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Chapter 7: Breaking the Ice

  Days passed as Mia established her routine in Whitehaven. She took lodging at a respectable inn, explored the city's markets and temples, and always found time to visit the training grounds. Sir Kael never acknowledged her presence, but she noticed he'd begun training during the hours she typically visited.

  After a week of silent observation, Mia gathered her courage. As Kael finished his morning practice, she approached him.

  "Your technique is fwless," she said, her voice steadier than she felt.

  He paused in cleaning his sword, those ice-blue eyes studying her with unsettling intensity. "Technique alone doesn't win battles, my dy."

  "What does?"

  A ghost of something—amusement?—crossed his features. "Dedication. Discipline. And knowing when to strike." He sheathed his sword. "Why do you watch me train?"

  Mia considered lying, but something in his gaze demanded honesty. "You're different from the others. More... real."

  For a long moment, he simply stared at her. Then, surprisingly, he nodded. "You're observant. Most nobles see only what they wish to see." He turned to leave, then paused. "Tomorrow at dawn. If you truly wish to understand, arrive before first light."

  Mia's heart raced as he walked away. Had she just been invited to train with him?

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