Alberto’s Pov
I watched her lunge at me, her movements a blur—smooth and determined. Honestly, I was a bit impressed; I hadn’t expected her to actually take up the challenge to fight me. More than half of my men were scared to do so, and yet here she was, making the bold move.
I didn’t move until the last possible second. I sidestepped with an ease that I hoped looked more effortless than it felt.
Don’t get me wrong, normally Sapphire was no match for me, but my mind was a jagged landscape of thoughts: council threats, border reports, predictions of my brother’s next moves, even fatherhood responsibilities.
She attacked again, and all the noise seemed to move to the background, my gaze sharpening on my opponent. If she could keep me grounded, then I would stay with her.
I had to giv
