It is something she realizes when Delvin makes a quick swing for her hip and their weapons strike closer to their hilts than she expects.

None of them realize that his circles have been getting tighter and his fake attacks have caused Selenia to misjudge his distance.

The gathered students and teachers shout for more action, all of them believing the brown-haired warrior to be afraid of the legendary woman. He makes a few feints that she refuses to acknowledge because they are clumsy and pathetically amateurish. While rubbing his bruised side, Delvin circles the headmistress who turns to continue facing him. The blow knocks him against the fountain and he comes dangerously close to falling into the water. Realizing that he is still holding back, Selenia bats his next attack away and delivers a painful kick to his exposed side. The headmistress lands in a crouch and whirls around to block the counterattack, the point of Delvin’s sword gently running along the leather patch over her stomach. At one point, the half-elf leaps forward and is struck in her stomach by his shield, which forces her to flip over his head. Each strike and stab is deflected by the sweat-covered champion, his speed increasing to match her every time. With the hint of a smirk, Selenia quickens her pace and unleashes a barrage of blows on her former student. Please feel free to put this on your ‘To Read’ list on Goodreads by clicking below: The Mercenary Prince on Goodreads!

The Compass Key by Charles E. Yallowitz