Chapter 321: Determination in the Morning
Early morning practices and another tired day.
The Commander had gotten used to a lingering tiredness behind his eyes as he went through each day. No matter what he did, he couldn’t seem to get as much sleep as he wanted to even when he did have the opportunity.
If he held still for too long, he was certain he could nod off. It was an impossible situation because at times he did have to sit at a desk when he would rather be running around with the knighthood or patrolling the hills over the beautiful valley he was now allowed to call home.
And, boy, was it beautiful.
Henry stood in his bedroom, one that was larger than any home he had ever lived in while growing up. His dark eyes went along the windows that looked towards the southeastern end of the valley. He could see the ancient wall segment from where he stood.
He already knew it was going to be a beautiful day despite the sun having only just kissed the horizon. The days there weren’t too hot. About now in Hydrogia, it would be almost painful to have to stay outside all day and his skin would get unbelievably dark.
He had just gotten into a tunic and work pants so that he could join the practices. It was the best way to wake himself up in the morning.
His leather boots echoed across the floor as he made it off of the expansive woven area rug and onto the polished wood that made up the floor in his room. He was now facing the windows that looked northwest and he saw that his second and third in command were already out on the practice yard.
The windows to his room were kept open at night because he liked to sleep in cool air, but he couldn’t hear what they were saying. However, he saw the two giving each other trouble as they always did until the pretend conflict escalated to Irene pulling out one of the practice swords she had been organizing for apprentices and pointing it at Felix.
They sparred for a moment, and Henry had to get away from the window.
He had never read into their interactions before accidentally overhearing their conversation, but he couldn’t help allowing his mind to wander. Would it be nice to have a woman at his side so adept with a blade? The Princess he was used to didn’t prefer to do much if she didn’t have to. She seemed energetic only when she was jumping to conclusions about Henry’s intentions.
The man shook his head at himself.