Sword of the Chosen

u hear a feminine voice

nce

hrough your window. Turning your head to the side, your eyes flutter open to find Catalina staring down at you. You know her well—she's a loyal ser

er tone. Her voice is always warm and comforting. She remains calm even

l. All heirs of Rhivenia start their training with their personal knight when they reach the age of seven. Each heir

e king has some advantages as well as difficulties. You have a chance to observe your siblings as they go thro

chooses the youngest heir. You remember your mother saying that throughout history, only

wards Catalina, who is waiting for you in the corridor. W

rridor. "Your training will start today. You will have to wake

onestly. "I have never seen

is Sir Arnold. He's one of the strongest knights i

remind me of Atheris. Your sister wa

about

ember her saying she would do anything to avoi

like a frightened r

oulder to stop you. "I will make sure t

inhale a deep breath and start exploring the portraits hangi

timidating man with a muscular build and blond hair that passes his

you haven't seen

he painting of you and your siblings standing together with a proud look

well. Your mother looks confident and cold, while your fathe

y your face in the portrait. The artist has done an e

nd wavy then your gaze shift to your dark blue e

t, which includes your sisters

cuts through the silence. "King Charles has ordered him to v

is one," you say, glanc

dren of the king must pass the age of six to be considered a successor. There

r Arnold for your first train

ted by a tall and muscular man, whom you assume is

ou the blunted sword he has been holding. His fac

"I will be your mentor and adviser, Prince Ama

AFTER

ul. Your back hurts from falling to the ground too many times;

ng skills since you're one of the heirs to the throne: since no one knows who the Sword will choo

un now, and you will do everything to be worthy of the Sword.Hurry up," the knight speaks lowly,

shing yourself to your feet slowly as yo

the Sword," Sir Arnold re

f Rhivenia been the youngest heir? Then again, not every firstborn c

try to ignore the pain in your back and keep your ga

never

s eyes. He sighs and releases his blunted sword,

ue tomorrow."On your way to your chamber, you come across your mother, who is talking to Queen Isabelle. Her light green eyes shoot dag

keep her anger under control. You've never heard her raise her voice at som

iar voice. Your gaze leaves the queens, and you

ou nod. "We fin

ces how tired you look. "I remember the day I sta

ought. "Am I right to assume

ng his head slightly. You notice the small but e

ieved that you asked. You frown, not understanding why the abse

e is lucky enough to converse with the king, let alone train with him

pressed him. He even taught me a few moves that I can use against enemies.I hope he will train with

roaches Queen Isabelle. She's still listening to your mother's complaints in silence. As soon as she noti

you. A softness enters her cold green e

eside you. "I didn't expect it to finish this soon. Is everything alright?" "Sir

frowns, slightly

ues. Then she cocks her head to the side and asks, "Are you

s disappointedly

e puts her hand on your cheek to get your

ly normal for you to get tired," she s

She presses a kiss on your for

n me." What were you talking about with your half-brother?" Queen Alvena asks as she remembers seeing you having a conversation with him.

orm her. She clenches her jaw and her eyes widen a litt

s to herself. "He shouldn't

ual, but now you've found out that your father is choosing sides. You won

irst training with Sir Arnold. However, you still feel like your siblings are one step ahead of you because of the age d

l wake up early every morning and practise your skills with Sir Ar

you hope s

came strained after she gave birth to the last heir. Sometimes, she can't help but wonder if

ushing it open. The king is sitting at the table, reading a lette

y," Alvena states plainly. She

at the letter. The queen clenches and unclen

s him. "You should not favour an heir

g at her. "I will make sure his mentor will be punished for his irresponsibility. Now,

etter and continues reading it. Struggling to ignore the rage building

never for