by Ian Carter
Her auburn hair typically bounced over the top of her shoulders, but when she sparred, it was done up in a ponytail and restricted behind her head. She had a slender build but had no shortage of muscle covering her frame. Her chest size was about average, which Kai found vexing; He felt awful about having such a dirty mind. Still, when told about having a ravishing female instructor, wild dreams about a beautiful and busty teacher eclipsed any other subject at night. Hayleigh had a fiery personality, used sarcasm more effectively than her sword, and was always quick with a stinging insult. She always kept him on his toes, but more than anything else, Hayleigh was an exemplary Bladeswoman.
"You're pretty good for only being 23 Prince Kai," Hayleigh confirmed their teacher's earlier assessment as she undid her ponytail. "Remember, I'm the best Silver Bladeswomen in the kingdom and one of the best Silver Blades period." She paused slightly, then covered her mouth with her hand cutely. "There's no shame in not being able to match up to me." Kai rolled his eyes as she slyly giggled. She gave her hair a quick ruffle before she brushed it aside and began to walk towards the fancy wooden table laden with refreshments nearby.
Kai sheathed his practice sword and turned to his teacher. "Mason, how well do you think I'm going to do in the Tournament? It's three weeks away, and I don't feel like I'm ready."
The Festival of Blades, featuring the Empyrean Combat Tournament, was held in the kingdom of Orilia every four years and was founded by Orilia's king, Edwin. Young men and women across the kingdom between the ages of 21 and 24 competed in a 14 round bracket tournament that showcased the best conscripts entering the military. How far one advanced in the Tournament determined what level of Blade they would wield for life. Even after retirement, Bladesmen and Bladeswomen were allowed to keep their Blades until they passed away. The Tournament's top eight combatants obtain the highest possible reward, a Gold Blade. Places nine through 128 would receive a Silver Blade, while finally, places 129 through 2,048 would get a Bronze Blade.
As they aged, children idolized the kingdom's Bladesmen and Bladeswomen. In particular, the Bladesmen and women who wielded Gold Blades often became living legends, as adults routinely regaled children of their deeds. The kingdom assigned Gold Blades the most dangerous and glorious tasks that would make or break the kingdom. Silver Blades became the protectors and security details of cities and towns around the kingdom. The more populous or important cities would receive Silver Bladesmen of higher pedigree, such as ones from noble families or ones that possessed a high skill level. The Bronze Bladesmen served as the main force of the kingdom's army. Cities would often dispatch them to clean out threatening animal nests, help as necessary security details, or track down travelling bands of bandits and undesirables. However, at times of war, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Blades would unite to form cohesive military units, leaving their previous tasks to soldiers who wielded regular equipment.
Glory and money awaited those who performed well at the Empyrean Tournament. The young men and women who took part placed exceptionally high pressure on themselves.
"You will surely not bring shame to our king, I can assure you, Your Highness," Mason answered. "I would project you to be one of the top 100 combatants. However, as is the nature of tournaments, if you happen to come across an opponent of equal or superior skill, anything can happen." Mason paused as he considered his next words carefully. "It may not be my place to say, Your Highness, but as you are indeed royalty of this kingdom. I imagine that your father would ensure a somewhat easier path through the early stages of the bracket to ensure you of at least a Bronze Blade. That being said, I cannot imagine your father would be able to coddle you past that stage."
Mason was Kai's earliest and most trusted teacher, confidant, and friend. As soon as Mason completed and obtained his Gold Blade twelve years ago, King Edwin immediately recruited him to replace Kai's then-current instructor. Mason was famous not just across the kingdom, but the continent for his unbreakable defense. King Edwin once told Kai that any Bladesmen considered it a coincidence to land a single scratch on his armor, let alone win.
Aside from his credentials, Mason was an imposing man that rose a few inches above Kai. Short dark brown hair peppered in with small bits of grey sat upon his handsome face and always looked impeccable. He had broad shoulders and immense legs that gave him incredible power. Growing up, he was raised on a farm and had 'farm strength' as he called it. When not with Kai, he still spent time on his parent's farm doing various tasks. Kai found it unfair how perfect of a man he seemed, not even touching on the fact that he always seems to have the answer to any question posed to him. Mason was an intensely private man, so Kai still did not know many details of his personal life.
"My father drives me crazy!" Kai angrily spat. "I've already spoken to him about that many times. I don't wish to be handed anything anymore. I don't want to be coddled through my entire life! It's already enough of an advantage that I get to spar with two of the best Bladesmen in the kingdom." Kai paused for a moment.
"I'm going to be the next king," Kai sighed, a little less heated. "Every single person in the Capital knows I was a right brat growing up ... so how does getting the easy path in the Tournament help my image? I don't wish to waltz the streets of the Capital and have merchants and beggars whisper as I pass them. They would whisper in hushed tones and point at me, labelling me the 'Worthless King' or what have they. I would find no pride in ruling like that."
