Page 69 of Shadow Queen
“No,” she said quickly, stopping him. “That’s not necessary. I’ve actually come for you.”
He lifted a brow. “For me?”
“Yes.” She smiled. “I have something for you. Come with me.”
He grinned and stepped promptly through the men.
She led him toward the stable, looking back at him. “How long are you staying?”
“As long as Alec allows, which probably isn’t very long.”
“No, I imagine it’s not.” Alexander, wanting to protect him, wouldn’t be happy with him in Kharav.
He looked at her with a flash of hope. “Maybe you could talk to him?”
“I don’t think I should cause any more aggravation with your brother.”
He frowned. “What do you mean bymore? Why would he ever be aggravated with you?”
They walked into the stable, and she waved her hand toward a shadow within. He followed her motion with his gaze, and his eyes grew wide. Soren stepped forward into view.
“The Destroyer,” Adrian breathed.
“You’ll address him as Lord Commander,” she said. “His proper title.”
“Yes, of course. Lord Commander.” Adrian bowed. “I mean no disrespect, I’m honored.”
The commander looked down at Adrian with a gaze that silenced him. “What’s your name, boy?” he rumbled.
“Adrian,” he managed to get out.
“How old are you?
“Just turned twenty, my lord.”
Norah hadn’t realized he’d had a birthday. The time was passing quickly in Kharav.
“What’s your hand?” Soren asked.
“Uh,” Adrian stumbled, “a bow.” He shook his head. “I mean, a sword.”
The commander frowned. “Well, which is it? A bow or a sword?”
Norah scowled. She’d asked the commander to make it meaningful, not intimidating.
“I’m keen with a bow, my lord,” Adrian answered. “But much better with a sword.”
The commander’s eyes narrowed. “Much?” He turned and pulled two swords from a side weapons wall.
Norah looked at him with uncertainty. She hadn’t expected this exchange.
The commander handed him a sword and then walked out of the stable. Adrian followed excitedly. Out in the paddock, they squared off and circled each other. Adrian seemed timid at first and gripped the blade tightly.
The commander made the first move and swung, testing. Adrian jumped back, his nerves getting the better of him. Soren took a step back, swinging his sword wide and bringing it back to ready. Adrian moved forward. He settled his stance in preparation for the next move. Soren advanced again, but this time Adrian hit his blade away and spun, swinging a counter. The commander deflected it easily, striking the sword from Adrian’s hand.
Norah stepped forward, but Soren put his hand up, stopping her. He nodded to Adrian, who picked up his sword and readied himself again. Her stomach twisted. The only thing worse than Alexander finding out about this was Alexander finding out with his brother in pieces. Perhaps this hadn’t been the best idea.
The commander swung hard this time, and Adrian darted away. Adrian launched his own attack. The commander met it with a counter of his own, and Adrian danced away. Soren cut his sword upward, again pushing him back, but Adrian was quick and struck his blade to the side in its arc. He spun and brought his sword down, grazing the pauldron of the commander’s shoulder.
