“War does that,” Lucas agreed. They saluted each other with their blades, then began easily testing each other’s ability. Almost as tall as Lucas and with a long reach and quick reflexes, Athena was a worthy opponent. Their speed increased to a swift, athletic bout that ended when he touched the practice sword to the center of her chest. “Touché, my lady!” he said, panting. “I’m very glad I didn’t have to fight you seriously!”

“The feeling is mutual!” she said with a breathy laugh.

Kendra and Callie had also finished their bout and were laughing together. Kendra turned and came to Lucas, breathing hard, her face flushed. She looked beautiful and enticing and he was tempted to kiss her. Just as well they were in public.

“I wish I’d discovered fencing years ago!” she said.

“It’s even better exercise than galloping a horse cross-country.”

“I prefer fencing as a sport to fighting for one’s life, which tends to interfere with the entertainment value of swordplay,” he replied.

“Indeed it would!” she said fervently. From her expression, she was remembering the time they were attacked on the street when walking to Duval House.

The door to the academy opened and two men entered. The one in the lead was gaunt and scowling, with a red sore on his neck that was almost hidden by his hair. The man in his wake was shorter and milder looking.

Lucas would have barely noticed the new arrivals, except that the gaunt man stopped in his tracks as he caught sight of Kendra. “You!” he said incredulously. “You bitch! What are you doing here, dressed like a slut?”

Kendra’s face whitened. For a moment Lucas wondered if she was about to faint. But she collected herself and said with icy calm, “Given the women you consort with, Denshire, surely you know better what a slut looks like.”

“The way you’re dressed is scandalous! You’re a disgrace to your sex!” he spat out.

“Really?” Callie drawled. She and the other women drew closer to Kendra, pantaloons obvious, swords in hand, and expressions dangerous. “If anyone here is a disgrace to his sex, surely it’s you, Denshire. A fornicating fraud and a bully to boot.”

He sputtered incoherently, looking ready to strike someone, but he was outnumbered and out-armed. His friend put a hand on his arm and murmured something, perhaps a suggestion to leave, but Denshire shook the other man off. “I’m not leaving until I find out what that bitch has done with my son!”

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 21

Kendra gasped at her former husband’s words. “What have I done with Christopher? Nothing! I haven’t seen him since you threw me out of your house and said my son was your property and I’d never see him again!”