SACRIFICING DESIRES

I woke up at the first crack of dawn, the winter chill seeping through the cracks of my window. I dressed quickly in a dark tunic, black leggings and lace up boots, preparing myself for the day ahead. To say I wasn't excited about this would be a lie. I looked forward to the training and I couldn't quite tell why I was excited. Perhaps it was because Reagan and I formed some sort of bond with each other, I mean the guy finally told me his name because he trusted me? So yeah, a bond!

Reagan had also given me a different route to the training ground to avoid passing the prince's room. I wasn't ready to face him yet, not after what he had done. The betrayal still stung, the hurt raw and fresh in my heart.

I arrived at the training ground and it would appear I was early. The flickering flames cast dancing shadows across the empty space creating an eerie yet mesmerizing atmosphere. I stood in the center, feeling a sense of anticipation and uncertainty swirling within me.

As I pondered what my first move should be while I waited, a sound broke the silence behind me. My heart skipped a beat as I turned, my eyes widening in surprise. Reagan stood before me, a striking figure in the dim light if the torch lit arena. His face was obscured by a scarf as always, leaving only his piercing eyes visible, but it was his bare chest that drew my attention. His skin was adorned with intricate tattoos, swirling patterns that seemed to come alive as he moved.

The tattoos covered his impressive abs and arms, the designs flowing seamlessly across his muscular frame. With each breath he took, the images seemed to shift and dance creating an illusion of movement that was both mesmerizing and hypnotic.

Despite the scarf hiding his features, there was no denying his breathtakingly handsome appearance. He looked like a warrior, a leader of men, someone who could command a thousand armies with just a single glance.

As he moved with fluid grace, the muscles in his arms and chest rippling beneath the tattoos, I couldn't tear my gaze away. There was a primal energy about him, a raw intensity that drew me in and left me breatheless.

"You are here!" Reagan said almost as if it was still surprising that I would show up.

I cleared my throat as I forced myself to look away from his bare chest and stare up at his face instead. "Well, it's not like I have much of a choice either."

Reagan chuckled before he nodded his head at me. "Well then you should go choose a weapon?"

Whoa, "A weapon?" I asked just to be sure I heard him correctly.

"I have already seen you fight in a hand to hand combat."

"Yeah but it's not like I was good or anything." I mumbled under my breath.

"Yeah you were shit!"

My eyes flew up to meet his at that. "Well, gee, thanks for the words of encouragement."

Reagan's shoulders shook in laughter before he widened his stance and cross his arms across his chest and I tried not to let my gaze move roam his biceps. "Well, all I'm saying is I've seen you in hand to hand combat, now I want to see your skill with a weapon!"

"Well I'm pretty good with a bow and arrow, daggers too!" I said with a half shrug.

"Show me then!" Regan ordered in a gruff tone.

I nodded my head at him then turned to the racks where the weapons are being kept, I turned my head to look at Reagan but he just nodded his head at me in a go ahead and I grinned at him. As I walked through the array of weapons, a sense of confidence washed over me, I had trained for this moment, honing my skills day back home, with Mr Finn as my teacher. The familiar weight of the bow of the in my hands felt comforting, empowering, I picked up the bow and turned to look at the target.

I carefully placed three arrows in my quiver, each one a testament to my dedication and determination. With a steady hand a calm mind, I drew back the bowstring and released the first arrow. It flew through the air with precision, hitting the bull's eye with a satisfying thud. The second arrow followed suit, finding its mark effortlessly. I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins, fueling my determination.

With unwavering focus, I released the final arrow, watching as it soared through the air and stuck the target dead center. A wave of pride washed over me and I turned to look to Reagan who met my gaze with a nod of approval.

"So, how did I do?" I asked him.

"I think you are ready!" Reagan said and there is no denying the pride in his tone and that makes me want to smile at him. 

***

CORION POV

I watched her from across the training room, hidden in the shadows, my heart aching as she smiled at my friend. Reagan. The way her eyes lit up and her laughter filled the air made my chest tighten with longing. I wished she would smile at me like that, with that same warmth and genuine joy.

She had been through so much and for a moment, I feared for the worst. That maybe I had pushed too hard and finally broken her spirit. Seeing her walk the castle hallways like a ghost broke something in me. I wanted to reach out to her and comfort her, but I couldn't do that. So instead I sent Reagan to her and it would seem she was slowly emerging, like a phoenix rising from the ashes.

My little phoenix! I thought to myself as I smiled at Aneesa who was now heading for the daggers now, prepared to show her talent to Reagan.

I couldn't help but hop that one day, that beautiful smile would be directed at me. But deep down, I knew it wasn't going to happen anytime soon, if ever. It was best for both of us to keep our distance, especially for her sake!

I had to remind myself that my feelings for her were secret, I still wasn't sure what they were but I knew I had to bury it deep within me. It was better to watch from afar, to admire her from a distance, than to risk complicating things further. I wanted nothing more than to see her happy and thriving even if it meant sacrificing my own desires!