ms. Fray, if you'd come with us, we have some questions we’d like to ask you.”
I studied the weapons and the guards holding them before their leader raised a hand and the weapons lowered.
“Apologies for that. It was unnecessary,” he said.
I nodded curtly. “Of course I’ll come with you.”
