Separate Crowns of One Heart

Twėnty-Nınė

For the first time since the Prince left, I rise before dawn-- not to run errands with the Queen but to go to train with the Jaguars. I suit up while Demi watches in disapproval from the chaise lounge. "Perhaps you should wait until His Highness returns so that he may protect you if anything--"

"Demi, I do not need the Prince's protection for anything." I tuck the helmet under my arm. "It's not as though I am going to war. I will be just fine." I go to her and kiss her cheek. "Be ready to help me prepare for the Cotillion when I return." I make my leave, rushing to not keep the carriage man waiting too long.

You would think they would be used to my presence by now but the Jaguars stop and stare as if it's my first time here. Ignoring their glances, I go to my usual corner to stretch. I have been here all of maybe six minutes when General Knox approaches me.

"Your Highness." I look up at him from where I stretch my legs on the floor. "Where is Prince Kenyon?"

"He will not be joining us today," I answer, simply even though I'm sure he knows the Prince is away. Something shifts behind his eyes. "Is my presence going to cause trouble for you?"

He forces a smile so big that I can see the two rotten teeth in the far corners. "No. Of course not. I am very glad to have you join us today." I nod and return to my stretches, thinking he is done but he continues standing there. I look back up at him. "It is fortunate that you joined us on this day as it will be more vigorous than in the past. I hope you are ready." He turns and marches away to where the other generals stand waiting, watching our encounter.

What are they planning? What do they want me ready for? I glance around the training facility, hoping that I might get a clue from the other Jaguars.

"Alright. Jaguars!" General Knox's voice booms throughout the facility. "Gather." We do as he says, standing in formation. "For the past couple of months, we have been training with safety guards but as you all have heard, there are budding issues with the Dynasty and it won't be long before a long-anticipated war occurs. So we need to begin training as though we are preparing for war, not as though we are preparing for a duel in the streets of the nearest village." He looks around, one clear eye and one murky eye trailing over our faces. "During war, there will not always be time to don your armor so you must know how to protect yourself if it comes to that."

Where is this going?

"Remove your armor." There is a moment of hesitation before everyone begins removing the protective armor, following instructions. When we're standing in just the thin garbs under the armor, General Knox claps his hand. "Get your swords and a sparring partner and begin dueling. Fight as if your opponent is a Warrior of the Dynasty with only one goal: to kill you and to harm your family. Cause harm to your opponent and do not hold back." He sneers in my direction when he says that and I understand. This is a ploy to scare me. He did not plan this until I showed up here today and without the Prince... It's his perfect opportunity.

I draw the sword that the Prince gifted me and wait for someone to ask to be my partner. I always let them come to me. A Jaguar that I have partnered with before makes eye contact with me and begins walking over when General Knox stops him.

"Princess," the General smiles insincerely at me. "Would you do me the honors of dueling with me?"

"Do I have an option?"

"You always have an option." He removes his cloak and armor, standing tall and imposing before me. He may be older but he's made sure to stay in shape. With a fling, he draws his sword and raises an eyebrow. "Do you accept?"

I twist my hilt in my hand as I decide what to do. I hold the sword out towards him. The Prince would probably advise against this (I'm sure he would step in if he was here-- hell, Knox wouldn't even try this in his presence), but I cannot let the General think I'm afraid of him.