Chapter 65: had to win

I could see the surprise budding in his eyes, but there was also curiosity. I knew from that day that he wanted to see me wielding a sword, so why not take advantage of it. So I nodded my head and gave him an encouraging smile.

"I am completely sure, and if you agree, we can do it now. It will also not disrupt your practice." I offered and he contemplated scratching his chin.

Did I tell him that he looked adorable doing that? His golden hairs shine like gold in the sunshine, and his blue eyes are deeper than the ocean. I had seen in the past, how women flock around him, but he was too cold to care. Poor girls, he had broken many hearts!

But not in this life, I would make sure to give him a warm feeling, so that his heart did not turn numb towards feelings, and he didn't treat women as his father.

"So," I asked, as he was taking a lot more time than expected. He finally sighed and nodded and I clapped my hands.

"Then wait here, I will be back in 10 minutes." And with that, I ran from there to change my clothes. If I knew this was going to happen, I would have dressed accordingly.

"Your highness, wait for us" my maids pleaded but I was too happy to care about my image for now.

I walked into the armour room and tried the armours, I need to get one of my sizes, mostly were designed for men, but I adjusted in a lean one.

"Your highness, are you sure about it?" asked Lina and other maids also looked at me with pleading eyes.

I raised a brow, 'well their doubt was acceptable since they had never seen me wielding a sword and to be honest, it had been 19 years since I touched one, it was only in my past life, before marrying Cassius, did I wielded a sword last time, but still, I was sure, I had an equal chance. Because I was at an equal level as a knight when I left the practice.'

"Yes, I am sure," I replied, fixing my armour and Lina bit her lip.

'Is the girl worried about me' I laughed, not trying to explain further. They would see it soon anyway.

Soon, I walked back and he was surprised looking at me in knights uniform, 

"I know only a knight can wear this, but only this was the one which fitted me," I explained to the commandant, in case he misunderstood, but he did not reply. He just kept staring at me with wide eyes.

'Did he forget it could be called an insult?'

"Sir Enguine," Lina called loudly and finally the man blinked, his face turning red,

He coughed to clear his voice, "it's alright, your highness, just don't wear it out of the palace." 

I nodded "thank you, sir Enguine.'' With that, I walked towards Killian.

"You are looking exceptionally beautiful, your highness," oh this was the best compliment I could have. My face brightened.

"Thank you, are you ready Killian,'' I asked, my voice filled with anticipation and I could see his eyes twinkling.

"I should be the one to ask that, your highness. But yes, I am ready." he nodded and then signalled me to walk towards the training ground.

We walked towards the table where a lot of swords were laid down with different weights and metal used.

"Do you need my help in choosing one, your highness." he offered and I smiled.

'Why do all of them underestimate me? Did he think I challenged him, without even the ability to choose a sword?' 

"No, I had one with me, it was a gift for you, but take it as if I am borrowing it." he nodded his head, and I signalled Lina to bring the sword.

He was surprised to see the sword in my hands.

"If I am not mistaken, It is one of the most sought after swords, your highness, the one made by master Elias?" he enquired, but there was surety in his voice.

I nodded and he smiled, "then the chances of your winning are much more now, your highness." my hands which were going to take the sword from Lina halted. He was right that the sword can help in winning as it was one of the lightest yet sharpest swords. But I don't want to give the credit of my winning to a sword.

So I took the sword and handed it to Killian, he looked at me and I smiled.

"I think it wouldn't be good if I would be the one to use the gift first.'' With that, I walked and chose another sword, that also an average one.

"But" he wanted to protest but I shook my head.

``Are you afraid, Killian?" I challenged and he shook his head chuckling.

"Good, then let's start" he nodded and we walked towards the centre.

He was looking at me, hesitating to start, but in war, there was no hesitation.

I aimed straight at his chest and he defended surprised, but I did not stop. I then, aimed at his hands, finally, his hesitation went away as he secured himself once again and this time he was the one who attacked my eyes.

I smiled brightly as I bent and aimed at his legs. He flipped in the air, turning two steps back and then ran to attack straight at my stomach.

I bent at the side as I clashed my sword with his. The sound of swords. Clinking and slashing could be heard as the practice intensified. I was able to touch his sleeves and it tore, but he defended at the right time. 

His sword touched my hair and I was sure I lost an inch now. I should have made a bun instead of braiding them.

My whole body was filled with sweat. I was sure it had been more than an hour but we both are at an equal level, but I had to win this match no matter what.