Training

My heart raced as I stepped onto the worn mats of the training room, the scent of sweat and determination heavy in the air. Deaken stood across from me, his presence commanding yet reassuring. I knew this was more than just a lesson; it was pay back for earlier.

“Focus, Caroline,” Deaken’s voice cut through my nerves, sharp and clear. “Hand-to-hand combat is a dance where every move is a word, every strike a sentence. You’re not just fighting; you’re telling a story.”

“Deaken, we have been at this for hours already,” I painted. “Can we stop for today?”

He took his stance once more, “not until you can land a strike.”

I nodded, my muscles tensing in anticipation. The room fell away, leaving only the space between us, a canvas for the silent tale we were about to weave.

“Begin,” he commanded.

With a deep breath, I launched herself forward, my thoughts narrowing to the man before me and the dance we were about to perform. I threw my head back and groaned once more when my ass hit the floor.

“This is impossible!” I shouted at him.

“Stop fighting me and this wouldn’t be so hard.” Deaken offered his hand to help me up. “You need to flow with me, not against me.” Once I was standing, he let go. “Now let us try that again.” He walked behind me correcting my stance for me and all I could think about was what happened in my room earlier.

The air was thick with the scent of sweat and steel. I could feel his eyes on me, intense and unyielding. “Focus, Caroline,” I whispered to myself, trying to shake off his lingering touch.

Deaken’s voice cut through the silence. “Ready to learn, little rabbit?” he taunted, a smirk playing on his lips. I nodded, determined to show him I wasn’t just a plaything. He approached, and the dance began our bodies moving in a rhythm of attack and defense, each strike a wordless conversation.

As we sparred, the tension between us grew. With every block and counter, I could feel the heat of his body, the controlled power in his movements. It was a dangerous game we were playing, and I knew I had to keep my wits about me. “Don’t let him get to you,” I reminded myself in a hushed whisper.

In the midst of our training, a realization dawned on me. Deaken wasn’t just teaching me to fight; he was showing me how to survive in a world that was far more complex than I had ever imagined. And as much as I hated to admit it, I was grateful for his harsh lessons.

I once again stood in the center of the training room. The walls were lined with weapons of all sorts, their edges glinting dangerously in the dim light. Deaken stood across from me, his arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips.

“You ready, little rabbit?” he taunted, his voice echoing off the high ceilings.

I squared my shoulders, determined not to let him get the best of me again. “I was born ready,” I shot back, my hands itching for the feel of a weapon.

The training was supposed to be a simple warm up, but it wasn’t long before Deaken was pushing me to my limits. He was relentless, always one step ahead, no matter how fast I moved or how hard I tried to anticipate his next move. Sweat dripped down my forehead, stinging my eyes, but I refused to wipe it away. This was a game to him, and I was the prize.

“Focus, Caroline. You’re letting your emotions control you,” Deaken chided, easily deflecting my clumsy attack with hand.

I gritted my teeth, frustration boiling inside me. I knew he was right, but that only made me more determined to prove him wrong. I can’t stand to see that smug smile on his lips for much longer. I lunged forward, putting all my weight behind the strike, but once again, he was faster. With a swift move, he had me pinned against the wall, His arm pressed against my throat. Even when he has me pinned down by my throat, I find him sexy. To sexy for his own good. I clinch my thighs together in an effort to feel some kind of release.

He applied a bit more pressure as he spoke. “You need to be faster, smarter,” he whispered, his breath hot against my ear. “In a real fight, there would be no second chances.”

I nodded, pushing him away with more force than I intended. “I understand,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He stepped back, allowing me space, and I took a deep breath, centering myself. The next round was mine, I could feel it. But as we resumed our dance of attack and defense, it became clear that Deaken was still in control. No matter how much I improved, he was always a step ahead, always the victor.

As the session came to an end, I leaned against the wall, exhausted but exhilarated. Deaken approached, a genuine look of respect in his eyes. “You did well today, Caroline. Better than I expected.”

I couldn’t help the small smile that crept onto my lips. “Thanks, Deaken. But next time, I won’t just do well. I’ll win.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “We’ll see about that, little rabbit. We’ll see.”

From the other end of the room a loud echo of clapping bounced off the stone walls of the training room. “Well done lady Caroline.” Lord Syndril said from the shadows. “You had not been in your room for our evening acitives so I thought I would check on you.” He eyed Deaken up and down. “It would hope Deaken has treated you well today?”

“Uh... Yes, my lord.” I finally spit out a response. I wonder how long he has been watching us.

“Well, if you are finished Deaken.” He gave him one more look, “I’ll be taking my wife back to her room.”

Him calling me his wife was a gentle reminder of who I belonged to for both of us.