The Princess And Her Alpha Bodyguard

25~ DOUBLE TROUBLE

When I arrived at the training camp, everyone was already in their positions. The boys queued in five lines with swords in their hands. As for the girls, they were lining up in front of the archery targets.

I tried my best not to show how feverish I was, but it didn't mean that I could push my body's limit. My pace was slower than usual, and I had to take a break to catch my breath. When Edward asked if I was alright, I brushed it off and said it was only a muscle ache. Thankfully, he didn't probe further. Or else I'd have collapsed from exhaustion. My brain was already as fuzzy as it was. I didn't want to exhaust myself from having to think of excuses.

"You're late," said Mez when I walked to her.

"Almost." I faked a smile to hide my not-so-well complexion. "The training still hasn't started yet."

She shook her head. "That's something you should be thankful for. Don't think you can escape from punishment just because you're a newcomer."

"I wouldn't dare, instructor Mez," I joked.

Mez frowned. "Why is your voice so weak? And you look—"

"No, I'm not pale. Everyone keeps saying that, but I'm fine. Just a lack of sleep." I cut her off. "Let's get started. You promised to teach me how to shoot an arrow today. I hope you won't take back your words."

"I won't," said Mez.

"Then, let's go. I should go over there to join the others, right?" I pointed to the archery field.

"Yes." She nodded. "Take off your cloak and follow me."

"Take off my cloak?" I asked. "Can't I keep it on?"

Mez narrowed her eyes at me and said, "It's not that you can't, but it'll be better if you take it off. That way, it won't get in your way of practice since this is your first time. Also, this cloak is thick. It may restrict your hand's movement. Besides, the weather isn't that cold. Aren't you feeling hot under that?"

I'm not," I hurried to answer. "I mean, it's okay. I'll manage."

"Let her keep it. It'll be fine," said Edward as he came to stand next to us. "And I hope you won't rush things. She has a muscle ache from the training yesterday."

"Really?" Mez turned to me. "Why didn't you tell me earlier? We can move archery for the next few days. Today, you can just warm up with the running and let your muscles adjust to the change."

"No." I shook my head. "I want to try archery. Since I was young, I've always wanted to do it, but my mother wouldn't allow it. Let me do it. I'm okay."

There was no way I would put this off. I was beyond excited that Mez allowed me to learn archery on the second training day. I thought I'd be stuck with building up my body for at least a week since that was what Gerold told me. But Edward stepped in yesterday and suggested that I study archery before sword fighting since it wouldn't consume too much energy. He didn't know how elated I was to see Mez agree to this suggestion.

After seeing what happened to Conrad's people, my heart shattered into millions of pieces. Yet, this heart-rending sight was also a powerful force to push me to strive forward. Every time that scene appeared inside my head, my blood boiled with anger and determination. Every day, I vowed to become someone new—someone who was strong enough to take Iory on. I must do what I can to stop this tragedy from befalling the people of Zariya. My people and those in Gandtrick were waiting for me to save them. I mustn't let them down.

Time was at the essence, and I must not slack off. Not even for a day.

"Please, Mez." I implored, looking her in the eyes.

Mez's eyes were full of hesitation as she looked at Edward. It was as if she wanted to ask for his permission.

"Why are you looking at him? This is my body so that I can decide by myself." I already dragged my body here. There was no point in giving up before we could even start.

"Let her do it," said Edward with a sigh. "Archery doesn't require as much strength as sword fighting."

"Alright." Mez slumped her shoulders in defeat. "Come, Lae."

I smiled and followed behind Mez. But I didn't forget to mouth thank you to Edward over my shoulder.

When I arrived at the archery field, there was no free spot. Every target already had a person standing before it.

"Petra, your archery improved a lot. How about you practice throwing knives today?" said Mez toward a girl with long, black fishtail hair.

"May I ask for the reason, Miss?" she asked.

"As you can see, every spot is full. I want to teach Lae how to shoot an arrow today. Can I borrow your place?" Mez turned to me.

"This human girl wants to join us?" asked a girl with the same hairstyle and color, who was standing next to Petra. And if I wasn't mistaken, it wasn't just the hair that made them look identical. Her face was the same as Petra's: diamond face shape, thin lips, and upturned dark brown eyes.

They were twins.

"She has a name, Zelda," said Mez. "Did you forget? She already introduced herself yesterday."

"No, Miss. I didn't forget." Zelda lowered the bow, letting one end touch the ground. "I just didn't remember. Why would I waste the space of my brain to remember a mere human's name? After all, she's just someone who is in the wrong place at the wrong time. She won't be staying here for long, anyway. Once she regains her memory, she'll leave. I see no point in getting to know someone who isn't meant to stay." She smirked as her eyes fixated on me.

"Zelda," said Mez in a stern voice. "You shouldn't talk this way. Lae is here as a trainee. She's like your classmate."

"Classmates?" Zelda hissed. "Who wants to befriend a weak human like her? I'd rather she hit her head and died that day. It'll save my sister the trouble of giving up her spot."

"Zelda!" Mez raised her voice. "That isn't a proper thing to say. Apologize to Lae."

"What?" Zelda widened her eyes in shock. "Why should I be the one to apologize to her? I didn't say anything wrong. Miss Mez, this woman wasn't supposed to be here in the first place. Ascian had never welcomed an outsider. "

Great! A fever and a troubled classmate. What a perfect day, Lae. I thought to myself. I was so excited about learning archery that I forgot about one thing. The archery field was where those girls who gave me a look of disgust were at. And Zelda was one of them.

"Why is this woman an exception?" asked Zelda in an angry tone as she pointed her index finger at me.

"Lae is an exception because King Valdemar has his reason," said Edward as he came to stand next to me with his hands folded across his chest. "Do you question your king's decision?"

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