Early in the morning, Soren was already at the training grounds. He rarely missed his sessions. Yesterday had been unusual—Rihaan had stayed in his room all night, calling out one name over and over, not letting him sleep. On top of that, he had been summoned by the king immediately after waking and showering.
"Your Imperial Majesty, may I spar with you?" one of the knights asked, kneeling with his head lowered.
Soren smiled softly. It was Captain Oliver La Violette of the Royal Army.
"But we sparred not long ago," he said, wiping his blade carefully with a white handkerchief.
Oliver looked up, a bright grin spreading across his face.
"The more I lose to you, the more motivated I become to defeat you. The stronger I will grow because of it. And hence, we will win more wars," he flashed his teeth, certain that his logic would convince the Imperial Crown Prince—like always.
