Page 117 of The Fae Girl 1

Nela twisted in an instant and tried to wrap her legs around me but I already saw it coming and jumped out of the way.

Nela flipped back on her feet and launched herself at me full force. We both tumbled with Nela landing on top.

“Got you.” She said with a smug smile.

“Not quite.” I replied, my right hand jabbing in her side, where, if I were armed I would have split her gut open.

“Nice move.” Fain said as he stepped out of the shadows.

Immediately we separated. Nela stood and bowed. I just stood awkwardly.

“You’ve been training her well. She’s becoming a good fighter.” He said to her.

“Thank you Prince Fain. But the credit is all Alice’s, she’s a good student.” Nela stated.

Fain nodded looking at me. “Keep practising as you are and you’ll need a faster sparring partner.” He joked.

“I reckon I’m ready to take even you on.” I said without thinking.

He laughed. “I wouldn’t want to hurt you.”

“Why not try me and see? It’s just practice after all.” I said with a smile.

He smirked shaking his head but pulled his sword all the same. My eyes widened as he did it. I hadn’t held a real sword. With real metal.

“Take it.” He said turning it so the hilt was pointed to me.

I gripped it with both hands. The last thing I wanted to do was drop it.

“It’s heavy isn’t it.” He murmured.

I gulped, nodding. He was so close to me I could feel his breath as he spoke. I could smell him too. The same heady smell that I’d inhaled too many times already.

“Hold it as if you were about to attack.” He said.

I glanced at Nela, noting she had stepped back, acceding the ring to him. She nodded, folding her arms.

I blinked. Took position, replicating what I’d done so many times with a wooden sword while mentally I cursed my previous jest. That I’d egged him on. That I’d put myself in this position.

He walked around, just as Nela had those first few times, staring at me as I tried to convince myself there was nothing in this. He was just checking my position. Just seeing that my technique was sound. His left hand slipped over both of mine.

I let out a gasp. Silent. But noticeable to him.

And I knew he’d noticed.

“Loosen your arms more.” He said quietly. “Don’t lock your elbows. You’re the attacker, you need to be flexible enough in the charge to respond.”

I nodded. But his words didn’t exactly sink in. His hand was still on mine. He was still right there, beside me.

God what was wrong with me? This was Prince Fain. The arsehole himself.

I side eyed him and immediately regretted it as he met my gaze and held it.

Please don’t let me blush. Please don’t.

I felt his other hand on my lower back. I took in a sharp exhale. His eyes told me he’d noticed that too.

“Straighten your back a little more.”

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