Checkmate

16. If I can't have you...

The next morning, I awoke to the feel of silk sheets, my head resting on a thick downy pillow and my arm slung across a bare chest. Moving slowly so as to not wake the sleeping demon, I got out of the bed to dress myself using my magic.

Despite wanting to stay in bed cuddled up to the boy who remained sleeping soundly, I still pressed on to make breakfast for the boys before taking them to the training grounds. I went ahead to set up the fake battle I had prepared after grabbing an apple off the table of goodies I had created.

They all ate quietly in my presence, as if knowing that the noises of eating bothered me. I smiled at all of them before making my way to the edge of the camp. "We haven't had a food fight in a while," I said out loud with a knowing smirk, instantly prompting a fight to occur, giving me enough time to escape and set up the arena without interruptions.

As I set up the straw filled mannequins and the various weapons, I found myself humming happily as I worked. My mind drifting between the two boys in my life, their kisses and their touches filling me with a warmth I didn't know I needed. I wanted to be selfish. I wanted them both, and nothing was going to stop me.

Eventually, the lost boys turned up, their faces and clothes covered in various foodstuffs and new stains. They were followed closely by Felix, his scowl a new permanent feature on his once unbothered face. The mess on his shirt, however, was new. I gave him a pointed look to make him aware of the stain, but he ignored my attempt at contact. I huffed at him and turned my attention to the boys, continuing to hum as I adjusted their stances.

After a minute, Felix was close enough to talk to, his voice low. "You're in a good mood," he growled, his eyes never meeting mine. I scrunched my nose up sharply as I smiled at the boys, urging them to face each other with a wave of my hand. I knew Pan to be awake and to be scanning the island for any danger by now, which had obviously encouraged Felix to be this bold, his words ready to burst out of his mouth. I refused to let him dampen my spirits.

"Come on tall one, time to train."

"I don't need to train with you," he spat back.

I kept my composure with a quick breath. "Would you rather train with Pan?"

"The king is too busy with his queen and scanning his precious island." It was then his eyes snapped to mine, his judgement clear.

"Boys," I said simply, giving the onlookers only a single chance to run. They all scarpered, dragging each other with them. Once the area was clear of everyone but Felix and me, I reached into the practice sword basket and pulled out one for each of us before throwing one at him. "Sword up, lost boy," I said as I held up my sword, gesturing with my other hand to the now empty space behind me.

Without skipping a beat, Felix charged, his practice sword raised. I dodged him easily as only our blunt swords clunked together. I blocked all of his advances, which only seemed to anger him more.

We thrusted and parried and after a few minutes, I finally landed a gentle blow on the boy's leg. "You kept your legs open."

"So did you," he sneered, hinting at something other than my defence stance.

"Wait, what?" I dodged him again, causing another grunt of frustration to emerge from the boy.

"Cheater!" he exclaimed, swinging again.

I knew to what he was referring but still I feigned shock. "I would never cheat in a battle!" I jumped and rolled over his leg as he tried to sweep mine out from underneath me. "Maybe if you actually trained instead of sulk, then maybe you could hit me."