The Flight of the Eagle (Editing)

The Kiss

I'd not gotten to sleep in the tent that night, mother believed what Lyanna had said about my going home with some Third Son. Not that it truly mattered. I'd just wanted to talk to Amannah.

How dare he ask me to spy for him? My blood still boiled even as I sat next to my father in the pit awaiting the next little game. Even my father must have noticed how angry I was because he said nothing. Not even his usual little quips about how terrible I was. 

Why did everyone just want to use me? Was that all I was to people? A tool? Did no one see me as a person? Someone to treat with respect? 

I crossed my ankles and sat straighter when my father tapped my thigh. Right, Lyanna sat with perfect posture. I needed to pull my head out of my ass and focus.  

"Do you think you can win?" Father motioned to where the Lady from Clan Minlinah was fighting against the Eria. It was all straightforward moves. Eria was holding back for sure. Which actually surprised me. Maybe she decided to take pity on the poor girls this round.

I nodded, bored by this whole thing. I said nothing. Father preferred it that way. Which suited me just fine with the mood I was in. They'd not said what the winner got, but I didn't care. Whatever it was, I knew Lyanna would enjoy it. That's all that ever mattered to my family.

The girl in the pit against the High Lady got more points than the rest, which had me impressed. It seemed she was really trying to improve. Too bad I couldn't help her.... teach her. She could be a great fighter.

The air was warm today, which had everyone in a great mood after the gathering last night. Most of the other Lords were laughing with their daughters. I'd never had that with my father. I'd long stopped wishing for it. A good for us was if he didn't beat me.

A quick horn blow singled the end of the match. It was my turn. I stood up, tossed my red hair over my shoulder and jumped down into the pit as Lady Minlinah's father lifted her from the pit. He had a proud smile on his face, even though she'd not win. It was how it should be.

I walked to where the Eria stood, removing my daggers from my hips, waiting for the horn to blow again. To start the match. She pushed her messy dark hair from her face, smirking.

"Wait!" Everyone looked up to where the young High Lord sat with his father. "I will fight with Lady Lyanna."

There was a gasp from all around. No one had ever seen him in action, so all the rumors could've been fake. I wanted to roll my eyes and yell something snarky at him, but I refrained, just barely.

Instead I bowed my head low to the ground, "My Lord, I'd never raise a weapon to you. I'd rather forfeit. I'd rather die."

"Then you won't win the prize." He jumped down into the pit, giving his cousin a look that had her shrugging and leaning against the wall, shoving her axes into their holders. "Which is an entire day with me. A whole day, where you'll have my undivided attention." 

"I long for nothing more." I batted my eyes, twirling my daggers. I wanted to fight him, to show him all my anger from last night. But I knew my father wouldn't want that. Was it worth getting beat over? My back and thighs were finally healed... did I want to add to those scars?

His smirk had me rushing towards him, only to dodge when his foot tried to trip me. He was fast, faster than I thought, with all his broad muscles, but I was still faster. I knew his blows would probably go right through my defenses, so I just wouldn't get hit.

Which was easier said than done. His sword was like lightning, flashing so quickly through my vision. I didn't even know if the rules were the same. Whoever drew first blood won, but would that work with him or would that get me into trouble? Would drawing his blood get me killed? So many rules.