I want to spar

Your wife raises an eyebrow. “Very well.”she nods then. “But don't strain yourself too hard.”

You laugh and smile a small smile. She didn't know Ser Halden at all, it seemed. Then again, he never showed on court meetings, mostly because he found it to be an idle, useless affair, a royal waste of time. Everything could be said with less tact and more precise in less time. Mostly it was gruff, short commands and reprimands to whoever was daring enough to serve under his command or the bad luck to be trained by the man. You kingdom had never before seen such a good instructor for the troops before.

After breakfast, you finish quickly the affairs of the day – a brief rapport by the various council members, mostly saying nothing in long, big words – before heading over to the barracks. You trained here as a child as well. The royal barracks of the castle had nothing in common with every other barracks ever to grace the face of the earth. It was a small academy, build to drill and teach and test the handful of soldiers of the royal guard and the officer of your army as well. And a handpicked few, mostly for favors and old alliances. It made them though, and loyal, and stubborn warriors.

Two of your royal guard stand at attention as you enter the building and head straight for the arsenal.

“Ah, welcome your majesty.”boomed the voice of Ser Halden as you enter, “I was just about to finish with the newest recruits.” The boys, barely having entered their teens, were running around in the armory, up and down between the lines of shelves and weapon or armor racks, clad in chain shirts two times their size, lifting buckets full of water above their head. They notice you and double your efforts. Oh, you remember this too well. This left you sore and swearing and wet and bruised for weeks on end as well. Every morning, every evening. The trial of chain and water. You smile mildly as the boys assemble, wet, shaking from exhaustion. Halden looks at you, waiting for you to say something.

“Well done. You will all come a long way. Get breakfast and have a break until noon. You've earned it today.”

“YES SIRE!”they answer in unison and hurry of. Ser Halden cuckles. “Milord, you are spoiling them. How am I to make good officers out of them, if you have them enjoy the luxuries of life.”

You turn to him and grin. “Well, am I not a most merciful ruler.” The master-at-arms laughs. “Didn't come here to chat, did you milord. I let the training blades and armor be fetched. In the meantime, I've some news for you, in regards to the troops...”

When the sun finally reaches the highest point in the sky, you feel sore to the bone, every muscle aching, sweating all over. During training, you noticed your wife and a few other women watching you from the castle wall. A blonde, a brunette and a redhead. Others interrupted their daily work to watch their king train, only to be dispersed harshly by your guards. When all was over, Ser Halden shakes your hand, gives you a few hints and pieces of advice. By the gods, the baths! What a relief.

You hear a soft giggle. You glance around and see...