A COMPLIMENT FROM THE PRINCE

ANNESA'S POV

Training with Reagan has to be the best thing that has happened to me since my arrival in this castle. He was simply the best tutor and every day, I learnt new things. He was patient with me, always taking his time and teaching me to find my balance on the training ground. I liked being with Reagan, I loved being with Reagan because for some reason, he just makes me feel safe. He also brought the smile back to my face and made things in this castle more bearable. It was actually better than bearable, I was starting to get accosted to my life here.

I served King Aspen diligently and kept my head down, heck I even got to tolerate Corion's annoying presence. I could be in the same room without remembering the betrayal or the hurt I felt. I decided to ignore his entire existence altogether and be formal with him, speak when spoken to and that doesn't even happen often.

But we were going to have a conversation because I've been summoned to the training ground and Corion was going to be present. I have a match with Anya, he was curious to see what I learnt with Reagan and I have no doubt he was hoping Anya would win, but he was in for a surprise! I thought to myself as I wore my belt around my tunic before I made my way to the training beneath the prince's room.

On getting there, I met Reagan and Anya sitting down side by side. I quirked a brow up when I noticed that Anya wasn't dressed in her training gear. Was she backing down already? I thought to myself with a smirk.

"I'll admit Reagan here has boasted of your skills this past few days but backing down from a fight is something I will never do!"

Damn it! She read my thoughts, I really should learn to be careful around these supernatural creatures! I thought to myself while Anya smirked at me. "Then why are you dressed like that? Where's Corion?"

"Right here."

A startled gasp escaped my lips as I turned around only to be met with Corion who stood behind me and my throat went dry when I took in his appearance.

He was dressed in a leather vests that cuts a striking figure, his forearms, strong and defined were on a full on display, hinting at the power beneath his rugged exterior. The leather vest hugged his torso emphasizing his fit physique and there was no doubt that he took good care of himself.

My gaze lingered on the jagged scar that ran across his face, adding an air of mystery to his rugged charm. His unruly blonde hair framed his features, giving him a slightly wild and untamed look. Two strands of hair fell across his forehead, creating a curtain that only added to his allure.

As I took in his appearance, I felt a sudden dryness in my throat, a mix of nervousness and excitement. There was something undeniably captivating about him, a magnetic pull that I couldn't quite explain.

"Aneesa?" His voice pulled me back to the present and I looked up at him only to find him staring at me with an intense look on his face.

I cleared my throat as I took a step backwards, resisting the strong urge to fan myself because it suddenly grew hot in here. "What are you doing here?"

"Oh the plans changed, you are going to be fighting me instead of Anya." Corion announced as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

"Uh, excuse you?" I blinked at him in response.

"Come one, show me what you've got." He said already taking a fighting stance.

Okay this has to be the most ridiculous thing I've heard! "I'm not going to fight with you."

"I wasn't asking for your permission thief. Show me what you've got!" Corion said and before I could even argue he threw a punch at me.

"What the?" I gasped as I dodged but Corion didn't even stop there, he threw another punch and this time I weaved catching him by his forearm before I turned to gape at him in disbelief.

"Not bad!" He smirked down at me.

Motherfuck__A punch to my gut stopped me from completing my thoughts. I grunted out in pain as I staggered backwards, looking up to glare at Corion who lunged for me again, but this time I was prepared. 

I dodged his attacks with practiced ease, my movements quick and agile. I knew he was going slow because of me. He wasn't using his full strength but that didn't mean he went easy on me. He threw punches with speed but I raised my elbows up just as Reagan had thought me and waited to find an opening. I could feel the tension in the air, the anticipation building with each passing moment. And then, it came, a split second of vulnerability, a slight hesitation in his stance and I knew right then that I had found my opening.

Without hesitation, I seized the opportunity. In one swift motion, I launched my fist forward, connecting with his face in a satisfying thud. The impact reverberated through my arm, sending a rush of exhilaration through me.

