They walked through the gardens and even though Clara continued her lessons Lilly felt more relaxed. The fresh air and sweet scent of the blossoms seemed to make the fact she was alone less terrible. Strolling down the paths they came to a ledge overlooking an exercise yard for the king’s personal guard. There were about twenty men being drilled. They were going through hand to hand forms paired up while a graying man with a neat trimmed beard called out numbers for the moves and the counter for them. Lilly found herself walking down the spiraling pathway noticing a discrepancy in two of the moves. Coming to a large tree she stopped seeing a small group of woman all watching while the guards practiced. Lilly shook her head at the gaggle of giggles and whispers. It amazed her that all they thought about was fawning over the men when there was so much more to what they were doing. The hard work it took to train one’s body to react on instinct leaving your mind to formulate strategy even while being inured. They didn’t understand the focus and meditative peace that could be found in forms and the physical benefit to it all.

“Sarah.” Clara said coming up behind her.

The tallest woman wearing a blue dress turned. “Mistress Clara. I’m not used to seeing you out and about.” Her eyes slid to Lilly. “And who is this?”

Clara stepped up beside her. ”This is Lady Lilly Avartine.”

Lilly tried for a curtsy but almost stumbling she straightened feeling her face heat from the giggles behind Sarah. Clara spoke up. “She is under my tutelage, we simply came for a walk. It’s such a beautiful day.”

Lilly noticed Sarah scrutinizing her impassively and instantly disliked her. Her hooked nose and angular features, her ashen bond hair that was ser up in a formal bun. Everything about the woman stood out in her mind fixing her aversion to her there, like an etching in stone. “You’re welcome to stay.”

Clara was about to say no when Lilly interrupted her. “Please. I would like to.”