Chapter 9
Writer's POV
Lexi, Commander of the elite kingdom hunters and one of the esteemed Lords, stands on the sun-drenched palace grounds. He's in the midst of a rigorous training session, his shirt discarded to reveal a chiseled upper body glistening with sweat. His dark brown hair is tied back slightly, emphasizing his sharp features and the intensity of his piercing green eyes. He's swaying two swords at the same time with fluid, deadly precision. The blades gleam in the morning sunlight as he dances through a series of strikes and parries.
Lexi moves like a whirlwind, his green eyes focused intently on an imaginary opponent. The swords seem like extensions of his arms, cutting through the air with lethal grace. He's a picture of power and control, muscles tensed in his arms, shoulders, and abdomen as he spins and lunges. The play of sunlight on his sweat-slicked skin highlights the contours of his physique, making him a captivating sight.
The other hunters watch from the sidelines, impressed by Lexi's skill and the raw power he exudes. He finishes the sequence with a flourish, stopping abruptly with swords crossed in front of him. For a moment, he stands there breathing hard, his chest rising and falling. Then he lowers the swords, a hint of a smile on his lips.
As Lexi pauses, a figure appears at the edge of the grounds near the palace balcony. Princess Diana steps out into the sunlight, her eyes fixed on Lexi. She watches him from a distance, marveling over his bare upper body, the way his muscles move under his skin as he breathes. A quiet fascination takes hold of her as she observes the commander of the elite hunters. His strength and deadly grace in handling the swords are almost captivating enough to hold her breath.
Lexi, still catching his breath, looks up and catches sight of Princess Diana watching him. He knows she's in love with him, but he doesn't return the sentiment. He feels a flicker of awareness but shows no interest, his expression unreadable. He sheathes the swords with a nod toward the trainers, then turns away from the palace balcony without a second glance.
The trainers nod in approval. "Commander Lexi shows mastery," one says.
Lexi sheathes the swords with a nod toward the trainers, then turns away from the palace balcony without a second glance. He heads toward the armory, his strides purposeful.
Princess Diana, still watching him from the balcony, decides to follow him. She hurries down from the balcony and through the palace corridors, trying to catch up with Lexi. She knows the way to the armory; she's been there before with her father, the king.
As Lexi enters the armory, he starts to clean and store his swords with practiced efficiency. He's aware of the quiet footsteps behind him a moment before Princess Diana steps into the armory.
"Lexi," she says softly.
Lexi turns to face her, his expression neutral. He knows why she's here. "Princess."
Diana's eyes linger on him, taking in his sweat-dampened form. "You train fiercely. I was watching."
Lexi's gaze is cool. "I train to serve the kingdom, Princess. It's my duty."
Diana steps closer, her voice taking on a more personal tone. "You know how I feel about you, Lexi."
Lexi's expression doesn't change. He doesn't like the princess's feelings toward him, and he's made it clear before that he's not interested. "I'm aware, Princess. But my focus is on my duties as commander of the elite hunters."