Robbin's POV
I give Lilliana a blank stare, but that doesn't mean my mind is just as clear. Inside, I was screaming. I wasn't aware that I was going to have some bonding time with Sage.
"Are you sure?" I ask Lilliana, hoping I had misheard her.
"Yes, and please don't change your mind."
"Why not? This is the last thing I want to do."
"You can't let her intimidate you."
I look at Lilliana with amusement. Someone as low as her to intimidate me? That's nothing but a bad joke with no punchline. "She doesn't intimidate me. I could kill her if I pleased to."
"I know that, but it'll look like you're afraid to face her. You'd be allowing Sage to challenge you for the throne again."
I wait a moment before letting out a sigh in agreement. I have to go. This coronation has to take place or else a war will be certain. I nod my head for Lilliana to lead the way, and we make our way to the eastern training center.
I'd never been here yet since modern weapons aren't my forte. I'm not aware of the training that will take place, but know one thing for certain. An argument with Sage.
I try to calm myself before we arrive. Giving Sage the satisfaction of a challenge is not what I want. I'm hoping to quickly get through this, not for the sake of sparing an argument, but because I won't be able to do much. Standing on the sidelines isn't what I'm used to. Being in front and center of a fight is more my style.
We finally make it to the training center and everyone is already there, surrounding Sage. they notice our presence and turn to greet us; me mostly, as they bowed their heads in respect, all except the only werewolf I know who would stand their ground with a dragon.
"You're late." Sage hissed out. I gave her a bored stare and contemplated on responding to her, but Lilliana spoke before I could.
"No, we're not, so stop complaining. And have some respect for your future leader."
Sage glared at me as she spoke in distaste for my being. "She's not our queen yet. And even if she was, what respect would she even deserve. Look at her, she's not one of us."
"If by us, I hope you're referring to yourself. I'm sure everyone here is glad to not be a hateful bitch."
"You wanna go? Let's do this."
Sage moved toward Lilliana with rough intentions, and she was about to do the same before I stopped them. "Enough!" I shouted. "Stop acting like petulant children and behave!"
Lilliana bowed her head in remorse as she apologized, but Sage only stood there silently. Finally, she shut up. Hopefully, it will last for the remainder of the session.
"Shall we begin?" I ask the class, and they nod as a response."
"We already did ten minutes ago," she snaps at me.
"Sage for the love of the moon goddess, shut it!"
"I will ask both of you to shut it!" My voice raised as I reprimanded them. "The two of you will behave or I will teach this class by myself."
They remained quiet once again, only until Lilliana nudged my arm. "You need to introduce yourself," she whispered.
I gave her a nod and faced the crowd once again. They stared at me with ardent eyes; maybe for admiration for their new luna. I slightly raised my head in dominance and pride as I addressed them.
"Hello. I am Robbin Drakon, your future Queen and luna of the Northerner kingdom and Bloodmoon pack. I'm excited to work with you all today."
They clapped and cheered for me, and I couldn't help but feel loosened up. Their spirits were high, as they were young members of the pack, and became contagious as it spread to me.
"She isn't our luna yet, so don't get too excited."
I see that vocal censure is not enough to quiet her, but taking physical action would only be giving her what she wants. It's how a child would act, and a one hundred and twenty-seven year old is no child.
"But she is the king's mate. Stop acting so-"
"You're dismissed," I announced, butting Lilliana off in the process.
"Excuse me?" Sage gave me an open mouth look, one of surprise I would say.
"You heard me, leave the training center. You will not teach this class."
"You can't do that. I'm head of the training department!"
"And I am your future queen. Now obey and leave." I spoke more demanding as I walked toward her.
When she didn't move, I walked closer until we were only inches apart, my eyes drilling into hers. "You can exit on your own, or my dragon will help you."
Sage's eyes narrowed as she stared back at me. No words were spoken for her, and she finally took her to leave.
A physical challenge was not needed, not today anyway. I don't need to get into a brawl to prove my worth. I already know what it is. I'm a dragon. That should speak for itself.
I turn back to Lilliana who was already staring at me. "For the record, that was badass."I roll my eyes and laugh gently at her comment.
"Now, are we ready?"
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The class lasted around three hours. Lilliana was showing them basic blocking and attack moves. One of the trainees asked about the Westerlie kingdom and how they fought. I explained that at their age and stage, they'd be doing jumping summersault round kicks. I had Lilliana demonstrate them for me since Because I wasn't allowed to present.
Even though they were young wolves, we all got along well. Teaching them was easy since they were all eager to become full members of the pack. I was impressed with their dedication and loyalty to their king and country and wondered for a moment if I was wrong to not want to be their queen.
The class ended and it was now past noon. We didn't realize how hungry we were, so Lilliana and I headed for the dining hall for a late lunch.
"You did great! They loved you," Lilliana spoke as we left the training center.
"You think so?"
"Absolutely! You're going to make a great luna. We all need someone like you."
I smiled at her kind words. Ruling over the Northerner kingdom may not be what I want, but these people are worth doing so. Well, most of them anyway.
As we made our way inside the palace, I noticed the smell bouncing off of Lilliana and me and stopped her. "Maybe we shower first. I don't want the rest of the pack to think I'm unsanitary."
"You're kidding, right? We're wolves. Smelling bad comes with our genetics."
I laughed deeply at her joke. Having Lilliana as my guard is the best thing to happen to me since I've been here. Grey is a taste of home, but she helps make my time here manageable.
"Well, I'm going to freshen up. I'll see you in the dining hall." We wave each other off and I head to my room.
On my way there, I notice Sage walking my the opposite direction. I was planning on ignoring her, but some things were unsaid before she left the training center.
She gave me a hateful glare and was about to walk past me but I grabbed her arm and pushed her aside. "Sage, this has to end."