Lesson

Two figures walked through the hallway headed to the training ground. One was trailing behind carrying some staff with difficulty while the other walked forward, his hands on his back while an evil smile got plastered on his face.

"Can't you help me instead of just smiling," Isadora said angrily. His armor was very heavy compared to the regular ones. His sword added on to the weight making her fatigued ten times than usual. But he just walked in front, taking the lead, unbothered by how she was faring. So this is the price I have to pay for dining with a prince! She thought.

"Why should I help you." He replied halting on his tracks. He now turned and faced her with that sweet yet cunning face of his and Isadora immediately knew what would happen next. "Unless you promise to give me something in return." He flashed that evil smile of his as dirty thoughts ran through his mind.

"And what exactly do you want in exchange for helping me?" She asked raising a brow. Of course she had guesses and she knew it would definitely be one of it.

"I will tell you after the training is over," he said and took the armor from her hand. He didn't even give her the time to consent. The way he carried it was as if it was weightless. As he strode, an evil smile curved on his cute face. He did this on purpose!

Isadora just stood there, watching his retreating back, baffled by the sudden turn of events. She had actually not gave her consent on the matter and he just took the armor from her. She could only guess what was going on that evil mind of his. And this time, she knew he would ask for something different, Maybe even greater! Just the mere thought of it made her body react alien to herself and she immediately put the bad thoughts at the back of her mind.

"Wait for me," she said carrying the sword. Though it was the only object she was carrying, it was now heavier than she had thought. Carrying both the sword and armor had simply been a hell of a ride for her. But she was glad that he had helped her. But not for free! This guy is really shameless, she thought for the nth time.

The training ground was flooded with sparring knights as usual. The sound of locking swords filled the air forming a rhythmic melody that resonated well with the current atmosphere. At the far end stood the ever mysterious Sir Gareth. He was watching emotionlessly as the knights sparred. No one dared to challenge him since that afternoon that he defeated the crown prince.

At that moment, Alexander stepped into the vicinity and the knights paused their sparring after noticing his presence. "Greetings your highness." They all said uniformly, bowing to Alexander. He acknowledged their greetings with a smile and signaled them to continue. Then his gaze swept on the area and landed on him.

While all the other knights were busy greeting the crown prince, Sir Gareth didn't even spare him a glance. The reason for this went without saying. He didn't care if this guy was the crown prince. So what if he was the crown prince? A man he had defeated with a single strike was not worth his time, not to mention a bow.

Alexander however didn't look mad at him. Instead, he strode through the empty space and approached him. He stared deeply at his dark eyes before he bowed slightly and said: "Greetings teacher."

Time seemed to stop as everyone stared jaw dropped at the crown prince. The crown prince bowing at somebody! This was simply crazy. Just because this guy defeated the crown prince didn't mean that he was now in a higher position than him. Who did he think he is? Countless cold gazes landed on Gareth. If looks could kill!

However, Gareth scoffed at Alexander's statement. It was clear that he did not acknowledge him as his disciple. Such a fool!

"Master!" He sneered. "Are you even qualified to become my cup bearer." A knight who was drinking water chocked on it, amused by this guy's arrogant. The others expressions were readable and anger and disdain could clearly be seen on their faces. A cup bearer! Was their prince referred to as a cup bearer?

"You are crossing the line now, mister. Who do you think you are to talk to the prince like that?" One of the knights asked, anger evident in his voice.

"Did I ask for your opinion?" That short question came from none other than crown prince Alexander. Everyone was dumbfounded now. Was the prince really going to just sit and watch as he was being insulted. But now that he had spoken, no one could interject. The knight bowed down deeply and retreated at the back with an unsatisfied expression.

Alexander turned his attention at the man standing in front of him. "As promised, I doubled your price for the duel. And since you won, I will now grant it to you now," with that, he snapped his finger and Isadora came in holding a treasure box. She approached the duo and gave Sir Gareth a knowing smile.

"Let this be my token of appreciation to my master," he said and took the box from Isadora. He then handed it to Gareth. "Take it!" He said flashing a warm smile at him.

Sir Gareth stared at the prince and then back at the box that was now being given to him. He thought for a while before he took the box from him and shook his hand as if dealing with a businessman. "It was a pleasure working with you, your highness," he said sarcastically while sending a staged smile on Alexander's way.

Isadora rolled her eyes in disbelief. She knew that he was arrogant but this…He was simply looking for a death wish. The knights were uncomfortable at this. Just one word from the prince and they would skin this bastard alive.

At that time, Princess Roselyn stepped into the vicinity accompanied by Sir Brandon. She had changed into a new set of clothes and she looked gorgeous. She had applied on some perfume with the hopes of enticing Alexander but found that he was not in his room. After enquiring his whereabouts, she finally came to the training ground. But her happy mood turned sour the moment she saw that maid standing beside Alexander. It looks like the last lesson was not enough for her, she thought. I will teach her one that she will never forget.