She was the epitome of gorgeous and intimidating and everything Vera could ever hope to be.

Nodding at a furious Taeral, she positioned herself in front of Vera and unsheathed the sword at her side. The very sharp, very real, sword.

Raising her chin, she didn’t even bother turning around before calling to someone over her shoulder. “Suki, give her your weapon.”

Immediately, a short-statured, blond female jogged toward her from out of the gathered crowd, sneering as she unsheathed her blade.

It was obvious Suki didn’t appreciate the thought of Vera using it, but she did as instructed without uttering a word, shoving the handle into the palm of her hand with more force than necessary. The blade of the sword reflected in the sunlight, enhancing the fact that it was also, a very real weapon.

Vera’s brows rose as she took in the female before her again. Although Taeral had made it abundantly clear that she was in charge, this female held an air of command. Suki hadn’t even batted an eye before complying, nor had she glanced to Taeral for confirmation.

“Reniya Virnorin,” she said, introducing herself like they’d just met on the street rather than in the center of a circle full of sneering Magyki. Cracking her neck, she widened her stance, holding one arm in front of her, bent at the elbow, while the other held her blade in front of her chest.

“Let’s see what you got, Arenaris.”

Vera didn’t get a second to react to her name being thrown out like a verbal whip before Reniya attacked, moving with a speed she hadn’t anticipated.

She barely raised her borrowed blade in time, the unexpected hit almost sending her to the ground. The long sword was heavy in her hands, unlike the daggers she’d taken to practicing with on the ship. She grunted, using every muscle in her arms and chest to shove her back. The bitch had put her entire body weight behind that fucking hit.

Knowing her body strength wasn’t nearly strong enough to withstand many of those kinds of hits, Vera lunged, going on the offense and aiming the flat of her sword for Reniya’s shoulder.

She had no idea why anyone would train with real blades. The entire point of training was to be able to safely make mistakes, and regardless of their attitude toward her, Vera had no desire to physically harm any of them.

Her hesitation behind her thrust must have been obvious because Reniya flashed a terrifying smile, dodging her attack as easily as if she’d moved in slow motion.

“I am not afraid to bleed, Your Highness, nor am I afraid to draw yours. Fight me like a warrior or tuck tail and walk off this field.”

Laughter echoed out around her, along with several shouts of agreement. Vera bristled, embarrassed. In her peripheral, she saw Jaren step through the crowd, arms crossed, and looking seconds away from ripping out throats. The Magyki around him shifted, giving him a wide berth.