Unraveling the Mask

The morning air was thick with the scent of damp earth and steel as Arianne adjusted the straps on her training armor. The previous day's battle exercise had left her both sore and restless, but she welcomed the ache—it reminded her that she was getting stronger.

The only thing she couldn't shake was the memory of Rian's grip on her wrist, the intensity in his gaze when he had stopped her from taking the flag. She had fought with everything she had, yet he had bested her without breaking a sweat.

More than that, she had felt something in that moment—something dangerous.

She pushed the thought away as she made her way to the training grounds. Today was another day, another chance to prove herself.

As she arrived, she saw the recruits standing in formation, awaiting orders. Rian stood at the front, his usual commanding presence radiating authority.

"You're all improving," he said, his sharp gaze moving over the recruits. "Some more than others." His eyes lingered on Arianne for a fraction of a second before moving on.

Her stomach twisted. Had he recognized her skill, or had he seen something else in her?

"Today, we focus on endurance and adaptability," Rian continued. "In a real battle, things rarely go as planned. You must learn to adjust, to think on your feet, and to fight even when the odds are against you."

Arianne squared her shoulders. She was ready.

### **The Test of Endurance**

The recruits were split into pairs for a series of grueling endurance tests—sprinting through uneven terrain, lifting weighted sacks, and carrying each other as if rescuing an injured ally.

Arianne was paired with Gareth, which she was grateful for. He was strong but fair, and he had grown to respect her over the past weeks.

By the time they finished the first round of drills, her muscles burned, but she refused to slow down.

Rian moved through the training grounds, observing their progress. When he passed Arianne and Gareth, he stopped.

"You're slower than you were yesterday," he remarked to Arianne, crossing his arms.

She straightened, refusing to let his words get to her. "I can do better."

Rian raised an eyebrow. "Prove it."

She didn't hesitate. Taking a deep breath, she moved into position for the next challenge—a steep hill climb while carrying extra weight.

The moment the signal was given, she surged forward, ignoring the burn in her legs.

She was nearly at the top when her foot slipped on loose gravel. She caught herself before she fell, but it cost her precious seconds.

By the time she reached the top, Rian was waiting for her.

"You're determined," he admitted. "But determination alone isn't enough."

Arianne met his gaze, her breath coming fast. "Then teach me how to be better."

Something flickered in Rian's eyes—something unreadable.

"You're asking for something most wouldn't dare," he said. "Training under me isn't easy."

Arianne lifted her chin. "I didn't come here for easy."

For a long moment, Rian studied her. Then, he nodded.

"Meet me after sundown," he said. "We'll see what you're truly made of."

### **A Night of Secrets**

The sky was painted in deep hues of violet and navy by the time Arianne made her way to the secluded training grounds.

Rian stood waiting for her, his arms crossed. His sword rested against a nearby tree, but tonight was not about weapons.

"Combat isn't just about skill," he said as she approached. "It's about understanding your opponent. Learning to read their movements before they even strike."

Arianne nodded, her pulse quickening.

"Let's begin," he said.

The training that followed was unlike anything she had experienced.

Rian moved with precision, forcing her to anticipate rather than react. Every time she lunged, he countered effortlessly. Every time she thought she had an opening, he was already two steps ahead.

"You're too focused on what's in front of you," he said, dodging another attack. "You need to feel the fight, not just see it."

Frustration bubbled inside her, but she swallowed it down. Instead, she adjusted, trying to follow his movements instead of chasing them.

And then, for the first time, she saw it—a tiny shift in his stance, a flicker of weight moving to his left foot.

She struck before she had time to think.

Her hand nearly grazed his side before he caught her wrist and pulled her forward.

She stumbled, her balance thrown off. And suddenly, she was mere inches from him, her breath hitching as she found herself pressed against his chest.

His grip loosened but didn't release her.

Arianne looked up, her heart hammering.

Rian's eyes held something she had never seen before. Not just the sharp focus of a warrior, but something deeper. Something that made the air between them thick with unspoken words.

"You learn quickly," he murmured.

Arianne swallowed. "I had a good teacher."

For a long moment, neither of them moved.

Then, as if realizing their closeness, Rian released her and stepped back.

"That's enough for tonight," he said, his voice steady but quieter than before.

Arianne nodded, though her pulse was anything but calm.

She turned to leave, but before she could take more than a few steps, he spoke again.

"You fight like someone with something to prove," he said. "Like someone who carries more weight than just a sword."

Arianne paused, her fingers curling into fists.

He was right.

But she couldn't tell him why.

Not yet.

So she simply said, "Maybe I do."

Then she walked away, leaving Rian standing in the moonlight, watching after her with an expression she couldn't quite read.

### **A Change in the Wind**

Later that night, Rian stood alone, his thoughts tangled.

Something about Arianne unsettled him.

It wasn't just her skill, though that was impressive. It wasn't just her stubborn determination, though that intrigued him.

It was something else.

Something familiar.

He had spent years devoted to the idea of the princess—the woman he had sworn to marry, to protect. A woman he had never met but had admired from afar.

And yet, here was this soldier. A woman who challenged him, who matched him in ways he hadn't expected.

He was drawn to her.

And that