Thorne watched with narrowed eyes, noting how his pupil had abandoned some of her usual caution. Elizabeth typically fought with ruthless efficiency, never expending more energy than necessary. Yet here she was exploring the limits of her abilities, taking calculated risks against an opponent who might actually teach her something new.
"She's enjoying herself," he realised with surprise. In five years of training, he had rarely seen the princess take genuine pleasure in combat. For her, fighting had always been a necessary skill, a tool for survival rather than a source of satisfaction.
The match continued with increasing complexity, each fighter adjusting to the other's style with remarkable adaptability. Where Elizabeth had dismantled Buck in minutes, her exchange with Elliot had devel
