Matches

Part Four:

"I'm going to beat you soon," Felix panted. "Admit it."

"You are improving," she commented. Something about him was startling her. His hair falling out  of his bun and framing his face and his tired yet determined manner seemed to draw her in. 

"I'm starting to figure you out," he stated and stood up straight to grin. "Even though you're a closed book," he added. 

"And what's that?" She had to look away or else he'd catch her stares. He hesitated and she chuckled. He hadn't figured out anything at all. Only being able to predict some of her moves. 

"Why are you so mysterious?" he inquired while being able to speak without needing to catch his breath. 

"What's it to you? It won't help you fight any better," she muttered and then moved away, uncomfortable from his gaze. 

"It might," he contradicted. 

"It won't."

"How about a deal, every day we meet you just answer a few questions. Practically harmless," he insisted. She rolled her eyes.

"What happened to you not caring about anyone or anything except training and matches?" she demanded, finally meeting his eyes.

"It is training. I'm studying my opponent," he snapped. "You're like a ghost that I can't land a hit on right now."

"So you think knowing more about me will let me be less transparent?" She hesitated before adding: "How about you just study not getting your ass handed to you." 

She turned away from him and grabbed her things to leave. She was done with him trying to pry into her life just because he was a sore loser. He was right behind her though and decided the training wasn't over. He swung his sword and she ducted right in time. She turned around with no weapon and instead threw a punch straight for his gut. He stumbled back as she advanced. Still weaponless she jumped forward and pushed him to the ground. 

"I'm Felix!" he shouted and right as she had him pinned down.

"What?" She loosened her grip on him and looked at him in confusion. He took that advantage and forced her to the ground. 

"I said: I'm Felix," he panted. "I am the second son of Rodrigue and the only person I am close to is that boar of a prince after my brother was killed," he continued.

"And what does any of that have to do with me?" she struggled but one thing he did have on her was strength. 

"It's your turn now. I technically won so now it's your turn to answer my questions," he answered yet never loosened his grip. He stared at her waiting for her to comply and Em couldn't avoid it. 

"Fine," she said after struggling for a few moments. He grinned before deciding what to ask.

"Who is your father?" he asked. She kept quiet though and didn't budge when he put more weight on. "You have to answer!"

"Next!" she snapped. He glared at her just as she did him but he finally gave up.

"Em, what is it short for?" he then asked.

"Is that really important? That has- " 

"Answer the question," he growled. 

"Emery," she finally answered. 

"Well well well what do we have here?" Dimitri boomed from the entrance. Felix scrambled off her and brushed himself off.

"We were just training," he stated while not even given it a second thought. He was back to his cold stone demeanor. It would seem as if nothing actually happened except for the blush still on his cheeks. She slowly got off the floor and gave Dimitri a smile for a greeting before heading over to her things. 

"Looked like it," Dimitri chuckled but didn't press on. "I came for Em. Lady Rhea wants a word with you," he explained turning his attention to Em. She nodded and grabbed her things so they could leave yet didn't forget to give him a small glance.

"Tomorrow?" he asked quietly for only them to hear. 

She shook her head.