Jolyn
I woke up early, a smile still plastered on my face. Ever since that day, I couldn't stop beaming. The ability to change forms was exhilarating, and I was eager to perfect it.
"Good morning! You seem extra cheerful today," Lady Malia remarked as she greeted me with her warm smile.
I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. "I'm just really happy. I keep thinking I might wake up and find it was all just a dream."
"A beautiful dream, indeed."
"More than that," I replied, my gaze drifting around the room.
Noticing my search, Lady Malia said, "Your parents aren't here. There's someone waiting for you in the living room."
I frowned, confused. "A visitor? Who is it?"
"Lucious Cove. He's been waiting since 7 this morning."
I glanced at the clock, surprised. "He's been waiting for nearly an hour? What could he want?" I hadn't seen Lucious since my birthday, and my father had only mentioned he would be my personal trainer, though we hadn't interacted much.
"He said your training starts today," Lady Malia explained.
"Did Mom know about this?"
"Yes. Before they left for their business trip, they briefed Lucious on everything."
I was taken aback. It was early for training, but I knew it was part of my preparation. I was determined to follow through, especially to avoid being labeled as weak.
I excused myself from Lady Malia and headed to the living room where Lucious was waiting. I didn't know him well, but I wanted to get to know him better, given that he'd be with me for the training period. Besides, his father and the King were friends.
As I approached, I sensed his strong presence even from behind. I cleared my throat and walked over to him. He turned slowly, his intense gaze meeting mine. His serious expression was more intimidating than I remembered from the party.
Without a word, Lucious checked his watch. "It's already late."
"I didn't realize you were coming so early. I thought the training would start next month," I explained quietly.
"Alright."
His serious tone made me anxious about our upcoming sessions. I moved closer as he stood up, noticing how tall he was. I had to look up to meet his eyes, which seemed to penetrate my very soul.
"Shall we begin?"
"Have you had breakfast?"
I shook my head. "I just woke up, and Lady Malia informed me you were waiting for me."
"Not my problem. I came for the Lycan King, not for you."
I remained silent, puzzled by his attitude.
"Eat something first. You look weak. You might be exhausted even before we start," Lucious said, turning away before I could respond.
"Do I look weak?" I thought, frustrated. Was it because I was a woman that they saw me as weak?
I rolled my eyes and returned to Lady Malia, determined to eat more just to prove Lucious wrong.
When I entered the kitchen, Lady Malia was setting out breakfast. My parents were still away, so it seemed I was the only one to enjoy the meal.
"I'm starving. Is that steak?" I asked, eyeing the food eagerly.
"Yes," Lady Malia answered cheerfully.
I sat down, my stomach growling in anticipation. Just as I reached for the steak, someone tapped my hand, causing me to drop it back onto the plate. I looked up, irritated, to find Lucious standing there.
"What's the matter?" I asked, my irritation evident.
"That's not suitable for you. You need more vegetables. Clearly, you're malnourished," he said.
I glanced at myself, unsure if there was an issue with my physique.
"Lady, please prepare more vegetables for her. Starting today and throughout the training period. She needs better nutrition," Lucious instructed.
"I'll get on it right away," Lady Malia replied.
I watched longingly as the steak was taken away, feeling frustrated.
"Is this part of the training, or are you just trying to torture me?"
"If you view this as torture, it just shows how weak you are, princess," Lucious said with a hint of mockery in his tone. He smiled, but his eyes betrayed a more menacing intent.
My training hadn't even started, yet I felt like Lucious was pushing me to my limits. What had seemed like a promising arrangement now felt ominous.
I thought he would be a gentle and kind instructor given that I am the princess and all but boy was I wrong.
"This training thing is going to be much more challenging than I'd anticipated."