Yelena was glad that the classes ended without any incident. She didn’t pitch a tent or accidentally flash her male parts to anyone. The changing room was a bit risky, but they managed it. Of course, before that, she and Thea had figured out another issue. Namely, the shorts they had to wear during the combat classes.
It was tight, practically cameltoe tight. Needless to say, her new appendage made quite a bulge in them even while not hard. Nothing some tucking and tape couldn’t fix, but it was not a comfortable experience.
After the classes ended, Yelena and Lily returned to the training room. They continued where they left off. Yelena taught Lily how to defend herself. First, just the theory, then she practiced the motions alone a little. In the end, she also joined in and made a light attack against the redhead to try to defend against.
Needless to say, Yelena often stepped in to correct Lily’s form in the most hands-on way possible. After what happened earlier, there was no reason to hold back, and the white-haired girl took some pleasure in groping Lily every now and then. Of course not too much; she didn’t want to actually distract her.
“Now I understand why you invited me to train with you in the first place. That was your plan all along, right?” Lily asked in a cheeky, teasing tone.
“Not exactly. I really did want to help you, but I can’t deny I found you cute even back then.” Yelena admitted.
They kept on with the training. Lily was learning fast and could easily pick up on things. The main issue with her was her lack of stamina. She got tired way too quickly, so they had to take several breaks before they could continue. Not that Yelena minded. She liked spending time with the girl.
“I already told you my reason, but what made you choose to come to this place? Lily asked during one of their short break.
“It is a long story. One that was never public. I’ll tell you, but you have to promise you won’t tell anyone.” Yelena was serious about it.
“I promise I won’t!” Lily answered.
Yelena took a deep breath as she recalled that day. It was not a pleasant memory for her, and she usually didn’t like to talk about it. This was an exception; she didn’t want to hide things from Lily, especially not with their relationship just starting out.
“It was years ago. I was around 10. We were coming down from the north to here, to Tagalo. My father left a few days earlier, so I was in our carriage alone. A couple of guards and servants escorted me.” Yelena began her story.
Lily obviously knew the city, Yelena mentioned. It was the very place they were at the moment. The Academy was built on the outer edge of Tagalo. It was probably the second-largest city in the country. Only somewhat smaller than the capital itself.
“While we were en route, we were ambushed. Group of bandits. Probably people who stuck together after deserting from the army. They had the numbers, tactics, and training. The guards with me stood no chance.” Yelena explained.
It was not uncommon, especially during times when the country was at war. Many people who were conscripted into the army fled. Then they often turned to less-than-savory occupations to make ends meet. Banditry was one of the few that many chose.
“They were hoping to find riches, but they only found me. They knew who I was, so they thought they could get a ransom. They took me.” Yelena recalled the events.
Lily gasped when she heard it. She couldn’t imagine how scary it must have been. Especially at the age of 10.
“So, next thing I knew, I was locked in a small, dirty cell. I remember how they were discussing how much money they would ask as a ransom, and if my father refused to pay, they would just sell me as a slave. Apparently, my noble birth and my unique hair color would have gotten them quite some money.” Yelena shuddered just at the memory of those events.
“I was there for three days, I think. It was hard to say. Then on the third day, somebody came. One single woman. She was wearing full plate armor and holding a sword. She was a magic knight. I didn’t see the whole thing from my cell, but what I could see was amazing.” She smiled a little.
“She took down at least 10 of them single-handedly. She fought with both blade and magic. It was beautiful, in its own morbid ways.” She laughed.
“She then opened the cell and let me out. She brought me back home. That is pretty much the story. Since that day, I’ve decided that I want to be just like her. A strong person who can help those in need.” She finished.
“I see! That is a very nice goal. I’m sure you will get there.” Lily said in a reassuring tone.
Yelena nodded and stood up. It was time to get back to practice. Lily understood it, grabbed her wooden sword, and got ready. At that moment, the door opened, and somebody walked inside.
