Page 35 of Her Royal Rebellion

“Thanks.” I lowered the bow and focused on the true purpose of bringing him here. “You’re a really great teacher, very patient.”

He shrugged. “I’ve had to do a lot of training over the years.”

“Do you enjoy it?”

He seemed to think about it. “I do, actually.”

Perfect. That was easier than I expected. “Then we figured out an option.”

His eyebrows pulled together. “What do you mean?”

“We know something you like. Something you’re passionate about. Maybe you could be some sort of trainer or instructor. I’m not saying a traditional school teacher, but something active or outdoors.”

After a few seconds he began nodding. “You’re right. That’s a really good idea.” His eyes locked on mine. “Thank you.”

I wanted to hug him or touch him in any way, but Marius was still close. I could feel his stare. “We can keep exploring options like this. We’ll find the right fit.”

“Do you want to keep practicing and make him wait a while more?” His wicked grin almost made me laugh.

“Of course.”

We spent another ten minutes shooting, and I finally hit center, once.

“Well done, Princess,” Marius said. He’d moved close behind me. “Now that you’ve proven yourself, may we speak?”

I lowered the bow, tempted to aim my next shot at him. I faced him again. “Patience is not a virtue you possess, I see.”

He chuckled. “Can’t say I’ve had to practice it often in my life.”

And that made him all the less attractive.

“Marius, I don’t appreciate your behavior or attitude. Quite frankly, after your display last night and this morning, I have no interest in getting to know you or spending another second in your company. There’s no reason for you to wait for me to finish. I will not be bossed around by any man, let alone some lord from a country I know nothing about. You have been rude, possessive, and you obviously forget your place. I am the princess. You’re excused.”

I turned away and raised the bow, hitting center once again. I wanted to cheer but didn’t want to break from my epic display of power and composure. After a moment, Logan relaxed and I knew the vile man was gone.

“Wow. I don’t know what to say. That was remarkable.” Logan was shaking his head.

I sighed and placed the bow on the ground. “I can’t believe I said all of that, but I couldn’t take it anymore. I’m so sick of men forgetting who I am. I cannot be pushed around or controlled. I won’t allow it.”

“I’m so proud of you.”

My chest swelled at the compliment and I felt like I was soaring, until I heard my father call my name.

I sighed and turned back to Logan. “I’ll see you later.” I didn’t know what my father wanted, but I had a feeling it wasn’t going to be good news.

14

Logan

Isla inspired me in more ways than one. Not only did she stand up for herself and put that idiot Marius in his place, but she figured out something about me that I wasn’t even aware of. It meant so much to me that she took the time to help me. I knew she cared about me and wanted me to be happy, but this proved it.

There was more than just hope that she might feel the same about me. She was willing to go to her parents. She wanted to fight for our chance to be together. I was trying to be realistic and not get ahead of ourselves, but my heart was so full.

She showed me it was okay to dream big. After she walked away, I went straight to my desk to list more ideas that I can explore. I might not be an expert in archery, but I knew quite a bit about self-defense, security, and leadership. I chuckled at the idea of being a public speaker, one of the ideas that the internet suggested when I searched leadership positions. People wanted to hear from war heroes and those who’d overcome the impossible. I was neither. Plus, public speaking was not one of my strengths. I doubted the front row would appreciate me spewing on them when I walked on stage.

Give me a tank or rifle and I was ready to go, but a small crowd was enough to make my knees buckle.

“What are you doing?” Shane walked in wearing a towel around his waist. He was able to sneak away for a few hours today to spend more time with Enya, while I covered his post, but now I wanted answers.