Danielle (Book 2)

My life sucks! It's decided. All I seem to do every day is eat, sleep and train. There is no purpose. I am the Princess of The Thornton Coven, sister to Prince David and my eldest brother, Dominic, the King. He has purpose, rules over the people and produces an heir, simple. He has met his Fated Mate, Elizabeth, she is human, but that doesn't mean anything to our species. There have been werewolves who have mated with humans before but for our family it will be the first generation. My father was a werewolf king before he was killed in a war, that was when Dominic became king ten years ago. We are also immortal which is not common knowledge, only our family and the Elders know of this. So many lifetimes of waiting for the Goddess's Mate choice to appear. What to do for a thousand years? Train and wait.

It is early morning and the mist spreads across the valley where the castle sits, like a white shimmery blanket. The countryside where we have made our home is a mix of beautiful forests, rolling green fields and flowery meadows. It was selected in mind for the different species that would reside here: elves, werewolves, pixies and witches. Safety for everyone away from humans.

I walk towards the training ground slowly breathing in the chilly air. Only werewolves who have received their wolves at puberty can enter as it can get dangerous once the fighting starts. I have been coming here to help train the teenagers for a few hundred years. Dominic could sense I was a bit lost with no purpose, so offered the position to work alongside Marcus. He trains in the gym mostly, but helps me with the teenagers every morning. I walk into the stadium ground with bleachers on all four sides, five rows high. There is a running track around the outskirts, to train for speed and grass in the middle. This is also used for the yearly championships between other werewolf Covens to test for strength, speed and combat.

Several teenagers were already warming up in the centre of the grass. “Marcus” I nod in acknowledgement as I walked up behind him. Marcus had been my father's longest and best friend “Your highness” he says bowing. “How many lives are we making a living hell today then?” I say looking around the ground for stragglers. He laughs “not many today, most are on the trip with school.” He steps forward to see one young female doing press ups against a male werewolf. “Clearly she has something to prove” I say. I must admit, she looked like a younger version of me. Being a female werewolf you always were at the bottom of the dominance pile especially when you're a teenager with hormones flowing at hundred miles an hour. The male wolves were always showing off who had the most dominance. When I showed them what I could do, they didn't pester me again. Even being a princess didn't get me off the constant torment of the boys, I just had to show them who was boss.

“I think there is no more joining us” Marcus said walking towards the younglings. “Right, you lot, time for five laps around the track in human form. Go!” Marcus barked. They all groaned and started to jog to the edge of the field to the track. I started to warm up by completing jumping jacks and push ups. Then I followed the younglings to push the stragglers at the back, faster “Come on you lazy bones, get your legs moving. I think the king is visiting today to watch you” I say loud enough for them to hear. That spurred them on faster. I giggle to myself as Dominic is far too busy with Elizabeth to check on my progress. They completed the five laps and then ran towards Marcus, some were really out of breath. Mental note for them to sign up for extra running on the treadmill in the gym. “Right, today you will be sparring with a partner who is bigger and heavier in muscle than you. The point is, it doesn't matter if your opponent is bigger, it's about the skill of your moves and how you choose to attack. Any questions?” Marcus asked. One girl had her hand up in the air. “You do not need to use your hand, this is not school. What is your question?” Marcus says. “What if we get hurt?” She was so timid and small, I could understand her nervousness. “You are a werewolf, you have rapid healing properties. If you get hurt it will be a learning curve at what not to do next time. Everyone is here to learn. Not to win. What you learn here might save your life one day. No one here is any better than anyone else. You are all on the same level. Does everyone understand? If I find anyone trying to “one up” on anyone to show off, you will be punished by the princess. Any more questions? Good, pick an opponent”

