The Unspoken Bond

The days blurred together as Arianne pushed herself harder with each passing lesson. The bruises from her first sparring match with Gareth were still fresh, but she didn't let them slow her down. She had to prove herself—not just to Rian, but to herself.

Her body had grown stronger, her movements sharper, and her resolve unyielding. But even with her progress, there was something missing.

She had spent years in the palace, surrounded by luxury and comfort, never having to truly fight for anything. But out here, on the border, she had learned the meaning of sacrifice. It was about survival. And survival meant letting go of the fragile remnants of the life she had once known.

And yet, as much as she fought to shed the weight of her former self, the pull of Rian Dorne seemed impossible to ignore.

The general was unlike anyone she had ever met. He was hard—unyielding, like the stone walls of the palace she had escaped. But there was a quiet strength in him, a depth that drew her in despite herself. She couldn't shake the feeling that he was more than just the man she was supposed to marry.

Still, she couldn't afford to let her thoughts linger on him. The garrison was filled with soldiers who would eat her alive if they sensed any weakness. She had no choice but to stay focused, to keep her heart locked away.

But fate, it seemed, had other plans.

The Midnight Training

It was late, well after midnight, when Arianne found herself unable to sleep. The camp was quiet, the sounds of the soldiers' snores drifting on the cool night air.

She slipped out of her barracks, her boots making no sound as she moved through the darkened camp. The moon hung high, casting a soft glow over the training grounds. Her muscles ached from the day's drills, but there was something inside her that refused to rest.

Arianne walked to the edge of the camp, where the training grounds met the quiet expanse of the forest. She was about to turn back when she saw him—Rian.

He was alone, standing in the center of the field, his sword drawn. His movements were slow and deliberate, the steel slicing through the air with precision. He wasn't training with anyone. He was training himself.

Arianne stood still, watching him for a moment, captivated by the fluidity of his movements. There was no hesitation in him, no sign of uncertainty. He moved like a man who had fought and won countless battles. A man who trusted only himself.

She knew she should turn away, but something kept her rooted to the spot. She had seen him spar with others, but this—this was different.

Rian's gaze shifted, as if sensing her presence. His gray eyes locked onto hers across the distance.

For a moment, neither of them moved. Then, to her surprise, he lowered his sword and walked toward her.

"You're not supposed to be out here," he said, his voice low and rough, though there was no anger in it.

Arianne swallowed. "I couldn't sleep."

He nodded, as though that was explanation enough. "You're not the only one," he muttered. "Come on, then. Join me."

Arianne blinked, taken aback. "What?"

"You're training, aren't you? You've been working hard. No better time than now to work on your form." He gestured to the empty space beside him.

She hesitated for a moment, but the temptation was too great. The chance to train alongside him, to see him up close—it was an opportunity she couldn't pass up.

Without a word, she stepped onto the field, facing him.

Rian raised an eyebrow. "Let's see if you've learned anything since our last match."

Arianne took a deep breath and raised her sword. She could feel her pulse quicken as she met his gaze, the weight of the moment settling on her shoulders.

He moved first, as expected. His blade came at her fast, but Arianne was ready. She blocked his strike with a practiced movement, the sound of their swords clashing filling the silence of the night.

They fought in the stillness, the only sounds the rasp of their blades against each other, their breaths, and the rustling of the wind through the trees.

For a long time, there was only the rhythm of their movements—swift, precise, and full of a quiet understanding. Rian didn't hold back, but neither did Arianne. She met him at every turn, each strike and parry pushing her further than she thought she could go.

And then, just as quickly as it had begun, Rian stepped back.

Arianne lowered her sword, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She wiped the sweat from her forehead, her chest heaving.

"You've improved," Rian said, his voice softer than it had been earlier. There was something in his gaze that she couldn't quite place—a flicker of approval, perhaps. Or something more.

"Thank you," Arianne replied, trying to steady her breathing.

Rian regarded her for a long moment before speaking again. "You fight with more heart than most men. But heart alone will not win you the war."

Arianne's eyes narrowed slightly. "I know that."

"You're not the only one here with something to prove," Rian said quietly. "But you've got potential. I've seen it."

For a moment, their gazes locked, and Arianne felt something stir deep within her. The intensity of his words, the weight of the moment—it was as though the world had narrowed to just the two of them.

"Why do you push me so hard?" she asked before she could stop herself.

Rian's gaze softened, but he didn't answer right away. Instead, he took a step closer to her, his presence filling the space between them.

"Because you're not just a princess. You're a soldier," he said, his voice low. "And soldiers don't get special treatment."

Arianne's heart skipped a beat at the way he said the word soldier. It was as though he saw her for who she truly was, not as a royal or a damsel to be protected.

She wasn't sure how much time passed in that moment—seconds, minutes, or perhaps longer. But then Rian broke the silence.

"Get some rest," he said, his voice returning to its usual commanding tone. "We train at dawn."

Arianne nodded, still caught in the weight of the exchange. "Yes, General."

Without another word, Rian turned and walked back toward the camp. Arianne stayed where she was, her heart racing, her mind spinning.

She had come to the border to prove herself. But somewhere along the way, she had found something more—something that was just as dangerous as it was alluring.

And it was pulling her closer to him with every passing moment.