Page 23 of The Kingdom's Reckoning
"Very well," Terin said, though his hesitation was still apparent.
Kallie offered him a small smile in reassurance.
He shook his head but took his leave, muttering something unintelligible about needing more sleep before they left for Pontia.
Kallie shifted her weight. Although she preferred her dagger, the sword was well-balanced and fit nicely in her hand. The hilt wasn’t too big or uncomfortable, unlike the longswords she had occasionally wielded in Ardentol.
"He means well," Ellie said as she raised her weapon.
"I know he does," Dani said, approaching Kallie, who stiffened immediately. Shaking her head in disappointment, Dani shoved Kallie’s foot back with her boot. "There."
Kallie’s brows raised in surprise at the correction.
Dani crossed her arms. "Terin believes it’s his responsibility to protect me, but I know what my body can and cannot do."
"Have you tried telling him that?" Sylvia asked, twisting their ginger hair into a bun.
"Of course, but his skull is as thick as Fynn’s was, apparently."
Kallie had no time to wallow in the rising guilt and grief before Ellie swung. When Kallie dodged, her balance wavered, and she stumbled.
"Keep your weight even," Dani instructed.
Before Kallie could get her bearings, Ellie struck again. Her sword sliced through the air, and Kallie narrowly missed it.
"Come on, Princess," Ellie taunted.
Kallie rolled her neck and focused. When Ellie swung next, Kallie was prepared. She dodged the attack smoothly. She tried to retaliate, but Ellie was too swift. This fight, fake or not, would not be easy. Kallie and Ellie continued sparring while Dani and Sylvia discussed their plans for the Pontian troops once they returned. Occasionally, Dani would shout out various instructions and pointers, and Kallie took each one, grateful for the advice.
In the warriors’ presence, Kallie felt like a novice despite her training. She had been trained not only by Domitius but by some of the best guards in Ardentol. But despite their accomplishments and accolades, none of the men had taken her stature into account, not like Dani was. Kallie understood then how Dani had risen in the ranks so effortlessly. She wasn’t just good at fighting, but excelled at instructing and leading. So Kallie latched on to every piece of advice like it was a raft.
Once both women were keeled over and gasping, they finally put the swords down and opted to enjoy the warm weather before the cool autumn night swept in. As they sat in the garden, Kallie brushed a hand across the grass. The blades tickled her calloused palm. She licked her lips and could taste the salt from how hard Dani had pushed her. She craved a good bath and was about to leave to fulfill that craving when Dani spoke.
"How serious were you the other day?" she asked, spinning a fallen leaf between her fingers by the stem.
Kallie’s brows knitted together. "Pardon?"
Dani released the leaf and let it fall to the ground. "About offering yourself to Domitius in exchange for Graeson’s mother."
Kallie dug her fingers into the ground, crushing the grass beneath her palm. "Does it matter? The council voted against it."
"Based on what I heard," Sylvia said, "Graeson vetoed it. Terin and the Queen simply said it was risky."
"I don’t really see the difference. Their message was clear either way," Kallie stated.
Dani pursed her lips as she watched the clouds. "I think they’re misguided."
"I do too," Ellie said casually, as if they were discussing their least favorite meal rather than disagreeing with the Queen of Tetria.
Sylvia hummed in agreement.
Kallie simply stared blankly at them all. "If you all feel that way, why didn’t you speak up earlier?"
Ellie snorted. "Have you already forgotten how upset Graeson was simply at theideaof you marching over to Domitius?"
"I saw him storm off into the forest after the meeting. He wasnothappy," Sylvia said.
Kallie grimaced, the regret bitter on her tongue. By the time she had left the council meeting, Graeson was already gone. Although she wanted to go after him, she had thought better of it, not wanting to blur the line between them even more. But maybe she should have. Maybe he needed her…
