The Marí

Part 15

The covers were yanked away and the curtains were flung open with a ferocity that matched the growl of an enraged beast rudely jolting me from my slumber.
"Get up, milady," came Hena's stern command her voice slicing through the stillness of dawn, groaning in annoyance I begrudgingly sat up in bed my eyes heavy with sleep as I met her formidable gaze.
"Christ! Hena it's barely morning," I grumbled irritation thick in my voice my body still ached from yesterday's relentless dance lesson and now I wasn't even allowed a decent sleep? Hena's expression remained unmoved her features set in a mask of determination and an unforgiving scowl.
"The sun rises for no one, milady," she retorted her eyes steely "And neither does your next lesson." With a resigned sigh I flopped back onto the bed and pulled the covers over my head hoping to steal just a few more moments of rest but before I could settle a sudden shock of ice-cold water drenched me soaking my bed and clothes. I gasped in horror the chill seizing my breath as I scrambled to sit up, water dripping from my hair and pooling around me. Hena's stern gaze didn't waver as I hiccuped, shivering from the sudden cold that pierced through my drenched clothes the shock jolted me fully awake washing away any remnants of sleep with it. Anger flared inside me as I sat up, water dripping down my face and pooling on the sheets.
"What in the world, Hena!?" I spat my teeth chattering as I pushed the wet hair from my face.
Hena crossed her arms, her expression unyielding "You left me no choice mi lady, time waits for no one and neither can we afford to." The morning light streaming through the window illuminated the resolute set of her jaw making it clear she had no regrets about her methods. I groaned swinging my legs over the side of the bed the soaked fabric clinging uncomfortably to my skin "This is madness," I muttered under my breath.
"Madness or not, your lesson begins in thirty minutes," Hena replied her voice softening slightly as she handed me a dry towel "You have more potential than you know milady but only if you rise to meet it."
I took the towel from her the frustration slowly ebbing away as her words sank in. She wasn't just being harsh for the sake of it—she was being wicked and unthoughtful!!
"Fine," I muttered angrily under my breath casting a weary glance toward the window where the first faint light of dawn was beginning to filter through.
"I'll wait for you outside milady," Hena declared her chin held high in resolute defiance as she turned to leave she beckoned the maids who stood at attention behind her, signaling them to prepare me for the trials that awaited in my lesson.
The maids prepared my bath, carefully collecting my soaked clothes while I sat undressed my head resting tiredly on the desk. The cold air nipped at my exposed skin forcing me to stay awake despite my exhaustion. After a warm bath the maids dressed me in a light thin garment that did little to shield me from the chill.
Stepping outside, a shiver raced down my spine as the biting wind assaulted my barely covered form. The thin fabric offered scant protection and I couldn't help but silently curse Hena's choice of attire for my lesson the maids led me to the back of the inn where a makeshift training ground awaited. As my eyes locked with Hena's, I made no effort to hide the frown of annoyance etched on my face, how was I supposed to focus on a lesson when I was freezing to the bone? I rubbed my arms in a futile attempt to chase away the chill and cast a glare at Hena, daring her to acknowledge the discomfort she had inflicted her expression remained impassive betraying not an ounce of sympathy "Milady, do not let the elements defeat you before you begin," she chided her voice sharp as flint. "The Maríhín dance demands resilience and cunning and if you falter here, you are not prepared for what awaits."
A shiver ran down my spine though whether from the biting cold or the weight of her words I couldn't tell, I clenched my jaw forcing myself to stand taller despite the chill that wrapped around me like a vice "And what if I don't make it through this test?" I challenged my voice steadier than I felt.
Hena's eyes narrowed a hint of a smirk tugging at her lips "Then you'll know where you stand mi lady but do not mistake this as cruelty; it is preparation there are battles where warmth and comfort will be distant memories." I groaned loudly, knowing that any further protest would fall on deaf ears, bracing myself against the cold I stepped into the center of the training ring where she stood unmoved.
Her words cut sharply through the crisp morning air, laced with a hint of challenge
"Remember when I told you the Maríhini dance is a test of wits? Today, we test yours."
I couldn't suppress a scoff at her proclamation "Is that why I'm dressed like this!?" I asked ridiculously eyeing my attire once more with disbelief and frustration the ensemble she had chosen for me left little to the imagination as usual: a tight top barely covering my midriff paired with pants that started below my waist and ended at my ankles leaving my feet bare against the cold ground, I struggled to see how this scanty outfit was meant to prepare me for a dance that was supposed to test intelligence.
