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Chapter 5

Bash puts his arm around me and kisses my cheek. “Aren’t you going to eat anything?”

I glance at my plate. All I’ve done is pick at the food. I’m not even slightly hungry.

“Are you okay?” The concern in his eyes is almost enough to melt me and make me forget about my troubles. Almost.

“I’m fine.”

“Liar.”

I sigh. “Can we talk about it after lunch?”

“If you eat.”

“Seriously?” I scowl at him.

“You need sustenance.” He holds his fork toward me. “Would it help if I fed you?”

Giggles sound down the table.

My face flames. “I can feed myself.”

“Suit yourself.” He sticks the fork in his mouth and chews. His eyes sparkle, and he gives me a playful smirk.

It’s a good thing I’m sitting. That look is enough to knock me to the floor. I pull my attention from him and take a bite of something. Don’t bother to pay attention to what it is. I’m so distracted, I can’t taste it anyway.

I don’t get to eat much before it’s time for announcements. Middlebrooks talks about the engagement and how she wants the academy to be a part of the wedding. My stomach knots at the thought that she might bring attention to me, but thankfully she doesn’t. Then Mr. Brant announces the sparring competition and reads off the list of participants. I’m the only first-year named.

Bash turns to me, his eyes wide. “You’re competing?”

“Yep.”

“That’s crazy!” His brows draw together.

Instead of being glad he agrees with me, I’m kind of offended. “You don’t think I can handle myself? You saw me against your aunt and uncle. I freed my dad.”

He licks his lips and taps the table. “The competition is a major event. People train their whole lives for it—and I’ve never seen a first-year enter!”

“Lucky me.” I sigh and stare at my plate.

Bash guides my chin toward him and he holds my gaze. “This is serious. You’ll be up against the strongest, most talented sparrers.”

“Is that even a word?” I arch a brow.

“Would you take this seriously?”

“Everyone in my weapons class is in the competition. I’ve gone against all of them—Earwyn included—and nobody has ever hurt me.” I don’t mention losing some strands of hair earlier.

Bash’s expression tightens. “One of the academies has a fourth-year who’s four times the size of our biggest guy. He’s said to be all muscle. What if you get paired against him?”

I flip my pink hair. “Then he’d better be prepared to meet today’s version of Queen Sirena.”

“This isn’t a joke! You’ve spent your whole life on land. Barely had any time to practice with your trident.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

He frowns. “It’s not like that.”