Kian
The sun was barely up when I stepped onto the training ground. My warriors were already lined up, waiting.
“Pair up,” I said. “Let’s see who’s getting soft.”
They obeyed quickly. I joined in the sparring, taking down one fighter after another. Rafel was the last to face me.
“You could at least pretend to get tired,” he said, circling me.
“I don’t pretend,” I replied, blocking his punch and pushing him back hard enough to make him stumble.
He grinned, breathless. “Show off.”
“Discipline,” I corrected. “You should try it.”
When training ended, most of the men left, but Rafel stayed behind, rubbing his sore arm.
“One day, I’ll win you.”
“You’ve been saying that for years,” I said, picking up my shirt.
He laughed. “You sound just like your father when you talk like that.”
I di
