I miss you

Safiya was cleaning her sword with a cloth. They had just finished fighting in the woods. Today, she'd asked each of the girls to have a duel and it was the most beautiful sight she had ever seen. The rasped breathing, the sweat—it was truly relaxing.

She almost couldn't believe that it was happening, that they were about to prove to the world who they are.

"Have you been fighting?" she heard her mother's stern voice behind her.

Safiya turned to face her now, almost wanting to hide the sword, but it was too late; she had already been seen. She had thought her mother would let her be, especially since the kingdom was now in danger.

"Yes," came Safiya's reply.