Page 53 of The Study of Poisons
“Your punches are slow,” he said, breaking the sudden awkwardness. He took her hand and ignored the flutter in his chest as he examined her knuckles. They were bruised in the correct places. “At least your technique is good. If you hold weights in your hands while you train, your punches will be much quicker without them.”
“I can continue?” she asked. Her tone was full of disbelief as she stared at him.
Even though Valek and the Commander wished to make her a part of the team, she still considered herself a prisoner. Because a prisoner would never be allowed to learn how to fight. He hoped allowing her to train would help her realize what they were trying to do.
Reluctant to let go of her hand, he said, “I think it’s an excellent idea. How did you get the power twins to agree to teach you?”
“Power twins?”
“Combine Ari’s strength with Janco’s speed, and they would be unbeatable. But, so far, I haven’t had to test my theory since they haven’t tried to fight me together. No one said I couldn’t have more than one second-in-command. You’re not going to give me away, are you?”
“No.”
Valek squeezed her hand and released his grip. “Good. They’re probably the best instructors at the castle. How did you meet them?” he asked, feigning ignorance.
“They were the men who found me in the forest. The Commander promoted them, and I took advantage of their gratitude.” She absently rubbed her hand.
“Opportunistic and underhanded, I love it.” Valek laughed despite worrying that he’d upset her by holding her hand too long.
As they walked toward the castle, he noticed a few hostile glares aimed at Yelena. When they reached the entrance, he stopped. “There’s one problem.”
“What?”
“You shouldn’t train so visibly. Word spreads quickly. If Brazell finds out and makes a fuss, the Commander will order you to stop. And it’ll make the Commander suspicious.” More like paranoid. The man had just agreed to consider Yelena a team member. To find out she was training already…too much too soon.
They entered the castle, and it gave Valek an idea.
“Why don’t you make use of all those empty storerooms in the lower level of the castle? You can still run laps in the morning for exercise,” Valek said, guessing Ari and Janco would include it as part of her training.
Her wince confirmed he’d guessed right. He hid his grin. Not many people enjoyed running, but they appreciated it later when they found they had the stamina to fight an opponent. Or outrun a pursuer.
They walked through the castle in companionable silence. Valek remembered why he’d rushed to catch up to her. “Mentioning Brazell reminds me that I’ve been wanting to ask you about that Criollo that the Commander enjoys. Do you like the taste of it?”
“Yes, it’s an excellent dessert.”
“If you stopped eating it, how would you feel?”
“Well…” She hesitated. No doubt wondering about the strange direction of their conversation.
“Truthfully, I would be disappointed. I look forward to eating a piece every morning,” she said.
That was significant. “Have you ever craved the Criollo?” Valek inquired.
“Like an addiction?”
Impressed she made the connection so fast, he nodded.
“I don’t think so, but…”
“But what?”
“I only eat it once a day. The Commander has a piece after every meal, including his evening snack. Why this sudden concern?” she asked.
“Just a feeling. It might be nothing.” Valek hoped.
They entered the Commander’s office in time for Yelena to taste his dinner.
“Well, Valek, any new promotions?” the Commander asked.
