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I leapt over the attack that would have struck my ankles. Sian had pulled off that move, knocking his brother off his feet ten minutes ago. Neve was an adept mimic.

“But my daydreams are so pretty. Like you, mydocilesnow lily,” I taunted.

Her face turned red, and a laugh burst out of me but only for a moment because at that second, Sayyida landed a strike on Sian’s chest, as Filip did the same to his brother’s head. The older Balik dropped to the ground and the opposing team wasted no time in taking Marit out too.

In the time that the dissolution of my team renderedme distracted, Neve closed in. I parried, but she came at me again, this time striking like a viper for the gut.

She missed, but Sayyida didn’t when she came behind me and placed the wooden sword’s blade against my neck.

“We win, Vale. Give up!”

There was far too much joy in the young Lady Virtoris’s voice. I wanted to fight it, but, unfortunately, she was right. I’d allowed distraction to get the better of me. Again.

Though at least this time, Neve’s breasts had not distracted me. Everyone improved today.

“You win,” I added. “About time.”

“Oh, shut it, Vale,” Sayyida growled. “We kicked butt in that round, and you know it.”

“You did well,” I conceded.

Even with Marit weighing down my side, it said a lot that the other three fought and, mostly, held off Sian and me. They’d worked well as a team, protecting one another and striking as one when possible.

Neve was still a beginner, but after two days of training, I could tell she moved quickly and learned quicker. Not that I was surprised. My wife had needed both skills to survive where she grew up. Using them here, and being on guard, was natural to her.

We only needed to hone those skills further. Give her a few moons and she’d be a sight to behold.

If we had that long.

With each passing day, the threat of vampire assassins grew. No matter how Lord Armenil tied up this diplomatic disaster, Neve wouldn’t skate by without someone trying tokill her. The vampire way of blood for blood would ensure that.

“Any tips for Marit?” Sayyida prompted. “I know Vale will give Nevepersonalizedfeedback later, so I’m not worried about her.”

I chuckled as my wife blushed. Sayyida’s crassness never failed to make someone uncomfortable at court.

“You favor your right side,” I said to Lady Marit to take some of the heat off Neve. “Try to be more equal or a skilled opponent will realize that quickly. And when you tire, you keep your blade too low.” I held my blade like she did. “You’re doing this.” I repositioned the weapon. “Try holding it like this when fighting.”

She mimicked me, and I nodded. “Practice will help.”

“We’re coming back every morning.” Sayyida came to Marit’s side and gave her friend a long, pointed look. “Every night if we have to—as long as there’s not an event, we’ll train. You won’t go defenseless.”

“Maybe not at all,” Neve added, though more quietly. “How quickly can Lord Armenil get to the Blood Court and back?”

“By sea, with favorable winds and currents, it takes five or so days. The way back is longer,” Sayyida said. “So he’ll be gone for a couple of weeks.”

If a foul temper took him, my father could change his mind and force Marit to marry before then, but I didn’t dare point that out. The young lady looked hopeful.

“Lots of time to train,” Marit spoke up. “Thanks, everyone. I?—”

The doors to the training room flew open anda booming voice cut Marit off. “No one invited us to the party!”

Luccan and Thantrel swaggered inside, their wings spread out behind them like the famous peacocks of the Summer Court.

Thantrel grinned from ear to ear as he spoke. “Perhaps you couldn’t handle the handsome and powerful Riis brothers?”

“Withthateyeshadow, I’m surprised anyone can handle even looking at you,” Sayyida shot back playfully.

“Don’t be envious, Sayyida. Not everyone can be as stunning as me.” Thantrel batted his lashes, showing off the shimmering gold shadow he favored as of late. “Right, Vale?”