Chapter 41
Valla
Alistair and Elias were locked in an intense sword fight on the training field. The clash of steel against steel rang out in the open air as both men moved with swift precision, testing each other's limits. Sweat dripped down their brows as the fight raged on, each man pushing the other harder with every strike.
Elias parried one of Alistair's thrusts with a smirk. "You're getting rusty, my prince," he teased, his voice light despite the intensity of the match. "I wouldn't have won against the prince I used to know."
Alistair grimaced, his sword movements starting to slow. "Perhaps," he muttered, trying to regain his focus. It was true-he hadn't been training like he used to. The weight of his royal duties was starting to take its toll on his skills.
Elias took advantage of his hesitation, swiftly knocking Alistair's sword out of his hand. The blade hit the ground with a dull clang. Elias tapped his sword against Alistair's chest, a playful grin tugging at his lips.
"You've lost your touch," Elias said, still grinning as he helped Alistair to his feet. "But I'll admit, you've got potential still."
Alistair took the sword from Elias with a slight nod, but before he could respond, a figure caught his eye. Adam entered the training grounds, his gaze immediately drawn to jasmine , who was sitting on the sidelines, looking as composed and beautiful as ever. Adam paid his respects to her from a distance and then stood quietly by the edge of the field.
Alistair observed the scene, though his mind was still partially on the match. General Grendy had been encouraging Adam to spend more time at the palace, learn about politics, and get involved in court life now that he was no longer being pressured to join the knights. Alistair had been focusing on those same matters, but the physical toll of his duties was becoming clear in his sparring.
As the match concluded, Elias stood victorious. "You've definitely gotten rusty," he said, a teasing glint in his eyes. "But at least you're not as bad as some."
Alistair laughed lightly, but Elias's grin only widened. "I wouldn't have had the upper hand against the prince I used to know."
"You may be right," Alistair responded, clearly aware of his own decline in skill.
Elias helped Alistair pick up his sword. There was something flirtatious in the way Elias handed the weapon to the prince, lingering a moment too long, his eyes never leaving Alistair's face. Adam stood nearby, watching them exchange glances with growing irritation, he looks at jasmine expecting a reaction from her, but to his surprise Jasmine just smiled, and he could swear he saw something like curiosity in her eyes. His gaze flickered between Alistair and Elias, his discomfort evident. He had always respected Alistair, and looked up to him as a brother.
Without thinking, Adam stepped forward, his voice breaking the tension in the air. "Why don't you prove it, Elias? A duel with me," he said, challenging the knight with a sharp edge to his words.
Elias and Alistair both paused, surprised by Adam's boldness. Alistair immediately tried to intervene. "There's no need for that," he said, raising a hand. "Let's not make this more than it is."
But Elias, never one to back down from a challenge, smirked. "I'm fine with it," he said with a grin. "What do you say, Adam? Think you've got what it takes?"
Jasmine, who had been quietly observing the entire exchange, finally spoke up. "If they want to duel, husband, let them," she said, looking directly at Alistair with a calm yet firm tone.
Alistair hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Fine," he said reluctantly. "Let them fight."
Adam quickly stripped off his outer garments and donned his armor, ready to face Elias on the field. The tension was palpable as both men squared off, their swords raised and poised for combat.
The duel began with a flurry of strikes. Adam's strength and power were evident in each of his moves, his sword swinging with force. Elias, on the other hand, was swift and agile, using his speed to evade Adam's powerful blows. The fight was intense, each man pushing himself to the limit.
Adam's strength seemed to give him the advantage at first, his strikes overwhelming Elias's defenses. However, Elias's quick reflexes allowed him to dodge most of Adam's attacks. It seemed as if Elias would ultimately win-until Adam, with a well-timed strike, caught Elias off guard, knocking him down to the ground.
For a moment, Elias lay there, stunned. Adam stood over him, his sword raised in victory. But before Adam could extend a hand to help him up, Elias shoved it away with a sneer, clearly frustrated.
"I don't need your help," Elias muttered, standing up on his own. He turned and walked off the field, clearly angered by the outcome.
Adam stood there, breathing heavily from the fight. He watched Elias leave, his eyes narrowed. Then, he glanced at Jasmine, who had been quietly watching the exchange.
"Well done, Sir Adam," she said, a light laugh escaping her lips.
Alistair, who had been watching the duel intently, met Adam's eyes. The tension between them was palpable. Adam gave a small nod, his expression unreadable, before he turned and left the field, his steps purposeful and quick.
Jasmine, still smirking, glanced at Alistair. "Your knight doesn't take defeat well," she remarked, her voice light but knowing.
Alistair didn't respond. He only stared off into the distance, his thoughts far away.