The first clash of their swords reminded her of just how strong he was. She was pushed back to the ground but got right back up and came at him again. This time she adjusted her balance to compensate for his superior strength. She held her own for a while which she could tell surprised him. “You’ve improved.” He said blocking one of her attacks. But then he twisted and she felt a sting on her bottom. He grinned leaping back. She growled low but tried to stay calm remembering his first lesson. Loose your temper loose the fight. She let out a breath and forced the anger out with it.

Again and again they came at each other, each time he caught her and each time she came close to scoring a hit on him as well. Her mind was becoming more and more unfocused the more desperate she became to win. It was her only hope and she realized if she lost she would be held to her word. She felt the welts on every inch of her, stinging and hot. “Are you finished? I want to get an early start tomorrow.” Jaden jibed blocking one of her side slashes to his thigh.

“Do you think you could take me seriously? She asked feeling the anger she’d been trying to keep away forcing itself into her voice. She dropped down and swept his feet sending him down hard but by the time she spun around an up he was on his feet again.

“Of course at the ball I’ll have to meet with the young men you dance with. Since your father won’t be there.” His taunts were obvious but effective.

She almost shrieked in anger parrying his blow and caught him in the side just turning the blade in time. “Stop treating me like a child!” She screamed at him feeling only a second of triumph before the breath was knocked out of her as her body slammed to the ground. Suddenly her sword was kicked from her as he knelt down pinning her hands to the ground. His hair just hung in his eyes that were alive with controlled anger.

“Then stop acting like one…….I win.” He got off of her and walked back to camp leaving her there alone.