I watched as he staggered back, stunned by the unexpected blow. A sense of empowerment surged through me, a feeling of triumph as I stood my ground. Now, I wasn't going to lie, that felt really good and I loved it! The smile that stretched across my face was one I couldn't control as I stared at Corion who stared at him while wiping the blood of his lip.

Bet you didn't see that one coming eh, arsehole?

As if he could hear my thoughts Corion smiled at me, freaking smiled at me! Oh it's on! I thought to myself as I lunged forward but this time, it seemed Corion was done playing nice.

Corion came at me with a ferocity I hadn't seen before. His attacks were fast and furious but I was determined to not to let him land a single hit on me. I dodged and weaved his attacks, using every ounce of my ability and training to avoid his strikes.

I could see the frustration in his eyes as he realized I wasn't going down easily. I countered his attacks with precision, landing few hits of my own and slowly wearing him down. But Corion wasn't going to go down without a fight and neither was I. I will admit though, it is a bit tiring and my steps were sloppy.

I was starting to get out of breath while he didn't even break a sweat. It would just be easier for me to accept defeat but there's no way I will do that, especially not to him. I attacked him furiously, letting my rage lead me and he did the same too, his strikes coming at me from all angles.

I suddenly felt a sharp pain as he landed a hit at my side and before I could even react, he heaved me over his shoulders, sending me hurtling towards the ground. I braced myself for impact, expecting pain and maybe even injury. But to my surprise, all I felt was a soft thud and something pressing on me, protecting me.

Releasing a shuddered breath, I opened my eyes only to see that Corion had used his hand to shield my head from hitting the ground and somehow, his body had absorbed the impact of the fall. I lay there beneath Corion, our bodies pressed together. For a moment, neither of us said anything, the air heavy with unspoken words. I was too stunned to speak as I stared up at him, his face mere inches from mine.

As I looked into his green eyes, my heart began to pound loudly in my chest, matching the rhythm of his own breath. Up close now, I was struck by his beauty. Despite the scar that marred his face, he was undeniably handsome. His blonde hair, slightly damp, fell across his face and I had the sudden urge to brush it away, to see his eyes more clearly.

But before I could act on my impulse, Corion suddenly stood up, as if he had been startled or burned by my gaze. I raised myself into a sitting position, feeling a rush of embarrassment at my thoughts and the intensity of the moment.

"Was it just me or that was the most intense thing I've ever witnessed?" I heard Anya speak but I didn't bother to look at her, Corion didn't spare her a look either.

I made a move to stand but I felt a sharp pain in my ribs and I couldn't stop the hiss that escaped my lips drawing attention to myself.

In an instant, Reagan was in front of me. "Are you hurt?" He asked me.

I raised my gaze up only to see Corion looking at me with something akin to concern but when he caught me looking, he instantly looked away. I averted my gaze too and stared at Reagan who was busy looking at my side, his eyes wrinkled with worry.

"I'm fine." I assured him, "It's nothing that I can't handle, it will heal after I rub some that salve on it!" I said with a smile on my face.

Reagan stared at me almost as if he didn't believe me but he didn't press, instead he nodded his head at me. "Alright then, good job though."

"Well I lost the fight." I say with a disappointed tone.

"Oh don't feel bad," Anya said strolling towards us, "It is the longest you've ever lasted on this training ground and that too with Corion."

I gaped at Anya in shock, "Did you just…Did you just give me a compliment?"

"Please, I simply meant the fight was enjoyable than the last one and you didn't seem completely pathetic."

Yup, that is definitely a compliment! I thought to myself as a smile formed on my face as I stared at Anya.

"Alright, let's call it a night." Corion suddenly spoke up.

I looked up only to see that his gaze had suddenly hardened. Great, arsehole Corion is back! I thought to myself staring at him. "We've got a big day tomorrow so go rest up!"

Not bothering to argue, I nodded my head at him and holding my side which still hurts, I dragged myself up the stairs to get out but just before I reached the top I heard Corion call me.

"You did good." Corion called to me.

I didn't bother to respond to that or turn to look at him, but that was simply because I didn't want him to see the small smile that was creeping up my lips.