"No. Absolutely not," Hans says, arms crossed over his large chest and steely blue eyes pinned on me. I wanna shrink beneath that gaze, but instead pull my shoulders back and stand straight. But I still have to look up a dratted two heads to glare at him, so it kinda doesn't work like I want it to.

"Hans... this is our only option."

"There must be another way."

"Then give me one!" I realize I'm almost shouting, so I step back. I take a deep breath and run my hand through my short hair. "I can't wait any longer. And this is the only way."

"If I had a better idea, would you do it?" he asks softly, eyes softening and filling with concern.

"Yes," I answer without hesitation.

"Then this truly is the only way forward. Alright, minx. We'll try your plan. But I shall bring Areece in on this."

My mind draws a blank. "Who's Areece?"

He deadpans me a look. "Last night. Weird eyes."

Oh, yeah. "Silver Eyes."

Hans grins as if he can't help it, his eyes crinkling and making him look less soldiery and more kindly uncle. "That's what you call him?"

"Shut up," I mumble as my cheeks grow red.

"He's going to get a kick out of that," Hans says, slapping his knee.

"Don't you dare," I growl, my hand fingering my knives.

His eyes laugh at me, then grow somber as he sits on a bench with a groan, patting it for me to join him. I sit, and he turns his eyes to the night sky.

"You want to do this tonight... but tomorrow is the last day of the sword trials. After will be a weekend long celebration. Will you be content to wait until tomorrow night? We all need to recover after the battle with the Bamshee. You have quick healing because of your bond, plus you are young. These old bones need time before hurtling headlong into another adventure."

I narrow my eyes. But... it makes sense. Something in me cries that I won't be going tonight, but that impatient and rash part of me needs to bow to the wisdom of those who are older and more experienced, especially when it makes sense and the sun is already below the horizon. The moon begins its journey across the silken purple expanse above, and a few stars peek out from the darkening night.

It would be too much for everything to happen this night... as much as I loathe waiting, that is exactly what I need to do.

I sigh, then nod.

Hans puts me in a headlock, musing my short hair. "That's a smart lad."

I snort, batting him off, and almost blow my cover when I open my mouth to tell him I'm no lad.

"Sir Ri!" I snap my mouth shut at the voice and look up.

The little lad who I brought from town, the lad whose parents sold him to a huge woman built like a knight who abused him, stands in front of me, a huge grin stretching his lips. His hair is mused and his cheeks smudged with dirt, but his grin is happy and there is some meat back on his bones. I think he's even grown since the last time I let him brush Ran.

He's fitting in here just fine, according to Jenny, who put him with one of the older guards to learn the ropes of caring for metal and leather. Later, he'll learn the sword once he shows competence in caring for the little things.

It was the same way I learned. Father always said if you were loyal in the little things, you'd be loyal in the big things.

"Hi, there, little John. How're you doing?" I nod at him as he bows.

"I'se so wonderful, sir. Thank ya so much for all ya've done for me."

I give him a little smile, thankful life is working out for one little man, at least. "And how's that little mischief maker of yours?"

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"Janice? She's right happy, sir. Say," he looks at the ground, then back at me, his eyes big and begging, "would ya like me to brush down Ran for ya? I'se be happy to!"

Ahhh, how do I turn that down?

Ran, are you in the stable?

I'm taking a nap. Leave me alone.

John wants to brush you.

Hang on. I'm coming. Stall him.

I feel her take the strength from my spark, changing into a pony. I sag, then perk back up with energy I don't have as I grin at the little man. Perhaps waiting and having a good night's rest is a great idea after all.

"She would be delighted, little man. Why don't you grab her an apple and carrot from the kitchen? You know how much she loves them."

"Yessir! Right away, sir." He salutes me, skipping off to the kitchen.

"That was devious," Sir Hans says, rubbing a hand over his beard to hide a smile.

I chuckle. "Serves her right. She's been teasing me non-stop about—" I cut off so abruptly my teeth clank and I duck my head, hoping to hide my burning cheeks.

Hans' eyes light up, and this time he shows his white teeth through his beard, not bothering to cover it. "Does the little minx like someone?"

"Shut up."

"If she does, then I could arrange a meeting."

"Hans, so help me, not another word. I've no time for romance," I say, throwing my hands up in exasperation. He of all people should know that!

