A Rose and A Thron

Chapter 5

A week had passed since Alessandra and Sampson's outing. 

The young girl has not been able to sleep well due to her replaying the danger she put them in in her dreams. 

Deciding she had had enough of this she walked over to Sampson's suite that he's been staying at during their engagement period. 

His guards open the door for her to enter. 

Sampson's toned chest is on display since he was in the middle of changing when she came in.

 "Oh, I'm sorry your grace." Alessandra speaks, moving her hands to cover her eyes. 

Sampson chuckles, finding the whole situation humorous.

 "It's fine. Am I needed for something?" he questions grabbing his top to put on. 

"You can look now." he states, causing Alessandra to sigh as she removes her hands from her face. 

"I um. I've heard that you are an excellent swordsman and so I was wondering if you could give me some lessons on how to defend myself..you know with a sword." she voices shyly looking at the ground. 

"Alessandra, are you still blaming yourself for what happened?" he questions astonished that she would do such a thing. 

When she doesn't reply he speaks up.

 "It wasn't your fault. And you shouldn't have to learn self defense because of some piece of scum, men should know not to harm women. But if this is what you want I can teach you." 

"It has more to do than just him. I mean I am a princess. I should know how to protect myself from anyone who may want to bring harm upon me." she states. 

"You are right I suppose." Sampson replies. 

He grabs his swords and motions for her to follow him. 

As they walk down the hallway he asks her "So does this count as another business meeting?"

 Alessandra gives him a confused look not knowing what he meant. 

"Oh, so it's a date then?" he winks at her. 

"No, no, it's still a business meeting." she corrects him now that she remembers what he was referring to.

 "Damn." he sighs, causing the girl to chuckle. 

Once they reach the training room he tosses her a sword. 

"So you are gonna want to start with your legs slightly apart. It will help you with balance." he explains. 

Alessandra follows suit, coping his motions as he instructs her on what to do step by step.

 "You're getting the hang of this! I think you're ready for a challenge. Come at me?" he orders after they had been practicing for about an hour.

 Alessandra smirks confidently. 

Sampson has been so supportive and understanding this past hour that she now feels like she can do anything.

 She moves the sword towards his chest but he quickly dodges, pushing his own sword up against hers. 

Alessandra then moves her sword completely and tries to go for his side but he senses the attack all too well and meets his sword with hers. 

They both struggle for dominance before Alessandra breaks her sword free pushing it up against his rib cage. 

She smiles big thinking she had just defeated him but he quickly tosses her sword away with his own and pulls her back against his front making sure his blade is just inches below her chin.