Roxanne
[Earlier]
I slashed at Cyra, but her tails caught my blades.
She snorted. "Your fighting skills suck. I've seen better swordsmanship from Orlin than you."
Orlin? But I'd heard he was a good swordsman from Artemia. Did she just like jabbing at the royal family? Both verbally and literally.
Cyra's mocking tone clearly attempted to provoke me, to throw me off balance not just in combat but emotionally as well. Her reference to Orlin, known for his swordsmanship, was a calculated insult. But I wouldn't give her the satisfaction of ruffling me up.
"Talk is cheap, Cyra," I shot back, regaining my composure. "Let's see if you can back it up."
I yanked my sword back, freeing it from the iron grip of her tails, and adjusted my grip on their hilts, ready for her next move.