“YOU’RE DISTRACTED today.” Nikolaus made the casual remark as he wiped the sweat from his face and chest with a towel snatched off a shelf.
Nikolaus had discarded his shirt earlier when they started their sparring practice, the private practice field giving him the privacy to do so.
Ezekiel still had his shirt on, but it was drenched with sweat. He’d been contemplating taking it off when Nikolaus spoke, nearly making Ezekiel choke on the water he was gulping down.
“Pardon?”
“I usually have to work much harder to beat you.” Niko grinned.
Ezekiel shook his head. “We’ll see about that. Come on, then. Try and beat me again.”
Nikolaus laughed and took up his sword again, walking to the center of smooth wooden floor. Ezekiel took a last drink from his cup before setting it down on the be
