Chapter 10: A Promised Dance
Grim's practice session had ended, but the princess and Lianna lingered, clearly waiting for him to finish putting away the training equipment. Rowan and Marcus had moved to the far side of the yard, still deep in their discussion about tournaments and politics.
"Did you like the sword techniques?" the princess asked eagerly as Grim approached. "They looked amazing!"
"They were adequate," Liana said with feigned disinterest, though Grim had caught her leaning forward in rapt attention during the demonstration.
"They're useful," Grim replied noncommittally, though internally, he was still buzzing with excitement. Finally, something with practical combat applications after years of basic stances and forms.
The princess fidgeted with the ribbons on her dress, she was getting nervous. "Grim, I wanted to ask you something."
"What?" He asked the princess.
"Mother is throwing a ball for my birthday next month," she said, soeaking faster than she would have liked. "There will be dancing and music and lots of important people from all over the empire."
"Sounds boring as hell," Grim thought, but kept his face neutral. "That's nice."
"I was wondering if maybe..." the princess continued, her cheeks turning pink. "If maybe you would come as my... as my special guest?"
Lianna snorted. "She means as her date," she clarified, clearly enjoying the princess's discomfort.
"I do not!" the princess protested, though her deepening blush suggested otherwise. "Well, not exactly. Just as my special guest who would... maybe save the first dance for me?"