It’s been a week since my father had not returned home. Though the condition of house had been improved. Nickolas pays extra attention to the things I need. and take care that I did not lack anything.

My stepmother was silent after the dress incident. Maybe she was waiting for me to calm down and forget about it before doing anything new.

While Isabella she did not take me as her competitor anymore as she saw me covered in dust and mud every other day.

She was always afraid that I was more beautiful than her and she would not get noticed but with me trying to be the knight, she was totally carefree.

Jane and I had been good friends, as we are the only two girls in the training area. Peaceful days.. But have they ever stayed!

“Ha, ha”

“More strength, bend your knees a bit” introjected Noah, these days i have become habitual of calling him Noah more and more, though i am still doubtful about his origin and secrecy.

“You need further practice girl, stay alert” he said as I continued moving the sword in the air.

Well that was what he always said no matter how much I practiced. I was already doing more than anyone else on the ground and I was sure to beat even the knights getting training from the past one year.

“Why don’t you spar with me again to tell me where I lack the detailing?” I asked and his legs stuck together closing the gap.

“I think you should go and practice with Jane, and I will give instructions from the side.”

‘Tsk tsk.. Who would have known it was so easy to scare him. Or have I really damaged his family jewel!!’

“Jane, come here and practice with Abigail ” he shouted and she came running towards us.

“Take your position when both of you get ready.” he annouchec and we nodded, but before we could start, we heard hurried footsteps walking towards us.

“My lady, my lady” came Beth, shouting from the inner chambers and my hands stopped to look at her.

“My lady, you have been called in the inner palace by your father”

I frowned at her words. Why would father call me to the inner palace!

“Is there some emergency? Who else had been called?” I asked as I put the sworn in its sheath.

Beth passed by the silver shade letter that was personally designed for us. It was the symbol of swords of the knights.

I took the letter and opened it as the fancy paper glimmered in the sunshine. I sat in the shade to read it silently.

“There is a fencing competition organised in the royal palace where 5 males and 3 females were participating from all three order of knights.

But one girl of the first order of knights fell from the horse and broke her hand so she could not participate. I want you to come and participate in her place.

Though I have more trained knights than you. All live too far away to reach here on time or may not have resources to do so. Abi, leave the palace the moment you receive the letter.

Your father

Duke George Essendson”

I stood up ready to leave when Noah called me, “what did the letter say?”

I turned to look at the boy, he was frowning like always. That redhead, and frowning face always makes him look brooding.

“A girl among the participants got injured before the match. I am called to replace her. I need to go.” I told him and turned back to move but he held my hand.

My brows furrowed and I turned. He let go of my hand as if it was fire and he would get burnt by it. This habit of mine was so cute to me as I always wanted to use it to tease him.

“I will come with you.” he said in haste, getting serious again.

“And why would that be, were you not the one who said you would not go to the royal palace ever?” I asked , tilting my head, though I was sure there was a story behind it. I was not in a hurry to know it, I was sure he would tell me later.

He gritted his teeth listening to my reply and his first clenched.

“Let it be, Noah. I will not disappoint you.“ I said and turned to run towards the carriage. Since I was already in knight’s clothes I didn’t need to go in.

When the carriage started, I looked at the passing figure of Noah who was still looking in my direction with complicated expressions and all I could do was give him an assuring smile.

I had no recollection of today’s event in my memory. I must have not paid attention to something related to knighthood. As I was always busy enjoying my life as the noble lady.

I closed my eyes as I thought about it further. Father had shown so much trust by choosing me. It is a matter of his respect as the commandant of the first order of knights yet he gave me the chance.

But since I was chosen I had to make sure that I would be the one to win. I was still hiding my real capacity from even Noah. Should I show my valor today to shine among nobles or hide it again to not come in the eyes of my enemies.