marexmaven ;)

Chapter Four: Maven

Before our training session, I was more nervous than I'd like to admit. For one, I hadn't practiced in at least a month, and two, I didn't want Mare and Evangeline to see me mess up. I had been doing weight training and general exercises, but that's obviously a lot different than ability training. 

I left my crown in my room and sent for guards to escort the two to the arena. Evangeline was going to be pissed off by Mare's presence, but I always have a plan. She should know that by now. 

I entered the changing room to put on a skin tight uniform. It was black with red trim, like everything I wear. 

I had Ptolemus and an Arven come in to make sure nothing went out of hand. A healer was also close by. I knew Ptolemus would have a bias where his sister is concerned, but I trust him more than Samson. The Arven was to dull my and Evangeline's abilities when we were sparring Mare. 

I sat and waited on a bench for everyone else to enter. I surveyed my bitten nails. It was a bad habit that I've had since I was young, and I could never get rid of it. Not even my mother could remove it. 

The door burst open, and Evangeline strutted through with Mare as far behind as possible. When they stood next to each other, I could see how bad Mare's condition was. This would be good for her. 

Evangeline crossed her arms and said, "Why is she here? She's your prisoner, not your equal!" 

I huffed out a breath and stood up. I walked over to her until we were only about a foot apart to emphasize my height over her. She had to look up to glare into my eyes. "Don't question your king," I growled. Lowering my voice, I added, "You should know by now that I do everything with a purpose." 

She scoffed. "If you say so, Your Highness. But that won't stop me from tearing her to pieces." 

I smirked and replied, "You can try," pointing my chin at the Arven. She paled. 

Mare snorted, and I had to turn away to hide my smile. I didn't need to explain further. I strided to the center of the circle and clasped my hands together. I swiveled to my right. 

"Mare, since this was your idea, why don't you go first?" 

She scowled in annoyance. "We can't at least get a warm up first?" 

Evangeline laughed at her. "You're the only one that needs it." 

Mare spit at her feet with impeccable precision and retorted, "We'll see how that goes when you have to fight without your metal." Evangeline showed no fear, but we could see through her. Rings covered her fingers, but they wouldn't be of much use now. 

"Is that a challenge?" she asked, raising her chin. 

I stepped back, grinning. I was excited to see how this would go. 

They stalked around each other, and I could see the sparks return to Mare's eyes. She might be weaker than usual, but the adrenaline could perhaps make up for it. She made the first move, sweeping her opponent off her feet. She grabbed Evangeline's throat, gripping hard enough to bruise. I can imagine she's wanted to do this for a long time. Evangeline punched her across the face, flipping them over so she was on top. She held down Mare's wrists and pushed on her collarbone with her knees. Mare lifted up her legs, getting hold of Evangeline's shoulders and slamming her backward. Her head hit the floor with a cracking sound, and she was barely conscious. Out of the corner of my eye, Ptolemus lunged forward to help her, but the Arven held him back. They had to wait for her to signal surrender. Mare put all her weight on Evangeline's upper body with increasing pressure, and after a few moments, we heard a forced snarl saying, "Stop. You win." Mare didn't get up, and she started choking. Ptolemus dragged Mare off his sister and rushed to her side. He shouted for a healer, and I went over to Mare. 

"Not bad?" she asked, hands on hips. A smile danced across her lips as she stared at the girl everyone saw as invincible incapacitated on the ground. 

"Not bad," I repeated, watching her mouth. I knew she noticed, but I honestly didn't care enough to stop. She leaned forward a little bit, and I matched her movement. We were only a few inches apart when she suddenly jerked away. She laughed loudly at me, and I was embarrassed to realize what she just did. 

"You wish, Calore," she said, still chuckling. "You wish." I rolled my eyes and stomped away. Working out must put her in a better mood than I thought. 

This time Mare stepped into the center of the circle and looked at me, smirking. 

"It's your turn to lose, Maven."