The Hidden Princess: Secrets Revealed (Book Two)

Chapter Five: "I'll watch out for her, Alex, just like we promised,"

"Was I this embarrassing my first week?" I asked as I stood watching the candidates practicing their sword drills. A handful knew what they were doing but there was a large number while others were trying too hard to impress the Dragons.

My brothers laughed. "You were worse..." they all said.

Shaking my head I glared at them. "I had a lot more to lose than they have," I argued.

Benedict walked over placing a hand on my shoulder. "And you proved you deserve a spot here. Now, why don't you go help some of those poor kids out," he said, shoving me forward.

Pausing, I twisted to look over my shoulder. "Should I help them like you helped me?" I asked.

The four looked at each other with grins on their faces. Their form of "helping" usually ended in forming bruises on my body.

"It whipped you into shape didn't it?" Alakay asked.

Laughing, I nodded before jogging off to correct some stances. "Henry, if you hold your sword that tight someones gonna come along and with a quick stroke disarm you," I said, standing in front of one of the boys trying too hard. His knuckles were turning white with how tight he held his sword. Quickly I pulled my sword and hit his, sending it flying to the ground. "And your wrist doesn't feel so great after that does it?" I asked, watching him pick it up.

"But if I hold it too loose it will just slide out," he said.

Sighing, I stood beside him and showed him how I held my sword. "You have to find the middle ground. Your right if you hold it too loose it does no good, but if you break your wrist in battle that doesn't do much good either," I grinned, before moving onto another boy.

"Are you trying to take my job?" Erik asked, walking over to me as I corrected another boy's footing.

Smirking, I looked up at Erik. "Not trying, I am. Someones got to actually teach these boys and not just stand off judging them," I said, sidestepping to be out of reach of Erik's arms.

"Why don't you go spar with Rowen. He could use a challenge," Erik said, nodding to where Rowen was practicing his steps.

Jogging over, I silently stood watching for a moment. "Seems like you've been trained," I said expecting him to falter with my sudden appearance. He didn't, he spun and stood looking at me.

"Haven't we all?" He asked.

I nodded, starting to circle him. "Yes, but you can tell some were trained simply for show. You were trained to defend," I said, lunging at him slightly shocked by his quick response. I grinned as we continued. It was good practice with my brothers but to face someone my age that was a nice change.

"Why do you use your non-dominant hand?" Rowen asked after a few minutes.

I stumbled unprepared for the question, grimacing as I felt his practice sword hit my side. Spinning away, I stood a few paces off gathering myself. "How'd you know?" I asked as not many people knew.

"Your left hand keeps moving as though it wants to be the lead. You're almost fighting with yourself to keep your left hand down," he said, lunging at me.

However, this time I was ready. I bent low, sweeping my leg and bringing him to the ground. I quickly got to my feet and stood above with the point of my sword at his throat. "Maybe someday I'll tell you," I said, pulling my sword back and helping him to his feet. "You're good, Rowen," I said. He nodded.

"Thanks, but you beat me with your non-dominant hand. I can't be that good," he said, shaking his head.

I stood watching as he walked off.