Marcus walks round them all helping the younger younglings that look tooshy. I helped the youngling with the initial question. “You will be fine, let's get you an opponent” I say tapping her shoulder. There was the fit, muscular young man, who clearly was showing off earlier. “You can partner up with this young lady” I say to him. “What! No way. That's not going to be a fair fight, I need someone worthy of me” he says smugly. I walk up to his face and through gritted teeth “did you hear what Marcus said a minute ago? This is not who has the biggest dick. You are not anything in this class. You are the same level as her” pointing to the girl. “Do as you're told…name?” I asked. “Mike,” he says, lowering his head in shame. “Sorry, your highness” I turn and look at the young girl “what is your name?” I ask. “Sylvia,” she says. “You and Sylvia will spar while I watch” I stand to the side and watch both of them, folding my arms. Mike is so typical of male hormonal werewolf asserting his dominance. Actually, I need not have been worried, Sylvia was very good. She was very quick on her feet and deflected some blows. She gave a few good punches which one of them knocked Mike off his feet. Sylvia bent and handed her hand out for Mike, to help him up. “You're really good,” Mike says out of breath. “Never underestimate your opponent Mike. It doesn't matter if they are smaller, weaker or female, she can beat you even with all your muscles. They mean nothing here unless you have the skills to use them wisely” I say with experience. He nods, “I have definitely learnt that today, can I spar with you again?” He asked Sylvia. She smiled and nodded. She walked over to me “thank you, your highness, for your help today” she said. “Look, I was you once upon a time. So I know how these types of males act. You have proved yourself today. Do you know what you would like to do after schooling?” I asked hoping she might want to be a soldier or armed reconnaissance. “I do not know if they take females, but I would love to work as a soldier” she looks at the ground embarrassed, kicking a stone. "They take whomever makes the cut, male or female. You will make a great soldier. If you need any tips or advice, I would be happy to give” I say. “Thank you” Sylvia says bowing. “Showers” Marcus shouts and she runs towards the rest of the crowd towards the changing rooms.

I walk towards Marcus. “She seems very good with her feet,” he says. “Yes, she wants to become a soldier after schooling” I say walking side by side with Marcus. “How did you get on with the others?” I asked. “Yep, really good, there were ones that needed extra tutoring around feet placement while sparring. But overall pretty good” he smiles down to me. After a moment of silence walking Marcus says “that was a very enlightening talk you gave Mike and Sylvia. Personal experience?” He asked side eyeing me. “Yes, actually. I had a pretty shit time training with the males in my class. It pisses me off that females still have to endure that kind of crap, even after hundreds of years later” I say, thinking about all the miserable times I spent in this stadium. He laughed “it made you who you are today Danielle. Stronger, resilient and strict with the males. That is exactly why your brother gave you this assignment. He knew you had the best experience to help the females to be better versions of themselves.” He walked off faster, jeering up the stragglers who were nattering. I honestly thought Dominic asked me to do this to help my boredom, not because of my terrible bullying history.

A soldier was holding the door open to the elevator as I stepped in. “Good class, your highness?” he asked. “Yes, thank you” I pulled my ponytail toggle from my hair and let my hair fall, shaking my head to aid it. The elevator pings for the royal top floor. The soldier bows and closes the doors as I walk away.

I press my thumb print on the door frame and it clicks open. The smell of lemon cleaning fluid enters my nostrils and I wince. The bloody cleaners know not to use strong smelling cleaning products in the royal quarters as they counteract with our nose senses. I will have to speak to Dominic again. I walk into my bathroom and turn on the shower. I strip everything off and throw it all in the hamper. The bathroom was filled with steam quickly, as I stepped into the double shower and let the water cascade down my body. The shower shot high powered water jets at my body like paintball guns, massaging my skin as they made contact. Looking up to the ceiling, closing my eyes, concentrating on the water droplets falling on my breasts and stomach. The hot water was heaven on my body. I needed this today. I have too many thoughts running through my head and a shower always helps to departmentalise everything and relax. I was turning wrinkly so I quickly washed my hair and body and turned the water off. I step into a warm robe and wrap a fluffy towel around my head. A familiar voice pops into my head…Dominic.

Dominic - Are you coming down to lunch Danielle?

Me - Yes, just got out of the shower, so will be down soon

Dominic - okay, see you soon

I decide on trousers and a nice shirt, plait my dark brown hair in a French braid and light makeup. “Danielle” David says as he leaves his quarters walking towards me to the elevator. “Brother” I repeat as we enter the elevator with a soldier guarding the door as it shuts. “Did Dominic mind link you?” David asked. “Yes,” I replied. “I think he wants to discuss Elizabeth with us,” he says. “Or ask for our advice” I say “I wish it was me asking you both for Mate advice” I say feeling dejected. “It will be your turn at some point. Just like me, we just wait until the Goddess says its time” David says. He has always been optimistic, always a glass half full type of person. His enthusiasm kills me sometimes.

We leave the elevator with the soldier bowing behind us and we walk towards the canteen.

