If she were born in different circumstances, Christina sometimes wondered, would she be happier? Would she laugh more? Would she dream more?
Her muttered thoughts drifted aimlessly in the air as she leaned against the academy's stone pillars, watching students go about their day in the training courtyard.
Is it my status that holds me back? she wondered bitterly.
Is it my gender? My family? My cursed insignificance?
Her thoughts were interrupted by a presence—a swaying presence. Her amber eyes flicked up in time to see a woman walking toward her, hips swaying with the effortless grace of someone who knew the power of femininity and wasn't afraid to wield it like a sword.
Even Christina, in her usual indifference, found her eyes lingering a little longer than appropriate.
Then she noticed the hand.
"Would you mind being my duel partner for today?" came a voice both honeyed and clear.
