Fantasy Novel Short

Hi friends, so I am writing a fantasy novel and I have started to write random scenes to inspire me. I hope you like it

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight. I count as I methodically move around the training grounds with my sword. I go over my usual routine I have done every morning since I was a little girl. It is just some simple standard moves, but I have to stay sharp. Even though the wars are over and I would probably never be allowed onto the battlefield if they were still ongoing. I comb over every attack, block, and dodge to make sure I do them perfectly. If these are my natural reflexes, if or when I need them, all this training might finally pay off.

As I am doing a spinning dodge move, someone standing at the edge of the training grounds catches my eye. I don’t have to stop to realize who it is. “Not him again,” I scowl to myself. “What does he want now?”

I continue as if I don’t see him, but I can tell he isn’t leaving, I can feel his eyes boring into my backside, and it is distracting. Finally, I stop and turn around, glaring at him. “What do you want?” I ask him in the rudest tone I can possibly muster at such an early hour.

He holds up his hands in defence and gives a tiny smirk. “Oh, nothing, nothing, princess. I was just coming down to do some training, but it seems someone has already taken the early morning spot. I’m impressed someone of your status even knows how to arise with the sun.”

I scoff at him, “Why must you always mention my status? It is annoying.” I sheath my sword and stalk over to him. “I awake every morning at this hour for your information, and I am trying to get on with my routine, so if you would so kindly leave me be, that would just be swell.”

He gives me a grin, “Oh, but I wasn’t bothering you at all, your majesty. I was simply waiting for my turn.”

“You are bothering me with your presence.” I seeth.

He cocks his head at me, “Fine, I’ll leave you to it.”

“Yes, you will.” I agree and turn back to the training grounds, unsheathing my sword once more, and turning my back on him.

“Or,” I hear him start to talk again, “I could train with you. Your method looks quite boring.”

“My method is just fine, thank you very much. I’ve trained with a partner many times, I am in no need for one at the time.” I huff back and continue where I left off.

“Ah, scared to face me, I see. No matter, I will be on my way.” He answers back, and I hear his boots start to make their way along the cobblestones.

I should have just let him go, but his smart little ass wasn’t getting the last word in this standoff. I turn back around and yell after him. “Scared, please, you think you are some big tough knight, but I bet I know as much as you do.”

That stopped him dead in his tracks. He turned around with the most endearing smile on his face and chuckled. “Oh, sweetheart, you wouldn’t be able to handle me.”

“You are aware I could have you publicly executed for calling me names, right?” I glare at him, I do not want this insult of a man calling me sweetheart.

He chuckled again, walking onto the training grounds, we began circling each other. “Now, now, your highness. You know your future husband would never let you behead his favorite knight.”

“I never said I wanted to behead you, I was thinking more along the lines of burning you at the stake.” I retort.

This makes him laugh, “I did not realize how much you loathed me, your majesty.” He gave me a sarcastic bow, “And it appears you do have a sense of humor when you want to.”

I stop moving and give him the hardest look I’ve ever given anyone in my life. “Do not talk to me in such a way, I will not be disrespected in my own kingdom. Just for that, I am going to beat you.”

He stops walking with me and laughs, “Cute, but I don’t think those little moves are any match for what I can do.”

I hold my sword in a ready position. “Oh, those little moves were just my warm-up, Remmy. I can do so much more.”

At the mention of the forbidden nickname, I catch him off guard as he dramatically gapes at me, “I distinctly remember telling you that you are not to call me that.”

While he is distracted, I lunge at him. Apparently, I misjudged his distracted face because he easily side steps me and catches my ankle, causing me to crash to the ground.

“Woops,” He giggles as he dances away from where I am, sprawled on the ground, my skirt over my head. “Sorry, didn’t mean to do that, I must have slipped.” He lies with a laugh as I get up. I hate being humiliated, especially by someone I despise.

“That isn’t fair, I wasn’t ready.”

“Hey, you are the one who lunged, but go ahead, I’ll wait. Tell me when you are ready.” He gives me an innocent smile.

I glare back at him. “Ready.”

(If anyone has any questions about the characters, feel free to ask)