Chapter 15: The Cold Princess and Her New Tutor

A Noble's Fortress

Leon stood in front of the Valenford Estate, an imposing mansion of white stone and towering walls. Unlike the extravagant homes of other noble families, the Valenford estate was built like a fortress—efficient, elegant, and impossible to breach.

Two guards in silver armor blocked his path. Their sharp eyes studied him like a common thug, despite his well-tailored clothes.

"Halt," one of them said. "State your business."

Leon smirked and handed over the sealed letter Seraphina had given him. "I'm the new sword instructor for Lady Selene."

The guard opened the letter, scanning it with narrowed eyes. After a long moment, he gave a nod and stepped aside.

"You may enter. But cause trouble, and you won't leave alive."

Leon chuckled. "Noted."

As he stepped through the iron gates, he felt a pair of sharp eyes watching him from one of the upper balconies.

He looked up—and met the piercing blue gaze of Selene Valenford.

She was as beautiful as the rumors claimed. Silver hair, cold blue eyes, and a presence that demanded respect. She wasn't just a noblewoman—she was a warrior.

Selene studied him for a brief moment before turning away, uninterested.

Leon smirked. Breaking her will be interesting.

Meeting the Ice Queen

Inside the grand training hall, Leon waited as Selene entered with two knights following behind her. She wore a fitted fencing uniform, her silver hair tied into a neat braid. Her movements were precise, controlled—just like her reputation.

She stopped a few feet away, arms crossed.

"So," she said coolly, "you're my new instructor?"

Leon gave a casual shrug. "That's what the letter says."

She frowned. "I expected someone older."

He grinned. "Disappointed?"

Selene's blue eyes narrowed. "I don't care about age. I care about skill."

Leon stepped forward, drawing one of the wooden training swords. "Then let's not waste time."

She raised an eyebrow. "You wish to spar with me immediately?"

Leon spun the wooden sword in his hand, his smirk widening. "Unless you're afraid of losing."

A flicker of annoyance crossed her face. The knights behind her tensed.

Selene picked up a sword. "Very well."

A Duel of Steel and Pride

The moment Selene took her stance, Leon knew—she was strong.

Her form was flawless, her balance perfect. Most nobles fought with elegance but lacked true skill. Selene was different.

She attacked first, moving like a flash of silver.

Leon barely dodged, tilting his head as her blade sliced through the air beside him.

She was fast.

He parried the next strike, his arms vibrating from the force. She was strong, too.

Their wooden swords clashed again and again, the sound echoing through the hall.

Selene's movements were precise and sharp, but Leon was unpredictable. He fought with a mix of dirty tricks, unorthodox footwork, and instinct.

A sudden low sweep nearly caught him off guard. He barely leapt back in time.

He grinned. "Not bad, Princess."

Selene didn't respond. She lunged again—this time, with a move meant to end the fight.

Leon smirked.

He let her blade hit.

Selene's sword struck his shoulder—but before she could react, he stepped in close, twisting his blade up to her throat.

For a moment, they stood locked together.

His smirk widened. "Got you."

Selene's blue eyes flashed with fury.

Then, to his surprise, she smiled.

It was small, but it was there.

"You're better than I expected," she said, stepping back. "Perhaps this won't be a waste of time after all."

Leon rolled his shoulder. "That's the nicest thing a noble's ever said to me."

Selene turned away. "Tomorrow morning. Be here at sunrise. If you're late, I'll consider you unworthy and dismiss you."

Leon watched her go, his grin never fading.

This just got a lot more interesting.