The Princess'choice II

The duel of feelings

Emmett

I saw Elidi talking with Conrad but I had to concentrate at the training. Although it drove me crazy that she spoke so casually with him... Why am I this jealous? Conrad is in love with my sister. Also, Elidi is way out of his league. Damn! My sister is out of his league also! Unfortunately I let my emotions take over and attacked one of the warriors a little too harsh, but luckily, he took it well. The training was over and I saw Elidi approaching us. I waved to her and hoped that I won't blush. She already has a bad first impression of me.

- Good morning Elidi! - I greeted her with a big smile. She was so breathtakingly beautiful. She wore brown pants, a white tunica and dark green coat over it. Her red hair fall on her shoulders like a waterfall in the sunset. The illusion of mine broke immediately when she greeted me.

- Good morning, your Highness! - No. No. No. What is this serious, cold tone?!

- Emmett. - I said hoping she'll say my name.

- Your Highness. - she repeated with a slight bow and I took a step closer.

- Emmett. - I repeated patiently but getting a little nervous. What if she'll get formal with me? I want to get to know her better, but if she treats me as an ally only there is no way I can do that!

- Your Highness. - I skipped the distance between us and over towered her. I looked at her and wanted to hold her in my arms so badly. She looked up ate and looked like a red and white kitten with those huge cat eyes. I wanted this kitten to be mine!

- Emmett. - I repeated and my voice sounded a bit annoyed.

- Your Highness... - she started again. I was ready to hug her but then she finished the sentence.

- Emmett. - I smiled from my heart. My name sounded so mesmerizing from her flower petal looking lips. Her lips had a natural reddish color that only made them more visible on her pale skin and even more desirable.

- What can I help you with my lady? - I asked chivalry and trying to surpass my desire for her.

- Let's spare. - she said with determination. I was surprised but it immediately turned into excitement.

- Winner gets a wish granted by the looser? - I proposed the bet. If she doesn't use her magic I'll probably win. She shook my extended hand and I felt a slight chill running up on my arm due to her touch.

- Deal. - she said and I waved to Conrad. He rushed to us.

- And your ankle? - I asked and he pointed at Elidi.

- I got treated. - I bowed slightly to her and thanked for her help. I explained quickly to Conrad what we were up to and asked him to be the judge.

-There is no way he'll be fair! He is your knight! - Elidi said and if it was someone else, I would've agreed with her.

- This rascal?! Believe me... He wants to see me fall. - her eyebrows raised and she looked so adorable. Conrad chuckled.

- True, if he is out of picture I have more opportunities with his sister. So please, don't hold back. We can make it look like an accident! - I punched Conrad in the shoulder although I knew, he would go through fire to save me. He was our unofficial third brother. Actually, we both hoped he'll marry Annalise, we knew she will be happy and safe with him. Elidi lifted her hands in defeat and said.

- I can't argue with these words. Can we start? - she asked and I saw the excitement in her eyes. She looked like she really wanted to kick me in the butt.

- Fine! The rules. Elidi can't use magic. You'll spare three times, with sword, with daggers and bare handed. If someone gets cut or on the ground without getting up till I count to five, the other wins. Clear? - I lifted a hand.

- Let's not drain blood, I don't wish to wound the lady. - I said honestly. The thought of me hurting her seemed impossible. Elidi shrugged.

- Let's keep the cut part as well. - she looked at me and motioned to calm down.

- I can heal both of us in no time. - I looked around, all her people gathered to watch us spare and I had to agree. She wanted to prove herself for them, but I knew from last night, she was their hero and only hole for a better life. There was nothing to prove here.

- Knights to greet each other with your swords and get ready. Fight! - Conrad announced and we started to take circles around each other. I knew people were screaming, but their voices fainted. I heard my breath and heart beats and focused on Elidi's movements. She launched at me swinging her sword at the speed of a lightning. But I managed to block her attacks. I felt the adrenaline rushing through my veins. It was really long time ago that I enjoyed sparring so much! She was restless but made a wrong move and I cut her forearm slightly.

- Stop! First round winner Prince Emmett! - Conrad shouted and Elidi looked at her arm and I took a step towards.

- Are you okay? - I asked and she smiled while a tiny flame appeared at the cut and literally burned it away.

- Only my pride is hurt here. But I didn't lose yet! - she said with a bright smile and my adoration for her grew again. She was intelligent, kind, caring, gorgeous, a great fighter and literally magical...

- Next round! - Conrad announced and he handed both of us three daggers.

- You can cut, throw and stab but obviously no fatal injuries! Ready... Fight! - he said and before I could've reacted a dagger stood into the ground in front of my feet. I looked at the direction it came from, but Elidi wasn't there. The next dagger landed right next to me and before I could turn around the third stopped at my throat. I threw mine and everyone cheered for Elidi. She retreat the weapon and pat my shoulder.

- Sorry for scaring you. - she said with a slight blush. I grabbed both of her hands and with the excitement of a five years old I said.

- You must teach me that! - everyone laughed and a few warriors said.

- Impossible Emmett! We all tried and failed.

- She is more dangerous with a dagger than with her magic! - Conrad took the daggers and we both rolled up our sleeves.

- One-One! The all deciding round begins... Now!