A few days had passed since the group of soldiers, along with the Grand Duke and Duchess, had been camping at the border, overseeing the land in an attempt to trace demons.
The moon shone brightly, casting a dim light over the dark forest, while a fire burned to keep the young man standing before it warm against the night's cold.
Wrapping his coat around himself, Lucian drew his sword from its sheath. He swung the blade a few times before returning it to its place.
"Have you been practicing this late into the night, Your Highness?"
Hearing Cynthia's soft, low voice, Lucian turned to face her.
Draped with a thick dark blanket, she stepped closer, her long hair blown by the cold breeze.
A dry laugh escaped his lips as he caught his breath from the sword practice.