I decided to go down to the training pits while Demetrius handled a few kingly duties. After his explosive reaction at lunch, I needed an outlet for my own restless energy, and sitting around the royal wing waiting for the next nightmare wasn't an option.
When I reached the lower levels and stepped out onto the viewing ledge, I froze. It was the most people I had ever seen down here at once. It looked like almost the entire guard faction was training, the underground cavern ringing with the sharp clashing of steel blades, heavy grunts, and the thud of bodies hitting the dirt mats.
I stopped dead in my tracks, suddenly feeling entirely out of place. I gripped the strap of my training gear, unsure if I should just turn around and come back later when the pits were empty.
Before I could sl
