Kaden

The four rivals traveled together with a small party North to Gywith. They had been traveling for days. The first day, Kaden had found awkward. Evangeline had been very cold with him, colder than usual. He did not like it. He kept bothering her and teasing her until the old Evangeline was back. The one that actually argued back instead of giving him the cold shoulder. In fact, he found that his brother and Odette haven't stopped arguing either. Their party of soldiers seem to have grown used to constant banter instead of feeling awkward as they had at the beginning. They couldn't help it, it was almost in their nature to argue with each other.

"I think we should rest for the night, our company seems to have tired out," said Evangeline looking back at their group.

Kaden looked at her and smirked. "Have you tired already princess?"

"If anyone is tired, it is you scoundrel," Evangeline frowned. "But our party is in fact tired. See for yourself you heartless goon."

Kaden looked back and could see that they have indeed gotten tired. If it was just himself, Evangeline and their small group of warriors, it would have been a much faster journey, but they had others to worry about.

"Fine," he grunted as he turned to their party. "We'll make camp."

He could see them sigh in relief, Kaden could also see the smug look Evangeline was giving him. He ignored her and went to set up his tent that he were to share with his brother. Evangeline looked at him with a mischevious look which he understood completely. They've competed over everything. Absolutely anything and everything. Now it was who would set up the tents the fastest. As usual, they finished around the same time, but of course, they fought over who won.

"Firewood?" Kaden asked this time. Evangeline smiled accepting his challenge. Even though everything was a challenge, they both sometimes enjoyed their little competitions. They had fun in such strict conditions. In moments like these, they weren't competing for a title but just kids having fun.

***

Julien

Julien watched Odette pacing around in her tent, probably thinking about the meeting with the ruler of Gywith. She was so deep in thought that she didn't notice Julien walk in until he cleared his throat.

Odette jumped back placing her hand to her chest in shock. "Good Lord, you scared me."

Julien chuckled at the current event. "It's a good thing Evangeline is the warrior because you would have died instantly."

Odette frowned at him before crossing her arms in front of her chest. "I prefer the books either way. I don't think I can ever hurt someone."

"But you hurt me all the time," Julien smirked, earning a scoff from Odette.

"I said I can never hurt someone, you are no one, I stand true by my words," Odette smirked back.

Julien just laughed and shook his head. Odette was always the sweetest person he knew, not that he'd ever admit that to anyone. She had tried being mean to him, succeeded at times, but he saw her attitude towards everyone in the castle and she was nothing but an angel to them. He could see their admiration for her, from everyone in the castle to the people in the villages. She treated everyone equally. There was admiration for her all over the kingdom. If she were to become queen, which he will make sure she won't, she would be a great one.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked her. Odette was an open book most of the time. He could see the wheels clicking behind her head meaning she was deep in thought, and the crease between her brows indicating they weren't positive thoughts.

"Our meeting at Gywith, their kingdom's expansion- I am worried about Adaresa and my sister," she sighed. One thing Julien was sure of was that Odette loved her kingdom. The only thing she loved more than her kingdom was her sister. Julien can tell she was worried if Adaresa were to fall. If it fell, that would mean her sister would have died in battle and he knew it would destroy Odette.

Julien walked towards Odette and placed his hands on her shoulders to comfort her. "Aderesa is one of the greatest Kingdoms and your sister is an astounding warrior. Do not fear love."

If it wasn't him that was bothering her, Julien hated seeing Odette sad or bothered. Odette nodded her head and gave Julien a weak smile as an attempt to thank him. Julien understood what she was trying to say. "Now, the reason I came here was to discuss our plan."

***

Evangeline

Evangeline and Kaden had just finished setting up camp. They assigned the watch shifts to their team of soldiers before checking on the needs of everyone.

"Seems like we're done, fair job partner," said Kaden.

Evangeline shook her head with a smile. "Come on, let's go plan the security measures."

"My tent or yours?" Kaden asked.

Evangeline knew if she chose his tent, she'd never hear the end of his innuendoes. "Mine of course."

"I don't think Odette would appreciate us keeping her up all night," he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. Evangeline hit his arm earning a laugh from him, there was no way of escaping his dirty mind.

They went into Evangeline's tent and were shocked to find Odette and Julien standing at such close proximity without killing each other. Odette was looking at what looked like a map on the table while Julien stood right behind her looking over her shoulder.

"Are we interrupting anything brother?" Kaden asked teasingly. Evangeline tried not to laugh, but the joking look Kaden was sharing with her was making it difficult. She could notice the blush on her sister's cheeks and did not want to make her feel any more awkward.

"Good, you are here," Julien ignored his brother's statement with his authoritative tone. "Come forth, we have lots to discuss."

The four gathered around the map of Gywith and went over their path, pace, escape roots, how they were going to approach the king, who was to talk to him, and what they should not say.

"I think we should go check out the towns and market for some intel," Evangeline piped in.

Kaden nodded in agreement. "Yes, we'll go first thing tomorrow while they pack up the camp."

"Alright, sounds good." Julien agreed before giving both Evangeline and Kaden a pointed look. "Just don't get into trouble."

