I dress, shoving my limbs into the confining clothing. First, the trousers, then the moulded top, which is soft like cotton but stretchy. It clings to me, accentuating my chest and leaving my arms bare, matching the strip of my stomach that’s also uncovered, so I shove my loose shirt on, wearing it like a shield. My compromise again.
The shoes are a marked improvement from the slippers from last night, although, in the morning light, they were very lovely for their purpose. I was just mad.
Black leather sturdy boots lace up past my ankles and make me feel strong and secure. And suddenly, my entire mindset changes. I can do this, even if I’ve never done a day of training in my life.
It only meant I could get better at it, right?
I tie the laces, tuck them in, and stand to face Kyra. “Well?” I hold out my arms for her assessment.
“Your hair is beautiful, but will you let me plait it or something?”
“No, it’s fine. I’ll do it.” I step back, away from her, reaching out towards me. I don’t want her to risk touching me, not after what happened with Ten last night.
“Okay. No problem.”
My smile is shy and a little awkward. “Sorry. I just?—”
“It’s fine. It’s something that’s personal here, so I understand.”
I pull my hair into sections, weave it together, and secure it with the leather tie.
“So, am I now ready?”
“You will be. We can eat on the way to meet Micah. He wouldn’t shut up about you last night. Even if I’m the one who’s been assigned to you.” She leads me out of the room andindicates the little napkin with several pastries and fruit ready to be carried off with us.
I beam at the sight and grab them, following after Kyra. The sugar is an instant mood lifter, and I polish off my breakfast by the time we’re out of The Court.
As we walk over the dusty ground, I marvel at how sure my footsteps are. I’ve never worn boots like these. My well-used and trusty boots were what I thought comfortable, but I never want to take these off. They’re moulded to my feet already.
My steps grow less sure, and the nerves invade as the training buildings come into sight. I can see people moving around in the rings outside, so I’m late. Not the best impression. But was it my fault if I didn’t know the time I was expected?
“I’ll see you later today,” Kyra says goodbye before I’ve even reached the edge of the first ring. I look back at her before turning my attention to the task at hand.
Running.
Micah waves from the other side of the circle and detours towards me. “Morning,” he pants. “I hate drills. Come on.” He nods his head to get me to follow, and I reluctantly push my legs into a jog.
It feels… odd.
I’ve run before. When I was a child. But it’s not something I’ve ever done for enjoyment or necessity before.
Almost immediately, I can feel my weight through my thighs as my feet hit the ground, one after the other. And my breathing instantly changes, labouring to pull in air.
“How much of this do we do?” I call to Micah.
“Depends.”
“On what?”
“How much Rowan wants to punish us. Or at least that’s my interpretation. He thinks running will shut me up.”
“And?” I pant, already feeling out of breath. I didn’t realise how unfit I am. I inwardly curse that I’ve never had a need to run before now. Being shown up and lacking, in front of everyone, again, isn’t the way I wanted to start today. But any hope that today will be better shrivels on my tongue as my mouth goes dry.
“And I’m still talking, so it’s not so bad. Breathe in through your nose, out through your mouth.”
We fall into line with the rest of the trainees. I thought that maybe they’d be dressed like me, in a uniform of similar clothes. But everyone wears something different, many of them in colours associated with their Order, which may help me keep track of everyone.
And, of course, my eyes land on Ten far too easily.
