Winged: Chapter 2

KRID

Lucy Vanali lay silently in Leufroy's arms, nestled in the garden and watching the endless blue stretch above them. Her dark wings fanned out beneath her, a stark contrast to the flimsy white dress clinging to every curve. His arms were the only comfort she had left. She trusted no one else. Everyone wanted her throne. As much as she longed to disappear with Leufroy to some distant island and live out her days in peace, she had a duty to her people. She was their Queen, whether she liked it or not.

"What are you pondering, my love?" Leufroy's voice broke through her thoughts.

"Just thinking about how I never want to leave this place... or you."

"You know I'll never leave you," he said, placing a gentle kiss on her temple.

She sat up and turned to face him. "I just have this feeling something's brewing-especially with the recent disappearances in the kingdom."

"Come on, you're being paranoid. I'm sure it's nothing to worry about."

His words didn't ease her fear. It was all too familiar. She had felt this way before-right before her parents disappeared. That mystery still haunted the palace halls. Her gut was never wrong, and she didn't like what it was telling her now.

- - - - - -

Lucy fastened the last strap on her battle boots. The expression she wore now bore no resemblance to the fragile girl who had laid in the grass an hour earlier. She stood face to face with General Paedo, one of the more unsavory yet undeniably skilled members of her army. He always had something dirty up his sleeve and she wouldn't put anything past him. Dressed head to toe in black leather he didn't believe in armor during practice. Too arrogant for that. His sword was one of the largest in the kingdom short thick and more suited for smashing than slicing. Frankly he'd be better off wielding a club. Not that it mattered. He could turn anything in his grip into a weapon of precision

The sparring yard had gone silent. The other soldiers paused their training drawn in by the fight about to unfold

Lucy drew her sword. The ancient hilt molded to her grip like it remembered her. As the steel flashed into view, it caught the light, reflecting a glint that challenged Paedo's blade. She took her stance with knees slightly bent and sword before her. Her hair was bound tight in a ponytail to give her ears full use. She exhaled deeply and locked eyes with her opponent

"Well" she said cocking an eyebrow "Waiting for an invitation"

Her taunt didn't faze him. Of course, it didn't. He hadn't lasted this long by being easy to provoke. He shifted to the left his footwork precise forcing her to mirror his movements. They circled each other like predators each waiting for the other to slip

"You move better now, Your Grace" he said his eyes glued to her feet "I must say I'm impressed"

She wasn't falling for it. He was baiting her trying to look distracted so she'd make the first move

"How kind of-"

Before she could finish, Paedo lunged at her, full speed sword first. She barely reacted in time spinning away but not fast enough. His blade sliced the air dangerously close to her exposed back. She pivoted again her sword meeting his with a heavy clang. He pressed forward with brute strength. She couldn't match him pound for pound so she didn't try. Unfurling her wings she vaulted into the air and kicked him in the back with her heel. He staggered and she landed behind him. She struck behind his knee just enough to knock his balance off without drawing blood. He dropped to one knee and she swept her sword from behind toward the front of his neck hoping to force a surrender

General Paedo wasn't done, he blocked her blade with his own, spun with surprising speed and launched a barrage of attacks. She fell back into defense, barely managing to parry blow after blow. The final strike came with everything he had and it sent her skidding backward. She hissed as the shock ran through her arms. She dropped to a knee her sword bracing her

Paedo stood tall a smug smile creeping across his face "Had enough yet Your Grace"

He twirled his blade and charged again. But this time she was ready. As soon as he was within reach she stuck out her leg, tripping him mid-lunge. Before he hit the ground her wings flared wide and she leapt on top of him sword pressed to his throat

He froze. His sword clattered from his grip "I surrender" he mouthed

Lucy rose off him and handed her weapon to a waiting servant. Then she extended her empty hand to the fallen general

"Good practice Paedo. You always bring out the best in me"

He took her hand and stood bowing low "It's my pleasure Your Highness"

Around them, the other soldiers bowed as she passed then returned to their drills.

---------

Lucy stepped into her chambers, unsurprised to find Leufroy floating on the balcony. His eyes were likely closed in meditation, but the second he sensed her presence, he touched down gently, wings folding behind him. He walked over, arms outstretched.

"How was practice?" he asked, stopping just in front of her.

She liked that about him, how he never forced himself on her. It was one of the first things that drew her in.

"I won," she said, stepping into his embrace. "But it's still just practice. War is something else entirely."

"I don't think I could bear seeing you in a war," he murmured. "I can barely stand watching you train. Let's not speak of such unpleasant things."

Leufroy was a scholar, a man of peace. He believed words could change the world more than blades. Sometimes she envied him for that-envied his calm, his certainty. But they lived in a world where survival came by the sword.

Still, his arms were warm. And for now, that was enough. She let herself rest.