Page 67 of North Queen
“Certainly not terrible,” he said, out of breath himself. “A little out of practice, but even so, the better of many men.”
“Out of practice?” she feigned offense. “You only got me because I slipped.”
He grinned and took a ready stance again. She attacked this time with an arcing side swing, and he used his blade to deflect it. She pursed her lips.Smooth. Very smooth. He countered with a swing of his own. She tried to mirror him, but she didn’t have his strength. He crossed his sword against hers and used it to push her backward and up against the fence near the weapons’ hold.
He smiled, his face close to hers. Their blades were still crossed between them as he pinned her.
“Did you slip again?” he asked.
Her eyes narrowed. Was he really teasing her? She pushed against him, but he didn’t let her free.
He winked. “Or did you forget how to defend yourself?”
Hewasteasing her. With her free hand, she whipped her knife from its sheath just inside her jacket and brought the tip to his chin. “Did you forget you gave this to me?”
His smile grew, and he gave a light chuckle. “No, but I did forget how good you are with it,” he admitted, “and how quick you are to use it.”
Norah grinned. “Does this mean I win?”
Their stares locked as they stilled.
“I think so,” he said. Then, quieter, “Although I have to confess, I don’t feel as though I’ve lost.”
Warmth coursed through her, despite the cold. He only needed to lean a little closer, and she could meet his lips with hers.
No—they couldn’t let themselves go there again.
As if he had the same thought, he pulled back, releasing her.
She drew in a breath, trying to regain her senses. “I’ve trained?” she asked, finding her words.
He shrugged. “Something like that.” He held out his hand for her sword, and she gave it to him. He took it and pushed it back into the weapons’ hold. “Sword training is not part of a princess’s curriculum, but you wouldn’t have that. So, growing up, every day you’d ask me to teach you what I had learned. We’d spend the evenings practicing in the back paddocks.” He gave her a smirk. “I’d say I’m an excellent teacher.”
She couldn’t help a laugh. His eyes burned bright, and he smiled back at her.
Then his face sobered. “I have to go,” he said.
“Oh.” She bit the inside of her cheek to hide her disappointment.Another wall. It was for the best.
“Your grandmother has committed my presence,” he explained.
A smile crept back to her face, and she nodded. That was better than a wall. “I understand. I should get back as well.”
He delayed a moment, and she hoped he might find a reason to stay.
“Good day, Queen Norah,” he said finally.
“Good day, Lord Justice.”
He gave a small bow and took his leave.
Norah walked back to her chamber, surprised by the morning. She could fight—somewhat. That was good to know. She suddenly became aware of Titus behind her again. Had he seen her? Of course he had. “Did you know I could do that?” she asked.
He motioned to the break in his brow. “How do you think I got this scar?”
She stopped, and her mouth dropped open. “Are you serious?”
He chuckled and shook his head. “No,” he said, and she scowled.
