The Princess & The Lord

Part 8

Elena returned to her room after meeting with Rhys and Feyre emotionally drained and now she needed a release. She changed into a leather suit and strapped on a pair of boots. The suit was quite fitted but allowed for her to have full freedom of her limbs.

She walked down the stairs and wandered down the hallways until she could see a training ring outside one of the windows. Elena made her way towards it.

In the ring, Cassian was sparing with a young female. She seemed to be about Elena's age with her brown hair tied up in a bun. She had a cold stare- if only looks could kill, she would already have pinned Cassian.

She moved quickly but left her right leg vulnerable which Cassian swept out from under her. The female hit the ground with a thud.

"I've said it a million times, keep your legs under you." Cassian said.

"And for the millionth time, I heard you." The female snapped back.

Nyx was seated in the corner with a book on his lap. Elena walked over and plopped down next to him.

"Who's that?" Elena asked pointing to the ring.

"That's my cousin, Bryn. Cassian and Nesta's daughter. She's training to become a Valkyrie like her mother. Though her progress has seemed to slow." Nyx answered as he flipped the page.

"Valkyrie- what's a Valkyrie," Elena asked.

"Centuries ago the Valkyrie were a race of elite female warriors. They had been wiped out during the war 500 years ago. Nesta and her friends had researched the warriors and structured their training on the Valkyrie. They were able to recruit quite a few females to join. Nesta revived the legacy of the Valkyrie and has continued to draw in more members. Cassian and Azriel have helped them train," Nyx explained.

"What does it take?" Elena had never heard of a group of all female warriors. That had grabbed her attention.

"You think you can tangle in the ring, Princess?" Nyx said with a smirk.

Elena only nodded.

"Be my guest," Nyx said as he stood and offered her a hand.

Elena swatted it away with a smile as she rose to her feet. Cassian and Bryn were passing under the ropes as they made their way out of the ring.

"Bryn, this is our guest, Princess Elena- Elena..." he paused for a moment. "I guess I don't know your full name." Nyx said as he turned to her.

"Elena's just fine," as she stuck out her hand for Bryn.

Bryn accepted her handshake as she said, "So you're the world walker."

"Elena has just graciously agreed to show us how warriors from her world spar." Nyx said.

"No, I agreed to kick Nyx's ass," Elena countered.

"I like her already," Bryn said as she backed away from the ring.

Nyx and Elena slid under the ropes and took up their positions on opposite sides.

"The rules?" Elena asked.

"There are none," Nyx said with a devilish smile.

"Let's have it, lordling. I'll let you have the first move." Elena said.

She positioned herself on the balls of her feet. Her knees were slightly bent and her hands were ready to reach for the blades hidden in her boots.

Nyx moved quickly toward her, throwing a few punches. Elena easily dodged them and grabbed his wrist as the last one passed by her shoulder. She held tight twisting his arm until it was straightened.