[Lavinia's POV]
[Imperial Palace—Dawn Training Grounds]
CLANG. CLANG. CLANG.
Steel met steel in quick succession, sparks flying under the pale morning sun. Caelum spun to the left, and I twisted to the right—our swords locked mid-air, trembling with force.
I gritted my teeth. "Trying to outshine me, are you?"
Caelum smirked. "Always, your highness."
Oh, that smug little snake.
We circled again, blades whirling with speed and rhythm, our boots kicking up dust with every pivot. My hair was tied back, and sweat trickled down my brow like war paint.
On the sidelines, watching with crossed arms and unreadable expressions, stood Papa and Ravick.
"I think the princess shows natural leadership," Ravick murmured, his eyes keen, observant.
Papa nodded slightly. "Hmm…"
"What do you think, your majesty?" Ravick asked, eyes shifting to the boy I was sparring with like he owed me money.
Papa didn't answer immediately.
