Chapter 282: The Third Lifetime, Adele, (8)
Morning.
Castle grounds.
Thirheria.
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The crisp morning air was filled with the sharp clang of metal on metal as swords clashed in the castle training grounds. The weather was cold, with a biting wind that sent shivers through anyone who dared to step outside without proper clothing. Yet, in the center of the training grounds, three figures moved with precision and strength, seemingly unfazed by the chill.
Theodore, with his golden locks tied back and his regal bearing, was engaged in an intense sparring match with his closest friends: Holden and Connell. Holden, the Duke in this lifetime who was also Theodore’s friend with ebony hair and striking black-lined eyes, he was shirtless despite the cold, his body glistening with sweat. His movements were fluid and powerful, each strike calculated and precise. There was an energy about him, a raw intensity that belied the deep sadness in his eyes, a sadness that Theodore had noticed but never fully understood.
Connell, Theodore’s loyal knight, was the polar opposite in demeanor. He wielded his sword with a practiced ease, but his mouth never stopped moving, cracking jokes in between strikes and parries. His laughter echoed through the training grounds, bringing a sense of warmth to the otherwise chilly morning.
"Come on, Theodore! Is that all you have got?" Connell teased, ducking under a swing from Holden and giving Theodore a playful shove. "I thought you were the prince! Show us what royal training looks like!" he taunted.
Theodore smirked, rolling his eyes at Connell’s antics. "I would show you, Connell, but I do not desire to embarrass you in front of Holden," he shot back, countering with a quick, precise strike that Holden deftly blocked.
Holden remained focused, his eyes narrowed as he engaged in the sparring. He was a force to be reckoned with, his strikes powerful yet controlled, his footwork impeccable. Despite the lighthearted banter between Theodore and Connell, there was a seriousness to Holden’s movements, a determination that drove him to push himself harder with each swing of his sword.
Connell, never one to miss an opportunity for humor, dodged another strike and grinned. "Holden, you are going to wear yourself out if you keep going like that. Maybe we should give you a break, let Theodore and I handle the rest!"