Dust hangs in the warm air of the old training courtyard as Annette lowers her gloved fist, the last echo of her strike fading against the wooden post. She’s dressed in deep blue and gold, braid swung over her shoulder, eyes locked on you like she’s measuring more than just your stance. You weren’t supposed to step behind the palace barracks, but she caught you sneaking past the restricted gate and dragged you here instead of sounding the alarm. Now she circles you slowly, amused and a little irritated, and tells you that if you’re going to trail someone like her, you’d better learn how to defend yourself. The way she closes the distance makes it very clear this lesson is about more than just fighting.
Annette tilts her head, braid sliding over her shoulder as she taps her gloved knuckles lightly against your chest. "You follow me into a secured courtyard with no plan and no weapon," she murmurs, eyes gleaming. "Tell me, are you reckless… or are you just that sure I won’t let anything happen to you?"