"Forgive me, young prince," Mason interjected. "Though you can question the decisions and motivations of our king, I am uncomfortable in doing so. I am not one who can give my opinion on such matters, so I feel it would be best to discuss these things with someone able to reciprocate the conversation."
Kai sighed once more. "I know, Mason. Sometimes I ... never mind. Anyways, I'm going to relax and then get ready for our afternoon patrol. After you rest, please get Hayleigh and meet me at the terrace after lunch."
"As you wish, Your Highness." Mason slightly bowed before he righted and then began towards the same table Hayleigh had gone to earlier.
As Mason's words still bounced around his head, Kai left the training ground and headed towards the castle. In addition to him not having a relationship with his parents during his childhood years, when he attended school Kai had a personal teacher and was kept separate from the ordinary children. He was only able to interact with the other children during the short breaks between lessons and with direct supervision. Missing the guidance of his parents and not being able to spend any meaningful time with children of his age did nothing to advance his social abilities.
During solstice celebrations and other holidays, most children received at best modest gifts. On the other extreme, Kai would receive grandiose presents laden with gems and other expensive trims and garnishes. At an early age, the common children were filled with wonder and amazement towards the gifts he received and the ability to talk and play with a prince. However, as years went on, the separation during lessons led to emotional distance between the children. Emotions like awe and amazement turned to envy and resentment towards the lavish presents.
As Kai grew up through no fault of his own, the emotional and physical distance between him and those of the same age grew exponentially. Kai resented this treatment by the other kids, in addition to his self-acknowledged, spoilt behavior. Most of all, he felt bitterness towards the perceived source of his failings, King Edwin. Kai realized it wasn't his father's fault, as he had only raised Kai the best he could as he grieved for Queen Annie. However, the acknowledgement of that fact didn't help him with everyone his age.
Kai approached the grand wooden doors to the castle and noticed the two immaculate looking guards that blocked the way with their violet colored halberds. The polished silver armor they wore creaked and squeaked as they each uncrossed their weapons and grabbed a door handle. The doors slowly opened to reveal a sprawling and lavishly decorated concourse; drapes, banners, and carpets sprawled in all directions. Shades of violet
, crimson, and ebony dressed the cold greys and browns of the castles stone and wood fixtures. Two grand staircases rose to either side of the concourse; the one on the left rose to the second floor, while the one on the right reached to the third. Kai altered his course towards the right staircase lined with suits of armor that were broken up by displays of Bronze, Silver, and Gold Blades that defined the kingdom's military structure. Kai felt the castle was home, fit for royalty such as himself and his father.
Kai traced his left hand up the stone handrail as he rose to the third floor and shortly after opened the door to his quarters to find his steward and chambermaid performing their duties. "Welcome back, Your Highness," the chambermaid said as she stopped and bowed deeply. The steward quickly noticed him as well and bowed deeply too.
"I trust your training went well, Your Highness?" The steward stopped and bowed as well.
"I tell you two every time, please don't call me Your Highness," Kai sighed. "It makes me feel super awkward. If you insist on something, use Prince Kai."
"As you wish, Prince Kai," they responded in unison.
"Thank you. Rhea, can you go and run me a bath? I want to clean up before going on my afternoon patrol."
"I've already run a bath. Another maid informed me that you were on your way back, Prince Kai," Rhea answered. "Never underestimate the whispers of the castle."
"Oh, thank you," Kai answered appreciatively but also slightly scared. "Jensen, can you get my lunch? I'm pretty hungry, and I can't last until after my patrol." Jensen nodded and bowed once more before he left the chambers.
Kai leaned his practice Blade against the wall near his bed with a soft clink. Rhea then led him into the bathing area of his quarters. After closing the drapes behind them, she gently began undoing his leather practice armor. With care, Rhea meticulously removed and placed each piece onto the table designated for his armor for Jensen to pick up later. After a few moments, she had finished taking off his underclothing and beckoned him to enter the large bath. The scent of flowers and soap wafted into his nostrils as he stepped over the edge and lowered his tired body into the water. Kai instantly felt at ease as he could feel his muscles relax and ease the pain from his body. Rhea began to remove her apron, but Kai held up his hand.
"Rhea, you don't have to come in with me. I'll be just fine soaking here on my own."
"I apologize, Prince Kai," Rhea giggled. "But your father was quite clear that one of my roles as your chambermaid is to ensure that you're fully relaxed and that you have recovered after your training. I don't intend to slack off on my duties."
"I know, but you can just continue with cleaning my armor. I'll be fine."
"But where is the fun in that, my prince?" Rhea insisted. Kai gave in and closed his eyes and leaned his head against the wall beside the bath. Rhea finished undressing and stepped over the edge of the tub and began to enter the water.
