The Prince of Thius

Chapter 7

The next day Alexander woke up to the sound of swords. He sat up still in pain. Touching his side he felt bandages. Looking around he found that he was the only one inside the cave. Remembering last night he suddenly felt sad. He had been a demanding brat. Though his side still hurt a bit Alex stood and slowly made his way to the back of the cave. He found Selena sitting to the table she had been sitting at the night before with Reggie still asleep on a makeshift bed against a wall.

"Good morning Alexander," Selena said giving him a small smile. Alexander smiled back though not being able to look her in the eyes.

"Morning. About last night, I'm sorry I was being a demanding brat," he said softly. "I shouldn't have yelled." Selena looked at him curiously with a raised eyebrow before she stood.

"Alexander, I realized a long time ago that you acted like a brat to get your father's attention. I know that in the short time you have been away from the castle you have been forced to grow up. But I want you to understand something," she said standing in front of the table leaning on it. Alexander looked up at her when she paused. "There is a difference in being spoiled and demanding what you feel you are entitled to have and being a man and demanding what you feel is your duty. Last night you showed that you were no longer a spoiled brat only caring for himself, but a man ready to fight and die for his people. You should be proud because although I am scared you will die I am still proud," she finished with a smile. Alexander smiled back at her. He had never been told by someone that they were proud of him.

"Thank you," he said standing up straight with a small wince. He eyed Reggie who still was sound asleep. "You will protect him right," he asked not wanting the boy who helped him so much to be hurt.

"He is my family, my nephew. Even if you didn't care I would still protect him," Selena answered.

"Family?"

"That is a story for another time. For now worry about getting better," she said putting her hand on his shoulder. "Come with to watch your friends train." She then led him outside where Alex saw twelve men and women sparring with one another. The movements were fluent and quick, each seeking an opening on their opponent. Selena and Alex stood on the sidelines with other Legionnaires.

"When will I be able to join," Alex asked itching to learn.

"Well I was informed that you have three bruised ribs so as long as that is kept bandaged and you don't strain yourself you can start in four days time," Selena answered before something caught her attention and she walked forward. "Stop," she shouted causing them all the cease and look at her in wonder. "Katherine correct," Selena asked as she approached the twin. She nodded and Kaleb walked away from his partner over to them.

"Did I do something wrong," Katherine asked.

"No not at all. Give me your sword." Katherine handed Selena her sword. Dropping it to the ground Selena then took her bow off her back along with a bow and handed then to Katherine. "Shoot the tree," Selena said pointing at the tree right across from them. Confused still Katherine clumsily notched the arrow and with Selena's guide drew it back. Aiming Katherine let out a breath and Kaleb, Selena, and Fredrick who Katherine was sparring with stepped back. Katherine had no idea what she was doing but it felt right. Holding her breath she let go of the arrow sending it flying through the air. It hit the tree with a loud thwack and Katherine grinned. Selena put a hand on her should and smiled taking the bow. She then handed it to Kaleb who just looked at it. Selena gave him an arrow and pointed at the tree. Shaking he then followed what is sister had done not calming until he was aiming. Swiftly he then let the arrow go in between breath hitting the tree only slightly to the left of his sister's arrow. They grinned at each other and high fived. Again Selena took the bow but instead of returning it to her back she called out again.