"Pick your weapon, Princess," Simon's voice cut through my thoughts, drawing my gaze as he stepped into the training ground his unexpected presence added an intriguing twist to the charged atmosphere sending a rush of adrenaline through me. Illuminated by the morning light he was shirtless and undeniably captivating. His wet hair fell into his blue eyes enhancing his allure while his sun-kissed body seemed to glow, every defined muscle hinting at strength and power that left me breathless as he approached a playful smile danced on his lips causing a flush of heat to rise in my cheeks, his chuckle resonated melodiously sending a shiver down my spine. With deliberate slowness he took my hand and brought it to his lips in a tender kiss the warmth of his touch sent a jolt through me and for a fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still as we exchanged a silent look filled with unspoken emotions.
"Milady, your weapon," he said the sternness in his voice snapping me out of my daze as he gestured towards a cart at the other end of the ring.
"Um... right," I stammered still captivated by his imposing presence. Folding my arms against the biting wind, I walked toward the cart I didn't need to search for long—my eyes immediately landed on a bow and a set of arrows. "Test of wits, huh? Let's do this," I muttered to myself a confident smile spreading across my face as I reached for the weapon.
"Excellent choice mi lady," Simon remarked admiration and challenge mingling in his tone. He signaled for me to return to the center of the ring and I obeyed with confidence knowing he had no idea just how skilled I was with a bow, taking a deliberate step back, Simon's eyes met mine as he issued his next command. "Shoot me."
"What? No, I can't..." I protested my voice faltering as uncertainty gripped me a sudden chuckle broke through the tension. "You haven't done anything wrong, Simon," I said, my tone softening "So, no, I will not shoot you. Are you mad!?" The absurdity of the command struck me and I shook my head bemused, this wasn't a battlefield or a duel—it was a training ground and Simon was no enemy. If anyone, Hena was more deserving of an arrow to the skull a dark thought that made a small grin spread across my face.
My lapse in focus cost me—Simon struck swiftly, the blow landing squarely in my stomach and knocking the wind out of me,  I doubled over clutching my abdomen as warm metallic taste filled my mouth-blood.
"And now?" Simon's voice cut through the haze of pain his tone ominous as he circled me menacingly in the ring despite the agony, I sensed the challenge embedded in his words.
How did he move so swiftly? It seemed almost inhuman with a determined grimace, I forced myself to rise anger fueling my resolve. My hands trembled as I grabbed an arrow and slotted it into my bow, aiming fearlessly at his head the weight of the moment pressed down on me heavy and suffocating. Frustration flared deep within as Simon snatched the arrow from the air effortlessly his movements too fast, too smooth to follow.
"Again," he commanded a meticulous smile curving his lips, his eyes glinting with something unreadable. I complied launching two arrows with all the force I could muster, to my dismay he caught both mid-air without so much as a flinch.
A growl of frustration escaped me as I aimed and fired another arrow, then another faster this time. I kept going, one after the other until Simon was finally forced to dodge an arrow grazed his arm, leaving a small bruise—a tiny victory but before I could savor it he surged toward me in a blur, weaving through the onslaught of arrows. In one swift motion he knocked me to the ground his weight pressing down on me, pinning me with ease.
"Excellent shot, milady," he praised though his voice carried a note of disappointment "But you're not fast enough." He sighed releasing me and offering a hand to help me up.
I scowled swatting his hand away and rising on my own brushing off the dirt with a sharp glare. Simon continued, his critique firm "If you fight like that in Maríhìni, you'll be dead in no time Princess." With that, he turned and walked away leaving me stewing in frustration.
"Show off!" I yelled after him but he only chuckled the sound fading as he disappeared from view. Left alone I regrouped with Hena and her maids who indicated it was time for a break. After a quick clean-up and a moment to catch my breath I reluctantly resumed my normal routine, joining Hena for another round of dancing on an empty stomach. We danced for what felt like an eternity with Hena chanting the need for perfection my stomach slightly numb from earlier only added to the anguish.
Finally, Hena called an end to the session and sent me off with the maids this time I received far fewer whips than before—a small sign of improvement, at least.
Back in my chambers, I greeted Hena's arrival with relief as she entered, carrying a tray laden with steak and a peppery sauce. I devoured the meal eagerly, grateful for the sustenance after the grueling day of training. Hena insisted I drink a potion she had prepared, promising it would aid in healing my wounds and easing my stress. I downed it quickly, washing the taste away with water before settling into the warmth of my covers. Hena bid me goodnight, her voice softening as she closed the door behind her. Exhaustion wrapped around me heavy and undeniable, i was too tired to let thoughts of home or escape trouble me tonight. Yet fragments of the day stayed gnawing at the edges of my mind. I couldn't help but reflect on my performance at the training ground. For someone who rarely missed her mark the ease with which Simon dodged my arrows was unnerving. His speed, his agility—it all seemed beyond human knowing fully well that he barely broke a sweat, i tried to convince myself it was just years of rigorous training that set him apart but doubt lingered. Whatever the truth truly was, I was too drained to contemplate it further or think of plans for escape. All I wanted now was rest.