Finding a Reliable Training Partner 1

That evening after the sumptuous meal, I approached Prince Blaize. The angelic-looking prince stood in a knot of admirers, all of whom were clambouring for his attention.

"Prince Blaize," I called with a warm smile. Immediately, his radiant smile turned strained.

"Didn't I tell you earlier, that last time was it? I know you want me, but it will never happen, no matter how skilled you become." He sneered. His male admirers laughed as the females glared at me.

I pouted, "But you promised to introduce me to a more suitable male. If you break your promise, my Lord will be angry." Prince Blaize immediately stiffened. He heard the threat in my words.

"Fine." He spat. Then turning to his admirers, he excused himself and gestured for me to follow him.

"What do you want now?" He snarled as we gained a shaded corner of the dining room. His teeth had all elongated again to sharp points.

Smiling happily at him, I said, "Tomorrow, I want to go to the Adventurer's Guild Training Grounds and I need someone to take me."

Prince Blaize's handsome face twisted in a sneer, "Fine."

I would have clapped from excitement, but he did not deserve to see how happy I was. "Be ready to go at 9 am." I told him. "We can meet at the breakfast room."

Price Blaize appeared to forget his anger in alarm.

"That's ungodly early!" He cried in a hoarse whisper.

I smirked, "Only the lazy and detached would think that. The rest of the world will have been up for hours at that time."

Prince Blaize's jaw worked in anger.

"I will see you tomorrow, then." I said with amusement. Then I left him there.

As I walked from the hall, my eyes, unbidden, found Kane. He walking talking to two cute females and calmly drinking. He glanced up and his eyes met mine. I felt a stab of pain through my heart at the cold expression on his face. Then, I cursed my own stupidity.

***

Prince Blaize downed another glass of wine and slammed it down onto the tray of a passing servant. Pharon eyed his brother in annoyance. Since when did Blaize show his anger in public. He was going to ruin the image they'd carefully crafted for him over the years.

"Brother!" Blaize snarled as he stomped over to Pharon.

"Excuse me." Pharon said to the boring female who'd been chattering at him.

Miss Goldleaf pouted prettily but understood a dismissal when she heard one. Pharon gazed at her shapely backside thoughtfully as she sashayed away. Then he drew Blaize to the deserted balcony.

"We need to do something about that godsdamned, improper cow!" Blazed growled as he downed yet another glass of wine.

Pharon's expression darkened, "What did she do?"

"That's- Now she is demanding that I take her to the Adventurer's Guild Training Grounds tomorrow. It's like I'm trapped in a Mating Trial with her!"

Pharon smiled cruelly, "So take her." Blaize's narrowed gaze snapped to him. "Then leave her there. If you 'accidentally' get separated from her, she'll die and you'll be free. If she's dead because she ran off from fright, even High Lord Volanti won't be able to blame you."

Blaize's handsome face descended into a malicious smirk.

"However," Pharon said. He ran a lock of his hair between his thumb and index finger. "After what happened with those guards, we may need to make extra certain that she doesn't come back."

Blaize frowned, "That was High Lord Volanti's doing."

Pharon lifted an eyebrow at his brother, "Of course it was, but after speaking with Lady Brook about the situation, he will certainly go to rescue that Cow. There will maybe be an hour between when you leave her and when he gets to the training grounds. That window will be the time to get rid of her."

Blaize nodded, "Then I'll-"

"I will arrange things. You just bring her there and lose her." Pharon said firmly, "What time are you meeting her?"

"Nine. In the breakfast parlor." Blaize answered, "Gods, that so early!" He slumped onto the railing.

"Then you'd better-"

"Prince Blaize, what are your intentions towards my participant?" A musical, male voice demanded from behind them. The princes spun and saw High Lord Volanti. Pharon swiftly hid his dark expression behind a calm mask, but Blaize's wide eyed, flushed face looked extremely guilty. Pharon saw this and inwardly sighed.

"Your Lordship, my brother is a Crown Prince. How can he have any intentions whatever towards a landless merchant's niece?" Pharon said smoothly, "Miss Adamare is pursuing him despite receiving little encouragement. It would be best if you'd tell her to leave him alone."

High Lord Volanti's face turned cold, "I understand the real situation only too well, Prince Pharon. Miss Adamare is blackmailing your brother. My concern-"

"You already know about that?" Prince Blaize asked with wide eyes. The High Lord nodded slowly. A brilliant smile blossomed on the Prince's face. "We should apologize for not consulting you prior to sending those guards. I know you have pledged yourself to that Cow's safety, but it is obvious that you are another of her victims."

High Lord Volanti smiled tightly, "I see. Well then, your intentions are to free me from her clutches?"

Prince Blaize nodded excitedly, "Yes, and get rid of her for good. A female like that, an improper Cow, tarnishes the name 'female' and she must be taught a lesson." Prince Blaize patted the High Lord's arm. "Don't worry, whatever she has on you doesn't matter. She will be taken care of-"

"Soon." Prince Pharon interrupted.

"What exactly are you planning?" The High Lord asked smiling as if pleased.

"I am sorry your Lordship, but as you are still under Miss Adamare's sway, we cannot divulge that to you. However, the matter will be laid to rest with a finality that I believe you'll approve." Prince Pharon said coldly. "If you will excuse us now." He grabbed Blaize by the arm and towed him back into the Hall.

He excused himself and his brother to their father and then they left. After bidding goodnight to Blaize, Pharon got to work on the plan for the next day.