"Didn't think you'd actually show up." Gena said as she looked at the two newcomers in the training area. "Who are you? You weren't here the last time." Lion asked. Gena smiled. "Your sister-in-law and Opal's goddaughter." Kai was a bit surprised.
"So you're my prospective fiancé, Deignae Sein." She gave a curt nod. "Everyone calls me Gena." She picked up two short swords from the table. "Let's spar once you've warmed up." She looked him over with a condescending smirk before walking away. The two wore thick winter cloaks while she wore one layer of training clothes.
"She's Heln's Eldest Princess?" Lion asked as he watched Gena walk towards Soria. Not everyone was present as yet, but they were approaching the training area together. When Opal walked in with the other family members following behind her, Soria was surprised to see Opal in training clothes.
"Mother. You're training with us today?" She asked. "Real weapons day. How can I miss it?" The smile on Soria's face froze. "Mother. I wish to sit out from this training." Opal didn't say anything and just stared at her. "Mother~." Soria pouted. "Fine."
Opal patted her cheek gently. "Only one person is sitting out on this day." Sera was already escorted to her seat by Calin. Opal turned to see the two brother standing in one place with their cloaks on. They bowed. "Why are you still standing there? Get ready." She ordered. Her tone didn't shift as she spoke with them.
A few minutes later, everyone chose their weapons and let two options. A set of flying daggers and a spear. Opal took up the spear, inspected it and nodded. She walked to the middle and smiled. "Let's begin."
Gena moved forward but Kain reached Opal first. The sword clashed against the spear so hard that sparks flew. Opal kicked his knee and moved to the side as Gena swung her swords. The end of the spear hit her side hard, but she gritted her teeth and wrapped a hand around the spear.
Rain didn't waste the opportunity and swung his broad sword. Opal didn't bother to pull the spear; she released it and dunked. As broad sword cut down on the spear, Opal moved forward but she couldn't get close as a whip slashed through the air.
Varin appeared from her behind her husband like a ghost and smirked. Opal chuckled and took a few steps back. No one else made a move yet. Other than the four now, they were all watching and waiting.
She hadn't expected that everyone come after her, but she wasn't complaining. Gena moved first. Opal turned and rushed towards her; Gena hadn't expected it but adjusted quickly. When a cold hand grabbed her throat, she realized she hadn't adjusted quick enough.
Opal released her, took one of her swords and spun it twice. She parted her feet slightly and lowered her body a bit. The amusing smile on her face didn't leave but widened a bit more. She was enjoying this interaction a lot despite her serious fighting stance.
Haelion watched the fight closely. At first, he wanted to jump in and really let loose but the more he watched, the more he more he confirmed. He didn't say anything to Kai, although Kai would believe him, he would also rush to tell their father.
Haelion couldn't risk that. Not now. Not yet. He wanted to confirm. He wanted to hear her admit it. He needed it.
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Two hours later, Opal stood in the middle watching the five in front of her. No matter the age, their stamina was top notch. Rain, Varin, Kain, Soria and Kai stood in front of her. Kai was breathing heavily; he was like a horse on its last leg.
The other four looked like they were better off than him, but they were bruised. Kai had joined in halfway when he thought Opal was cornered but it was a trap. He was going to be nursing a couple bruised ribs for the next few days. From the start until now, Lion didn't join. He had no intention of joining either.
"Master, breakfast is ready." Dasa spoke from the side as she held Opal's cloak. Four of them sighed in relief. Varin nearly crumbled to the ground when she heard those words, but Rain caught her before she could.
Opal chuckled, walked over to Dasa and handed the short sword to a servant as Dasa wrapped the cloak around her. She glanced over her shoulder. "What are you waiting for? Let's go eat breakfast."
Everyone followed behind her after giving their weapons to the servants. Sera was already sitting in the dining room; she'd began eating before they arrived. She moved to stand when Opal entered the room, but Opal motioned for her to remain sitting.
Kai and Lion sat at the end of the table silently. Opal took a sip of the warmed wine and looked around the table. "How was it?" She asked them. "Difficult. If you'd hit me harder, I would have broken bones." Soria complained as she picked up a chicken leg. Opal laughed softly. "None of you were going easy on me."
"I enjoyed it. Letting go of my restraints during the spar was fun." Kai suddenly spoke up. Rain and Kain looked at him. "You held out better than I thought. I figured that living the high life in a palace made you soft." Kain looked at Lion.
"Although one person didn't join." Lion nodded. "I couldn't. I was too busy admiring Madam Jade's movements. They were clean, efficient and held some ruthlessness. It made me wonder what she looked like when she didn't hold back." Opal's hand paused for a moment before she put the cup down.
"Let's talk in depth in my study after breakfast." Lion nodded and the conversation flowed around the room as though the newcomers weren't there. Opal remained silent. Lion who was watching her, realized that she was like this normally and not just because of his words, so he relaxed his body a fraction.
"Speaking of marriage. I heard Aunt Gena has a supposed fiancé?" Sera said with a smile. Gena immediately glanced at Kai and then looked at Sera. "It's not set in stone but I'm a bit more impressed." Kai smiled.