Anastasia's gaze never wavered as she took a step back, drawing a slender sword from her side. The weapon was light, almost delicate-looking, but Lyan knew better than to judge based on appearances. He had learned that much over the years.
The courtiers around them watched in stunned silence, their eyes wide as they saw the two of them—Lyan, the skilled swordsman who had earned his reputation in battle, and Anastasia, the princess, who few believed had ever picked up a weapon.
But what happened next took everyone by surprise.
With a sudden, fluid motion, Anastasia stepped forward, her sword flashing through the air like a streak of silver. Lyan barely had time to react, but he was fast, his body instinctively moving to block the strike. He met her blade with his own, and the sound of metal ringing against metal echoed through the hall.
