Chapter 1
I’m standing here in the bright light of the day, sweat running inside my heavy metal armor. While I’m supposed to be in my own kingdom, spending time in a lovely castle garden with my King, I’m instead in this training yard. My eyes are kept fixed on the Prince as he practices his sword movements. His blade turns to gold as it shines in the sun, and he swings it with practiced ease.
Every three minutes or so, his sword lights up with the magical power he possesses—a power most believe can save the entire universe. But they don't know that the universe is already being destroyed. He really does have to save us all, since he is the only one who can. Cracks have already emerged from the ground.
The Prince certainly doesn't know the danger we are in, and he surely doesn't know my secret: that one of his silent guards is actually a princess from his rival kingdom. "Hey, you there! You look like you're bored with my skills. You keep looking at the ground as if watching the soil is better than this. Wanna show me how to do it?" he asked, a smug expression dancing on his face.
I roll my eyes, safe behind the cover of my heavy armor where he can't see.
"Certainly not, Your Highness," I reply through gritted teeth. "I’m no match for you."
He turns away with a grin, clearly satisfied with my answer.
Really? I think to myself. What does he think he is? He’s acting like these basic moves are worth years of praise.
I can't help it—I snort.
That little snort was a bit too loud. The Prince must have some great hearing abilities, because he turned around right away"Something funny?" he asks.
His grin is gone, replaced by a confused and offended expression.Oh, shoot. Aria, I internally hit myself. You just can’t keep your mouth shut, can you?"If you insist, Your Highness," I say, stepping further into the training yard to stand next to him. "But first, I just want to tell you that I never doubted your abilities.
"Oh, is that so? You just snorted out of admiration, then?" he asks sarcastically. I start to open my mouth to reply, but he cuts me off. "No, no. I don’t want your fake excuses. C'mon, duel me. You’re wasting my time."I take a step forward. He raises his eyebrows, looking satisfied, as if telling me to give him all I’ve got.He didn't wait for a countdown.
Before I could even settle into a proper stance, Jack lunged. His practice blade whistled through the air, aimed right for my shoulder. My instincts—the ones I’d spent a decade sharpening in the hidden courtyards of my home—screamed at me to parry and riposte.
I barely caught myself. Act like a guard, Aria. Not a master.
I swung my sword up clumsily, letting his blade clank against mine with a jar that vibrated all the way up my elbow. The metal was heavy, and the sweat was already making my grip slippery.
"Is that all?" he taunted, stepping back and spinning his sword like it was a toy. "I thought you had more 'admiration' to show me."
He came at me again, faster this time. Left, right, then a low sweep. I blocked them all, but I made sure to look like I was struggling. I let my feet stumble a bit in the dirt. I let my breathing get loud and heavy inside the helmet.
But then, he got cocky. He left his left side wide open as he went for a flashy overhead strike. It was a beginner’s mistake—the kind of mistake my tutors would have slapped me for.
Without thinking, I pivoted. I didn't just block; I slid my blade down his, twisted my wrist, and gave him a sharp shove with my shoulder.
Jack stumbled back, his eyes widening as he hit the dirt.
Silence fell over the training yard. My heart stopped. Oh, no. Guards aren't supposed to put Princes on their backs.
"Lucky hit," I managed to say, my voice trembling.
He stayed on the ground for a second, staring up at me. Then, a slow, dangerous smile spread across his face. He
"A lucky hit, you said?" He finally stood up, brushing the dust off his royal tunics. He wasn't even mad. He looked... impressed. "I’ve fought the best commanders in this kingdom, and none of them have the guts to put me on my back."
"I apologize, Your Highness," I said, bowing my head so he couldn't see the panic in my eyes. "It won't happen again.""You're right, it won't," he said, stepping closer until I could see the golden flecks in his eyes. "Because from now on, you aren't standing at the perimeter of the yard with the silent guards. You’re coming with me."I froze. "Excuse me?""You’re being promoted," he announced, his smug grin returning. "I need a personal sparring partner. Someone who doesn't just let me win because of my crown. Starting tomorrow, you’re my Lead Shield. You’ll eat where I eat, and you’ll train with me every morning."Oh, shoot, I thought, the weight of the armor suddenly feeling ten times heavier.I was supposed to be a ghost in the background, a shadow waiting to strike. Instead, I’d just become the most visible person in the castle. If he looked too closely, he’d see the royal grace in my movements. If he listened too long, he’d hear the accent of his enemies in my voice."I’m honored," I lied through gritted teeth."Don't be," Jack laughed, turning back toward the castle. "I'm going to work you until you regret that snort from earlier."
