UNEXPECTED PEOPLE
"That is a form of respect in any field of combat, but keep in mind that you didn't have to bow when the real war started. Now, position. " She nods as I hold my wooden sword.
"You should defeat me if you want to be acknowledged." I didn't spit too many words as the battle started. Wooden swords start clicking as the knights seem to be enjoying the day.
Fools. Are they taking this lightly? "DON'T LAUGH AND FIGHT! WE'RE NOT PLAYING! You're going to die and yet you're still laughing!" What a bunch of morons! My words seemed to reach them as their movements started to be aggressive as Camilla was trying to raise her sword on me.
"You can't beat me with that posture. Straightened up." She was serious, but she lacked power. "Imagine that I'm your enemy." Her feet began to stabilize after those few words, and I noticed her hand firmly grasping the sword.
Does she have an enemy? Her movements took on the shape of a lion, as if she were a beast devouring her foes until they died. As soon as I noticed the knights paused in their training to observe both of us, I began to defend myself. These knuckleheads aren't even trying to be serious! "MOVE!" My yell is enough to get their attention.
Every time she swings her wooden sword, it emits a new aura that I've never seen before. Is she really enraged about something? "Close your eyes and concentrate on mine. Then, assault my vital organs." She just swung her sword really hard, forcing me to take a step back for a second.
I surrendered my hands as the tip of her sword was pointed on my neck. I couldn't imagine her being so abrasive. She looks innocent and yet it feels like I'll be poisoned by her venom.
"I win!" The knights came to a halt once more, clapping their hands together. Vien looked at me as she chuckled for a second. That woman dared laugh at me. She must be asking for death.
"Now retreat." I said as I touched the tip. She nods slightly as she slowly brings it down. Her eyes sparkled with delight as she looked at me. "I did it! Did you see that?" I sigh. "I'm not blind. But you're still lacking power. You shouldn't raise the sword too high or you might get stabbed in the stomach. "
I just didn't get to do that because of her fiery eyes. "But I did defeat you easily." I look at her while chuckling. "Yes, you did. But somehow, no. You didn't. Your strategy is riddled with flaws. You should work on your defense more." Fighting isn't all about raising a sword.
The camp started to fill with silence as someone shouted. "Greetings, Your Highness!" Vien caught my attention as I saw my father and mother, standing right in front of the camp.
"What are you doing here?" I asked. It was rare for them to visit this place. What brings them here in the first place? "Your mother was asking if you could join us at dinner." It's still morning and yet they're talking about dinner already.
"I'm in training. You can't just barge in and interrupt our schedule. Our time is limited. I prefer to open this topic later on." My mother furrowed her brows and crossed her arms in front of me, as if she was starting to get fed up. "The question is easy. Yes or no?" Why is she hurrying?
"I will make sure to keep that in mind." I swing my sword as the knights get back to their position. "I wonder why you're still here." I said this as I could feel their presence in my peripheral vision. "We're just here to look after you. Your father is tired of seeing the same things every day." And do they think that I'm not fed up?
"Greetings, Your Majesty." A voice draws my attention once again. "You're earlier than I expected." I said as I practiced along with Camilla. "I can't afford to keep my future bride waiting for too long." I chuckle.
"You're too confident, Lady Devie." The fact that she's in her knight's uniform makes me want to laugh. Why is she wearing such an outfit? Is she going to practice? Or is it just for show?
"Of course, Your Majesty. Even if it's a small chance, it's still a chance, isn't it?" The audacity is really admirable. "Then do as you please." The swordfight and practice continue even though we are filled with uninvited guests.
I could hear my mother's encouragement and my father's criticism. Then why doesn't he get in here so I can judge him? Camilla gave it her all as usual, but it wasn't enough to bring me down for the second time. "Are you serious?!" Camilla looks irritated as she keeps on attacking.
"You're just defending yourself!" She shouted. "You should avoid squandering your energy by attacking. It is necessary for you to learn how to defend yourself." The fighting turns into a game where if she hits me, she wins. But hours have passed and she seems to surrender.
I could see her knees trembling from exhaustion. "That's all for today. You may now eat." Camilla rolls her eyes. "FINALLY!" She exclaimed. As I said, she only had 3 minutes, but didn't use it. It's her fault.
"Is that it?" The father inquired as he appeared to be having a good time. "What are we? Entertainers?" He laughs while my mother stands up to clap her hands. What is she? A child?!
"Your Majesty, this is your towel." Serina said as Camilla patted my face dry with the towel Serina had offered me. I chuckle. "Serina, I'm also tired from watching, could you please—"
"No." Serina replied by closing her eyes. Why can't she accept Devourah? I mean, this woman is the Grand Duke's daughter. Unless Serina is straight, that is.
"Why are you rejecting me too much?"
"Because my title isn't suited for the lady. You must have a husband." Another rejection. THIS IS HILARIOUS! I could laugh for the entire day! HAHAHA!
"Aren't they interesting?" I caress Camilla's cheek as she keeps on drying my face. "Exactly." I looked at the other side as Lithia was drying up Vien's face, wearing her biggest smile.
Look at this couple, they're disgusting in my eyes. Someone get them away from my sight! Lithia looks at me as she smiles. She looks like a fool. She should stop!
"Are we going to eat now?" Father asked as he looked at us. "No father, we're going to stand here all day." They all laugh as if I said something funny.
"Your Highness should stop being grumpy." Vien said as she was holding Lithia's hand. "THIS IS NOT A ROMANTIC PLACE. GET A ROOM!"
FOR PETE'S SAKE!