To Seduce An Assassin (The Omaja Series Book 2)(45)

Wilten’s silver eyes filled with amusement. “Pircuk. That how we say—” She motioned something protruding out from her apron.

Graciella dissolved into laughter. “Oh, Gods. I hope Zehuraster the Protector isn’t watching me right now. I’ll be damned for sure.”

“Gods watch everything. They forgive you, milady, because know Emperor Yavi need good wife.”

Graciella’s laugher died in her throat, and she swallowed. “Do you think I would make him a good wife?”

The girl nodded solemnly. “Yes.”

Graciella smiled and turned her attention back to the pile of dried flowers and stems, picked up a petal, and chewed it to test its flavor. “I’m thinking this might be lovely in a spice cake, mixed in with other spices like ginger, cinnamon, and clove.”

Wilten nodded her agreement.

Graciella scooped the little pile of flowers and twigs back into its pouch and hid it behind some jars in the larder. “All right. Are you all set to serve lunch by yourself, Wilten? Cold chicken, bread, and cheese?”

“Yes, milady. I know what to do. No need you stay.”

The kitchen door opened, and Yavi strode in. Graciella and Wilten curtsied to him.

He inclined his head. “Miss Stovy, are you ready for your sword lesson?”

“Yes, Sire.”

“If you would accompany me to the armory, then?”

“Yes, thank you.” She removed her apron and winked over her shoulder at Wilten as she followed him out.





Nine


Graciella took the shortsword Yavi selected for her from the rack, gripping it by the hilt and giving it a few swings.

“How does that feel?” he asked. “Too heavy?”

“No, this one is very light.”

“It’s made of iridium. It’s lighter than steel.”

Graciella admired the carvings in the pommel and crossguard. “It’s a beautiful sword.”

His lips gave a hint of a slight smile, the first one she’d seen that day. “Keep it if you like.”

“Really?”

“Yes—it’s only collecting dust down here.”

“Thank you!”

“I’ll even sharpen it for you so you can do more damage to the cave trolls when they invade the palace.”

She looked up. His grin told her he was teasing, and she smiled in return. “Those cave trolls won’t stand a chance.”

He selected a similar-sized sword for himself from the rack, then led her to the center of the large, echo-y chamber. Light streamed down on them from the intricately designed windows in the domed ceiling high above.

“All right, let’s work on holding the sword properly. Let me see your grip.”

She held up the sword as if she were threatening someone with it.

He laid his sword down, grasped hers by the blade, and moved her hand up closer to the crossguard. “Grip it here, so the crossguard will stabilize your grip and help you control the sword’s movements better.” He stepped back. “Now swing it around.”

She did. “Yes, that is much better.”

“All right. Let me see your fighting stance.”

She crouched and raised the sword again, balancing with her other arm out.

“Good, but straighten your back.” He stepped closer and placed a palm against her lower spine. “Don’t hunch forward.”

She pulled her shoulders back, lifting her chest. She noticed his gaze slipping down to her breasts momentarily, which sent an unexpected shiver through her body. Her nipples hardened against the fabric of her chemise, and her face flushed a little.

Whoa! Is it…warm in here?

“Bend your knees a little more.”

She did, glancing at his face to see if he approved.

“That looks good. Now what you want to do…” He scooped up his sword from the floor and modeled a stance next to her. “…is move this left leg back a little for firmer support as you attack or defend.”

“Like this?” She scooted her left foot back.

He put his sword down again. “Put your foot out more to the side, like this.” He reached down, grasped her calf through her skirt, and moved her leg into position. The touch sent another shiver through her, and again she felt unusually warm and tingly. Every cell in her body was suddenly hyper-aware of Yavi—of his height, his wide shoulders, his silvery gaze, his steady breathing, his deep voice, his masculine scent. She almost felt as if she could taste him, and she definitely wanted to.

Oh, dear. This is way worse than normal. I wonder if the petal I ate is having some effect?

He had her practice some thrusts with the sword, and Graciella did her best to focus her heightened senses and aroused energy on her technique rather than on his sexy lips.

“Good. I can see you remember some things your father taught you. Now face me, and we’ll work on your aim.”

She did, getting into the stance he’d taught her and raising her sword.

He crouched and readied his sword to defend himself. “All right, thrust at me. You want to aim right here.” He indicated a spot below his left pectoral muscle, along his ribcage. “It will be harder for me to deflect if you aim here, because you’re shorter than I am, and you will have more power at that height than I do having to reach down.”