The Tiger Within

His first swing didn"t take her words seriously and he regretted that… instantly . Raina lunched into her defense, slamming her blade against his knocking it away and spinning him to the side . She changed position, lifting her right foot to slam into his back while he tried to regain his balance . He stumbled back bringing his sword up just in time to catch her sword"s attack for his mid section .

Castiel was suddenly glad the swords were blunted . She wasn"t holding back . Raina had stepped back and given him a moment to leap back to his feet . He cracked his neck looking at her curiously only to find a sweet smile on the girls face as she took a jovial bow her eyes glowing with confidence . He took a glance at his father and received a nod .

However what he didn"t see was the look on Raina"s face darken . She turned away from him and walked to his father .

Advertis.e.m.e.nt"Weapons Master, if you want to call the shots on the field take up your sword . " Raina challenged him . There was shock on his face at the fierceness in her eyes . The sound of a tail swishing could easily have been heard .

"I do not understand, My Lady Princess . " The Weapon"s Master frowned slightly . There was no way she saw that split second interaction and his nod had been discrete .

"Fine . King Mordakai, May I borrow Sir Ritrel? I know he will give me a fair fight . " Raina asked turning away from the Weapon"s master who was staring at her in shock .

"Of course, Princess . Ritrel, a.s.sist the Princess . I expect you to work up a sweat . " He warns him and the knight nodded taking his cloak off and handing it to the third .

The man known as Ritrel was known to be a true knight . He was young, but fought fiercely at Mordren"s side and earned his place as King"s own . He wouldn"t take it easy on his own wife, and she had just been training for self defense . He climbed onto the stage and nodded at the boy .

"The Princess has ended your battle . Please step off and learn some honor . " Ritrel told Castiel who looked pale as a sheet . Even he felt tiny beside Ritrel . He walked over to his father with a look of uncertainty .

"Thank you, Ritel . Please teach me well . " Raina bowed and he did the same .

"Of course, Princess . If I bruise you, I will not apologize . " He reminded her and Raina flashed him a smile .

"Bruises are reminders of what could have killed me . Bruises heal, shall we?" She asked and he smiled nodding and poised for her to make the first move . She attacked without hesitation and he met her advances .

Find authorized novels in Webnovel，faster updates, better experience，Please click www . webnovel . com for visiting .

The sound of metal clashing with metal hard enough for steel to spark could be heard . Raina centered herself, used the magic within to protect and redirect force . Using her small size and her speed to avoid and attack from odd angles . Though she couldn"t land a blow, nor could he wield his sword properly . She was in too close . The pair didn"t hold back and the results were closely matched . There was no killing intent from either, or it would have been a much shorter match .

Raina finally made a mistake . He caught her ankle and flicked it out from under her, landing the princess on her back . His blade hovered at her throat . "I yield, Sir Ritrel . " He smiled .

"I think you have earned my name, Princess Raina . Feral . You met me on the field and held your own . " He smiled and helped her to her feet . Raina accepted it graciously and dusted her dress off .

"Thank you, Ferall, I am honored . " Raina purred and curtsied as he took a knee and nodded to her before returning to his Lord"s side . Raina walked back to Kyera who was br.i.m.m.i.n.g with pride .

"Well done . Well done . " Mordakai"s approval could be heard over the crowd cheers and Kyera"s expression echoed it . Yet Raina took her place with a serene smile despite the pain in her back . She had no doubt it would bruise .