27 Prelude (1/2)

”Agni, straighten your back more. Open your foot wider and lower your hips then concentrate your punches at the front.”

Agni nodded and do what was told to him. His sweats soaked his shirt from training. Still he continued and punch full of concentration and power.

”Espen, lower your kicks a little. If you kick is that high it will tire your hips faster. Try to find a sense of balance on how you will execute your kicks.”

Espen stopped his kicking on the practice dummy they made for practice and then stretched out a bit before doing what was told to him.

Then there's a lady sitting under the shade of the tree with her eyes closed and meditating. Of course, the one instructing the two kids is none other than Reenste. Despite her eyes close, she still can hear and feel the two's movement as she concentrate on her daily morning meditation.

It has been a week since the Banquet for the Ladies Introduction to the public, but despite being on the selection and expecting a hard test ahead for each lady. It has been peaceful for them inside the palace.

At least, that is what is for Reenste.

Since Shen Courtyard is farther than most courtyard from Palaces, news and rumors doesn't reach her place.

Reenste, being that she was somewhat ”lucky” to be able to walk with the Emperor at the banquet and most importantly have the three powerful clan supporting her. News such this spread across all over the capital and people started wondering how she got acquainted with the three big shot of the clans.

Some have speculation that she was an offspring of someone from a wealthy clan from far away. While those noble family that found out the truth, started treating the Trushen Family differently.

Despite this, being the Trushen Family have a huge network of connection inside and outside the capital, the families was hesitant to cut ties with them.

Still, this affected Cassidy a lot as her family have been blaming everything to her because of her reckless behavior.

”Lady Cassidy...” A servant tried to called out to the Lady in the room who has been shutting herself in after her father beat him and took away some of her treasures.

But after a week of recuperating and sweet talking of her mother and siblings she got some of

her stuff back from her father and was given some money for her use inside the Palace.

”That bitch Reenste. This is all her fault. I'll make sure she'll receive the pain I received all this week.” Cassidy said to herself as she grit her teeth out of anger.

”Servant! Did my younger brother send his reply?” Cassidy asked after she got up and opened the door of her room. The servant then bowed down before answering.

”Lady's young brother reply is said to be its on the way, my lady.” The servant answered. Cassidy's eyes had a sharp gleam reflected on them as she heard the answer.

”Great. After I prepared this all flawlessly, I'll make sure not only she'll be remove in the selection, in the end she'll inevitable die.”

Cassidy covered her sly smile with her sleeves as she walk out of her courtyard.

In North palace's courtyard, Lady Alexanderia is sitting inside a small pavilion near a pond. Her silky blonde hair is being brushed lightly by her maid. The light peaking in the pavilion and shining to her skin makes her pearly white skin looks more heavenly. Her expression is one of peace as she sips her fragrant tea.

”My lady, what is bothering you for the last few days?” Said her maid as she continues to gently brush her hair making sure to get everything sorted.