Kingslayer

Chapter 18

"And begin!" The man shouted and all at once Diana attacked, parried and blocked for what felt like hours as she set off against formidable opponents. Knights from many different provinces and Diana daresay,from the tri kingdoms. She was in her own black light armour accompanied by her own sword.

She swiftly blocked a blow by her opponent,a fellow with a red and white banner of the northern province with a bulky build. He raised his battle hammer with ease and had Diana not narrowly missed it's deadly blow,it would've sent her to a sure paralysis.

"Shit"she cussed, frustrated under her breath as she circled back,trying to find her stance and equinimity. More than anything,she needed a clear and very strategic mind at the moment and that's when she saw it.

He was gaining confidence,she could see by the way his shoulders became less tensed and slightly sagged. You sly bastard,you think you're smart aren't ya? She found herself internally mocking the knight as her hazel eyes darted about,no doubt already calculating her victory although unlike him,she wouldn't make the mistake of perceiving victory before the job was done.

After blocking the third time the forsaken hammer,she zoomed past him. Her weight and build allowed her to move easily,at twice the speed of her opponent. That was a strength she always cashed on. She knew her body's capabilities after all.

She reached his behind and the knight let out a short gasp of surprise but he was too late,she released her foot to the back of his knee which sent him tumbling forward,losing his balance and landing face first into the dirt.

"Yield!" She shouted fiercely as she held her sword,highly alert on his exposed back.

"I yield!" The knight shouted after a much inner debate about the look of things.

Diana breathed before lending him a helping hand and after exchanging a few words of courtesy, decided to go for a rest. After all she had one to many sparing sessions.

Chris was already in her chambers and had prepared a bath for her which she was vastly grateful for. She decided to wear a light blue silk robe ordered from Cheng and also did her hair up and finished the look with a white jade pin at the back of her made up elegant bun.

She slid open her chambers and gasped when she saw the crown prince standing right outside her door. She gracefully stepped back and did a  bow as per custom. "Your Highness" she almost recoiled in disgust as she felt his hands around her arms,lifting her up from her bowed position.

"Your Highness, pardon me for asking but...what brings you to my humble residence?"she skilfully took a step back. Thankfully,Chris was still in the room though she was far in the bathing chamber to avoid any...awkward interactions with the two royals. She sensed friction between the two.

"Why are you still fratenizing with Adrian?" His question was sudden and loud.

"Pardon?" She frowned,not taking kindly to the question. Yes,she sensed some feelings for her from the prince but he was overstepping the line now. Her life with Adrian was hers to concern about and hers alone.

"Why are you fratenizing with my brother knowing very well that on that day you will be wed to me?" His breath came in short ragged gasps and he asked in gritted teeth. Diana took a step back in shock,she opened and closed her mouth like a fish,unable to form a coherent response.

"Ah my lovely siren,you thought I didn't know?" He raised an eyebrow at her as his lips titled to form a cold smirk as he stepped forward and caressed her cheek and she shuddered.

"Know what?" She tried to step back but his hand suddenly latched painfully onto her arm,rooting her in place. She saw red,"remove your hand from me"she ordered in a hiss as she glared at the prince.