Chapter 26

Valeria

After turning my back on the royal men, I make my way across the training grounds. Warriors clash all around—men and women locked in combat. It’s overwhelming.

“You took me up on it.” Stephan jogs toward me, closing the distance with quick strides. He’s shirtless and sweaty. Not a bad look for him, and somehow I begin to see him in a different light.

“I’m just looking,” I tell him.

“That’s the first start.” He smiles. “Come, let me show you around.”

I settle next to him. “What do y