The Red

Chapter 26

Stella P.o.v.

I sat high on the horse. However, I couldn't enjoy the morning breeze neither I could enjoy my ride. Riding horse was tough. Erwin always sat back of me and helped me learn. Now that both halter and hurdles were in my hands, I could hardly control the horse. Captain Lucas did teach me some gestures. I couldn't remember any of it in the actual situation.

"Your highness is clumsy as ever." Captain Lucas chuckled as he got off.

I rolled my eyes. Frustrated, impatience and stupid! That's how I felt like. My fingers were tightly wrapped around the halters and I had no intention of letting it go. I absolutely abhorred the idea of falling off the horse, INFRONT of the captain. The bitter face of Captain was still fresh in my memory.

"Alright. Enough of horse-riding. We are starting our actual practice today." He said, pulling the rope of my horse. He tied the rope on the wooden stand, especially made to tie the horses. 

I looked at him, feeling surprised and ridiculous at once. I didn't give a bit attention to his words and started to pick up my elegant dress, inelegantly.

"Here...," He said and gave me his hand. I got off the horse before his hand reached me. I was having a hard time to believe that this person standing before me was Captain Lucas.

"heh," I clicked my tongue, ridiculing him and his action.

He, however, barely cared my behavior. He was busy on his own thing. I looked at his big broad shoulders and thought, No doubt he is a captain.

Before I could say a thing, he picked up two swords and passed one to me. I was still in awe, unable to fathom his action. It felt as if he was there to make fun of me. I furrowed my brows, and smiled out of anger.

"Captain Lucas, you should stop already. If you really wanted to train me, you wouldn't bring me in this lady attire." I choked, tossing the sword in the ground.

"Did my words hurt your pride that you have personally come to ridicule of me?" I added.

He embraced the silence and let my words vanish in the thin air.

My fingers clenched on my dress, unable to stand his silent treatment. Really, I had grown to be more impatience and immature. The quiet and calm Stella was lost somewhere with the passing time.

I pulled up my dress a little and intended to get back to my chamber. From the beginning, I had no desire to be with this proud guy.

I walked, and watched him walk too. I could figure, he was trying to pick up the sword. Still, I didn't hold back and moved on.

"Aren't you the one being stubborn?" He spoke, with a soft tone.

What? I thought as I turned around. In the meantime, he threw the sword to me, again. I didn't bother to catch it this time. Just watched it drop in the ground.

"A true warrior is ready to fight no matter the attire." He said, closing the distance between us. His tall self didn't take long to reach my side and he again picked the sword.

"If I am to train you, I expect you to be ready at anytime." He said, pulling my hand and placing the sword in it.

I was astounded; a little bit embarrassed maybe.

"Very well," I responded, pulling the sword out of the scabbard.

Despite my long distracting dress, I positioned myself. I didn't want to lose my face for the second time. Also, I have been practicing swordsmanship by myself. I believe I had learned something despite practicing on my own.