"As you say, minx. As you say."

I growl, getting up and going to find Jenny.

Hans chuckles behind me, making my cheeks burn hotter.

~~~

It takes more effort than I expected to wake the next morning and get dressed. The bath didn't relax me as it normally does, but now, I'm sparring with Hans, getting ready for the day that will either make or break whether or not I get back into the running for prince protector.

If nothing else, this will be a good way to let off steam as I wait for tonight. Hans has his people monitoring Nika's apothecary, and indeed, he has confirmed that there are agents there at all times, waiting for me.

And tonight, I'll give them what they want.

Sir Hans wraps his arm about my throat, a dagger poised at my kidney.

"Where's your mind, minx?"

He releases me and I sag to the ground, rubbing my stinging forearm I used to block his kick.

"Sir, who is the... who is Areece?"

He settles beside me with a grunt, his limbs folding with more effort than my own. "These old bones need a chair. If you know, you know. But it is a need to know basis."

I look over at him, my eyes widening in a mixture of surprise and anger. "You know?"

"I know."

"Then why can't you tell me?"

"It's not my secret to divulge, minx."

That... is highly annoying and makes me respect Hans all the more.

I sigh. "Alright. But..."

"You can trust him. He'll be an asset for tonight. Just as soon as you win this tournament, we will meet with him. We'll get your family back, minx. One way or another, they will come home."

"Thank you, sir," I say.

He nods. "This time, get your head in the game and show me what you've learned."

I take a deep breath and reset across from the knight. He bows and I return it.

He circles me, slow and predatory, like a cat watching for weakness.

He steps in, slashing. I block, dodge, and a quick duck saves me when his foot darts up, trying to clock me on the forehead in a knock-out kick.

I try to trip him, but he's too quick and darts back out of reach.

I circle him this time, and he nods at something he sees. He snakes out his sword, trying to catch me off guard, but Hans has a tell. It's small, and unless you've fought every day and sometimes multiple times a day as we have the past little while, it'd be hard to pick out. But I know it.

He clenches his fingers just before he thrusts his sword.

I sidestep and move the sword out of the way with my own. Then I bring my second sword, putting it near his chin. He twists his head out of the way, grabbing my wrist at the same time to stop me from winning the match.

I spit in his eyes. It's not honourable (at all) but it works. He jerks back, blinking, and misses when I drop my sword and draw a dagger I stole from Silver Eyes, putting the point at the divot of his neck.

He goes still, blinking down at me and trying to get his eyes to focus.

Then he grins. The biggest thing I've ever seen split his face. It goes all the way from his lips to his eyes, making his entire face crinkle with happiness and pride.

"That, minx, is how you'll win."

I can't help the large grin splitting my face to match his. "Thank you, sir. I... I couldn't have done this without you."

He wipes his face with his sleeve, frowning at the wetness there. "I sure hope you aren't diseased."

I bite my tongue to keep from laughing, knowing exactly how he feels. I actually got that idea from Ran when she licked me... and I couldn't see for a moment because of her slobber. But at least I don't eat coon pellets.

Hans grabs my shoulder, squeezing. "You would have been just fine without me. I only helped bring forward what was already there. You are scrappy and unpredictable. It's how you've survived the streets, being adaptable and going with the flow. It makes you dangerous. Don't lose yourself, Aria. It's what makes you a serious threat, and special. You beat me fair and square. I was not going easy on you this time."

I give him a spontaneous hug, making dust puff from his tunic when I almost tackle him.

He goes stiff as a board, but slowly pats my back with jerky movements, awkwardly clearing his throat. "Yes, well—"

"Thanks, Sir Hans. I will always treasure your lessons."

I step back and turn to go, knowing it's time to get to the tournament for my matches.

"Sir Ri?" Hans' serious voice makes me pause. I stop and look back, quirking an eyebrow. "You're ready. Use all you've learned. Fight good and fight dirty with honour. You will beat Sir Xonier this night. But know, whatever happens, I am proud of you." He looks me dead in the eye, conveying his sincerity.

It touches my heart and warms me from the tip of my toes to the top of my head. Something smarts behind my eyes. I bow, deep and sincere, the only way I know how to show my appreciation and respect for this man.

I turn to leave with a smile on my face and warm confidence in my chest.

I'm ready.