Chapter Thirteen
The courtyard was alive with the bustling sounds of celebration, the sun hanging high above in a clear, blue sky. Flags fluttered in the gentle breeze, vibrant and proud, marking Prince Eryx's birthday. Guests from all corners of Drakmara, and even a few from neighboring kingdoms, had gathered to witness the prince's display of skill in the grand tournament.
Eryx stood in the center of the courtyard, dressed in a fine but simple tunic of dark blue, the color a nod to his royal heritage. His brow glistened with a light sheen of sweat, but his posture was proud and composed. Before him, towering over him, was one of the kingdom's fiercest soldiers, a man known for his prowess in combat—Captain Aric.
The clinking of swords echoed through the air as the two began their match. The crowd gathered around, murmuring in anticipation.
Aric, though skilled, wasn't using his full strength. His strikes were calculated and slow, each one designed to make Eryx appear weaker than he truly was. He let his sword drop too easily, pulling his blows just enough to make the prince look unrefined and inexperienced. To the spectators, it appeared as though Eryx lacked the sharpness expected of a future king.
"Look at the prince," a noblewoman whispered to her companion, her voice laced with a mix of curiosity and condescension. "I heard he's never even properly trained. He doesn't seem to have the discipline."
A man beside her nodded, sipping from his goblet. "It's a shame, isn't it? Drakmara needs a strong king, not one who plays at being a soldier."
Eryx's sword clashed against Aric's again, the metallic sound sharp and hollow in the air. Sweat trickled down the prince's temple, but his expression remained calm, almost unnervingly so. He fought as he had been taught—patient, precise, but with an unmistakable hesitation that Aric exploited to make him look less than formidable.
Tara stood near the edge of the crowd, her gaze sharp and unwavering as she watched the match unfold. She knew exactly what was happening. She could see the careful, almost theatrical way Aric's sword never fully made contact with the prince, the way he pulled back just before Eryx's blade might have struck.
"Poor Eryx," someone muttered in the crowd, just loud enough for her to hear. "Doesn't even know how to hold a sword properly."
Tara's jaw clenched. She was about to step forward, but then she caught Eryx's eye. He was looking directly at her now, his expression unreadable, but something in his gaze told her he knew exactly what was going on.
She stood up straighter, her eyes flicking briefly to the swordplay, then back to the prince. With a subtle tilt of her head, she gave him a barely perceptible gesture: a motion with her hands, showing him how to angle his strikes, how to shift his weight. Her eyes never left his as she moved her fingers in fluid motions.
Eryx blinked, then nodded ever so slightly, understanding the silent message she was sending. His grip on the sword tightened. He could feel the weight of it now, the metal cold in his palm, the power that surged through his arms.
The next time their swords met, it was different. The clash was louder, sharper. The audience began to stir, their attention pulled toward the change in Eryx's stance. He was no longer hesitating; his strikes were controlled, focused. He began moving with more confidence, each movement deliberate and swift. Aric's surprised grunt was barely audible as the prince pushed him back.
The whispers in the crowd died down, replaced by the distinct sound of sword on sword, the two combatants now locked in a more evenly matched duel.
"I didn't expect that," a young nobleman whispered, his eyes wide. "Is he… is he actually learning?"
"Maybe he's not as weak as we thought," another man murmured, his voice tinged with awe. "This is different."
Tara smiled, her posture relaxed but proud. She had known the prince had it in him. He just needed the right push.
The match grew tense as Eryx's blade flashed in the sunlight, now moving with a precision that forced Aric to retreat slightly. The captain's eyes widened in genuine surprise as Eryx landed a blow that came dangerously close to his chest.
Aric's face hardened. This was not the prince he had expected to face. The soldier adjusted his stance, as though preparing for something more serious, but just as he raised his sword to strike again, Eryx spun and ducked low, catching Aric off guard. With a swift movement, he swept Aric's legs out from under him, sending the soldier crashing to the ground with a heavy thud.
The crowd fell silent for a split second before erupting into cheers. Eryx stood over Aric, breathing heavily, his chest rising and falling with the exertion. A victorious smile tugged at his lips, though it was tempered by the realization of what he had just accomplished.
Tara's eyes sparkled as she met the prince's gaze. She gave him a subtle nod, the faintest smile on her lips.
Eryx held his sword out to the side, his chest still heaving from the exertion. He took a step back, raising his hand in acknowledgment of the applause. The crowd stood, giving him a standing ovation, their cheers filling the air. Some were clapping, others laughing, clearly impressed by the turn of events. Even Aric, now on his feet, gave the prince a respectful nod, clearly acknowledging the prince's skill.
"Well done, Your Highness," Aric said, his voice warm but teasing. "I suppose you've proven me wrong."
Eryx gave a wry grin, his confidence now shining through. "It seems I've had a very good teacher."
Lady Tara watched him with a soft smile. She had seen the prince grow from someone unsure of his abilities to a leader who could hold his own, even in the heat of competition. Today, he had proven himself not only to the court, but to himself.
As the cheers continued to echo around them, Eryx caught Tara's eye again, the two of them sharing a look of mutual understanding. There was a lot left for him to learn, but today, he had taken his first real step toward becoming the ruler Drakmara needed.
"Thank you, Tara," he whispered under his breath, his voice barely audible as he looked toward her. "For believing in me."