Page 74 of Crown of Serpents

“There aren’t. I’ll remind you of that later,” he said with a wicked grin, charging at her with impossible speed, blade raised high.

CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

Andromeda hesitantly raised the dagger, feigning confidence. “All right, let’s do this.” She had never held any blade before — at least not to hurt someone. Only once had Seraphine shown her how to cut an infected wound with a small knife to clean it and stitch it back up.

Kleos chuckled. “I’m not gonna fight you, princess.”

She gripped the dagger tighter. “But you said you’d teach me.”

He stepped closer, lifting his hands disarmingly. “I will, but there is no use in sparring with you before I teach you the basics. Your opponents will likely be stronger, so technique is key.”

Andromeda’s shoulder slacked, slightly embarrassed. Why did Kleos always get under her skin so easily? She'd never had a temper before meeting this man.

“First, the right stance. Bring your left foot forward so you stand slightly sideways. That way, you decrease the target area.”

She shifted, mirroring his posture.

He nodded. “Now pretend to stab.”

Andromeda thrust the bronze dagger forward, imagining gutting an invisible opponent. She cringed slightly as she imagined the sickening sound her blade would make as it pierced the flesh. Hopefully, she would never end up in a situation where she would have to hurt someone like this. Yet, the few weeks outside the sheltered palace wall had shown her how dangerous life could be.

“Almost,” Kleos assessed. “Though there are two things that could improve your attack. May I?”

She nodded, a breath catching as he folded his massive arms around hers. His voice, a low rumble against her ear, drowned out her quickening pulse, “Keep your arms closer when you thrust. Tuck your elbows in.”

Kleos stepped away again, the warmth of his body replaced by a sharp gust of wind tangling in her curls. Before she could bite her tongue, she heard herself say, “What was the second thing you wanted to show me?”

She peered up at him just in time to see his cheeks redden. A shiver went down her spine.

“I — uh … your hips —”

“What about them?”

He averted his gaze, fumbling. “Y-you want to... rotate them as you thrust. Use your whole body to drive the blade home.”

Andromeda stabbed again, awkwardly moving her hips. “Like this?”

“Almost. Can I show you?”

A shy smile tugged at her lips. “Please.”

He carefully placed his hands on her hips, his touch featherlight, fingers trembling. She felt her blood sing. Thankfully, he couldn't see her matching blush as he guided her.

Then his hands left her waist, and he turned to face her, eyes alight. “Okay, now the body parts to aim for.”

The exhilaration vanished. Her chest was tight when she admitted, “I know where to aim.”

Kleos raised an eyebrow.

“Seraphine taught me how to stitch wounds … and when a healer can't save someone because the organs are too damaged.”

He nodded. “All right, then let’s begin.”

…

Despite the chilly autumn breeze, sweat soon drenched Andromeda. Her muscles ached as she repeated the dagger thrusts, Kleos effortlessly sidestepping each attempt. She let out a frustrated breath.

Around them, the sailors continued sparring, excitement fuelling their every move. Yet, Andromeda was exhausted, her body not used to physical labour or exercise except climbing the temple steps.

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