Jolyn West's Pov
I opened my eyes just enough to see her gentle expression.
"He tortured me. It felt more like punishment than training," I said, sounding more like a child than I intended, my eyes pleading for relief.
"Can we request a different trainer? He's a monster," I added.
She laughed softly, as if to lighten the mood.
"That's part of the training. We all went through it. Enduring hardship is necessary to build strength. If you embrace the struggle, you'll come out stronger."
Perhaps she said this to make me feel better about my current state and my fatigue.
"I'll speak to Lucious and ask him to be more considerate. This is your first training session," she assured me.
"For now, you need to have dinner. Do you want me to bring it here?"
I shook my head. "No need. I'll come out in a minute. I just need to rest a bit."
She stood up. "I'll wait for you outside. Lady Malia prepared your favorite dishes. She mentioned that Lucious forbade you from having them earlier."
I recalled how Lucious had stopped me from eating meat and forced me to eat vegetables instead. I was grateful my mother was here to rectify that.
"Alright, I'll join you shortly." She kissed my forehead before leaving.
Despite my exhaustion, I knew I had to get up and join the others for dinner. I hoped that tomorrow's training would be less brutal. My body couldn't withstand Lucious's harsh methods.
Once I felt somewhat recovered, I changed my clothes and headed towards the kitchen. As I made my way there, I encountered Lucious walking toward me. I deliberately looked away to show my displeasure. He stopped in front of me, but I remained unmoving.
"Alright, weak princess," he started. "I wanted to apologize for earlier."
I halted but still kept my back to him.
"Is that genuine?" I asked without turning around.
He didn't answer immediately. I heard his footsteps approaching.
"No… I just said it so you'd show up for training tomorrow," he admitted as he stopped right in front of me.
I rolled my eyes. "Seriously?"
"Just kidding. Don't be upset. You'll understand soon enough." He flashed me a smile that felt strangely disarming.
"You did well today. See you tomorrow, princess." He grinned and started to walk away but paused when I called his name.
"Lucious…" I waited until he turned to look at me. "Aren't you joining us for dinner?"
He considered it for a moment. "That's a good idea. Okay."
For a brief moment, I felt I understood him better, though my resentment over his training methods remained.
The next day, Lucious came over and told me to get ready to spar.
I stumbled back as Lucious lunged at me, his strength overwhelming despite my best efforts. I knew he wasn't using his full power, but still, I couldn't seem to gain the upper hand.
Gritting my teeth in frustration, I watched as he approached me slowly. His gray fur rippled with the movement of the wind. I tried to charge at him, only to be met with a powerful force that sent me crashing into the wall. As I began to shift forms, I clutched my aching stomach.
"Aghhh!"
"Jolyn!" Lucious rushed to my side, concern evident in his voice. "Are you okay?"
I couldn't muster a reply, just pointed at the pain in my arms. "It hurts."
"Hold on, let me help," he said, but before I could protest, he lifted me effortlessly. Our faces were unnervingly close, and my heart raced. I looked away, trying to hide my flushed cheeks.
Why was I feeling this way?
He carried me inside the palace and gently set me down on the couch. I cleared my throat, trying to steady my heart. I needed to remain professional, even if he was the one who had caused me pain.
"Let me check your wounds," he said, reaching out to touch me. I instinctively pulled away.
"Please, call Lady Malia. This isn't appropriate," I requested, avoiding his gaze.
Lucious complied, and when Lady Malia arrived, he said his goodbyes, informing me he'd return the next day. If I was well, training would continue; if not, he wouldn't push me.
Lady Malia broke the silence, her tone curious. "How was your training? Besides the injuries?"
I wasn't sure if she was joking or genuinely interested in my thoughts.
"And what do you think of Lucious as a trainer?" she added.
"I'm not sure. He's as strong as my parents said, but he didn't hold back in hurting me," I replied with a bitter laugh.
Before she could respond, Lady Malia set down the medicine and sat beside me. "How are you feeling now?"
I shrugged, feeling uncertain. "I'm not sure how to describe it. The wounds are painful, but at least I'm learning to defend myself. I'm still a work in progress."
I hoped that in time, all my efforts would pay off, just as Lucious said. It was all part of becoming stronger and defending my kingdom.
"There's something on my mind, princess…" Lady Malia hesitated, clearly unsure if she should continue.
"What is it?" I asked, intrigued.
"Well, I'm sorry if this is out of line, but… I think Lucious might have feelings for you."
The room fell silent. I stared at her, trying to process her words.
"Forget I mentioned it, princess. It was just a thought," she said quickly, bowing.
I was taken aback. "He has feelings for me? He seemed to despise me yesterday for being weak. That's not an issue anymore."
Her words seemed to suggest something deeper, but I wasn't ready to acknowledge it.
"Is that what you meant?"
"Yes," she admitted hesitantly.
It seemed she was implying something more personal, but I couldn't imagine Lucious feeling that way. Love was the furthest thing from my mind; I was focused on becoming strong. My kingdom needed a capable Queen, and weakness was not an option.
"By the way, the Queen wants to see you. She said I should let you know after your training," Lady Malia's words brought me back to the present.
"Where is she?" I asked.
"In her room. I have to get back to my duties, if that's alright?"
I nodded. "Yes, thank you for helping with my injuries. I'll be there shortly."
She bowed and left, leaving me alone in the quiet room. I touched my chest, feeling my rapid heartbeat. What was this strange sensation? When I thought of Lucious, my heart raced uncontrollably.
What did it all mean?
I didn't want to feel this way. I was sure I wasn't in love with him.