Evangeline and Kaden shared a knowing smile with each other. When they were both on missions, they got into mischief like they did as children. It was the only time they weren't under their father's watchful and scrutinizing eyes.

"Oh let them be Julien, they aren't children," argued Odette coming to their defense, making her and Julien sound like an old married couple.

Julien mumbled something under his breath that sounded much like "hardly".

"Come on Eva, let's go play," Kaden teased dragging Evangeline's arm outside as she couldn't help but laugh.

Evangeline and Kaden liked to spar when they were on missions with their group of soldiers surrounding them in a circle cheering them on. They would usually bet on them and the losing side would get to do the bad chores and keep the worst watch times.

"Swords?" Kaden asked her as their men started to gather around.

Evangeline shook her head. "I was thinking close combat."

Kaden gave her a smug look. "You do know that I am better than you?"

"Stronger, not better," Evangeline told him. "Plus, I am faster than you."

"Alright, alright. I will give you that," he nodded before looking at the men. "But what do you think?"

They all began cheering on which they think would win and setting bets.

"Well what are you waiting for?" Evangeline asked Kaden with a devilish smile. "Let's give them what they came for."

Kaden approached her looking amused yet serious. She was ready. Evangeline stood firm enough to take a blow, and loose enough to be able to move fast enough to avoid one.

He shot out a fist which she moved to the side blocking it with her forearm before he punched the other side which she also moved and blocked. He tried kicking her but she jumped back.

Kaden stared in admiration at her speed but Evangeline's only response was a shrug of her shoulders and a cocky grin. This time, she lunged at him trying to hit him. He blocked her hits, taking a few himself that she was able to get in while he got two good hits at her. Evangeline saw the third hit coming except she didn't block it. She fell on the ground groaning in pain, clutching her sides.

"You idiot, this one really hurt," Evangeline tried her best to show him that he had really done a number on her. She never admit to being hurt. Once she had sprained her wrist and continued through training without complaining or telling anyone. It wasn't until after that she had gone to the royal medic. If she was complaining this time, then Kaden should believe that she was in great pain.

"Oh god, I am so sorry Eva." Kaden immediately dropped to his knees beside her. His hands reached for her. "Here show me where?"

She could tell the guards were looking worried as well. In a swift motion, Evangeline was able to slam Kaden's body on to the ground and wrap her legs around his waist to keep him there. Kaden groaned as his head hit the ground and the air was knocked out of him.

"I am also the smarter one," said Evangeline looking smug. The men that bet on her cheered while the others groaned in frustration.

Evangeline expected Kaden to look angry or frustrated, or maybe even amused but he didn't. He looked confused and worried. "But you are okay though, right?"

Evangeline's cheeks blushed not expecting this kind of kindness from Kaden. "Yes Kaden, you didn't hurt me. I was acting."

"Good," he said as his eyes boar into hers with deep intensity.

Evangeline looked away and tried to get up but Kaden's hands that seem to have found their way to her hips kept her pushed down forcing her gaze back to his intense one.

"Don't do that to me again," he frowned.

"Do what?" Evangeline asked in a quiet tone. "Trick you?"

Kaden furrowed his brows. "Make me believe that I've hurt you. Don't."

If possible, Evangeline's cheeks turned darker. She put her hands on his calloused ones pushing them off her thighs before standing up and offering Kaden her hand. He ignored it and pushed himself up earning an eye roll from Evangeline.

She turned to those who supported her with a wide smile. "I've stolen one of General Onix's bottles, who wants to drink?"

They all cheered before gathering around her and patting on her back. Evangeline turned to look at Kaden. "Don't be a sore loser, come join us."

Kaden shook his head with a light smile before going to join the boisterous men.

***

Kaden

Kaden woke up before sunrise trying to get a head start on Evangeline, something he could use against her in an attempt to get that fire burning in her eyes.

He crept up to her tent staying as proper as he can by not going in, but nothing stopped his mind from wondering how Evangeline slept. Or more like what she wore while she slept.

"Are you going to stare at my tent all day?" Evangeline's voice startled him from behind him. He looked in her hand and found a few dead birds. She definitely had a head start on him.

"You hunted without me," Kaden frowned. Not that he would eve admit it to her, he enjoyed Evangeline's company. She made boring exercises fun.

"You would have slowed me down," she winked before turning around and walking to one of the pots. She threw the birds inside leaving it for the cook to find before removing the bow and arrow from her back and tossing them to Kaden. "Put these back in Henry's collection. I'm going to go change."

"Are you sure you don't want me to come with you," Kaden called after her as she disappeared into the tent. He managed to see a small smile and Evangeline shaking her head before falling from his sight.

After a few moments, Evangeline emerged out of the tent in a simple dress that didn't yell royalty or outsider. The design was simple and the colour was a light yellow, it didn't catch attention but somehow Evangeline managed to turn something so simple into something so alluring. It always drove Kaden crazy how she could look good in anything.

Kaden let out a wolf whistle making Evangeline roll her eyes. "Looking good Eva, how about we find an inn instead of gathering intel?"

"It's Evangeline, and keep it together Kaden," she shook her head looking like she was way done with his innuendos. "Now here is how we do this."

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I know, I know, this is just a filler chapter. The story will escalate in the next few chapters I promise.

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