Rhea was a young woman 20 years old, and her raven black hair fell half a dozen inches past her shoulders. She was not a thin woman at all, but Kai preferred it that way. She was the daughter of a chambermaid who had worked in the castle long before Kai was born. Rhea was brought to the castle at a young age, and she had played with Kai on a few occasions. Through their brief time together, she grew to adore him. She had chosen chambermaid training instead of swordsmanship in hopes of becoming Kai's faithful servant, and she managed her wish when she turned 16. As a birthday present, her mother assigned her to Kai's chamber. To her delight, Kai recognized her from their youth, and the mutual attraction had begun in earnest.
The sound of water spilling over the side of the bath filled his ears, and his heart began to beat furiously. Kai couldn't help but steal glances of Rhea here and there as she did her regular duties as he found her incredibly attractive. He counted his lucky stars each time he got to see her, let alone in such close quarters. Kai enjoyed the mental image of her curves and large chest sinking beneath the water's surface, but he kept his eyes fastened shut. His moral compass would not allow him to steal looks at the women he lusted after, nor take advantage of his father's orders for her to bathe with him.
Rhea lowered herself into the bath behind him and settled in before she clasped her hands over his eyes and leaned forward. "I'm going to wash your back so lean forward," Rhea whispered into his left ear. Kai made an audible gulp and began to shake in anticipation as he leaned forward.
The feeling of her hands as they scrubbed on his back made Kai let out a deep moan like breath, and he instantly felt embarrassed but said nothing. He wished the feeling of the cloth on his skin combined with the humming and whistling she did while doing so would continue forever. Relief continued as she washed his arms and the back of his neck, with each new area came new euphoria. The stress and weakness of the sparring sessions melted away. With each pass of her hands, his admiration for her grew.
"I don't know if you know this," Rhea cooed as she scrubbed. "When I was a little girl, I admired you quite a bit you know."
"Did you?" Kai blurted out abruptly at the confession.
"Oh yes," Rhea giggled. "I would regale my mother and father of the time we played together and the adventures we took. The days we spent at the lake are still some of the best I have experienced. When you came of age to undergo swordsmanship training, I took as many peaks as I could. I was always going to be a chambermaid like my mother, but I made up my mind early on to train hard and be your chambermaid. I could not be happier with my post."
"I'm thankful you were assigned to me," Kai confessed. "I wouldn't have anyone else looking after my needs. I trust you implicitly."
Rhea smiled and leaned her body against him before she reached around and began to wash his chest. She diligently scrubbed the dirt away, causing Kai's mind to go blank. His heart beat faster with each new inch of his skin refreshed by the pressure applied to it. His hands gripped the sides of the bath as she worked away.
Rhea finished her work and cheerfully discarded the cloth into a nearby hamper. Kai considered his bath complete and tensed his arms to lift himself out and leave the tub. However, Rhea wrapped her arms around Kai and pulled him towards her. As Rhea restrained Kai, she began to run her hands across his chest and slowly towards his stomach; Breaths whispered into his ear grew heavier as her hands crept downwards.
"Stop," Kai stated softly but firmly.
"Come now, Prince Kai. I'm not done quite yet," Rhea playfully whispered as she lowered her hands once more. "I thought you just said you trusted me implicitly?"
"I said stop!" Kai barked. Rhea froze in place as Kai moved his body away from hers to the far end of the bath.
"I know you're only doing this because of my father's orders. You don't have to go that far, and I won't let you do something you might regret. I want my first experience to be with someone who is doing it because they want to, not because they were told to."
"Prince Kai, I can assure you that your father ..."
"I just told you I don't care what my father said! Thank you for your help, but you will leave now and continue with the rest of your duties," Kai spat.
Rhea, shell shocked, silently rose from the bath and stepped back over the ledge. She put on a nearby robe, gathered her clothing and left the bathing area with tears pooling in the corner of her eyes. After she disappeared from the room and the rustled drapes became still, silence fell upon the bath. Kai shook his head and moved back and leaned himself against the edge of the tub. As the feeling of self-loathing washed over him like the bathwater, he looked out the window and searched until his gaze landed on a few birds that soared away from him towards the mountain range. He closed his eyes and made a quiet wish that they could whisk him away somewhere far, far in the distance.
◆◆◆
Kai lifted his right arm that signalled the guards inside the main doors to open them. The giant doors creaked open to allow the afternoon breeze to sweep across Kai's face. The refreshment gave him some mild relief from stuffy air inside the castle and the heat that
festered under his armor. The sun gleefully bounced off the polished metal affixed to the leather that made up his patrol armor. He raised a hand to his brow and peered towards the terrace that overlooked the Capital, and spotted Mason as he gazed out over the city. Kai made a final effort to vanquish the earlier scenario from his mind before he made his way over to him.
"Glad to see you're on time, Mason," Kai announced to break the silence that Mason seemed to be enjoying. "Where is Hayleigh?"
"She was here with me, but she forgot a hair accessory she said she couldn't go without," Mason replied. "She should be back any moment."
"I don't get women. Why do they insist on so many things that don't matter? She's going on a patrol, not a date."
"I don't think that is very fair to her."
"Whatever," Kai retorted. "She knows to be here on time. Women will listen to everyone but me. I accept that."
