“Again, Lucy!” Tobias continued pushing, lunging towards me with his sword. It was dreadful. I just knew I was going to die from heat exhaustion.

“I’ve had enough for the day.” I wiped the sweat and dirt from my face with the back of my sleeve.

“No, Princess. You only have but a few days to prepare. Get in position and start again.” He readied his sword and took aim.

That damn dhampir was grating my nerves. I had reluctantly agreed to learn the basics of sword fighting. I needed to know how to properly defend myself, especially now that the Drakins, along with giants, had declared war. We had no idea when they would attempt to invade our kingdom, and I had to be prepared. I refused to be a victim again. I would learn how to fight, even if it did kill me.

I’d found that I was much better with throwing knives. I had hit nearly every target with precision, but no. Tobias wanted to continue with sword fighting—for the past three days. I knew where my strengths lay now, and this certainly wasn’t it.

I gripped my wooden practice sword tightly, circling him, determined to take his dhampir head off this time. He grinned wickedly, only causing me further irritation due to his arrogance. Taking two steps forward, I swung high, and attempted to bring my sword down upon his head. Unfortunately, Tobias was too fast, he crouched low, swiped his left leg at the crook of my knees, effectively knocking me off my feet.

As I lay there face down in the mud, and what was most likely mixed with horse dung, my temper flared. I’d had enough. I was done. It was hot. I’d been practicing all damn day, and now, I was covered in what smelled like shit. If my mouth hadn’t been closed, I would have certainly been eating it. The thought nearly gagged me. “Done” did not even begin to describe what I was feeling right then. At this, I also realised I was harnessing my inner Catherine, and picking up her potty mouth. At that very moment, I honestly didn’t care about my manners or propriety.

Picking myself up from the filth, hearing Tobias’s rich laughter echoing around the training field, I finally stood to my full five-foot-six height. I looked down: my powder-blue dress was now stained brown from the mud, dirt and grime, and my shoes—rubbish—Jane would have to toss them out for sure. My black hair was glued to my head, and if I could have shot daggers from my cobalt eyes, there would have been one less dhampir left in this world.

I glared at Tobias, daring him to laugh again. I shook the mud and possible horse dung from my hands, picked up my crap wooden sword, and then flung it at his head.

“I said, I was done. Now, I am done. Shove that sword up your arse!”

I stormed away, still hearing his obnoxious laughter. I could still see his crystal-blue eyes twinkling in my head. I hated them, and his stupid curly dark-brown hair, too. All of him. Why Catherine had thought Tobias, instead of General Halton, training me was a good idea escaped me.

I slammed through the back entrance of the castle to find Jameson leaning against the wall, stifling his laughter. He must’ve been watching the entire time. Well, screw him, too. Keeping my head held high, I marched past him, and into the kitchen.

“Dear God, Lucy! What is that horrid smell?” Catherine eyed me up and down with a wide smile, standing in the entrance to the kitchen. “Oh, I see training with Tobias is going splendidly.”

“I’ll have you know—never mind. I need a bath.” I glanced around furiously and called out for Jane. I was not going to be dragged into another conversation about that infuriating dhampir, or anyone else for that matter.

“She’s upstairs in the west wing.” Catherine grabbed my attention again. “Perhaps you should wash off outside before entering the living quarters. You do smell, and well, you’re dripping.”

I eyed her dangerously. “And wear what? Parade around the castle in my knickers? I think not!”

Catherine held her belly and laughed. “No, silly. Just forget it. Track mud through the castle and head on up to your chamber. I’ll talk to you about your training later at dinner.”

“Fine.” I huffed. “Later it is then.” I clasped my hands in front of me and proceeded to my chamber.

When Jane spotted me, her mouth kept opening and closing as if she wanted to say something, but no words would come out.

“Princess.” She finally choked out, and then bowed, hurrying towards my bathroom to prepare a bath for me. I’d never been so ready for a long, hot soak in my life.

All of this seemed like a lifetime ago, but it had only been three days since the big day—Catherine’s coronation. My thoughts drifted back to everything that had happened up until this point.