The training yard
397 Words
The palace training yard was filled with the sound of steel.
Adrian stood opposite another guard, his sword raised.
Captain Rowan watched from the edge of the courtyard.
“Again!”
The two men moved.
Steel struck steel.
Adrian blocked an attack, stepped aside, and knocked his opponent’s sword from his hand.
The other guard groaned.
“You’re impossible.”
Adrian lowered his sword.
“You keep leaving your left side open.”
“I know.”
“Then stop doing it.”
Captain Rowan approached.
“You’ve improved.”
Adrian sheathed his sword.
“Thank you.”
The captain studied him.
“You’ve been distracted.”
Adrian looked at him.
“No, sir.”
“Don’t lie to me.”
Adrian remained silent.
Rowan lowered his voice.
“Whatever is occupying your thoughts, forget it.”
Adrian’s jaw tightened.
“I don’t know what you mean.”
The captain sighed.
“Perhaps not. But I know palace life. I’ve served here longer than you’ve been alive.”
Adrian looked toward the palace.
“Is there something I should know?”
“There is always something you should know.”
Before Rowan could continue, a bell sounded from the western tower.
The guards turned.
A messenger had arrived.
The captain walked away.
Adrian remained where he was.
His thoughts returned to Elara.
He had seen her that morning.
She had looked different.
Not like a princess.
Like someone who had just been handed terrible news.
Later that afternoon, Adrian was stationed outside the royal library.
The door opened.
Elara stepped out.
She stopped when she saw him.
“You’re here.”
“I’m on duty.”
She nodded.
Neither spoke.
Then Elara looked around the corridor.
“Is anyone nearby?”
Adrian glanced toward the staircase.
“No.”
She lowered her voice.
“My father has decided that I will marry Prince Lucien.”
Adrian’s heart sank.
He had known it was likely.
Knowing was different from hearing it.
“When?”
“Six months.”
Adrian looked away.
“I am sorry.”
Elara studied him.
“Are you?”
He looked back at her.
“Yes.”
The word came quietly.
Elara smiled sadly.
“That’s enough.”
She walked away.
Adrian watched her disappear.
He knew now that whatever feelings had been growing between them had to end.
Before they destroyed them both.
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