The Butterfly and the Blade

Adalia’s Journal

Day 2,411.

Mother says I should act more like a princess and less like a gladiator. She says a princess is never heard—she’s supposed to be delicate and sweet as a songbird. But how can I be, when I was Father’s son for the first two years of my life? I watched him train with the guards. Mock battles are all I know.

Queen Leora is beautiful—Aphrodite couldn’t hold a candle to her. I will be queen one day, but I intend to take a much more active role. I respect Mother's choice to be a mother first, but I don’t understand why she had to put down her sword for it. My father refused to let her join him in battle, but when I become Queen, I will go to every fight. I will not throw away my passion for marriage. Why should I, when my brother Randi can produce heirs if needed?

Tomorrow, we travel to the Northern Kingdom. I know the visit is a facade to cover a military strategy meeting—why else would General Conan come along? The trip will give me insight into their army and what help they need from us. Time to make my rounds and check the guards. Let’s hope tomorrow bears fruit.

Adalia.

Adalia raised her sword just in time to block the incoming steel. The sharp clang of metal echoed through the courtyard as she parried the guard’s blow.

Training with the palace soldiers was her only way to sharpen her skills ever since her father refused to coach her himself. King Gabrielle wanted a delicate butterfly for a daughter, but Adalia was built for war.

She swept her opponent’s legs out from under him, bringing her blade down to rest inches above his chest.

“Adalia!”

Queen Leora’s stern voice sliced through the air. The surrounding guards instantly dropped to one knee, bowing their heads.

Adalia lowered her weapon and gave her mother a quick bow, hiding her scowl. “My Queen.”

“Come with me. Now!” Leora commanded, her heavy velvet skirts rustling as her maidens trailed behind her.

Adalia followed her mother into the royal chambers. Once inside, Leora dismissed the servants with a sharp gesture.

“Mother, why are you so angry?” Adalia asked, standing near the door.

Leora stared at her for a second before bursting into warm laughter. “Angry? When I saw you beat every one of your father’s guards, I was proud! It reminded me of when I was your age.”

She gathered her skirts and sat on the edge of the bed.

Confused, Adalia dropped her heavy leather armor and walked over. “If you loved fighting so much, why did you give it up?”

Leora smiled gently, her dark eyes softening. “Being a wife to your father and a mother to you children became more important. Besides, your father needed to feel in control of at least one aspect of this kingdom.”

“I understand that,” Adalia said, sitting beside her. “But why couldn’t you do all three—wife, mother, and warrior? I intend to.”

“Because there is no guarantee of coming back alive from battle,” Leora explained softly. “If both your father and I went out there and fell, what would happen to the realm? Besides, your father cannot handle life without me.”

“That is true,” a deep, booming voice echoed from the doorway.

King Gabrielle stood there, smiling as he walked in to wrap an arm around his wife. “I was just admiring the most beautiful woman in the kingdom.”

Adalia watched them, admiring the quiet affection between her parents. “I hope I can find a love like yours one day.”

“You will,” Gabrielle teased. “When you find a man you do not intimidate.” He gestured to his polished breastplate. “I am heading out to the courtyard to train Randi. You may come watch, Adalia, but you will not fight.”

“Are you telling me this as my father or my King?” Adalia challenged lightly.

“As your father first, and your King second,” Gabrielle replied with a chuckle. “Help your mother pick out a gift for the Northern prince, then get ready.”

Determined to prove her place, Adalia waited until her parents left, strapped her armor back on, tucked her dark hair under a heavy steel helmet, and slipped out to the training grounds.

Down in the courtyard, Prince Randi was sparring intensely with two veteran guards. Gabrielle watched from the sidelines. As a new, heavily armored guard joined the fray, the King’s lips curved into a devilish smirk. He recognized his daughter’s stance instantly.

“You—come here,” Gabrielle pointed to the disguised Adalia. “Randi, fight this one!”

Randi attacked without warning. Adalia met his aggressive strikes with swift parries. Though she couldn't match her brother’s raw physical strength, her speed and technique held him at bay until Randi executed a sweep, knocking her off balance and pressing his blade to her chest.

“Stop, before your mother has my head!” Gabrielle stepped in, pulling Adalia up and removing her helmet. “Good footwork, daughter, but you are easily distracted.”

Randi gasped, quickly sheathing his sword. “Father! You knew it was her? Adalia, are you alright? Mother will kill me if you have a scratch!”

“I’m fine, Randi,” Adalia laughed, brushing dirt from her sleeves. She turned to her father. “How did you know it was me?”

“I do not keep short, petite men in my vanguard,” Gabrielle said dryly. “If you want to go unnoticed, put on some weight.” He patted her shoulder, his tone turning serious. “You may train with your brother, provided you do not get in the way during actual maneuvers.”

“Yes, Father,” Adalia conceded.

“Now both of you get cleaned up. We leave for the Northern Kingdom in an hour,” Gabrielle instructed, heading toward the stables. “And Adalia—wear a proper dress. Leave the trousers to your brothers.”