The Sword and the Gaze

Chapter 20 – The Sword and the Gaze**

The air felt different the moment I opened my eyes—cooler, heavier. The palace walls whispered like they were hiding secrets again. As usual, Thalia arrived with the grace of morning, a tray of polished silver in one hand, a comb in the other.

She carefully brushed my hair, each stroke slow and thoughtful. "May I say, my lady," she murmured, "your hair is so beautiful… thick like waves in moonlight."

I smiled, though my nerves coiled tighter with every breath. Something inside me stirred—a restless energy that refused to be ignored.

After breakfast, which tasted of honey and soft doubt, I stood at the window, staring out over the golden fields. The sun climbed steadily, painting the skies with amber and rose.

"Thalia," I said quietly, "I want to visit the training grounds."

She blinked. "The training grounds? Why… do you have someone there?"

I turned to her with a sly grin. "Of course I do. Tall, mysterious, annoying. Isn't that enough reason?"

Still baffled, she nodded and slipped into a cloak. We crossed the palace's inner court and entered the highlands where wild roses bloomed like blood beneath marble statues. The sounds grew louder as we walked—swords clashing, shouts erupting, metal against metal in a symphony of battle.

Thalia hesitated. "That doesn't sound peaceful."

"No," I whispered, eyes narrowing. "It's not supposed to be."

We approached quietly, ducking behind a towering cypress tree. On the open field, five armored men faced one lone figure—fluid in movement, graceful as smoke.

Prince Damiar.

His dark cloak swirled like a shadow as he dodged, spun, and disarmed each man with surgical precision. He didn't seem rushed—he moved like he was dancing. And one by one, the warriors collapsed with groans of defeat.

I stared, my pulse quickening. "That… that's not human," I breathed.

"Are you hiding, my lady?" Thalia asked beside me, confused. "I thought you had someone here."

"I do," I said, stepping forward. "Unfortunately."

As we emerged onto the field, every conversation ceased. Guards stiffened. A hush fell over the crowd.

Damiar turned slowly, his gaze sharp, golden eyes unreadable.

"Well, well," he said, voice smooth. "Still sneaking around, princess?"

"Not sneaking," I replied, lifting my chin. "Just curious. And today… I want a duel."

A ripple of gasps moved through the crowd. Levi, Damiar's second, froze with wide eyes.

"You want to fight *me*?" Damiar asked, clearly amused. "You do know I don't fight princesses?"

I smirked. "Are you scared I'll beat you in front of your entire army?"

That earned a laugh—low and melodic. "My little amazement," he said under his breath. "Very well. Levi, give her a sword."

Levi approached reluctantly and handed me the blade. It was heavier than I expected—cold, serious, and real.

"You're going to fight me in a dress?" Damiar asked, stepping forward.

"I don't need armor," I said. "This dress wins hearts. Maybe it'll win battles too."

He chuckled, but I noticed the flicker in his eyes. Not mockery—something softer. Intrigue?

Without warning, I lunged forward, desperate to catch him off guard. But he moved like water—every attack I attempted was deflected with ease.

"Too slow, princess," he murmured. "You're hesitating."

"I'm studying," I snapped.

The clash grew louder. I pushed harder, feinted, pivoted, then drove the blade with everything I had. Finally, I caught him off balance. He stumbled. And in a heartbeat—I was on top of him, sword at his throat, hair wild, breath ragged.

The crowd erupted in disbelief.

But Damiar didn't flinch. His gaze—burning gold—held mine. Calm. Intense. And something else… ancient.

Emotion flickered across his features. He wasn't looking at the sword.

He was looking at *me.*

A stillness descended. No sound. No wind. No time. Just that look—unblinking, magnetic, invasive.

In his eyes, I saw echoes of something forgotten… something old and buried.

I stepped back, heart racing.

"I have to go," I said abruptly, voice tight.

Damiar sat up slowly, watching me as though I had just unraveled a secret I didn't know I was hiding.

Thalia rushed to my side, half breathless. "My princess—how did you do that?"

"I didn't know I could," I murmured, still stunned.

She glanced at my face. "You're shaking."

"I'm fine," I lied, managing a smile.

But inside, my thoughts stormed wildly.

The way he looked at me—like he remembered something long lost.

As though I wasn't just a visitor.

As though I was something… **returned.**