Page 62 of Unkindness of Crimson Ravens

My mind was occupied by Francis’ lips so close to mine, and memories of Timothy following right after. Will I ever kiss another—conscious—person in my life? Could I ever trust another soul?

Groaning, I began rereading the same page I’d read at least a dozen times when a shimmer from the corner of my room caught my gaze.

My sword laid upon a small table, its handle sparkled under the candlelight. I set the book aside as my legs carried me toward the weapon, my hands stretched out grabbing the blade.

The sun was far from making its appearance: I had hours to practice. Francis was right, I did indeed need to know how to protect myself.

A princess should not trouble herself with swords and war play.Mother’s voice screamed in my mind.

Everyone should know how to protect themselves and their loved ones. Especially in the time of war.Father’s voice countered.

Securing the scabbard onto my waist, I closed the door of my room behind me.

The wooden door of the training room creaked when I pushed it open. The unsettling darkness of the place covered my skin in ice. I rushed toward the candles, lightning them one by one.

The room overflowed with weapons, armors, and bags of hay resembling human targets.

Walking toward the nearest hay doll, I took my stance.

Shoulders down, eyes on the opponent, left leg to the side for balance.Father's words instructed me.The sword is an extension of your arm; it is now a part of you, little pearl.

I inhaled through my nose, forcing my lungs to expand. I imagined air reaching every part of my body, healing every crack of my soul, filling my heart.Breathe out.Every worry, every unwanted thought escaped my mind as I emptied my lungs. My head spun with sweet satisfaction, every muscle in me relaxed.

Like an unstoppable force, my hand was as strong as steel when I extended my blade before me. I lifted my dominant leg, transferring my weight forward as I lunged. As though I weighed no more than feathers, I flew toward my target with ease and power.

The sound of pierced material brought satisfaction to my ears. Excitement overwhelmed me when I freed my blade from my pretend opponent’s heart. Blood rushed through my body, reaching every cell of my being, setting my insides aflame.

“Your position is too unsteady. You need to fix it before you get killed.”

My shoulders straightened, my hands slowly dropped to my side as I turned to face my intruder. I raised my chin high.

“Your blade is also dull,” Caleb pointed at my sword. “I can see it from here.”

He wore a white tunic, and long black trousers. His face was impossible to read as he smiled at me, although the smile did not reach his eyes.

Despite Florence’s kind words of this man, and the fact that he’d found Silver, I narrowed my eyes anticipating his next move. “I am not in the mood to be mocked or yelled at right now.” My grip tightened around the hilt of my sword as I stormed toward the exit. My teeth clenched.

“Wait,” Caleb’s hand stretched out, blocking my way.

My body was caught up in a burning flame, the fire in me grew faster than the falling star.

“I'm sorry for yelling at you that night,” he said carefully.

My eyes found his troubled features.

“I wasn’t aware of what had happened, and assumed—” Caleb trailed off, shaking his head. “It does not matter. I apologize for my behavior.”

My eyebrows flew up at his confession.

“As for the time we first met,” he continued, “I am sorry for acting that way.” Caleb closed his eyes. “I can be rather protective of my found family, although that is not an excuse.”

There were only a few feet in between us, yet I still questioned my vision’s sanity.

My head moved in a slow silent nod.Am I asleep?

“Thank you for saving my brother,” Caleb said softly. “I am in your debt.”

“I didn't do it for you.” The bitter words left my mouth before I could catch them.