A Love Across Time

Chapter 14: A Dance of Swords and Shadows

Their eyes met for a fleeting moment, and Hera felt a rush of warmth spread through her at the sight of him. She quickly averted her gaze, suddenly feeling self-conscious under his intense scrutiny.

But before she could retreat, Jungkook stepped forward, a curious glint in his eyes as he approached her. "What brings you here, Hera?" he asked, his voice tinged with a hint of amusement.

Caught off guard by the sight before her, Hera's breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight of Jungkook standing before her, his muscular physique illuminated by the warm rays of sunlight filtering through the windows. The beads of sweat glistening on his skin only added to his ethereal appearance, giving him an almost otherworldly aura.

For a moment, Hera was rendered speechless, her mind overwhelmed by the sheer presence of the man before her. She had seen Jungkook in various states of dress before, but never like this, never with such an unguarded display of strength and power.

As Jungkook approached her, his eyes gleaming with curiosity, Hera felt a flush rise to her cheeks, a mixture of embarrassment and admiration coursing through her veins. She struggled to find her voice, her thoughts scattered by the intensity of the moment.

With a gentle smile, Jungkook reached out a hand, his touch sending a shiver down Hera's spine. "Are you alright, Hera?" he asked, his voice soft and reassuring. "You seem a bit flustered."

Hera swallowed hard, her gaze flickering between Jungkook's eyes and the mesmerizing sight of his bare chest. "I-I'm fine," she managed to stammer out, her voice barely above a whisper. "I-I just... wasn't expecting to see you like this."

Jungkook chuckled softly, the sound sending a warmth spreading through Hera's chest. "I apologize for the lack of attire," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "I was in the midst of my training when you arrived."

Feeling a rush of embarrassment wash over her, Hera quickly averted her gaze, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. "I-I should go," she mumbled, taking a step back. "I didn't mean to interrupt."

But Jungkook reached out, gently grasping her hand to stop her. "No need to rush off," he said, his touch sending a jolt of electricity coursing through Hera's veins. "I'm glad you're here."

"Let's have a round of duel, shall we?"

Hera's nervous smile faltered as Jungkook's words cut through the air, piercing her already fragile confidence.

"Sure Jeonha, I'd like to give it a try..."

She had hoped that Jungkook's exhaustion would give her an advantage, but now she realized her mistake..

As she struggled to lift the sword, she could feel the weight bearing down on her arms, almost as if it were mocking her feeble attempts. Her muscles strained against the burden, but it was no use. The sword remained stubbornly immobile, a stark reminder of her lack of strength and skill.

Jungkook's smirk only added to her embarrassment, his amusement at her predicament evident in his expression.

"I didn't expect you to be this weak, Madame Hera"

His taunting remark stung, igniting a flicker of frustration within her. She nervously clutched the handle of the sword, her palm sweating.

Hera's Pov

He sighed and moved closer while walking around me and stopping right behind me. I took a deep breath unaware of what he was up to before he wrapped his arms around mine and placed the sword in my hands.
I flinched at the sudden touch of his skin against mine.

My mind went immediately blank while my heart was racing to my head.

"You have to hold it with both of your hands like this"

He slightly squeezed my hand in his while I was holding the sword in my hand. I shut my eyes at the feeling and my chest heaved up.

"And then you lift it up while straightening your upper body."

He pressed his shirtless chest against my back while lifting the sword in our hands and swinging it.

His hot breath hitting against my neck and made me shut my eyes while trying to control my heavy breathing.

"You place your legs this way in order to balance your body"

He suddenly ran his fingers down my thigh, gently lifting one leg and placing it the right way while I was feeling the heat flood through my body and my heart race like crazy.

"Now you can swing the sword with balance"

With the help of the strength he provided me, we swung the sword in soft motions of the late summer breeze.

"Is it clear now?" He breathed out, not missing the reaction he has on me.

I shut my eyes at the feeling of his deep breath against my skin and nodded although all I paid my attention to was him and what he made me feel.

"I think I will give it a try" I slowly turned my head to the side and met his intense eyes.

My heart skipped a beat while looking at him not knowing how many seconds have passed while we were looking at each other but when he suddenly stepped back I got pulled back to the reality and gulped.

He quickly grabbed another sword while I took a deep breath lifted the sword the way he has taught. It was still too heavy for me but now I could handle it a little bit better than before.

He walked to his spot while I was staring at his back before we both got ready. He nodded and offered a sword salute with a smirk on his scarlet lips. I returned the gesture while biting on my lower lip.

He made the first move and cutted lazily at me. I raised my brow at his move, parried slowly and thrusted at him. He arched an eyebrow, stepped back and held out to keep me at bay. I bit my lips and slapped his blade aside and thrusted again.

Suddenly, Jungkook swiftly moved, his own sword grazing against the fabric of Hera's sleeve. With a sharp tear, the fabric split open, and Hera's eyes widened in surprise as the torn piece fell to the ground. Jungkook stood before her, a smirk playing on his lips as he watched her reaction.

Hera's heart raced at the realization of what had just happened. His precision and skill were evident, and she couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and admiration for him. Despite the unexpected outcome, she couldn't deny the thrill she felt from their brief exchange.

Looking up at Jungkook, Hera found herself speechless for a moment, her mind racing with a flurry of emotions. But as she met his gaze, she saw a glimmer of pride and satisfaction in his eyes, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment wash over her.

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As they walked along the corridors, Hera found herself filled with a newfound determination. When they reached a quiet corner of the palace, she mustered up the courage to ask Jungkook a question that had been weighing on her mind.

"Jeonha, I apologise for asking this to you, but will you please train me? I want to learn sword fighting," Hera asked, her voice steady despite the nervousness she felt.

Jungkook paused for a moment, his expression thoughtful as he considered her request. "Hera, I'll teach you the basics to guard yourself. But not now. You're not fully recovered," he replied, his tone firm yet gentle. "Once you've recovered, I'll teach you. For now, take rest. You've done really good today."

Hera nodded, a smile spreading across her face at Jungkook's reassurance. She felt a sense of gratitude towards him for his willingness to help her, and she knew that she could trust him to guide her on her journey to becoming stronger.

With a final nod of acknowledgment, they parted ways, each heading towards their own chambers.