Serena

Chapter 5 Phoenix

April 16th 1740

Serena

"First position." With my toes pointed outward I held my hands before me. "Second position." I spread my legs and my arms with grace. "Third position." I dropped my left arm and put my right foot before my left. "Fourth position." I lifted my left arm into the air. "Fifth position." I lifted both of my arms into the air and moved forward on the ends of my point shoes as my instructor ordered.

My instructor ended the lesson and I dropped down to the souls of my feet. Sitting down on the floor I began unlacing my shoes.

"You're getting quite good at this." Xavier stopped by my side.

I slipped off my shoes, waiting for everyone to leave the room. I stood and met Xavier's lips with mine. His hand slipped up my thigh and I moaned against his mouth. As usual he pulled away far too soon and left me breathless.

"I have a good instructor." I grinned at him.

He chuckled as he touched my arse.

"What will you be teaching me today?" I asked as we began walking toward the door.

"Sparring." He opened the door for me and I left the room first. Xavier would make his way out a couple of minutes after me, so we didn't look suspicious. Part of the non-suspicious act meant that he gave me no special treatment during lessons with him. He whipped me despite our harmless our little affair. I think he kind of enjoyed it.

I dumped my ballet stuff in the barracks before changing into a white top and the trousers I actually accepted now. It was far easier to fight when your legs weren't trapped and restricted by a skirt.

I met my class outside on the grass behind bulk of the school building. A circle had been set up as the boundaries for sparring. I exchanged a brief look with Alexandra. We weren't best friends as such; we were more just casual friends for the time we spent at this place; helping each other, but not willing to take the bullet.

"Today I'll be teaching you hand to hand combat. How to knock someone out without hurting yourself in the process."

Xavier prowled inside the circle. "Miss Harrison." He called Kylie into the ring. "Wrap your hands around my neck." He instructed and I watched attentively as she grabbed a hold of his neck.

"To break out I just bring my elbow down on your arm." He broke free before gesturing to then jab her in the face with his elbow. "I know women are often seen as easy targets. But I assure you, once we are through, no one will be able to lay a finger on you."

Xavier grabbed a hold of Kylie's neck and she broke his hold with her elbow before jabbing her elbow toward his face. I practiced with Alexandra. It was an easy move.

The next move Xavier showed us was more complex and was meant to drop your opponent to the ground as swiftly as possible. Alexandra grabbed me ground behind and I threw my weight forward, somersaulting so she landed on her back under me. We switched roles.

"Serena." Xavier called me into the ring.

The girls parted a way for me and I held my hands behind my back as I stood before him.

"Grab my wrist." Xavier thrust his fist toward me. I wrapped my hand around his wrist. He then pulled me toward him and my heart leapt at my body being close to his. "Hook your ankle around mine." I did as I was told and he fell gracefully to the ground. "Good. Now I want each of you to use all three moves with your partner. Try and drop them as quick as possible."