THIRTY-ONE
"You look like a barbarian princess," Yun remarked, his voice muffled by his guard helmet as he rode behind Ava. "I've never seen a court dress made to be worn by a lady astride a horse."
"I am a barbarian princess," Ava replied. "And you're supposed to be my bodyguard, so please keep quiet. If my father's army knew you were the Emperor's son, and the commander of the opposing army, they'd s*******r you on the spot."
Yun sounded amused. "My sword isn't just for decoration, Princess. I know how to use it. I might prefer poetry to swordsmanship, but I was a match for any man on the battlefield or in the practice ring."
"There has been enough blood spilled today," Ava whispered, fighting tears. "I won't have you killing anyone else, for there are thousands of them and only one
