The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 636

Chapter 636: Oriana And Rafal

They crossed the common entrance between the two residences, and Rafal guided her toward the rear garden, where Arlan’s personal training ground was located.

She observed the lush green fields surrounding the training ground, which had everything needed for training. Rafal had instructed all the guards and servants to leave the premises, leaving only the two of them in the training ground.

Rafal picked up a short training sword and offered it to her while he grabbed one for himself, leaving his own sword on the stand. They walked to the center of the training ground and stood facing each other.

Sir Rafal Ahren, a seasoned knight with a chiseled face, a robust tall body, and a kind but stern demeanor, stood opposite to delicate-looking Oriana, her hands gripping the hilt of her training sword tightly.

"Relax your grip, Your Highness," Rafal instructed, his voice firm but patient. "A sword is an extension of your arm. If you hold it too tightly, you’ll tire quickly, and your movements will be stiff."

Oriana nodded, adjusting her grip as instructed. Rafal stepped closer, his hand moving toward hers, "Your Highness, apologies, but I have to..."

"Sir Ahren, you are my teacher. Please treat me like your student and follow accordingly," Oriana said, understanding his hesitation and restraint. "You can drop the honorifics as well, so it would be easier to communicate."

Rafal nodded and placed his hands over Oriana’s to guide her. "Feel the balance. Let the sword’s weight guide your strikes."

Then Rafal stepped back and took his position while instructing, "We’ll start with the basics. First, your stance. Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. You need a solid foundation."

Oriana mimicked Rafal’s stance, planting her feet firmly on the ground. Rafal circled around her, adjusting her posture with gentle taps of his practice sword.

"Good. Now, remember, always keep your guard up. Protect your center."

Oriana focused intently, adjusting her posture and grip as Rafal continued to guide her. "The key to effective swordsmanship is fluidity and control. Each movement should flow naturally into the next."

Rafal demonstrated a simple guard position, his sword held diagonally across his body. Oriana mirrored the movement, trying to match the knight’s fluidity.

"Now, a basic strike." Rafal moved forward, his sword slicing through the air in a controlled arc. "Watch my form. The power comes from your whole body, not just your arm."

When he did it, Oriana was in awe of him and couldn’t help but admire the handsome knight’s graceful movements, realizing how skilled swordsmanship could add to a man’s charm.

"Your Highness," Rafal spoke, urging her to follow his moves.

Oriana took a deep breath and swung her sword, her movement lacking Rafal’s grace and precision. The knight nodded approvingly. "Not bad for a first attempt. Remember, it’s about control and precision, not just strength."

They continued practicing, with Rafal offering corrections and encouragement. With each strike, Oriana’s movements grew more confident, her strikes more accurate. Her initial nervousness began to fade, replaced by a determined focus.

After several rounds, Rafal called for a break as he could see Oriana was tired. They put their swords in the stand and sat on a nearby bench, the cool evening air a welcome respite from their exertions.

"You did well today, Your Highness," Rafal said, handing her a waterskin.

"Still far from your skills, Sir Ahren," she replied. "Most of the time, I couldn’t take my eyes off you, the way you skillfully moved your sword. That sword must consider itself fortunate to be in your hands."

Rafal didn’t know how to respond but said, "I have been practicing since I was young, so it’s a given. But remember, mastering the sword is not just about physical skill. It’s about discipline, patience, and understanding your own limits."

Oriana took a long drink, nodding thoughtfully. "I understand, Sir Ahren. Thank you for your guidance."