Ileana watched her Shadowsinger sleep, Cerbie a comforting presence on his other side. A soft smile tugged at her lips as she brushed a stray lock of hair from his forehead. He stirred, mumbling something unintelligible, before settling back into a deep slumber. Exhausted was an understatement, considering what they'd been up to the past few hours.
But it was exactly as she planned.
Gently, she slipped out of bed, a shiver rippling down her spine as the cool air kissed her skin. Quickly, she donned her Illyrian leathers, a familiar comfort amidst the quiet grandeur of their bedroom. On her desk, she spotted an open note. Training in the evening sounds lovely. See you then, High Lady. She smiled. They didn't suspect a thing.
Weaponless, Ileana left the room, knowing that if she truly needed one, Narben would appear in a heartbeat. A final glance back confirmed Azriel's deep slumber. Then, with a confidence that belied the situation, she walked forward, Bryaxis slipping behind her.
"Princess," he rumbled. "Where are you going at this hour?"
"Just a walk, Bryaxis," she replied, keeping her voice light. "I needed some fresh air."
A questioning rumble echoed in his chest. "But, Princess..."
Ileana stopped, turning to his shadowy form. "I won't command you, Bryaxis," she said softly. "But I am asking. Please, watch over Azriel. If I'm not back within the hour, wake him. "
He stared at her; the conflict clear in the way his dark mass swirled. Then, he grumbled, a note of resignation in his tone, and slipped back into the room.
Ileana exhaled, a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. Time was of the essence. She lengthened her stride, the castle eerily quiet at this late hour. An uneasy feeling settled into her gut, a contrast to her outward calm.
Finally, she reached the training grounds. As she approached, two figures stood within the ring. Azriel and the rest of their family wouldn't have let her come if they'd known what she was planning. Why she needed to do this.
Romulus' voice cut through the night. "Well, well, High Lady. So glad you could join us after all."
Remus let out a bark of laughter. "Got tired of Azriel so soon? Or," he sneered, "did your precious Shadowsinger tire of you?
Ileana strolled towards a weapons rack, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Sorry to disappoint, Remus, but even if I did tire of Azriel, you wouldn't be my next choice. No, I'm here because your father was so convinced you two would make excellent sparring partners," she mused, her tone deceptively light, "let's test his theory."
Romulus' arrogant smirk widened. "And who will you face first, High Lady?"
"Oh, I think I can handle both of you," Ileana retorted. Her hand found a familiar hilt and drew the blade with practiced ease. As Romulus and Remus moved into position, she mirrored their stance, a perfect picture of lethal focus.
"Are you sure about that?" Romulus countered, a hint of challenge underlying his taunt.
Ileana twirled the blade in her hand, its sharp glint a silent answer. "I'm always sure. Now," she lowered her voice, the playful edge replaced by steely determination, "let's see what you've got."
The brothers struck in perfect tandem, but Ileana was already a blur of motion. Parrying a blow from Romulus, she sidestepped a swipe from Remus, her movements as graceful as they were deadly. Steel clashed, echoing in the stillness of the night. They moved as one, testing her defenses. Ileana held her own, a testament to her skill honed over years of brutal training.
YOU ARE READING
A Court of Dusk and Shadows
Hayran KurguIleana knows that her sister is the key to saving their world. So when she has to travel to Prythian and stay behind so that Bryce can fulfill her destiny, then she accepts her fate. Despite the scowling Shadowsinger, who has to give up his blade t...
