The morning found Lilian and Rylan in the sprawling courtyard of the estate, the air crisp and the ground still dewy underfoot. Rylan, clad in a simple tunic and breeches that did little to hide his muscular frame, was setting up wooden practice swords for their impromptu lesson.

Lilian, dressed more for a garden stroll than swordplay, approached with a mix of curiosity and amusement. "Rylan, what's the occasion? I didn't know we were starting combat training today," she teased, eyeing the swords with a wary but playful glance.

Rylan flashed a confident grin, picking up a sword and handling it with a practiced ease. "I thought it'd be a good idea to teach you some basics, Lilian. You know, just in case I'm not around to fend off any unwanted suitors or overly ambitious royals."

Lilian laughed, accepting the sword he offered her. "Unwanted suitors, huh? Should I be worried about any you know of?"

"Only every single one except me," Rylan quipped, winking subtly as he moved behind her to adjust her stance. "Here, let me show you how to hold it properly."

As he guided her hands on the hilt, his touch was gentle but firm. Lilian, focused on trying not to drop the sword, hardly noticed the proximity or the lingering warmth of his fingers. Rylan, however, took a moment longer than necessary, his gaze appreciative of the way the morning light caught her hair.

"Alright, now, stance is key," Rylan instructed, stepping back to give her space. "You want to be balanced, ready to move. Imagine you're a tree with deep roots, but light enough to sway with the breeze."

Lilian attempted to mimic his stance, her movements slightly awkward. "A tree, huh? I feel more like a reed about to snap."

Rylan chuckled, his deep laugh echoing in the quiet courtyard. "You’re doing great. Now, try a basic swing. Like this." He demonstrated a smooth, controlled slice through the air, his body moving with the grace of a dancer.

Lilian tried to copy his movement, her swing more choppy than graceful. "I don’t think the enemies will be very intimidated by that."

"Maybe not, but they’ll die of laughter, and that’s one way to win a battle," Rylan joked, stepping closer to correct her grip again. "Here, let me—"

As he adjusted her hands again, their fingers brushed, and for a moment, their eyes met. Rylan’s gaze held a warmth that went unnoticed by Lilian, who was too busy trying not to fall over her own feet.

As the morning progressed, Rylan patiently taught Lilian the basics of swordplay, from parries to simple attack moves. Between instructions, he’d throw in small compliments or playful challenges, each hinting at his deeper affection. Yet, each flew over Lilian's head, caught as she was in the struggle between enjoying the lesson and trying to actually learn something.

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After several more attempts and quite a few laughs, they took a break, sitting on the stone bench by the courtyard’s edge. Rylan fetched them both water, his demeanor casual but his mind racing with thoughts of how to make his feelings known.

Lilian, sipping her water, smiled at him. "Thanks, Rylan. I didn’t realize sword fighting could be so... exhausting. I'm beginning to think my pen might be mightier after all."

"Maybe," Rylan agreed, his gaze lingering on her. "But it never hurts to know how to wield a sword. Besides, it’s not every day I get to teach someone as important to me as you are." His words were casual, but his tone held a depth that suggested more.

Lilian, missing the nuance, just nodded, her mind already wandering to the herbs she’d need to collect later. "Well, I appreciate it, Rylan. It's nice to know you've got my back."

Rylan smiled, a mix of fondness and slight frustration coloring his features. "Always, Lilian. No matter what."

As they walked back towards the manor, the conversation between Lilian and Rylan continued, light-hearted but sprinkled with Rylan’s hidden undertones of affection that Lilian remained blissfully unaware of.

"You know, Lilian," Rylan ventured, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth, "handling a sword isn't so different from navigating court politics. Both require awareness and precision. Maybe there’s a metaphor in there about cutting through life’s complexities."

Lilian laughed, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. "If life’s complexities could be solved with a sword, I think we’d have fewer problems at court, or at least more decisive meetings."

Rylan chuckled at that, appreciating her quick wit. "True, though I'd argue your sharp mind is mightier than any blade we could forge."

Their steps slowed as they approached the manor, the weight of the swords in their hands a physical reminder of the morning’s lessons. "I really appreciate you taking the time to teach me today, Rylan. I know you have many responsibilities."

"It’s no trouble at all. I enjoy it," Rylan replied, his words casual but sincere. "Besides, it’s important to me that you feel confident, in all aspects. You should know how to defend yourself, even if I wish there would never be a need."

Lilian glanced at him, touched by his concern. "I hope that need never arises, but I feel better knowing you believe in me. Even in sword fighting, of all things."

As they reached the manor, Rylan paused, setting down the practice swords. He looked at Lilian, his expression earnest. "If you ever want to continue training, or if there’s anything else you want to learn, just let me know. I’m here to help, Lilian. Whatever you need."

Lilian smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Thank you, Rylan. I might just take you up on that. It’s good to know I have such a dedicated… instructor."

Rylan nodded, pleased with her response yet internally struggling with the words left unsaid. "Anytime, Lilian. Really, anytime."

They parted ways at the entrance, Lilian heading inside to attend to other duties and Rylan lingering for a moment longer, watching her disappear into the cool darkness of the manor. He let out a slow breath, a mixture of relief and frustration swirling within him.

He hadn't revealed his deeper feelings, holding back the confession that danced on the tip of his tongue. Instead, he chose to build on the trust and friendship between them, hoping that in time, the right moment would come—a moment where his affection would be clear and perhaps welcomed.

As Rylan picked up the swords and began storing them away, his thoughts wandered to the future training sessions, to more laughter and shared moments with Lilian. Each would be an opportunity, not just to teach her swordsmanship but to subtly show her the depth of his care, hoping that one day, she might see him not just as a friend or a protector, but as something more.