Hidden Royalty [Hidden Royalty Trilogy: Book 1 ]

Chapter 38 : Joint Plan

"Hold it..." Merlin prodded with authority

Auria grunted , she felt like worms crawled inside her , her head ached from how much she forced it to concentrate

"And release "

Auria released the tension in her muscles and screamed a battle cry .
A ring of fire surrounded her and shot up with her still inside it , the flames danced and crackled daring anyone to come near . Merlin and Alyster applauded while she staggered to her knees once the flames disappeared , she huffed and puffed and her hair stuck to the sweat on her forehead .

"Well done Auria , next time try to hold it longer and not give it all your energy. That move will keep your opponents from coming near you and you can also control the flames " Merlin said

Merlin was an old man having short black and grey frizzy hair , lose skin and a slight hunch back . He walked with what he called a septar but it was clearly a walking stick and wore a blue baggy robe .

" But that needed lots of energy though , she got sweaty just summoning it " Alyster said in her defense

"That's true but it shouldn't leave you like this " Merlin replied pointing down at Auria who layed limply on the grass looking almost dead

Alyster grabbed a half empty water bottle and handed it to her , she leaned up and rested on her elbows as she chugged it down watching the knights .

They wore matching training clothes , grey sweats with the Kingdom crest at the back , and held sharp Katana's standing in perfect rows that formed one large square. They slashed and striked in unison being led by Xavier who stood outside the square infront

"Group defence ! " Xavier boomed

At that command the knights slashed their swords all round them and flipped kicked to the left and dodged non-existant swords and attacks , they stomped forward and leg sweeped leading back to their fighting stance ending in a short battle cry

"Merlin " Auria called

"Yes princess ? " He answered not looking at her

"Why did you suggest we train here ? "

He laughed lightly as if she had asked an obvious question " To be connected with your people princess . Look at you all... Warriors indeed , you're all fighting with strong will and determination all for the protection of Fiaree . There's something wonderful in being here with them , it spreads motivation and confidence that at the end of this attack we shall prevail "

Auria nodded feeling the weight of his words . They stood on the Knights training grounds , most of the knights were stationed in the centre of it while the legions were at the far end near the streams , up the flat hill were the archers and gunmen and Auria , Alyster and Merlin took up the shaded area near the entrance of the grounds .

"I'll be back , I need to have a word with Xavier" Merlin informed and walked off to the knights

"Hey Auria " Alyster said once Merlin was out of ears length

"Hm ? " She hummed

"Did something happen during your coronation ? "

"No , why ? "

"You seemed bothered through out the night , you even left early "

"I wasn't bothered I just felt... Surreal , everyone now knows who the Princess is . I guess I was still trying to let that in , and I left early because I was tired " she answered

Alyster examined her for a few seconds , his deep gaze and unreadable expression proved he didn't believe her " is that all ? "

She nodded and turned back to the knights . Alyster thought best not to prod and lied down on the thick grass using his arm as a pillow . Auria contemplated on Nathi's words during the coronation , the more she thought about it the more it made her feel anxious and confused . What she understood was the battles part , battles that would free Fiaree yet encage her and force many to learn what was hidden .