A round of applause came from Alzera. "Truly impressive! Especially for a prince who has spent more time reading than fighting," she teased.
"Hah!" Aeric laughed, out of breath. "You will be surprised how much you will learn when you pick up a book."
"Rather pick up a sword than a book, my Prince," Alzera remarked. "Only one can slay my enemies."
Aeric shrugged. "And the other can teach you how."
He turned around after and walked away, feeling proud of himself for saying that. Then Alzera asked after him. "If you've learnt so much about fighting from books then why am I here?"
Aeric looked back and smiled tauntingly. "Practice what you learn," he replied. "The book also says that."
"Ah, I see. So I am practice? Perhaps, I should make you spar me when we're done, and you'd quickly regret your hubris."
Aeric laughed. "I've hardly regretted doing things with a woman that made us both sweat."
Alzera's cheeks turned red.