Treyton dragged her out of the shelter and took her near the garden that she saw Maliki and Elizabeth in the day before. They were a few yards away from the spot, around the corner of the house where the there was a shed.
Treyton opened the shed and disappeared into the dark, dusty shed for a few seconds before appearing back into the sunlight. He came out with two light practice swords. None that would be too violent or shed much blood.
Closing the door, he tossed one of the sword to Izzy. Izzy caught it by the handle easily and twirled it in her hands, feeling the grip of the sword. She wasn’t used to the new sword compared to the one she always used that was in her guest room.
“Are you ready?” Treyton asked as he turned to face her. He twirled his sword, mimicking what Izzy did earlier and gave her a confident smile. She felt a smile appearing on her face as she felt her blood pumping from the excitement. She had always loved to duel.
“Yes,” Izzy said, gripping her sword and getting into a ready position.
Treyton came on her before she even had to chance to take another breath and she dodged his attack by barely an inch. She deflected his next move with more ease and gave herself a little room between her and Treyton. She analyzed his position and how his feet were aligned, noting that he favored his right foot, bouncing more on one instead.
“Brace yourself,” Treyton smirked before going for another attack. This time Izzy had expected it and sidestepped his move and drew her sword to his side but he blocked it just in time with very fast reflexes that astonished even Izzy who had been challenged by many men before.
Treyton smiled at Izzy’s shocked face, letting himself feel good about it. He wanted Izzy’s favor and to impress her. He had heard so much about her and dueling with her and studying her tactic was overwhelming for him. Whenever he stroke, she was always there to block and strike back. It was an even match for both of them.
Treyton tried to find Izzy’s weakness but he couldn’t quite tell. She was equally strong in all areas as he was and he had a hard time finding what could break her. Then he smirked at himself as he found another tactic to take down the all-might Isabelle.
“Isabelle, you are beautiful when fighting like this,” Treyton said, letting his words sink into her. He saw her expression change and her articulate movements falter. He really meant what he had said but he knew he was saying it at the wrong time possible, knowing what kind of affect it would have on Izzy.
He went for her now and he almost had her if she hadn’t blocked it just before it took contact with her dress. He was curious as to how she was fighting in such a lavishing dress. She looked like an avenging goddess, her beautiful deep brown hair flowing down her back.
“How come such a beautiful woman like you is still single with no committed male attached by your side?” Treyton asked as he dodged Izzy’s sword and blocked his sword with hers, creating a loud clash.
“I must be dedicated to my duty and follow through what I am to do,” Izzy replied in a tight voice before attacking Treyton again.
“But has the king ever directly told you that you cannot be betrothed to anyone?” Treyton asked, with a playful smile. King John would never do something as extreme as that. Izzy hesitated and Treyton lunged. She stepped back and blocked him, pushing his sword down so that he couldn’t bring it back up.
“No but it is inferred,” Izzy said as she struggled in keeping Treyton’s sword down. He was stronger than her and he broke off their fight for his sword and they both lingered back, bouncing lightly on their feet, recovering. Treyton was impressed.
“But what if you were to marry a man and you were given permission. Would you do it?” Treyton asked, not because to distract her but because he was genuinely curious. Would she marry? Any of the king’s men would line up to marry Izzy. She was beautiful.
“No man would ever ask my hand in marriage,” Izzy said, laughing slightly before lunging with a bitter anger trapped inside her. This was what Treyton was looking for. An anger that sparked her emotion. He had found her weak point: marriage.
Treyton was easily able to dodge her attack and drew his sword forward that it flung Izzy’s sword out of her reach. She lost her balance and grabbed Treyton front shirt, pulling him down with her.
They fell together, meeting the grass with an escape of their breath. Treyton fell on top of Izzy but he caught himself by carrying his weight on his arm so he wouldn’t crush Izzy under his weight. Izzy’s body loosened as she gave up with a huff. Her eyes reached Treyton’s and she felt her heart beat faster by his proximity.
“And if a man asked your hand in marriage?” Treyton asked, his breathing as irregular as Izzy’s was. The close distance between them did not differ from the time they had fallen. Treyton kept Izzy pinned down.
“Master Treyton! The guest are arriving in an hour! We must get you ready!” a voice shouted far away. Treyton groaned as he saw an older maid frantically calling out to him in a panicked voice.
Izzy stirred under him and he got off of her, extending an arm out for Izzy. She graciously took his arm and he helped her up, brushing her side to make sure she was clean and undamaged. Her beautiful eyes seemed to widen and her face blush as Treyton inspecting any injuries that might have occurred.
“Master Treyton!” the voice called out again in irritation. “Elizabeth is waiting!”
“Yes Stella, I am coming!” Treyton shouted back and the old maid shook her head disapprovingly before stomping off. Treyton looked back at Izzy and his expression softened. She looked startled at the recent events but she began to recollect herself, looking away from his eyes.
“You must be getting ready,” Izzy said simply, without any feeling in her voice.
“Will I see you again during the party?” Treyton asked and he heard himself sound almost desperate. There was something about her he just could not put his finger on but nevertheless, he knew he liked her presence.
“Most likely not. I will be busy keeping an eye on Maliki and his safety,” Izzy replied, feeling her heartbeat wane to its regular beating. She felt flushed and for the first time, she felt unsure. Unsure about what had happened between them and unsure about Alex. She was utterly confused but she chose not to think of it. She had bigger duty to attend.
“I will be craving for your presence by my side this evening,” Treyton said, nodding to her before he began to run towards Stella who was still waiting for him. “I wish to see you in a beautiful dress!”
Izzy was now very, very confused.