chapter three/tres/theen

Prince Peter woke up to the soft morning sun that had just started on its daily routine. It was the crack of dawn. Getting off from the comfy king size bed, he stretched his sore limbs. Stifling a yawn, he trudged towards the window and pulled back the curtains. A panaromic view of the palace greeted him with the soft sunlight bathing it in a golden glow. He was staying in one of the towers that was situated on the outskirts of the palace grounds-one that he had chosen for his privacy.

While scanning the tranquil surroundings, his eyes landed on two figures moving in mock battle. A wild red mane and another of long luscious raven hair clearly indicated that it was Nicholas training his daughter. Swords flashed reflecting the morning sun as they sent blows at each other. After a long tense minute, Nicholas said something and Heena fell to her knees, holding her stomach in laughter.

Peter's lips strectched into a small smile at the sight of Heena's unrestricted carefree laugher. A sense of deep yearning arose in him. He did not comprehend what he was longing for but something about her stirred up mixed feelings in him. Shaking his head to clear up the peculiar thoughts, Peter went to freshen up and get ready for his morning training regime.

After taking a bath in the icy cold water and getting dressed in some brown slacks and a loose shirt, Peter left the tower for the arena where he had seen Heena training. It seemed to be a training ground for sure with its wide fields and huge inventories full of mean metal weapons sneering at him. When he reached the arena, shouts of laughter and adorable child talk reached his ears. When he entered the field, what he saw made him smile. "This girl has made me smile a month's worth in just two days," he thought to himself.

There, right in front of him, stood about thirty boys and girls ranging from four to ten years of age. Each had a battered wooden sword in his or her hand and cute tiny hands were flailing in the air as they copied Heen'a movements closely. Heena stood at the front teaching the defence postures.

"Hiyah!" thirty small voices rung in the air simultaneously as they attacked invisible opponents.

Peter walked up to the last row and stood beside a boy whose blond hair was sticking out awkwardly. He picked up a wooden sword just like the ones the children were using. It was only 30cm tall in height and weighed almost nothing. With a mischevous grin, he started swinging the wooden sword expertly.

"What?" Peter turned to the blond little boy who stoood mouth agape staring at him.

" Nothing. Just you know... watching," the boy mumbled, looking at Peter from head to toe.

Peter merely shrugged off and waited for Heena's attention. As expected, his towering frame of 6 feet easily garnered Heena's attention and she trudged towards him.

" This is a class only for children. can you leave?" Heena uttered in annoyance.

"Well, is there a class for adults then?' Peter asked with a solemn face as though he was truly upset to hear that he was not included.

"No, we don't," she replied curtly.

"Well, there shall be an aduult class then and you will be teaching me once this kiddy one ends."

"But...'

"No buts. I expect my order to be complied. After all, this is a direct order fromthe prince of Feraine and your soon-to-be king," Prince Peter said the final words and went off to stand at a corner to wait. Realising that she had to do as ordered, Heena cursed him silently under her breath and continued the lesson. Everytime she turned to face Peter, he smirked and waved at her to continue.

"That's all for today. We will meet at 7 as usual. Class dismisssed," Heena announced above the excited squeals and laughter.

After waiting a few moments for the class to disperse, Peter sauntered off to meet his hooded figure. Heena turned to face him when she heard his footsteps. A thought struck her when she saw Peter's smirk.

"Let's begin shall we?" Heena asked as she met Peter's eyes with a twinkle. The sudden change in her mood from anger to joy bewildered Peter.

Heena instructed Peter to lie supine on the wet grass.

"What is this postition? Attack while sleeping posture?" Peter joked as the smell of grass and mud flooded his nostrils. The short prickly grass was tickling his neck.

Heena then walked up front and staked a wooden board into the wet soil. Then she placed a catapault and a basket of stones in front of him.

"Hit the board using the catapault fifteen times. Hf you pass this first round, we will conntinue our lessons tomorrow," Heena said nonchalantly and strolled off.

Then, suddenly stopping her gait as though she forgot something, she turned around,"Oh and you cannot use your hands. I will be sitting behind observing you," she warned cheekily.

Peter glared at her in shock. How was he supposed to do that? Heena just shrugged at his reaction and calmly sat on the grass. Determined to win the challenge and meet his raven beauty again tomorrow, Peter gripped the catapault between his front teeth.