Chapter 69

Evie asks Trystan to teach her to fight like him or like the Malevolent Guards. Trystan resists and tells Evie to have the guards train her instead, but Evie provokes Trystan by saying she will ask Daniel the Philanderer. Trystan immediately pulls Evie back and turns the moment into a lesson: never turn away from an adversary.

Trystan demonstrates practical self-defense while holding Evie in place, correcting Evie when she tries to build up force for a heel strike. Trystan explains that a quick jam to the toes is enough. Their physical closeness unsettles both of them, and when Evie points out that Trystan is still holding Evie’s thigh, Trystan releases Evie abruptly.

Evie stumbles into Trystan, and Trystan catches Evie by the waist. The contact makes Trystan suddenly pained and confused; Trystan asks what Evie has done and what enchantment is affecting him. Evie is captivated by Trystan’s vulnerability, but the tension breaks when Evie drops a dagger on Trystan’s foot.

After the rain fades, the surrounding magical land appears peaceful and free, with glowing fruit, an owl, and untethered unicorns. Trystan resumes the lesson by handing Evie a sword and teaching simple blocking. Evie successfully blocks several slow strikes, then asks whether Trystan hired Evie out of pity.

Trystan denies any charitable motive, but Evie reveals that Trystan kept Evie’s scarf. The admission rattles Trystan, who accuses Evie of snooping in Trystan’s chambers and insists Trystan stole the scarf like other valuables. The teasing exchange distracts them until Trystan locks Evie’s sword with Trystan’s and commands Evie to focus and break free.

Trystan tells Evie to stop overthinking and trust instinct. When Trystan asks how Evie would get free, Evie answers not with a combat move but by kissing Trystan.