32 - Battle For Heir

"This match will decide who will be the next heir for Duke Castiano. The penalty is the loss of the right," her mother shouted in the middle of the training hall. The training hall was wide and spacious, weapons lining the walls. It was usually filled with soldiers but was emptied for the fight.

Anemone stood opposite of Cayden. He had a serious look on his face. Her grip tighten on the training sword while her mother announced the rules. If they lose their sword, it was immediate loss. The one who fell on the floor was a loss. Anyone who stepped out of the ring was a loss.

The Castiano swordsmanship was a close encounter fighting style. It required reflexes and quick, tight movement. A square had been drawn around them. It was to hinder their evasive maneuvers, forcing them close. To dodge a move from close up would require focus.

Their mother signalled the ready sign. Anemone went into her ready position. Cayden only stood there, staring at their father. Father nodded to him. He nodded back and faced Anemone. His lips moved as if he said something but it was inaudible to her.

"Begin!"

Anemone tensed, her body ready to make an action. Her younger brother didn't move. When they had sparred before, he always made the first move. He would charge at her and she would dodge sideways, tripping him. He stumbled forward but would turn and charge her again.

Why wasn't he charging?

She looked at him again. He still stood where he was, his sword in front of him. On the side, their father watched with crossed arms. Their mother stood by his side. They were waiting for the result. Waiting for one of them to prove...

Let her be the one then!

She moved forward with a strike at him. Her eyes widen at shock as Cayden blocked successfully. She didn't have time to react as she had to block his counter. The connection of his sword was harder than she imagined. He continued his strikes, harder and harder. She twisted away to get into a bigger advantage but he blocked her move.

She gritted her teeth. He had been deceiving her this whole time! She blocked his attack that kept coming. Anemone would not fail under her younger brother! She striked harder at him. Swing after swing, she was growing alarmed. No matter what move she did, he was still at an advantage.

Her confusion gave way to anger. Her anger and frustration grew inside her. Her thoughts grew twisted and erratic like her swings. Yet... Cayden blocked and evaded as if it was nothing. She felt something in her... snapped.

Screaming, she attacked him in frenzy. How dare they take away what she wanted! How dare Cayden fool her! She wasn't strong enough. She wasn't able to reach him. Her speed was not up to his. What was she doing?

As she swung and miss, his sword struck and broke hers in two. Her eyes couldn't believe it as she watched her sword shatter and fall to the floor. It seemed to be in slow motion. Anemone crumpled to the floor on her hands and knees.

She had lost.