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“I’ve warmed Filip up for you, Princess Neve,” Sian continued as he rendered his brother useless by pointing the tip of his blade at his neck. “And his magic seems in check today.”

“Can we not talk about that?” Filip rustled his wings. “I can’t help when the growth spurt comes and goes!”

“Nor would I want you to.” Sian chuckled. “You’ll need that magic when you take our father’s seat. And I do love watching your growth spurts as it gives me something to hold over your head when that day comes.”

Filip scowled, but instead of responding to his older brother, he turned to us. “I need to trade steel for wood, and I’m ready when you are, Princess Neve.”

“Actually,” I said, inspiration striking, “I have an idea.”

The squire stood up straighter. The youngling nearing adulthood was my squire and always very respectful, reverent even. Though he was the most magically powerful of the newest generation of Baliks, one would think Filip was actually training for knighthood, rather than to be the heir to the southlands. The lad took his training so seriously. I appreciated that commitment and had been much the same.

“My plucky wife is feeling lucky today. I’d like both of you to take me on. Workingtogether.”

Filip’s dark eyebrows knitted together as questions swam in his honey-colored eyes. “But, no offense, PrincessNeve, I’m much better than you. I’ll be doing most of the work in protecting and offense.”

He was, even while going through a growth spurt. But Filip hadn’t trained much with another, specifically a fae who was weaker than him. It would be good for him, and as he was my squire, it was my job to provide him with challenges. Neve, too, could learn something new by working with someone, rather than going at them like a beast.

Her feral expression from her last training session came back to me, and my arousal stirred. She had been a pretty beast indeed, and as much as I’d like to see that in her again, this was valid training too.

“If Filip doesn’t want to, I’ll do it,” Sayyida announced. “Marit needs a break.”

“What are you doing here, anyway?” Neve asked.

“Marit needs to learn how to defend herself,” Sayyida replied. “And I wanted to make sure my skills were up to par in case my soon-to-be husband gets any ideas.” When she spoke of Jarl Salizier, her tone took on a low growl.

Father might believe that this pairing was solving his problems and putting Sayyida in her place. I wasn’t so sure. If Jarl Salizier lived to see a single turn after they wed, I’d be shocked.

“Right,” Neve replied, discomfort flickering across her face.

She blamed herself for the fates of Sayyida and Marit. I couldn’t help but bear some of that burden as well.

“Don’t act like that.” Sayyida pointed her practice sword at Neve. “The king will do what he wants. But thatdoesn’t mean we can’t be prepared.” She paused. “Or change our fates.”

“You’re right,” I interrupted. We were the only ones in the training facility, but in Frostveil Castle, the walls had eyes. Perhaps literally, knowing what I knew of Neve walking around the hidden parts of the palace. “So, instead of two, I’ll fight three. I’ll take on you, Sayyida, Filip,andmy dainty wife.”

Her eyes narrowed as she glared at me, as if being called dainty was an insult. I smothered my laugh because that reaction was what I’d hoped for.

Neve didn’t want to be small and powerless, but able to take care of herself. Fierce.

And I wanted her to come at me withmore.

I wanted to rile the beast and for Neve to harness that strength inside her.

“If you get Vale out, I rush in,” Sian added eagerly. He, too, liked a challenge.

Sayyida snorted, not at all intimidated by Sian. I had to admire that about her, for Sian intimidated many. “You’re on. Marit, take a breather. Filip, Neve, get over here. I have a plan.”

I blocked an attack by Filip, only for Neve to rush me, wooden blade swinging. A grin spread across my face as Sian deflected her attack and she snarled.

We’d been practicing for three hours, and over that time, we’d attempted many formations. This one wasFilip, Neve, and Sayyida against me, Sian, and Marit. Two skilled against one new fighter.

Neve was far better than Marit. Not because she’d had a few hours more of training, either. No, my wife had a fire in her that Marit did not possess, though the Armenil femalewastrying.

She’ll have to keep at it.

Marit darted behind Sian, who swiped at both Filip and Sayyida and pushed the latter to the ground. Sayyida snarled as, cat-like, she leapt back up and came at him again. If Lord Armenil failed in the Blood Court, and Marit wanted to survive her marriage to Jarl Triam, she couldn’t hide behind others. No, she would need to be far stronger, far fiercer. It was good that Sayyida brought her here.

“Head in the game, husband!” Neve rasped, crouching while arching her practice sword to the side and down.