Ravenhurst: Royalty (EDITING IN PROGRESS)

one: in which me and my boot make the cut

"Ha!"

I swing my foot across the mannequin's neck, splitting the material like butter.

My blade is sharp enough that it could cut the air and make it bleed . . . that is, if science allowed it.

"These blade-boots are quite handy Jeev," I say, popping my foot. "Dangerous and stylish. Just how I like it."

I push the lever's mechanism, and the blade retreats back into the high black heel.

I then walk around the room, testing to see if it is stable inside.

Jeev nods.

"The blade is secure inside the heel and won't come out unless your leg swings out far enough."

He gestures to the boots.

"Not only subtle, but it fits like a glove on you."

I smile. My brother is a genius. But thankfully not many people know that, which means that I get to be the guinea pig for most of his inventions.

It's not as bad as you might think.

Training to be a bodyguard for the Royal family has its difficulties, but Jeev makes it a lot easier.

I guess I'm pretty lucky to be his sister.

Especially since tomorrow I go from being a bodyguard in training, to a full-fledged officer whose sole purpose is to protect and serve our rulers.

"Will they be ready by tomorrow?"

I ask the question with a hopeful glance at the knee-high weapon I wear.

He smiles.

"They are ready right now. I knew you wouldn't want to part with them once you tried them out."

He tilts his head.

"You might need them tomorrow, even though your tests are nearly through."

"Yeah." I sit on the wooden bench by the door. "Just got that last one left. I've always found it interesting that they do it after you graduate."

I look at my new boots again, confident in my brother's handiwork. He sits down next to me, proud that his gift has made me happy. He leans back before answering:

"I think it might be kind of an insurance. That way if you fail the test, you know that you still have a job."

I give a little laugh and then take off my sweltering hot jacket.

All bodyguards are required to use them for training.

"I always thought it was illogical to have it after you're sworn in. You might not train as hard for the test otherwise, since it technically isn't put towards your passing grade."

Removing the pins that keep my hair in a tight bun, I let its dark brown waves fall around my face.

"But then Father said that it makes you train harder, wanting your first mission to go smoothly, proving you're worthy of your position. Now that I've thought about it, I have to say that he's right."

I sigh.

Jeev looks at me steadily. "Nervous?"

"Honestly," I cringe like a jester mocking a hunchback. "I'm terrified and excited."

We giggle at my impression, knowing exactly who I'm mimicking.

"Well, keep looking like that, and the court will be terrified of you."

He says this trying to look serious, but to no avail. He has a twinkle in his eye.

Jeev pats my back assuredly.