“My job," he began, his authoritative voice carrying easily, “ is to prepare the very best of you to take the trials. You will become outstanding commanders and leaders of our kingdom capable of defending our lands against any threat."
His storm gray eyes swept over each student, before landing on me.
I swallowed hard from the intensity of it.
"Becoming experts on the battle strategies that have shaped our history is paramount to your success. And you will begin weapons training that will determine whether you live or die in the field."
As he continued explaining, his deep voice satisfying something within me, I found myself completely mesmerized by the way the afternoon sunlight caught the sharp angles of his jaw, how his white shirt pulled taut across his broad shoulders, the way h
