A Growing Storm

The morning air was crisp as Arianne made her way to the training grounds, her mind still replaying Rian's words from the night before.

*"You remind me of someone—the princess."*

Had he meant it as a passing remark, or had he truly begun to suspect something? She had to be careful. If Rian ever discovered her true identity, everything would fall apart.

She exhaled sharply, pushing the thought away.

Today was a new day. And today, she would fight to be better.

### **A Different Kind of Battle**

The recruits gathered, standing in loose formation as Rian observed them with his usual air of authority. His gaze flickered to Arianne for a fraction of a second before moving on.

"Today's training will be different," he announced. "You've learned the basics. Now, it's time to test you in a real scenario."

A murmur of curiosity spread through the group.

Rian gestured toward the far side of the field, where a series of wooden structures stood. "You'll work in teams to capture a target—me. If any of you can land a decisive blow, you win."

The recruits exchanged nervous glances. Challenging the general himself? It seemed impossible.

Arianne's pulse quickened. She had faced Rian in training, but this was different. This was strategy.

"Use everything you've learned," Rian continued. "Surprise me."

Arianne glanced at Kael, who stood beside her, grinning. "Think we have a chance?"

Kael laughed. "Not unless he suddenly forgets how to fight."

"Then we'll have to be smarter," she murmured.

### **The Hunt Begins**

The exercise started with Rian disappearing into the maze of wooden structures. The recruits split into groups, fanning out in search of him.

Arianne and Kael moved swiftly, using hand signals to communicate. The others were focused on tracking him, but Arianne knew better. Rian wasn't just going to hide—he was going to hunt them.

Her instincts proved right when a cry rang out from the other side of the field. They rushed forward, only to find two recruits already taken down, groaning in the dirt.

Rian was nowhere to be seen.

"He's taking us out one by one," Kael muttered.

Arianne clenched her fists. "Then we need to think like him."

She studied their surroundings. There were too many open spaces, too many blind spots. If she were Rian, she wouldn't be waiting—she'd be setting a trap.

A flicker of movement caught her eye.

"There," she whispered.

Kael followed her gaze. "You sure?"

She nodded. "Let's flush him out."

### **A Game of Shadows**

They moved carefully, circling around the area where she had seen movement.

Kael took the lead, making enough noise to draw attention while Arianne moved silently in the opposite direction.

Then, with lightning speed, Rian struck.

He appeared from the shadows, taking Kael down in an instant.

But Arianne was ready.

She lunged, using the split second of distraction to her advantage. She aimed low, sweeping her leg out in a move designed to unbalance him.

Rian twisted, avoiding the attack—but just barely.

Their eyes met.

A moment of recognition. A moment where he realized she had anticipated his move.

Then the fight truly began.

Rian countered with a quick jab. Arianne dodged, barely missing the force of his strike. She spun, trying to find an opening, but he was faster. Stronger.

Still, she refused to back down.

She struck again, this time aiming for his shoulder. He blocked, catching her wrist in a firm grip.

For a heartbeat, they were locked in place.

"You're getting better," Rian murmured.

Arianne's breath came fast. "Not good enough."

She twisted, using his own hold against him. Rian released her just in time to avoid being thrown, but it forced him back.

For the first time, he looked almost... impressed.

But he recovered quickly. With a final, fluid motion, he swept her legs from beneath her.

Arianne hit the ground, winded.

Rian knelt beside her, his expression unreadable. "You lost."

Arianne exhaled, staring up at him. "Not by much."

Something in his gaze softened. "No. Not by much."

For a moment, they stayed like that—her breath still uneven, his fingers brushing against her wrist where he had caught her.

Then he stood, offering her a hand.

She hesitated before taking it.

"Next time," she said, "I'll win."

Rian's lips twitched. "I look forward to it."

### **An Unspoken Truth**

That evening, Arianne found herself restless.

She wandered through the camp, her thoughts tangled.

Rian had seen something in her today—something beyond just skill.

Had she made a mistake? Had she revealed too much?

She was so lost in thought that she didn't notice Rian until he spoke.

"Can't sleep?"

She turned, finding him leaning against a nearby post, arms crossed.

"Just thinking," she said carefully.

Rian studied her. "About what?"

Arianne hesitated. "The fight. How I can improve."

Rian tilted his head. "That's not all, is it?"

Her stomach twisted. Did he suspect?

Before she could answer, he took a step closer.

"I've trained hundreds of soldiers," he said. "But you… you fight differently. Like someone who's had to prove themselves before."

Arianne swallowed. "Maybe I have."

Rian's gaze held hers. "You remind me of the princess."

Her heart nearly stopped.

"Why do you keep saying that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Rian exhaled. "Because I've spent years preparing for a future with a woman I've never met. And yet, here you are—matching every idea I've ever had of her."

Arianne's breath hitched.

This was dangerous. Too dangerous.

She forced herself to smile. "I think you're just imagining things, General."

Rian studied her for a long moment.

Then, slowly, he nodded. "Maybe I am."

But the doubt in his eyes told her he wasn't convinced.

And Arianne knew—sooner or later, he would find out the truth.

And when he did, she wasn't sure what would happen to them.