THE ROYAL ENEMY

CHAPTER 10- TIME IS RUNNING OUT

"Time you enjoy wasting, is not wasted time." -John Lennon

"Not all those who wander are lost." ― J.R.R. Tolkien

LEO

I walked quickly to the training ground, knowing Julia would kill me for being late, and if not kill, then she would at least go twice as hard on me. Turning the corner I ran the rest of the way. Julia came into view but she wasn't the only one.

"What are you guys doing here?" I asked Casandra, Edward and Bart, " If you're here to laugh at me-" Julia shook her head, "No," she said, " They are here to help you train."

I stared at her, "Why?" I asked, seemingly confused. She narrowed her eyes at me, " What day is it today Leo?" I shrugged, "Monday," she nodded.

"When is the masquerade" my eyes widened, "Friday," I whispered. She nodded, "You only have five days, and do you really think you can beat me?"

I glared at the ground angrily, not wanting to answer that question, she sighed and motioned to the others to come forward, they each grabbed a sword and came over.

"I'm not sparring with you for the next five days," she said and I immediately protested, " that's ridiculous, it's you I have to beat, how else am I going to win?," she glared at me for cutting her of and I glared back.

"Exactly," she said, "You will never improve if you are continuously facing the same opponent." She turned to Edward, "Edward will teach you speed and agility, he's the fastest at dodging, Bart will teach you strength and the opportune moment of attack and Casandra will teach you skill."

She gritted her teeth, "Bare in mind Leo, I chose these three, not because they are our friends but because-" she wavered slightly, clenching her fists. She let out a rugged breath, "But I chose them because they know the most about my fighting techniques, they know my weaknesses, and they can help you beat me."

I felt happy at this prospect and grinned, "Let's get to it then." I turned to them and smiled, none of them smiled back, just stared at me grimly, like what they were going to do wasn't going be fun but troublesome.

JULIA

"Keep your eyes on my feet and sword at all times," Edward shouted at Leo who was gasping for air as he tried to block of all his attacks.

Leo has been training for hours, three continuous hours of training with only one break to go to the restroom. At first Leo complained, he was tired and had no energy. I reminded him that he wasn't strong enough to beat me yet and that he only had five days, after that if he couldn't beat me, he would be sent into exile. That seemed to spur him on. Maybe I should give him a break?

I heard footsteps behind me and watched as a palace maid rushed over to me, curtsying before addressing me. She spoke quickly then ran off. I stood up slowly and motioned for Edward to stop, he put down his sword and Leo came over.

"What did she want?' He asked, gesturing to the way the maid had left.

I let out a long breath, "Uncle wants to speak to me about your progress," Leo tensed when I mentioned his dad. I watched him worriedly, and then looked back at the castle, "Do you want to come with me?" He looked reluctant, then nodded.

I turned to the others and smiled gratefully at them,

"Thank you so much guys, we'll call it a day, but you'll help out tomorrow, right?" They nodded and Leo and I made our way to the throne room.

LEO

To say I was nervous would be an understatement. There were caterpillars in cocoons that were turning into butterflies, in my stomach. My palms were sweaty and moist, my body temperature had risen, and my eyes were glazed.