He laughed short. “I know you can, I taught you. But you are my charge and if you’re going to learn to be a Lady then you have to learn that this is man’s work.”
She crossed her arms. “Not in Rizel society.”
His back stiffened and he turned his head. His yellow eyes bore through her, his coppery hair blazing in the firelight. “You’re not Rizel.” She knew his difficulty with his heritage. It was always something he didn’t like to speak of, but there were times when she was young she could coax him into telling her some things.
“I can fight like one.” She maintained lifting her chin. Jaden went back to work on the deer.
“Only because I taught you.”
A small smile touched her lips as an idea formed in her head. “I bet I can beat you.” His knife stopped for a second but then he continued as if he hadn’t heard her. “I said I…”
“I heard what you said.” He snapped. “I won’t fight you Lilly.”
“Why not?” He had fought with her so many times before. It was a favorite time for both of them, or so she thought. But then, that was years ago.
He stopped again stabbing the meat with his knife and turned his head. “Because it isn’t appropriate.” He turned away lightening his voice. “Besides you wouldn’t stand a chance.”
“If you beat me I’ll swear to do everything that is expected of me when we get to Olestra.”