Yelena looked back to see who had interrupted them. Usually, this place had more than enough training rooms and other facilities, so it was pretty much common sense here not to barge in when somebody was using a room. Of course, the person who stepped in wasn’t exactly known for her common sense. It was Valerie again. Yelena sighed and walked over.
"Do you have any business with us, your highness?” While Yelena’s words were polite, her tone was less so.
“With her, no. I have business with you. I want you to teach me swordmanship!” Valerie presented her sudden demand.
Yelena was surprised. She expected the princess to pick a fight, maybe bitch and moan about losing. Yet, she wanted Yelena to teach her. Still, the tone she was using didn’t sit well with the girl.
“Why would I do that?” Yelena continued to poke the bear.
“What do you mean, why? Of course, it would be an honor for you to serve the royal family. I can also give you whatever you want. You just need to name it. Not to mention, your time would be much better used to teach me, rather than that filthy commoner.” She told.
Valerie was used to getting what she wanted. It was clear. She didn’t have even an ounce of humility in her body. Yelena was painfully aware of this. She could tolerate a lot, but having Lily insulted like that was not one of them.
“I won’t!” Her answer was simple, yet clear.
Valerie stomped her feet in anger. She couldn’t believe Yelena was refusing her. She was not used to being told no, and it was showing.
“Are you refusing a royal request?” Valerie demanded to know.
Yelena smiled. She knew the girl had walked herself into a tough spot by saying that.
“A royal request, huh? You are wrong on so many things, princess. First, if you want to make it official, bring me a letter bearing the royal seal. It wouldn’t be a proper request without that, right?” Yelena pointed out the first issue.
She was not wrong either. Technically, such a request had to arrive in a sealed letter bearing the royal family’s crest. Although in most cases it would be considered a technicality, no one would oppose a request from the king himself.
“Second, even if you do, it wouldn’t matter here. You know that well too.” She brought up the second issue.
The academy was known for its policy of treating students as equals. Sure, the commoners received worse accommodations, but it was mainly because they didn't have to pay the high tuition nobles did.
Still, they had rules that prohibited students from using their status or rank against one another to gain any advantage. Obviously, it was hard to enforce, and students knew they wouldn’t be staying behind these walls forever. Pissing off somebody with more power was never a good idea. In this case, this rule applied too. Here, Valerie was just another student, not the third princess.
“Then, of course, there is an issue with enforcing it too. I mean, let's be honest. You don’t really hold much power. Even if you run home, your father would think twice or even more before he picks a fight with the family ruling the north.” Yelena flashed a big grin as she put the last nail into the coffin.
Yelena’s family was not just a simple noble family. They ruled the whole northern region. Technically, they held the most land out of all the other families. Even the king wouldn’t dare to upset the Hellag family. Especially not for something this small.
The princess’ face was red with anger. Yelena was worried she would pass out any second now. Valerie knew she was beaten. Her demand meant nothing to Yelena. She was not afraid of her, like many others.
“Fine! What do you want? What can I offer you to make you reconsider?” She asked.
If there was something Yelena admired in the princess, it was that she never gave up. Although in most cases she had her way easily, whenever she faced an issue, she would bang her head into it until it was solved. Not always the best tactic, but it worked for her.
Yelena sighed and then looked back at Lily. She was watching the whole situation unfold. Then the white-haired girl had an idea. She turned back towards the princess with a big smile.
“Okay, three simple things. If you do those, I’ll reconsider. First, you will apologize to Lily for what you said earlier.” Lily gasped in the background when she heard it.
Valerie didn’t take it too well, as Yelena expected. A royal to apologize to a commoner. It was almost unheard of. No doubt doing it would seriously hurt her pride.
“Second, since I already promised her to train her, you can join us. Not every day, but maybe twice a week. During that time, you will have to treat her well.” That was the second thing Yelena wanted.
She is obviously not going to sideline Lily’s training for a spoiled princess, but she could make a compromise. Still, she wanted to make sure the princess wouldn’t be insulting Lily or do anything bad to her.
“The third, while we train, you will listen to me and don’t argue. I don’t have time to get into pointless fights with you. If you can’t follow these rules, there is no point in me even considering it.” Yelena finished.
