The King's castle came into view when they rounded a corner. It stood proudly against the sun. Left of the castle Yara could see the King's soldier's training fields, as well as the farmlands just to right from the castle. They were now standing in front of the city's gate.  Behind it a path leads down from the mountain into the city.

|◇|

A while later Yara asked to speak with the King. 

"Yara."

"I do not wish to sleep in the castle. The agreement was to join your army. Not to walk around in a pretty dress. I wish to sleep in the soldier dorms, as a soldier."

"You're a lady for goodness sake!"

Yara was getting angry, she looked squarely at the King and said. "I've given you respect against my will, I've listened to you. Why won't you give me what I ask?. You didn't treat me like a lady when you thought of me as a warrior. Just because you've seen me without my mask doesn't mean I've changed. Treat me as a soldier, not like some squealing little girl in a pretty dress. Have a good day, King." Yara turned and made her way towards the exit.

"Fine, I'll treat you as a soldier. Meet me here in a hour, and I'll take you to your new room in die soldier dorms."

Yara nodded and exited.

The King shook his head and sighed. A while later, Yara came back. The King stood up and walked towards the door, Yara trailing behind.

|♢|

The soldiers stopped training when they saw the King enter. Their interest sparked when a girl followed. Long black hair. Blue eyes. Wound on cheek and arm. And no dress.

"Soldiers, this is Yara, she will be joining the army, so treat her with respect. Tony, come here."

A man came, and Yara recognized him as one of soldiers that guarded her at Linova. The one she stole the dagger from.

"Tony, go show her around, I have to go back to the throne room."

Tony nodded and the King left.

The sound of whispers rose when the King was out of view. Tony knew Yara and didn't mock her as the others now did. He didn't call her Yara, but Falcon. Comments flew around as they made their way towards the dorms.

"Aye, a girl!"

"She's gonna break herself here, fellows!"

"Where are you gonna sleep? My bed is big enough for you!"

"Nice ass you got there, sweetheart."

The last comment threw Yara off the edge. With one movement she threw her fist and gave a solid blow to a cheek. The soldier was stunned as he held his cheek.

"Nice bruise you got there, asshole." She hissed back, glaring at him. She gave one last look before walking away.

|♢|

One day of training was similar to the training at Linova, only difference was that here was almost double the number of soldiers at Linova. Yara trained in silence, observing everything.

The King was known to also have a warrior, Dex. Yara didn't see him during the day, it was like there wasn't even a warrior at all.

A shrill whistle disturbed the training and orders was given out to stand in formation. A man, dressed in black armor came into view. Tony leaned forward and whispered to Yara. "That's Dex." Yara's interest sparked and she moved her body so that she could see him better.

He was muscular, and had brown hair. She couldn't see the eye color as she was too far away. It seems that he was explaining a new activity for training.

"Soldiers, you are to choose a partner. The two of you will practice sword fighting. No other weapons allowed."
He ended his speech and walked off the platform.

Tony turned to Yara and asked. "Partner?"

Yara shrugged. "Sure."

Just as they were about to start, a voice stopped them.

"Aye, Tony. Leave her to me. I'll show her sword fighting, as she's new."

It was quiet for a moment before Tony gave a laugh out loud, shaking his head, before standing aside, crossing his arms over his chest. "I need to see this." He grinned.

Yara scoffed. "I'm perfectly fine with sword fighting."

Dex moved closer while speaking in a soft tone, almost like talking with a baby.
"Now now sweatheart, I know you're shy and don't wanna admit you need help, but I'll help you through the day. Don't worry."

Yara's eyes flashed with annoyance, before they sparked with a new plan.
"You're going to help me? Oh, that's so kind of you!"

"Okay, this'll be good." Tony murmered while grinning.

Dex were now standing behind Yara, before he placed his hands on her hips. Yara tried with everything in her to not strangle the man.

"Okay, bend your knees a little bit and keep your back straight. You'll have better balance when you use your sword." While talking he pushed her hips closer to his while straightening her back. Yara gritted her jaw in anger.

"Oh, like this?" Catching him off guard, she turned around and slashed his arm.
Dex gritted his jaw while holding his arm.
"...yes, like that but without slashing my arm!"

Meanwhile Tony was biting his fist, trying his hardest to not laugh out loud.

"Oh no! I'm so sorry, are you okay?" She took his hand, as to making sure he was okay, but while she was holding his hand she pushed her thumb into his wound, by 'accident'.

"Oh my goodness, woman! Are you trying to kill me?!" He snapped while glaring at Yara.

She smiled sweetly before having a serious expression. "Did absolutely no one told you who I am, warrior?

"No, and I don't care. You're just a little girl trying to be a soldier. And then when I want to help you, you push me away."

Yara scoffed. "Obviously, because I already know how to fight with a sword."

Dex folded his arms.

"Prove it."

Yara grinned and Tony winced.

"Your wish is my command. I, warrior of Linova, challenge you, Dex, warrior of the King, for your title."

|♢|

Song: Caribbean Blue by Enya