I’ve never participated in a blog-fest before, but couldn’t resist Elle Strauss‘ offering. This is one I can do! 

The first 250 words of my novel have changed so many times (hopefully improving with each draft!). I’d love to hear your comments. Don’t worry, I can take a hit! Hope you enjoy. 🙂

After an hour of drills, Prince Bob felt like a rug on beating day. Repeatedly falling off a horse will do that to you. 

Instead of concentrating on the exercise, he debated excuses to get out early so he could sneak off to the library. Forgot to make his bed? Ate some turned meat at lunch? Or keep it simple by fainting?

“Go!” Commander Peter called.

The line of cavalrymen shot forward. Bob dug in his heels, already several paces behind. He raised his sword, leaned in to strike . . . and miscalculated. Again.

Bob struck air. His balance shifted, and the dummy smacked him in the head. For the fourth time that day, he landed flat on his back.

Laughter echoed from his comrades. 

“Who knew a dummy could fight so well!” Friederick called. 

Bob sucked in the pain that pulsed from his back. He thought of Charming, his brother, telling him to stick up for himself and forced a grin. “Is that you, Friederick? Well I’ll be.” He jerked a thumb toward the dummy. “I could have sworn that was you.”

Silence spread as Friederick’s posse congregated around them.

Friederick scowled down at him. “We’ll see who’s laughing when they appoint new captains. Or will king daddy pull strings again?”

“Like Lord Léon does for you?”