The Stars of My Heart [Completed]

Chapter Six

   I swing my sword over and over in the air, never quite satisfied. Hearing the whooshes in the air gives me encouragement, making the next one even louder. Never giving up.

During one of my training sessions I was given a machete. For as many perfect hits I got, was how many bites I got to eat at dinner. He gave me all day. Every one of my swings was critiqued. Not one of them being perfect. When the sun went down, my arms hung beside me like heavy weights. Damian had come to assess my work.

Not once did I accomplish a perfect swing, but I had fought all day, never giving up. Sweat was dripping down my face, my lungs heaving, dry from lack of water. I had done it though. And the feeling of making Damian the slightest bit impressed, made me continue to never give up.

It was hard when I was growing up. Finding my purpose to fight, but now it was easy.

In my head I was fighting whoever murdered my mother. It pains me to not know who it was, but I would also be a murderer right now if I had. That was how I fought. Any task, any job. I fought for her, for when she couldn't fight.

"Nice moves."

I turn, baffled. I hadn't heard anyone come in, but now the quiet little mouse stands before me with her head raised fully, for once.

"Thank you," I say, taking in all of Lucy's features. Her high cheekbones and sharp jawline. The subtle curve of her nose, and the almond shape of her eyes.

"I got your note. Thank you for not hating me."

"Sure," I say, still a bit irritated. She looks down, her eyes wandering all around the floor. Cupping her hands together, her thumb runs over the side of her fingers. Reassuring her, I fill the silence. "It's been a long day."

"I'm sure." Nodding her head she changes the subject. "Would you like me to prepare your bed for you?"

I put the sword down where I found it. The exact same sword I had been admiring in Axil's hands earlier this morning. "It's fine. I've got it."

She goes to walk out. Before she reaches the door, I stop her.

"What time does the prince wake up?"

Her face looks puzzled, like my question took her by surprise.

"I'm not exactly sure. I would guess sometime before seven. That's when his breakfast is served."

Catching my breath, I respond, "Thank you. Goodnight Lucy."

"Goodnight Zaria."

I tidy myself up to go back to my room. I close the door as quietly as possible. All the lights are now off in the palace, the darkness making me more comfortable to go back into my room. Slipping in the doorway, I pull out a pen and paper. I write myself a reminder to get up at six a.m. I also make a mental note. One that only my thoughts can contain.

Why was Lucy going into the sparring room when the palace lights turned off?

***

I don't sleep much. I'm going over my plan. I will succeed, but it won't be for Damian. It will be for myself. Whenever the sun comes up, I am out of bed and ready. Another day of uncomfortable clothes, and fake smiles. Exiting my room, I stand as tall as possible. I have started this mission, and it's time to play.

My clipboard rests in my left arm, a new pen clipped onto the paper. I wait outside Axil's room. It wasn't hard to find it. Double doors, gold plated, a giant cursive "A" written on the door. Holding back the roll of my eyes, I perch myself by the door. The royal family gave me a week to settle in, but I will show them I don't need it. Show them how dedicated I can be. A young, poised girl, who would never do any harm. The perfect thing I need before I strike.