Page 77 of Rise of the Vicious Princess

Charis had more than enough worries on her plate, but for this moment, in the misty haze of early morning, all that existed was the dance of her body with Tal’s, the harsh melody of their clashing swords, and the sound of their breath mingling in the chilly air.

She knew his swordsmanship now. Knew that even though his healing left arm was weaker than his right, his speed made up for it. Knew that he laughed when he lost but fought hard to win. And knew that he never gave her quarter, but instead treated her like an equal.

“Left foot back. Plant, then pivot your hips.”

She slid her left foot back, cursing the sixth rathma for always giving her trouble. Something about the transition from the water pose to bowing hawk felt unnatural. Years of traditional sword work had trained her body to move a different way.

“Not quite.” Tal sheathed his sword and moved to stand behind her. “Like this.”

His hands circled her waist, gently tugging her into position, and then putting slight pressure where he wanted her to bend. Tiny points of heat spread from his fingertips and seemed to sink into her blood.

Her breathing hitched, and Tal stilled. “Are you all right?”

“Of course I’m all right.” She had to be. Never mind that she was too aware of his chest at her back and the pressure of his hands at her hips. Too attuned to the expression in his eyes and the warmth of his smiles. It was ridiculous, and she could lay the blame on the fact he challenged her skills, respected her strength, and somehow made her feel like she was seen.

His chest brushed against her back, and she leaned against him before thinking better of it. His fingers tightened slightly, and she cursed her traitorous pulse for spiking.

For one glorious moment, she let herself imagine what it would be like to be an ordinary girl. A girl who could flirt with a boy she liked. Who could feel breathless at the touch of his hand and dream of a first kiss.

But she wasn’t an ordinary girl. She was a princess with fury for a heart and ice in her veins, and she was betrothed to another.

Stepping forward, she said quietly, “I think we’re done practicing for the morning.”

He said nothing as she sheathed her own sword, and then as they made their way toward the palace, he said, “I don’t think you’re all right.”

She remained quiet.

“Ah, I see. We get to play Tal Reads the Princess’s Mind.”

Charis smiled ruefully. “Or we get to play Let the Princess Keep Her Traitorous Thoughts to Herself for Once.”

“Traitorous?” He gave her a sidelong look. “You have to know I’m dying of curiosity now.”

“I hope you don’t suffer on your way out.”

He laughed. “I bet I can guess what you consider traitorous.”

He could, and they both knew it. Heat flushed her cheeks, but she ignored the tiny spark in her chest. She was so tired. Not just tired, spent. The world kept hurtling toward her, and there was never a moment to just breathe. Just collect herself and somehow be ready to face what was coming.

“Hey there, where did you go just now?”

She blinked and looked at him. They were already at the courtyard outside her wing, and she’d lost the past two minutes to her thoughts. His eyes were full of concern.

“I’m just tired.”

He studied her for a moment and then said, “I know what you need.”

“A nap?”

“Yes. But clear your schedule for dinner tonight, all right?”

“What are you going to do?” She frowned. “You can’t take me to dinner.”

“You let me worry about what I can and cannot do.”

“Tal—”

He leaned closer and said softly, “Have a little faith in me, Your Highness.”

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