Other Things

When they were exhausted, Flavia toppled over into the grass, her delighted laughter ringing in the air.

“You’re getting much better,” she said. “We can practice every day now.”

Dael sprawled beside her, careful to keep his sword within reach. He noticed she had done the same. “If you wish it.”

“You know I do.”

“Not to sound...impertinent, but don’t you have other things to do besides teach an uppity, disobedient slave how to wield a sword?” He tilted his head to look at her. In the fading sunlight, she was beautiful, the setting sun turning her skin golden.