Page 160 of The Call of Crimson
“Among other things,” I mutter, yanking on my gear.
Ten minutes later, we’re circling each other in the training ring. Ayden had given the soldiers the morning off after last night’s festivities, so we’re alone. It’s eerily quiet as I wait for Ayden to make the first move.
“Come on, General,” he taunts. “Throw that first punch like I know you want to.”
“I don’t think so, Prince.”
I see the exact moment his patience runs out. His fist is a blur as it flies toward my face. I manage to dodge it easily enough, dipping low and throwing a punch of my own into his solar plexus. My aim is off by an inch, and it doesn’t have the impact I was hoping.
Ayden sputters, but recovers quickly, aiming another fist for my stomach. This one lands, stealing the breath from my lungs, and I stumble back.
I snap a roundhouse kick at him, but he catches my leg mid-air and flips me to the ground.
I wasn’t born yesterday, though. Before he can pin me, I roll to the side and spring back onto my feet.
Our match continues, we trade blow for blow, neither of us relenting. For a moment, I think I’ll drive him outside theboundary line to claim the victory. The excitement is short-lived when he ducks low and drives his shoulder into my stomach.
The move catches me off guard, giving him the opportunity to pin me to the ground.
His arm bands across my chest, pressing into my throat just shy of choking. “Yield?”
After a few more seconds of struggling to free myself, I finally tap his arm twice to signal my yield.
He stands, offering me an outstretched arm. “Good match, let’s go again.”
An hour later, we’re both drenched in sweat, panting heavily, and ready for a break.
I’ve worked off enough of the battle high to remember that I’m thoroughly irritated by this male.
“Thanks for the distraction.” I salute him, turning to leave. “Till next time.”
He grabs my arm as I pass. “Not so fast.”
“Ayden, let me go,” I demand, trying to yank my arm free.
“There’s something I want to show you.” His grip loosens, but doesn’t release me entirely. “And since you’re on a short leash right now, it’s not a request.”
A falsely sweet smile curls my lips. “There’s the unpredictable terror I’ve come to know and love.”
“It’s worth it. I promise.”
Resigning myself to the knowledge I’m not going to win this one, I give in. “Fine. Lead the way.”
With a devilish grin, he leads me through a side door in the barracks and into the castle. We duck into a hidden hallway tucked behind a tapestry, winding through corridors I’m not surprised exist.
It’s a castle, after all. What kind of castle doesn’t have at least a few hidden passages?
When we emerge, my breath catches in my throat.
We’re standing on the roof of the eastern wing. The ledge is narrow, maybe three feet wide, with a wrought-iron fence lining the edge that I’m not sure would keep me from falling.
Ayden drops down onto the ledge with practiced ease, legs dangling over the side. He pats the spot beside him, inviting me to sit.
I hesitantly oblige, sitting next to him.
The view is breathtaking. The rising sun casts the land in a warm orange glow, igniting the autumn colors covering every inch of the realm. Reds, yellows, and glimmering golds. It’s like the entire kingdom is on fire with color. From here, I can see the sprawl of the city beyond the castle, its homes and shops, and the people beginning to stir, stepping into their morning routines. So small from this height, and yet so significant.
Awe and admiration fill my voice. “The view is beautiful.”
