Bright One | Empire of Blood and Swords Series

17. Imperial Court

The week went by very quickly. Athos introduced me to some of the sword-fighting techniques which I wold have to perfect. Both offensive and defensive. Most of the lessons I spent with Athos were either parrying or blocking. He wouldn't teach me more unless Ryker decides to let me go easy, says that my muscles will cramp and I'll be aching everywhere the next day.

"I would have to train you harder," Ryker said through gritted teeth after he came back from meeting with the others. "You barely passed the second section. How could you protect yourself once you're outside? Even with the chains, Seth is still able to hurt you. Imagine what others without chains could do."

I could only nod and hide my embarrassment. It's not like I expect them to go easy on me after that. My day is mostly packed up. In the morning, after having breakfast I have lessons with Zachery in the forest. After that I start training with Ryker, then my sword-fighting lessons with Athos. Only after all my lessons I was able to do my own things.

I rarely see the Wolfbloods in the castle. The only time I see them is during afternoon tea, where they must eat. But they hurry off after that to who knows where. I was starting to feel like everyone was ignoring me on purpose. And the uneasiness I felt wasn't helping either. Where was everyone? And where were Alex and Wěi Lóng? I couldn't block these questions anymore, so I dragged myself to Athos, who was on-break and talking with Nixon in the Meeting Room. Though it doesn't seem like he's on break with all the files and papers he was reading.

When I entered, he arched an eyebrow, so did Nixon. But they gave me their very best smiles anyway.

"Odette, how may I help you?" Athos asked.

"Umm. . ." I looked at Nixon before closing the door. Then I sat down in front of them. "I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"

"No, we were just reading," he gave a tight smile. What with all the papers and books, it didn't look like reading. Probably planning something, but I didn't push it.

"Is it all right if I ask something about the royals?"

Both of them gave me a questioning look before nodding.

"Ask away."

"Where are they usually off to? I know Rubio said that they spend a lot of time together, but I don't see them together," I asked, bitting my lower lip, feeling a little nervous.

"Well..." Nixon looked at Athos. "She's been here long enough, might as well let her know."

Athos nodded.

"They're visiting their grandmother," Athos replied calmly. "Queen Lucia Iris-Faye Esven."

"Wait, does she and King Thompson...not live together?"

He gave a low chuckle.

"They do, they share a room like couples do. I reckon after all these moons here you've never truly known this place."

I shook my head.

"You've been to the Main Tower, where the ballroom, throne room and dinning area is. Surrounding the courtyard are 6 other towers, arranged in a hexagon shape. You live in one of them, the one on the lower right, closest to the Main Tower.We call it the Tower of Guests."