The next morning, Valerian Royal Military Academy buzzed with life. The sun bathed the courtyard in golden light, glinting off polished armor and sharpened swords. Arin adjusted her cloak again, making sure no strand of her hair peeked out. Today was different—it wasn't just practice. Today, all recruits were grouped for the first academy-wide combat drill.
Her heart raced. If I fail today, they might suspect something… and if they discover I'm not a boy… She shook the thought away. Survival was her only goal.
Gathering in the Training Yard
Students gathered in large circles, instructors barking orders. Kaelen, leaning casually on a post with his usual smirk, waved at Arin.
"Ready for round two, Aren?" he called teasingly. "Try not to embarrass yourself this time!"
Arin's cheeks flushed. "I… I'll do my best, Your Highness." Her voice wavered slightly—he noticed every hint of nervousness, and his grin widened.
From a balcony above, Elric observed quietly. He noticed how her shoulders tensed and relaxed, how her eyes scanned her opponents with careful calculation. Interesting… he thought. She adapts quickly. And she's not who everyone thinks she is.
The Drill Begins
The recruits were split into teams. Arin found herself paired with a tall, muscular boy, and their task was to defend the training area from an 'attacking' team.
"Stay close to me," Arin whispered to her teammate, gripping her sword tightly.
The attackers charged, shouting and laughing. Arin dodged a swing and rolled, narrowly avoiding a strike that would have toppled her. She countered with precise thrusts and defensive moves, her secret training paying off.
Kaelen watched from the sidelines, laughing as she flipped and twirled, clearly outmatching several of her larger opponents.
"Not bad at all, Aren!" he called. "Seems like you've got some moves hidden under that hood."
Arin's heart skipped a beat. Complimented by him… even in disguise, it felt strange, almost… thrilling.
A Comedic Mishap
During a chaotic moment, one of the attackers tripped, sending Arin stumbling forward—right into Kaelen.
"Oh! I'm… sorry!" she exclaimed, her face burning bright red.
Kaelen steadied her, grinning. "I see you're making a habit of falling into my arms, Aren. Careful—you might get used to it!"
Elric, still hidden, watched silently. He noticed the subtle exchange—the blush, the momentary pause, the way her eyes flicked nervously to the prince. She's clever, yes… and strong… but still unaware of who's truly watching.
Strategy and Leadership
Later, the instructors paused the drill to discuss strategies. Arin realized that her knowledge of combat and tactics could help her team lead the defense. She whispered suggestions to her teammates, guiding them efficiently. The team executed her plan perfectly, turning what seemed like chaos into a coordinated defense.
Kaelen clapped, impressed. "Well, I'll be… Aren Valis, you're not just flashy, you're smart too!"
Arin's face flushed again. How can one day feel like both triumph and embarrassment at the same time?
Quiet Moments – Observation and Reflection
After the drill, as the sun began to set, Arin sat alone on a bench near the academy gardens. Her muscles ached, but her mind buzzed with excitement. I did it. I survived the first real challenge… and I didn't give anyone reason to doubt me.
Kaelen walked up, leaning casually against the bench. "Hey… not bad for a scholarship boy," he teased.
"I… thank you," Arin replied, trying to keep her voice steady.
Elric watched from the shadows again. He noticed the way her shoulders relaxed slightly in Kaelen's presence. Curious… I wonder if he knows what she really is. But for now… it's better she doesn't know I know.
Closing Hook
As night fell, the academy glowed under lanterns, and whispers of the day's events floated across the courtyard. Arin knew challenges were only beginning.
First, she had to maintain her disguise.
Second, she had to navigate attention from the charming prince.
Third, she had to survive the watchful eyes of Prince Elric.
And somewhere in the shadows, secrets, rivalries, and a slow-burning romance were quietly forming—ready to collide in the days to come.
Chapter Two – "The First Challenge"
The next morning, Valerian Royal Military Academy buzzed with life. The sun bathed the courtyard in golden light, glinting off polished armor and sharpened swords. Arin adjusted her cloak again, making sure no strand of her hair peeked out. Today was different—it wasn't just practice. Today, all recruits were grouped for the first academy-wide combat drill.
Her heart raced. If I fail today, they might suspect something… and if they discover I'm not a boy… She shook the thought away. Survival was her only goal.
Gathering in the Training Yard
Students gathered in large circles, instructors barking orders. Kaelen, leaning casually on a post with his usual smirk, waved at Arin.
"Ready for round two, Aren?" he called teasingly. "Try not to embarrass yourself this time!"
Arin's cheeks flushed. "I… I'll do my best, Your Highness." Her voice wavered slightly—he noticed every hint of nervousness, and his grin widened.
From a balcony above, Elric observed quietly. He noticed how her shoulders tensed and relaxed, how her eyes scanned her opponents with careful calculation. Interesting… he thought. She adapts quickly. And she's not who everyone thinks she is.
The Drill Begins
The recruits were split into teams. Arin found herself paired with a tall, muscular boy, and their task was to defend the training area from an 'attacking' team.
"Stay close to me," Arin whispered to her teammate, gripping her sword tightly.
The attackers charged, shouting and laughing. Arin dodged a swing and rolled, narrowly avoiding a strike that would have toppled her. She countered with precise thrusts and defensive moves, her secret training paying off.
Kaelen watched from the sidelines, laughing as she flipped and twirled, clearly outmatching several of her larger opponents.
"Not bad at all, Aren!" he called. "Seems like you've got some moves hidden under that hood."
Arin's heart skipped a beat. Complimented by him… even in disguise, it felt strange, almost… thrilling.
A Comedic Mishap
During a chaotic moment, one of the attackers tripped, sending Arin stumbling forward—right into Kaelen.
"Oh! I'm… sorry!" she exclaimed, her face burning bright red.
Kaelen steadied her, grinning. "I see you're making a habit of falling into my arms, Aren. Careful—you might get used to it!"
Elric, still hidden, watched silently. He noticed the subtle exchange—the blush, the momentary pause, the way her eyes flicked nervously to the prince. She's clever, yes… and strong… but still unaware of who's truly watching.
Strategy and Leadership
Later, the instructors paused the drill to discuss strategies. Arin realized that her knowledge of combat and tactics could help her team lead the defense. She whispered suggestions to her teammates, guiding them efficiently. The team executed her plan perfectly, turning what seemed like chaos into a coordinated defense.
Kaelen clapped, impressed. "Well, I'll be… Aren Valis, you're not just flashy, you're smart too!"
Arin's face flushed again. How can one day feel like both triumph and embarrassment at the same time?
Quiet Moments – Observation and Reflection
After the drill, as the sun began to set, Arin sat alone on a bench near the academy gardens. Her muscles ached, but her mind buzzed with excitement. I did it. I survived the first real challenge… and I didn't give anyone reason to doubt me.
Kaelen walked up, leaning casually against the bench. "Hey… not bad for a scholarship boy," he teased.
"I… thank you," Arin replied, trying to keep her voice steady.
Elric watched from the shadows again. He noticed the way her shoulders relaxed slightly in Kaelen's presence. Curious… I wonder if he knows what she really is. But for now… it's better she doesn't know I know.
Closing Hook
As night fell, the academy glowed under lanterns, and whispers of the day's events floated across the courtyard. Arin knew challenges were only beginning.
First, she had to maintain her disguise.
Second, she had to navigate attention from the charming prince.
Third, she had to survive the watchful eyes of Prince Elric.
And somewhere in the shadows, secrets, rivalries, and a slow-burning romance were quietly forming—ready to collide in the days to come.