22. Duel

Sasha pov I’m getting impatient. With each passing day, my desire to have a proper conversation with Draco increases. Every day, I watch him work in the garden from my balcony and everyday I wish that we could at least be friends. Although he didn’t wash his body like he did that day, I watched eagerly hoping to catch a glimpse of his yummy torso.  Days passed by and things remained the same. It had been days since I had heard from Killian. Ever since he walked away from the dining table that day, I hadn’t really seen him. He even had his food ordered to be brought to his room. Not that I cared. I had realised how peaceful it was when I saw and heard less and less of Killian. Now I was more than sure that I didn’t want to marry that self centred asshole. He was nothing but a headache to me. However, my parents seem to be worried about this sudden change in his behaviour. They thought that he was very sick. So after three days of him restraining himself to his room, they visited him to find out what was going on. Of course, he was fine. He claimed that he was studying the old books his father had left behind so that he could learn everything he needed to.  I rolled my eyes at that thought. He was so pathetic and I think he is blowing everything out of proportion. I mean, yes I did threaten to disclose what he tried to do to me that day, but that was what he deserved for acting so irresponsibly. He doesn’t have to confine himself in his room after that just because I made him see his place.  He was so annoying. None of his qualities were appealing to me. I really should talk to daddy about breaking this stupid engagement. If nothing works, I would just tell him that Killian had once entered my room without my consent and tried to touch me inappropriately. If that doesn’t work, I don’t know what would.  Sighing, I walked downstairs. Since today was the weekend, my teacher wouldn’t come to teach me. So I had a day off today. Perhaps I could watch my human train. I chuckled at the thought. My human.  Shaking my head, I made my way to the first floor of the arena so that I could watch him without interfering with their session or them noticing that I was witnessing them in action. When I arrived, I saw how Draco skilfully dodged several attacks from Harold and managed to create a couple of attacks on his own. His skills and performance were impressive. Which meant that he had learnt all that is just a matter of weeks.  That meant he really had a knack for this. Maybe he was born to do this. Chuckling internally, I watched in awe as both of them fought against each other, and of course, keeping in mind not to really hurt the other with their sharp weapons. After all, this was just a training session.  Had Draco been a wizard, and possessed powers like we do, I would have suggested including him in the elite army of the king. He was that good with the sword, considering that he had trained for just a month. Well, he did train from the best anyway. They fought until Draco finally managed to pin Harold down.  That’s it. Draco had won.  “Yes! Finally!” I listened to his cheers as he jumped in excitement and punched the air. However, he was quick to gather himself and bow to his instructor, showing deep gratitude and respect, something I had never seen from Killian, even when he was studying wizardry in the academy.  We had attended the wizarding academy together, which is something all adolescents had to do before they turned seventeen. Wizarding academy was a place where we learned our basics and from there, we would decide our careers. Some kids choose to specialise in healing. We could heal small and minor wounds, but if it is a huge illness or a massive wound, we would have to get help from a professional healer.  Some kids chose to study business while others wanted to major in careers like engineering while some chose to go for combat training so that they could become recruits in the army. Me being the heir to the throne, meant I didn’t have any choice except to learn the subjects associated with wizarding politics. I remember attending same classes with Killian.  He too, being the son of the duke, took the same subjects as me and I had seen several times how disrespectful he was towards the teachers. Not to mention arrogant and conceited. I hated everything about that guy.  Smiling to myself, I decided to meet them and tell them how pleased I was with their performance. I was proud of Harold for actually being considerate and kind to Draco during the course of time he had trained him, something which I, sadly, had not seen among the majority of the knights and wizards of this realm.  However when I reached the arena, Draco was alone and Harold was nowhere to be seen. Draco was still practicing his moves on his own, and I watched with a silly smile on my face until he finally noticed that I was watching him.  “Your highness!” he gasped and hastened to bow down.  “I...I didn’t realise.” He stammered slightly. His chest was still heaving as he took deep breaths. He was in the middle of his training when I interrupted. Sweat trickled down his tanned skin while he heaved but it was obvious that he was enjoying this.  “Harold left?” I asked and he nodded in response.  “Training has ended. I am just waiting a little more to practice.” He replied.  “Ok.” I stated and took casual steps towards the stash of swords. I could feel his gaze at the back of my head. Smirking, I unbuttoned the heavy outer gown I was wearing, which concealed a pair of leggings and a tight top that stuck to my body like second skin. I removed my gown, which I had to wear because I was the princess and faced Draco after taking a sword from the stash. “Let’s duel.” I muttered through my smirk.  “H....huh?”  I swear that he had gulped down, hard as he averted his gaze from my body. Oh so perhaps he liked what he saw. That wasn’t my motive, though honestly I didn’t mind.  “Uh... Princess.... But....” he stammered.  “Oh it’s ok. This is just training.” I assured him.  While I was in the academy, I also trained well in combat. As queen, I had to be fit to fight and face anything that I might face. And that included war. “Ar....are you sure princess?” He sounded nervous and unsure.  I giggled. “Of course.” I replied and walked to the centre of the arena.  He reluctantly followed me and I made the first move, because I knew he wouldn’t start. He was good. But I felt that he could be better. He reciprocated each of my advances but I kept pushing him until I managed to unarm him and tackle him to the ground.  Of course he was shocked. I suppose he didn’t expect me to defeat him. Before I knew it, I was straddling him, holding my weapon to his neck. I had won. Slowly, careful not to injure him, I removed my sword and placed it on the ground beside him.  He kept gasping for breath and staring at me with wide eyes, clearly shocked with what had happened. It was a moment after I realised that we actually were in an awkward position. If anyone saw us right now, they would have thought that I was getting comfortable with a human servant.  Quickly standing up, I held out my hand so that I could help him get up. He was tired. I was certain about that. But still, he had managed to put up with me, someone who had been accustomed to duelling and had been training for the past four years.  “That was pretty good, Draco. I didn’t expect you to last more than a few seconds against me.” I told him honestly.  I truly meant it. He had been training just for a little over a month, but still had managed to duel for a couple of minutes against me. It could only mean that he was dedicated to this and Harold too was doing a good job.  I sure hope that Draco passes the test daddy gives him next month. He can then continue his training afterwards and hopefully become a master at this art.  “I...uh...” I suppose he was speechless.  I chuckled. He was so cute when he looked flushed.  “I mean it Draco. You have been training for just a little over a month. It usually takes a normal person about six months to learn the tactics but you have done it pretty fast I must say.” I told him, looking straight into his piercing blue orbs.  “Six months to learn and about five years to master this art. And that is what I hope for you. I wish you would become master.” I further explained.  “I am proud of you Draco. And let me tell you a little tip. Try to avoid the opponent’s blade rather than trying to block it. That way it will be easier to defeat your opponent.” I told him. He looked absolutely stunned. But then he bowed and nodded. Was that a small smile on his face? Whatever that was, he looked stunning.  “Thank you, your majesty," he replied. I cringed at that. Why can’t he address me normally? I want to be his friend. I think I would request daddy to make him my personal guard sometime later. That way I could bond with him better.  “You are welcome Draco. All the best with your test Draco. I just know you can do it.” I continued, hoping that it would motivate him to give his best. My gaze lingered on him for a long while. Was it normal for anyone to feel any sort of attraction or attachment towards a servant?  Forcing a smile, I tore myself away from him. I wore my gown and went straight to my room as fast as I could. I felt that if I stayed there any longer, I would get lost in a deep sea of emotions and find it hard to save myself from getting drowned.  Maybe a long relaxing bath would help me. I need to keep my feelings under control.