Chapter 1
Fifteen Years Later
He wasn’t going to lose this fight.
The sword sliced the air missing Trystan’s ear by a split hair. Lurching to the right, Trystan whirled just in time as the second attack came. Raising his heavy broadsword, it collided against his attacker’s blade with a metallic clang, stunting the blow. The contact reverberated up his arm, into his shoulder. He grimaced in pain as sweat beaded on his brow, threatening to drip into his eyes. He didn’t dare take the time to wipe it away.
His opponent was skilled and eager, already bouncing back from the jarring blow. The Prince’s numerous years of practice took over. Bending his knees, he straightened his back to keep his hips aligned with his shoulders. This fighting stance was ingrained and he did it without thought.
