I frowned, then looked at my white-haired friend. “Well, Merrick is good with a bow. He can show you that, I suppose.”
“So, you’re saying I’ll be playing teacher all week?” Merrick pouted.
“We’ll switch off. How about that?”
Merrick clicked his tongue, then turned back to an annoyed Erabella.
Our groups separated from one another, but we were still close enough to see each other in case we could learn from what another pair was doing.
Hendry went to show Elowen his bow, but because she was more familiar with a dagger, he opted to work with that instead.
Silas pulled out a heavy greatsword, and I caught the corner of his lip turning up as Viola struggled to grasp it at first.
Merrick pulled out his bow and began instructing Era as I turned to Roland.
“So, what do you wish to learn?”
“What are you best at?” I asked, and he answered with a devious smirk. “Don’t answer that,” I groaned, putting my hand to my forehead.
“I usually opt for a single-handed sword,” he said casually as he unsheathed it, observing it and then looking at me. “You?”
“Weapon or magic?”
He shrugged. “Both.”
I considered. “I am best with fire. Weapons, I suppose a sword or dagger, though I’m decent with a bow as well.”
I glanced over at Merrick, who stood a few feet from us, hovering behind Era as she struggled to equip the bow.
“Gods, you really are an amateur,” Merrick muttered.
“And you’re a dick. Anyone tell you that before?” she replied, focusing again on holding the bow properly.
He smirked. “Such foul language for a princess.”
She scoffed.
Roland gave me a look. “My bet is they will fuck by the end of this journey,” he murmured.
I did a double-take as I wasn’t sure if I heard him correctly. “Come again?”
He laughed. “Just the vibe I get.” He flashed a wicked smile. “Or maybe it’s because it reminds me of us.” He gave me a kissy face.
“You’re a—” I realized he was right about our banter, and I stopped myself as he bit his lip to prevent a smile.
I groaned. “Let’s just get this over with, yeah?”
Roland was quite skilled at the sword. I actually began struggling to dodge his moves, and one almost struck me until I held out my hand and blocked it with a force field, causing Roland to stumble back.
“Cheater,” he mumbled.
“Would you prefer it be impaled in me instead?” I snapped as I caught my breath.
“I’d prefer to impale you with something else entirely,” he said smoothly.
I opened my eyes wide at his audacity.
“My co—”
