I was awake three hours before the sun rose. I spent that time learning new spells to add to my arsenal, I figured if I was to go back to Sundara, I'd go back with a trick or two up my sleeve, and save to say, I've learned more than a few.
Alice came in with a surprised expression, as she always does whenever she meets me awake before the crack of dawn. We exchanged pleasantries as she prepared my bathing water.
"Will you still be going out to meet your friend princess?" I nodded.
Cerys said she would send a carriage, probably sometime after noon. I selected a black gown with silver accents for the outing but donned my fighting attire. With chaos hung at my side and heartstopper strapped behind my waist, I was ready for breakfast.
Steamed vegetables and chicken with an assortment of pastries were brought to the dining suite, then a knock followed, I thought it would be my usual breakfast companion but imagine my surprise when a man dressed in a velvet tunic walked in and sat in front of me, Drazhan.
His arrival was unexpected. I raised an eyebrow as he strode into the room, his smile faltering for a moment before he regained his composure.
"Good morning, your highness," he said, his voice low and smooth "Hope I'm not interrupting anything important" a hint of amusement danced on my lips. "Just the usual routine Draz. Giving Alice some advice on how to woo a man" I winked at Alice, her face turned red, and she rushed out to fetch Drazhan a plate.
Drazhan chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners "Ah! I'm sure Alice has a better chance learning from someone else" we both chuckled "Did my words not get you into my bed?" another chuckle, this time from him "I would say that my words got you into my bed" Alice brought a plate for him, and we ate breakfast exchanging jokes and witty remarks.
A mouthful of wine later, and Acrisius walked in wearing his black training leathers and Erynis strapped at his back, no doubt heading out to train with Amenadiel.
"Good morning cousin," he beamed, then shot a side glance to Draz "Alexander" I stifled a laugh. Acrisius never really liked Draz, I never knew why "Excuse us Drazhan, or Acrisius will have your head" he raised his hands in defeat "We wouldn't want to offend the baron now would we?" he mused "I'll see you later beautiful" he gave a mock bow to Acrisius and excused himself.
My cousin fetched himself some food "I don't know why you entertain him" he grumbled. I laughed and shrugged "I think that's my business. I don't ask you about your lady friends now do I?"
"Fair point" he said as he helped himself to some apple pie. "I see you're dressed to train" I pointed to his sword. "Yes, I have a lesson with Amenadiel after breakfast" I gave him a sly grin "You've been training with him for a while, why don't you put that training into practice and spar with me today?"
"You're one of the best I've seen, I'm not sure I could take you on"
I shrugged "I'll go easy on you, also, maybe you could learn a thing or two. Your mother taught me all I know after all" he smiled and nodded.
Acrisius and I walked the hallways hand in hand, strongly initiated by him. We descended the stairs to the lower floor when I saw Ramiel, Herbert and my mother, and in the middle of their little circle stood a man who easily towered over my mother, his gray hair was slicked back, he wore a green suit, his red cape brushed over the stone floors. Former commander Nathaniel Hartwell, my mother's elder brother and my uncle.
I met him when I was sixteen, he spent two years in the castle serving as commander for my father's army, then left abruptly for whatever reason. He's the only one in my maternal family I can tolerate, our relationship is not strong, but we tolerate each other. At least he doesn't hate me, and I don't hate him.
Acrisius leaned in and whispered "By the way, I forgot to mention that Nathaniel was arriving today"
I raised an eyebrow, surprised "What? Why didn't I know?"
He chuckled, "I think you were too busy with your things to notice cousin. His arrival was expected, but I forgot to tell you." I playfully rolled my eyes. "Thanks for always keeping me informed cousin"
I let go of his hand and approached them. I gave a curt bow to my brother and a subtle nod to the duke and completely ignored my mother. "Uncle, it is good to have you here" he gave me a small bow "It is good to be back your highness, I haven't seen this place in seven years" well that's your fault isn't it I thought. He smiled at my mother and brother and excused himself as he took my arm and led me to the gardens.
"What are you doing here Nathaniel?"
He chuckled and finally let go of my arm "Thank goodness you dropped the uncle bullshit, you never called me that a day in your life"
I rolled my eyes and smiled "Only on formal occasions"
The smell of roses and dandelions greeted us as we entered the garden's space "I've heard all the nastiness I've missed all these time I've been away" he said.
I shrugged "You haven't missed much. Your sister connived with her spineless court to steal my throne, my brother plans to marry my enemy, and we are probably in the brink of what my brainless brother calls a witch rebellion. Nothing much"
I don't bother with controlling my tongue around Nathaniel, I won't say he doesn't like my brother because who doesn't want their nephew as king, but he's mostly neutral in matters of politics and only acts when it's in his interest and frankly whenever he chooses.
"My sister never makes the wisest decisions, but what is done is done. I on the other hand was invited here after my self-imposed exile to serve as Royal councilor of war"
My brows furrowed "Why?"
He shrugged his shoulders "Probably to appease me, your mother and I didn't end on the best of terms after all" I wondered why, but I did not want to talk about anything that has to do with Patricia Kastillion today.
"I see you still handle well with a sword, perhaps we'll spar someday"
"Perhaps… if you're still as good with yours" I quipped, then left him be.
Acrisius was already swinging his sword by the time I arrived at the training yard, his form looked good, I could tell he's been training, even after his hours with Amenadiel. I leaned on a nearby stone pillar and watched him go at it, sweat trickled from his forehead, but he did not stop, he only did after I cleared my throat, signaling that I was already here.
As much as it's entertaining to watch him, I wouldn't want him to tire before I've had my fun.
"Your form looks good" I said. He smiled lightly. "You ready for me?" he eyes sparkled with excitement. I unsheathed chaos from it's scabbard, the metal gleamed in the sunlight.
"Oh, I am cousin" I replied.
We both circled each other, our swords at the ready. I struck first, my blade flashing in the morning light. Acrisius parried the attack with ease, riposting with a swift counterattack.
I dodged the blow, my movements fluid and calculated. I launched a series of rapid strikes, each one aimed at exploiting Acrisius's defenses.
He held his own, Erinys clashed with chaos in a flurry of steel and sparks. However, as the sparring intensified, my superior skill began to tell.
With a swift feint, I sent Acrisius stumbling backward. I seized the opportunity, pinning him to the ground. I unsheathed heartstopper and held the dagger close to his throat.
He panted, his eyes locked on mine. "You win," he conceded, a grin spreading across his face.
I smiled, sheathing both my blades. "You're improving, but you still have a lot to learn." I helped him stand and watched as he cleaned the dust of his clothes.
"That's a fine dagger you have there, where'd you get it?" I debated whether to tell him who truly gave it to me. I shrugged then answered "Got it off a pawn shop" he didn't look convinced, but didn't question me further.
Amenadiel came in, "Your highness, a carriage is here for you, from the Ashwood residence"