Safiya was cleaning her sword with a cloth. They had just finished fighting in the woods. Today, she'd asked each of the girls to have a duel and it was the most beautiful sight she had ever seen. The rasped breathing, the sweat—it was truly relaxing.
She almost couldn't believe that it was happening, that they were about to prove to the world who they are.
"Have you been fighting?" she heard her mother's stern voice behind her.
Safiya turned to face her now, almost wanting to hide the sword, but it was too late; she had already been seen. She had thought her mother would let her be, especially since the kingdom was now in danger.
"Yes," came Safiya's reply.
Mama stood at the door with her arms crossed, and Safiya wished she could pay a penny for her thoughts. She knew her mother was still trying to accept the reality that Safiya might never marry. Safiya understood how hard it must be for her mother, who was always ready to follow traditional rules.
