Chapter 21
Karson was at the combat yard when I arrived the following morning. His face showed neutral; neither anger or amused. He nodded, seeing I was on time. Taking in his shoulder length black hair, his broad chest and lumberjack physique, a slither of a smile showed. It was strange. It used to send my heart racing with excitement. He was attractive, appealing as I had first thought since the day we met. I just wasn’t drawn to it as I was before. I saw him as I was meant to. My mentor. Well-disciplined and kind enough to be my friend, I hoped. He was dashingly handsome, and dating Tora; that was something good for him. He seemed happy whenever I spied them together. He inclined his head and handed me a folded parchment.
“What’s this?”
“Your schedule. This way we can keep to a routine for the next eight weeks.”
I raised a brow, Wow. He was optimistic on training me every day.
Unfolding the parchment, I took in his elegant writing. It was the same routine from six until five, every day. I groaned at that logic alone. Mornings comprised of Weights, Mêlée, Archery, and Track, which was when I started breakfast, depending what time I finished my laps, which were to increase by one lap each week. Then it was mid-morning classes: History, Magic, and Potions. Lunch for an hour, and then: Dragon Lore, Runes, and Animal Studies, with a horse riding lesson for half a day, once a week. My afternoon workout was a repeat of my morning sessions, with the added Connections before mêlée, Archery and Track.
Seeing the schedule laid out before me, I released a deep breath. So much time was taken up with training and lessons. There was little time in here to have even a slight break.
“Will I ever get time off?”
“If you do well during the week, you can have a rest day.”
I smiled. Least it was something.
“But you will still do combat class.”
“Oh.” I folded the parchment into my side pocket.
“You can start on weights.”
“Not a problem.”
Following the schedule would be easy enough; and this morning I was taking my training a little more serious, thanks to Connor, who knew Karson’s ins and outs. Though he teased the idea of giving away secrets, neither of us talked about Karson. My mind was lost in last night. The kisses we shared, the lust, desire, and the small conversations that came easy. I didn’t have to say or do anything, he just knew to reach out and kiss me. It was nice, sweet, and so damn better than any other relationship, I had had.
It was Karson calling my name that had me blinking from my thoughts.
“What?” I hissed.
He smiled wryly. “You ready for mêlée?” He walked to the barrel where he kept the wooden sword and handed me mine.
With the same timed movements, it was in a steady rhythm. Block, lunge, twist, turn, strike, block. The movement lulled me into another lost thought with Connor. To have his arms around me, the way his voice would whisper in my ear and make me shiver.
“Zah …” I faulted.
Karson held to his sword. “If you’re not paying attention to what is around you, you will fall.” He eyed me with a knowing smile.
I puzzled his words; he’d said that last week, didn’t he?
Distracted, now for a different reason, La’Kera mused.
She was right.
I focused on the task, trying to keep my thoughts away from Connor and only about the mêlée. Using my energy several times throughout.
Karson smirked with a raised brow, he was impressed. “That’s it. Use your will.”
I smiled when I made a hit on his shoulder. It wasn’t hard, and I doubt my hits would even leave a mark on him. Another round of blocks and Karson pulled up, not because it was end of mêlée. His eyes narrowed to where Connor stood. The sun had risen and made his bronze hair, dazzling; his smile and wink for me were promising. There was something between us, and I didn’t want to stop staring at him.
I nodded, and reluctantly turned to Karson, who was still distracted with Connor, leaning on the poles that displayed warnings of combat taking place within the area. I could stare at Connor’s form all day. My heart fluttered. I met him two nights ago. Two days? It felt like years, like Karson and Corbin. A week ago, I knew none of them. Was it last week I met these men. I found my thoughts lingering on that first mêlée attack, and an idea came to me. Spinning out and striking Karson on the back caught him unaware. He gasped and turned to strike me. I blocked his attack and struck him.
“Attacks can happen at anytime,” I boasted, blocking his second strike.
His eyes narrowed, and with a lift of his chin, he snarled, “Three laps.”
Dropping off my wooden sword, I turned to the path and was surprised that Karson walked towards Connor. I couldn’t hear what they were saying. Connor nodded in my direction, Karson lifted his chin wanting me to move to the North Track, and if I didn’t make a move to it, he’d snarl. Frowning, I had to leave their sight.
I was part way around the track when Karson showed up.
“So. Did you chase him away?”
“Chase him away?” Karson sounded distracted. “Connor? Course not.”
“What did you talk to him about?”
“That isn’t up for discussion.” His tone was cold.
“Why do you two hate each other?”
“If Connor has not disclosed that information then it is not my place.” His lips pressed together with a tighter line.
“Tuh.” I rolled my eyes, wanting to finish my laps.
Heading to the stone steps, Connor stood waiting for me. Karson called over his shoulder as he made for the Main Building.
“Meet me in the history building, room nine; level two when you are done with morning fast.” He was in the lobby door before I could nod.
I turned to Connor and bounded towards him, and into his arms for a long kiss.
“Oh, I’m all sweaty.” I tried to pull back, but Connor wouldn’t let go.
“Mmm … and warm too. I love how you smell right now.”
“Really.” I crinkled my nose, receiving a chaste kiss in turn.
“Yes. Vanilla and lavender. Mmmm … You’re fine to me. And nice work with catching Karson off guard. Rarely happens.”
“Hmm … that’s only because you’re making him like that. I’ve never seen him so … unfocused. Why does he hate you?”
“It’s just Karson. I’m sure he’ll tell you when he’s ready.”
“Hu. Like never. He told me you would tell me.”
“And it’s nothing. But I will have to keep my distance until you finish your training.”
“Is that what he said? But you’re not doing anything wrong.”
“No. But I am a guest here. I can be asked to leave Draeos.”
“Oh. Then I say wait until I’m finished.”
“Yes. Because we both know, that no one stuffs up Karson’s lessons but Karson.” We both laughed, to kiss. “So. Shower, and I’ll walk you to the Dinner Hall.”
“That’s a plan.”