Disastrous Romance - Chapter 18
Chapter 18
“Grip a little higher.” He gently repositioned her hand.
“Gripping too low strains the wrist.”
“…Right.”
With their hands and feet connected, their bodies were fully aligned. Unable to meet his gaze, Elijah stared straight ahead, his whispers brushing her ear.
“Relax your shoulders.” A light touch grazed her shoulder. She couldn’t obey. Her body was rigid, her muscles unresponsive.
He drew her dangling left hand up. “Your other hand should support the hilt. Like this.” He held both her hands, encircling her as he lifted the sword.
“Put your weight on your front foot… like so.”
“Hup.”
Following his whispered instructions, Elijah executed a clean strike. Augmented by his strength, the blade whistled sharply.
Confined within his embrace, Elijah’s breath caught. It was just a posture correction, yet she trembled.
She turned her head, and his intense green eyes met hers. Her heart pounded against her ribs. Thought ceased as she sank into the depths of his emerald gaze.
The moment broke as Rike smoothly stepped back, a casual smile on his face. Elijah felt as if she’d awakened from a dream.
“Just a few adjustments, and your form will be perfect. Don’t hesitate to ask if you need further assistance.”
“Uh… yes, thank you.” She barely remembered the corrected stance. All that lingered was his scent, his warmth, his voice. She shook her head, trying to dispel them.
“I should get back.”
“Indeed.” They walked back to camp in silence.
***
“Mistress.” Kai greeted her as they emerged from the trees. They’d been gone longer than anticipated; everyone was awake. Mason bustled behind Kai, packing their belongings.
“Good morning, Kai.” She greeted him casually, but Kai’s gaze flicked suspiciously between her and Rike.
“Where were you two?”
“Sword practice. It seems everyone was looking for me.”
So that’s why Rike had come into the forest. She must have been gone a while. Seeing Kai with his sheathed sword reminded her of something.
“Could you perhaps offer Kai some pointers as well?” Kai needed instruction more than she did. His physical prowess was evident, but his technique was lacking. It had been bothering her. Was it too much to ask? She’d decided to be bold. He had, after all, offered.
As expected, after a long look, Rike agreed. “…Of course.”
“Mistress, I’m fine.” Before she could thank him, Kai quickly refused. And before she could respond, Mason, having approached unnoticed, interjected angrily.
“Young master, I will do it. How can you instruct him yourself?”
“I said I don’t need it.”
“How dare you! Watch your tongue, slave.” Kai’s unexpected firmness escalated the situation. Elijah couldn’t ignore Mason’s disdainful words.
“Aren’t you being a bit harsh?”
“Do you know who he is?”
“He must be some important nobleman, then.” What had Kai done to deserve such hostility? Her tone sharpened.
“You should watch your tongue as well, missy!”
“And do you know who I am?” Elijah was a daughter of a prominent Count. Who was this man to act so high and mighty?
“No one is more important than—”
“Mason.” Rike’s voice cut through the rising tension.
“…My apologies.” At Rike’s firm shake of his head, Mason immediately bowed his head. His loyalty to his master was undeniable.
Elijah glared at Kai over her shoulder. Though she intellectually understood the institution of slavery, its sudden intrusions always unsettled her. Rike, having just dealt with Mason, addressed her gently, “My lady, it would be better if swordsmanship remained between us.”
“Yes.” Elijah agreed, her hand resting on Kai’s flinching arm.
‘Whatever his grievance, his stubbornness in this situation was problematic.’
It would only disadvantage him, given his status.
The amicable atmosphere of their breakfast had abruptly soured. Sighing, Elijah glanced at Fremin hovering nervously at a distance.
‘What glory am I chasing, dragging these people around?’ she wondered.
They had only just shared their first night together, yet the journey ahead already felt daunting. The two men, with whom she had thought she was growing closer, now seemed distant once more.
