She was used to the weight of a sword in her hands. Years of training and experience in the field does that to people.

Makes them comfortable in their skill. Their job. Their art.

Makes them comfortable in taking the lives of their enemies.

Clarissa was a royal. Born to protect her court, and burdened under the ceremonies she had to attend. The grand balls, celebrations, weddings, meetings.

Viewed as a guardian of her people, Clarissa felt more like a tool as she pulled her sword from the training dummy. Unable to avoid her duties, but unable to find enjoyment in them. Simply a weapon wielded by her family.

“I’ve always loved how elegant you look as you swing that, Ris”

Turning at the voice, Clarissa smiled at the sight of her best friend and brother in arms. Reid, born to the only other royal family in the Court. Raised together since birth, and trained together since they were children.

“And I’ve always hated how you attempt to sneak up on me, Reid. You know it won’t work, no matter how quiet you move” Clarissa responded, swinging the sword in one hand as she walked towards her closest friend. He crossed his arms as he leaned against the door frame, the pose betraying the hidden strength that lay under his thin stature. Strength gained from years of strict exercise and training, as is required of royals.

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“I’ll surprise you one day, I just know it” Reid smiled, a sly smirk that came naturally to him “but don’t worry, I’ll try not to scare you too badly.” At that, Clarissa smacked his knees with the flat edge of her blade. Grinning at him as he pretended to crumple at the blow. “Why are you here anyway? I thought you were sent as emissary to the Gardens?” she said as she prodded Reid with her foot.

Laying flat on the ground, he folded his hands under his head as he looked up at the ceiling. “Dad called me back early, the Gardens aren’t interested in any alliances with us. It was pointless for me to go in the first place.”

Clarissa stepped over him as he spoke, making sure to prod him again before turning to leave. The Gardens were a difficult folk to handle, their behaviour hard to predict and their emotions volatile.

“Well, I’m glad you’re home safe. The Gardens don’t tend to be a friendly bunch. Not to us anyway. I think it’s probably those crystals they always carry” she spoke loudly, a lighthearted tinge to her voice, waving her free hand as she walked towards the door.

Sitting up, Reid turned his head to look at her before he spoke, his tone dropping from his usual lightheartedness into a serious note. “Ris, I saw her there. She’s a guardian of the Gardens now.”

Briefly faltering, Clarissa took a deep breath as she continued out the door. She refused to dwell on that statement, to think of what would happen if the Gardens were to declare the Court their enemies.

She knew that if she did, it would be much harder to kill her old friend when the time came.