Chapter 88
1127 Words
KALVIN
It had been a long time since I have had such an interesting fight. In addition to keeping my instincts in check, I was constantly on my toes, having to watch out for the next trick she would pull.
She had the stance down and her fighting technique was impressive. She swung the sword the way she knew how to, countering my every strike and delivering hers. There was just something off about her grip.
“Your grip is weak. If you keep holding your sword like that, they might break your arms.”
“I think they’re perfect like this.”
Hearing that, I smirked. I applied a little more force and succeeded in throwing her sword far away. We watched it land in a distance and she looked back at me with annoyance.
“What did you do that for?”
“Come here, let me teach you how to hold a sword.”
“Why should I listen to you?”
“Because I’m the greatest warrior in the land.”
She sighed and walked to me.
“This better be a proper lesson on how to hold a sword,” she grumbles.
“Of course.”
I handed my wooden sword over and after she held it, I placed my hand over hers. The difference in size was so adorable that I had to leave my hand on hers for a couple of minutes, enjoying the moment.
“You can start any day now, greatest warrior.”
“Ahem!”
I had a feeling I was never going to have the chance to do it again if I continued playing around so I just focused on teaching her.
It was actually very scary how competent she was. In just a few months after learning how to wield a sword and fight, she was doing well on her own, even with the occasional distraction from me. At the very least, if she was placed on a battlefield, she would survive.
I wasn’t ready to tell her that yet.
“Have you gotten it yet?”
“I think so. I can admit you’re good at this at least.”
“I also excel at a lot of other things. You should allow me to show you,” I whisper into her ears, which I knew was sensitive. She elbowed me in the stomach and stomped on my feet.
“Ow, I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.”
“Better not or your cousin would be convinced that you have crooked intentions towards men.”
Right then, I heard Susanne’s voice.
“Kalvin. I’ve been looking for you everywhere. Is there where you were?”
“Yes. He asked me to give him some pointers and I graciously agreed.”
“Even while we’re in the middle of an important case?”
“I already wrapped it up though.”
Susanne gave me one of her infamous ‘are you that stupid?’ looks.
“Just come with me.”
“... Yes ma’am.”
I gave Ariana one last smile before following Susanne. I didn’t have to wait long for Susanne’s retribution.
“What are you doing?”
“What do you mean?”
“You’ve spent not less than two days with that man, giving him pointers. I saw you come out of his room at midnight. What is going on with you?”
“Secret training. He’s my trusted aide after all.”
“Trusted aid my arse. If I didn’t know any better, I would think you two were lovers… wait a bloody minute! Don’t tell me the lover you found… was a man?!”
“... Surprise?”
“Have you lost your bloody mind? You are the crown prince! There is no way you can get with a man!”
“Isn’t that hypocrisy?”
“I am not the heir to the throne and it is my duty to set you straight.”
“You aren’t straight yourself, how are you going to help me?”
“So help me, I will rip that tongue right out your skull.”
“How violent! I’m happy for you, why can’t you be happy for me?”
“Where are you going to produce a baby? Who is going to become king after you? You know your mother is fussy about bloodlines!”
My mother really was. She came from a long line of nobles and her basic family training was the importance of bloodlines. She also liked to give a sermon about it every few days. It was worse before I married Ariana.
“I’ll think of something.”
“You’d be betraying your lover if you had to sleep with a woman… it’s better for the both of you if you just separated now. He looks like a young lad that has been led astray by you. He has such a good life ahead of him.”
“I’m sorry but why does it sound like you’re trying to steal him away?”
“I am not interested in him that way. Just break it off with him.”
“No!”
“You stubborn arsehole! Don’t drag this out before it’s too late.”
“Don’t come in between my love!”
If you can’t already tell, I fought with Susanne for completely useless reasons. She did too and we always ended up with a stupid argument per day. But, even with my love for her, I couldn’t let her know about Ariana.
“Leave me be at least for now. I can take care of my responsibilities later.”
“If you come to me crying, I will spit on you.”
“No, you wouldn’t.”
“I’ll pretend we’re not having this argument. I have important news.”
“What’s up?”
“The Pope died after a few days of interrogation. He killed himself.”
“How loyal of him. Comb the church for more allies of Permias and Casella. It doesn’t matter if they all kill themselves. This would even be better for us.”
“Wouldn’t that be taking it too far?”
“Since you seem to have better ideas, I’ll leave it all up to you then.”
“Kalvin! Stop giving me your work!”
“I think I’m craving sea food for lunch. I hear a new haul of crabs came in today.”
“Stop ignoring me!”
“Speaking of which, we haven’t heard from the spies in Casella and Perimas. Now, isn’t that your job?”
“... I’ll send a correspondence.”
“Atta girl! Please send them my regards.”
I laughed as she threw a vulgar gesture before stomping away.
- Writer
