My breathing is a bit ragged. Sweat is dripping down the side of my forehead and my neck. But I do not stop. I attack, dodge, parry, strike. Even if my arms hurt as hell. Even if my legs threaten to fail me any second.

Because, if I want any chance to succeed, I will have to embrace pain. Make pain your dearest friend, my training master, General Yen used to say, embrace it and it will give you the greatest of the greatest gift- strength to overcome your difficulties. This is one of the first advice he's given to me when I started my training with him. And I intend on doing as he say.

I take a deep breath, readying my senses anew and raise my sword higher.

"You can't beat me, Westlyn. Not before and certainly not now." The Captain of the Prince's Guard, Leven, says, smirking.

If only can I wipe that smirk off his face, I will be satisfied. But of course, he is right, to some extent. Whenever we spare, he somehow gets the upper hand and wins. But I can't allow that, not today.

He is one of the best fighters of Elisyar, and the only one yet to be beaten by me, and maybe this has gotten into his head. Such confidence, such arrogance...

"Honestly Lyn, you ought to surrender. I know you're tired." He says, as though he isn't. And then as fast as lightening he strikes. The tip of his sword grazes my upper arm before I can deflect his blow, and blood starts dripping.

He's tricked me. I know because now he is grinning as if he has the whole world under his feet.

Fool, I curse myself for not remembering General Yen's another fruitful advice, and the most important one. Never let your opponent distract you. Because a distraction is what a great strategist is looking for, for he intends to land a killing blow at that instant.

And maybe that is also the reason why he's the Captain and I, just a mere soldier under his command.

I aim for his legs, and he jumps high while vertically bringing his sword towards my head. I leap sideways, but he is more quick. Having correctly anticipated my next move, he wedges his leg in between and I stumble. In no time, his sword is on me.

"Surrender." He says, his voice clearly showing his breathlessness. I, too, am tired. I nod and he helps me up.

"Don't think so highly of yourselves. You have been appointed as the Captain, but that doesn't mean you can't ever be beaten. And then, you are just the Captain of Prince's Guard, not of the whole army." I make a face and then regret, for it is pain, that I try to, but cannot embrace it right now.

"We'll see." He says mockingly. "For now, let's get you to the infirmary." Before I can refuse, he continues. "Yes, yes, I know you think that these wounds inspire you and therefore need to heal naturally and whatever else you believe that really makes no sense, but tonight we have a special ball to attend. You cannot look as if you have been trampled beneath horses."

Is he insulting me or merely showing he cares about my reputation? I do not know. I shake my head.

These parties are not particularly my cup of tea. The courtly manners and politics are headaches. Something even if I try to understand, I cannot figure it out. The only best thing is the food, which, of course, I try to eat as gracefully as I can.

Leven is staring expectantly at me, urging me to get my wounds checked.

"You know I don't like attending these stupid parties." I groan inwardly. "So I've decided I won't come."

"As a daughter of the King's brother, you are expected to attend." He says, as if this is obvious. Maybe, it is. And I cannot shy away from my responsibilities. But, still. "And besides," he continues, "the Prince wouldn't like it if his dear sister does not help him find his bride, the future Queen of Elisyar."

Well, he has a point. The Crown Prince, Alexander, is more of a brother to me than cousin.

Ever since my parents death, he's always taken care of me. Being the Crown Prince, he had many responsibilities, but still he made time for me. And now I can't deny him. I sigh.

"Alright, let's go." I say to Leven, who beams with a kind of happiness which says he has succeeded in his attempt to coax me into doing whatever he wants.

Stupid of him, if he thinks that way. Because it's my brother I'm doing all this for.

After getting my wounds checked, we part our ways. Leven goes to check the security arrangements of the Crown Prince.

He's not much older than me, two years at most, and I envy him for being much more skilled. We have trained together. Leven is Prince Alex's best friend, and the son of Lord Devon. His fine skills impressed Prince Alex and he decided to keep him his personal guard. After that, his guard kept on expanding, consisting mostly the young fighters full of excitement, I being one of them, and Leven was appointed the Captain. I envy him, yes, but I know he's superior than me and much more skilled, and I also respect him for that. Even if he's arrogant. And overconfident.

I walk inside my room, which is nothing less of a sight. It is luxurious, of course. I have three rooms inside, a bedroom, sitting room and practice room.

I make my way to my bedroom, where my maid, Kailey, has already prepared   a hot bath for me. I nod, my way of saying thanks. She knows I practice swordfighting in evening, and a bath is what helps me relax.

After a refreshing bath, as I emerge in my bathrobe, water still dripping from my wet hair, I see that Kailey has lain out a dress for me.

"My lady," she says, "I've had this dress made for you, as per your selection of previous dresses. If you do not wish to wear this one, there are several others you can select from."

"No. It won't be necessary. I'll be wearing this one only." I say. "You have done a great job. I like simple yet elegant dresses, the same as the one you have selected."

It's a pale pink, the dress, with a round neckline delicately decorated with stones, made by keeping in mind for not needing to wear a necklace. The rest of it is covered with elegant designs made of sparkle dust, which is also light pink in colour. The sparkle dust, as the name suggests, shines, giving the dress a glamorous touch, just as the way I like.

I quickly put on the dress, after which Kailey starts working on my face and hair.

She doesn't need my instructions, because she knows me more than my parents knew me. She had been appointed by my parents, and after there death, she accompanied me here.

She knows I want my eyes highlighted, but nothing else much. I let her do my hairs as she wishes because I haven't got much idea. She curls them at the tips.

As I look myself in the mirror, I find myself smiling. Kailey has done a great job. If someone doesn't look me straight in the eye, I would be mistaken for being a lady. She has made me look much more prettier, perfect actually.

Just then, there's a knock at the door. Leven's head pops in. "You ready?" He asks.

"As ready as I can be." I smile encouragingly, hoping against hope that it will provide me some comfort to endure others in the party. At least, Leven's there with me. And then, I can always make some excuse and retreat earlier. That's not me denying my responsibilities, right?

I walk towards him and he extends his hand. His eyes are on me, his gaze so much more intense, same as when he's focusing on my moves while training.

"You look stunning." He says, unexpectedly, as I put my hands in his. He's never been the one to compliment me. Yes, flirting with women has always been his hobby. But that woman has never been me.

I raise an eyebrow, questioning him, but he just shakes his head and smiles, one of his cutest smile ever.

And then we both walk hand- in -hand towards the ballroom. Leven, confident in his strides and I, dreading the rest of the night.

***

A/N: Hey guys! Hope I kept you hooked..!!
If you really liked the story, do not forget to tap that little star and make my day!

PS- What's your favourite song? Want to extend my playlist, that's why!