Valerie was thinking hard. Obviously, this was important to her for some reason, although Yelena couldn’t exactly figure out why.
“I can agree to the third, maybe even the second, but I won’t do the first. There is no way I’ll humiliate myself like that.” The princess replied.
Yelena expected this. Valerie was an extremely proud girl. To her, this was just too much.
“Okay then. You know where to find the door.” Yelena replied and turned her back on the princess.
“Wait! I… I’ll do it!” Valerie said.
It was quite a surprise. She must be very desperate if she was willing to go this far. Not that she minded.
“Go ahead then!” Yelena nodded toward Lily, indicating that she should go and apologize.
Valerie’s face was red. It was hard to tell if it was anger or embarrassment. Maybe a mix of both. She began walking slowly towards Lily. Of course, the other girl was a bit intimidated, but Yelena’s presence helped her a lot. When the princess arrived in front of the red-haired girl, she bowed.
“I deeply… apologize for the rude comments I’ve made about you earlier.” Valerie had to force those words out of her mouth, but she did it.
“It… it is fine! I’m not upset or anything.” Lily tried to stop her; she felt a bit uncomfortable having the princess bow in front of her.
Valerie straightened her back and turned to Yelena again.
“I did it, so will you teach me?” She asked again; this time, her previously demanding attitude was nowhere to be seen.
“Yeah, I can.” Yelena replied.
She grabbed two wooden swords and threw one to Valerie.
“Okay, we will be sparring first. I need to know where you lack, so we can focus on that first. Ready?” She let the princess know the plan.
Valerie nodded, and they started. They went at each other time and time again. Each time, the princess would lose badly. After a match, Yelena would point out the issues. Despite her usual horrible attitude, Valerie did stick to the rules and follow what Yelena was saying.
“Okay, go get some rest. You are completely exhausted.” Yelena said. They’ve probably done six matches by this point. The princess was sweating and panting.
“I… can… go on!” She tried to sound convincing, but she could barely stand.
“No point. You won’t learn anything in that state. Sit down, and take a few deep breaths.” Yelena, while admiring her tenacity, also knew it was pointless to continue.
Yelena walked over to Lily. She was quietly practicing what she had learned so far. The white-haired girl got behind her. She placed her hands on Lily’s to correct her form.
“Sorry about this. Wished we could spend more time alone.” Yelena whispered it in her ear.
Lily shook her head. She didn’t have any issues with it; she understood the situation. Yelena stayed in that position for a while; she couldn’t help but touch Lily’s body. She couldn’t really do that for long. Not with the princess being there.
She oversaw Lily’s work for a while, then returned to the princess to check on her.
“How are you feeling? Yelena asked.
Valerie didn’t answer right away. Instead, she kept looking at Lily.
“Are you two together?” She asked.
The princess probably saw how close they were just moments earlier.
“None of your business. Are you ready to get back to training or not?” Yelena didn’t answer her.
The princess grabbed her sword and stood up. She was ready. They went for a few more rounds before they stopped. Yelena noticed something in Valerie’s stance. She got behind her as she did with Lily. She put one hand on the princess’ hip and the other under her hand.
“You keep moving your body in this weird way. I don’t know who taught you that, but they were an idiot. This is why you keep losing your balance.” Yelena pointed it out, trying to show her the correct posture.
“Hey! Where are you touching?” The princess broke away, her face was fully red.
“I wasn’t doing anything. Simply showing how your stance should be. This is the best way to do it. Now, stop arguing and let me do it.” Yelena said.
Valerie reluctantly allowed it. Yelena continued what she was doing before. The princess really didn’t make it easy. The whole time, she was squirming and making weird noises, even though Yelena wasn’t doing anything improper.
The three of them trained for a little while longer. It was getting late, so they called it a day. Both Lily and Valerie made some progress in the end. That was good enough for Yelana. They’ve all separated and gone back to their rooms.
“Hmmm, the princess is not that bad, you know.” Lucia greeted her on the bed.
“Don’t even think about it!” Yelena said firmly.