Head in the Clouds

Chapter 16: Master Swordsmen

"So you and Clyde aren't talking anymore?" Paul asked.

Deidre leaned away avoiding a fist to her face.

"Something like that," she answered. 

She grabbed his wrist, but Paul grabbed her's almost as quickly, so she wasn't able to take him down quite yet.

"Is this because of the princess?" Paul asked attempting to grab at her shoulder.

Deidre swung her body to the side throwing him off balance enough that twisting his arm was enough to make him topple over. 

"Not at all," Deidre said staring down at her battered friend, "You're really off your game today."

She offered him a hand, but his ego didn't accept it. Climbing to his feet without the aid of Deidre, he was sick and tired of being condescended by her.

"Give me a break, Sab," He groaned, "I was out late with Ava."

Deidre could feel her face get hot.

"For the thousandth time, stop calling me Sab!" She objected a bit childishly.

"But it suits you so well," he insisted.

Deidre glared at him, but he didn't relent. It was a name she was so graciously blessed with by Paul himself about nine years ago when they met.

***

Paul had just arrived in Jericho on his winter break from their royal boarding school and came to visit his cousins in the palace. Since Sparrow was still healthy at that time, he'd take Deidre to the palace with him whenever he would have to meet with the king. 

"Who's that?" Paul asked Carter. His eyes were focused on Deidre and Clyde sword fighting in the garden.

Carter looked through the window and saw his brother and Sparrow's daughter outside. He scoffed at the sight.

"She's Sparrow's kid," Carter practically spat, "He brings her around every once in a while."

Paul smirked looking out at them. Clyde had managed to knock Deidre's stick out of her hands with his own, but Deidre simply grabbed Clyde's out of his hand. She laughed victoriously as Clyde complained about how unfair her last move was.

"I've never seen a girl fight like that," mumbled Paul. He couldn't keep his eyes off her. She was so swift and concise with all of her motions.

"Yeah, and Clyde's taken a liking to her too," Carter practically spat, "Its always 'Deidre's so smart', 'Deidre's so pretty', 'Deidre's so great'. Yuk!"

Paul couldn't help but laugh at his cousin.

"Sounds like your jealous, Carter," Paul said.

"Of Clyde? Please! He's a wimp!"

"No, stupid, of Deidre," Paul claimed. His eyes remained on the pair as they started a new game, "I remember when Carter would beg you to play sword fighting with him."

Carter scoffed and looked back into his book. He would never let it show, but his comments really sunk in.

"Jealous of Deidre? Me, Carter, the next heir to the throne? Never! She was just some warrior's daughter who wished he could play with the boys. She's nothing compared to me- less than nothing. She's the filth that sticks to the bottom of my shoes when I visit the commoners!" His thoughts were nothing but pure hatred for the girl.

As he gazed out the window again, an idea came to him.

"Hey, Paul," Carter called. His cousin turned to him, "I have a great idea."