The canteen was really busy with young families and soldiers on their lunch break all getting food. David spots mother first by pointing over to the table in the far corner. “Mother” I warmly say pecking her cheek, David does the same. “Hello, my beautiful children. How are you today?” She asks. My mother looks like a young mother, by looks only, but seen as we do not age, it's all relative. But she is a few thousand years old, I think. Her brown messy hair in a bun on top of her head. A small petite woman that no man should underestimate.” “I am well mother, not sure about him though”, thumbing to David behind me. “Hey!” David huffs. “Are we waiting for Dominic?” I asked. “Yes, he wants us to all eat together, as he needs our advice concerning Elizabeth” mother explains. I grab a juice from the juice caddy on the trestle table and sit next to mother. David gets a couple of rolls to tie him over until Dominic gets here. “I hear you had an inspirational talk with the younglings this morning” mother says. “Does everything I do in this kingdom always get back to you?” I asked, throwing my hands in the air. “Now, now Danielle. Marcus was very proud of what you said to them. You both seem to work well together, ensuring the younglings have a good outlook on life and goals. You two will set these kids on the right path” mother explains. I sat for a moment thinking about her statement. I never thought about it that way before. I just thought it was another boring job that had to get done. I was trying to inspire and guide these younglings on the path that my mother and father set for us siblings. Some of them didn't have parents or a stable home life, so looking up to Marcus and myself was the next best thing. I might try to be more positive from now on.

Dominic enters the canteen and everyone quietens, stand and bows. “Can't wait until I arrive, I see?” watching David eating his rolls. “I was hungry Dominic and we did not know how long you were going to be” David munched on the last of his roll. Dominic sat across from us and wiped his hand across his face and sighed. “What has happened son?” Mother asked, reaching for his hand. “Elizabeth has caught me watching her today. I will have to make my move this week, but I'm not sure how to explain everything without scaring her” Dominic says. “Well, there's the, I am a king and a werewolf who is thousand years old and we live with witches and elves. Or hi, my name is Dominic and I would like to get to know you?” I say. I don't see what he is worried about, he is bloody lucky he has finally found his mate. “Well it's not that easy, Danielle. What if I fuck it up, and she wants nothing to do with me?” Dominic places his head in his hands and groans. I have never seen him like this before. He has never been unsure of anything. “If the Goddess has chosen this woman to be our queen, then she will accept you and this life. Go easy on her, explain it slowly to her. If she is not ready to visit, accept it, keep trying. The Goddess is never wrong” mother smiles at her son nodding her head. “When are you hoping to speak to her?” I asked. “Possiby tomorrow when she takes her walk in the park across the road from her home” Dominic says. “Well try not to look like a stalker” I laughed. David swotted my arm to shut me up “you are not helping Danielle” David said, giving me a look. “Sorry brother, would you like me to come for support. It might be better if you were not alone. You may look like you're going to murder her” I say. “That would look worse! She might think you're my girlfriend!” Dominic said. “Good point. Let me think about it. I will get back to you” I say. “Are the Elders on your back about it?” Mother asks. “Yes, they say I need to start transitioning” he says looking disheartened. “Are we getting food, I am now starving” David moans. “God sake David! fine, go get some food then” Dominic says his patience wearing thin with his brother. David gets up and gives me a look. “He doesn't do feelings, Dominic, you know that” I say. “I know,” he said. “Come on, let's get some food” mother finally suggested. We ate, chatted some more, before going our separate ways.

Mother was visiting the orphanage to welcome the new children arriving. She is technically still the queen of the kingdom until Dominic takes his Fated Mate and the crowning ceremony takes place. David is checking up on the soldier rotas for the week ahead and I decide to take a walk into the village.

I need to think about how Dominic can start communicating with Elizabeth. She will be our queen, so he cannot cock this up. Everything rides on this. If Dominic cannot mate with her within a specific time frame, Dominic will die. That is our fate in the royal family. Everyone else can take as much as they like to consummate the Fated Mate bond. But we must consummate within one month of meeting a Mate and the Fated bond clicking into place.

I was walking through the streets with thatched cottages and beautiful gardens. The people are very proud of their village in the kingdom. I was admiring a fountain which had been installed. One of the kingdom's housing designers who had done the job for seventy years had died. The residents had raised funds to build the fountain to commemorate him. That is why I love living here, everyone looks out for one another. “Hello your highness” a voice behind me startled me. I turn and find a soldier standing with his helmet under his arm, he bows and smiles. “Hello Mark, how are you today?” I say. “I am well princess, are you admiring the new fountain? He would be proud of the design” he says bending to look at the plaque. “He was much loved around here, we will all miss him” he says standing back up. “Can I ask you a question?” I ask. “Yes?” Mark says. “Do you still go to Kitty's nightclub?” I hope I am getting some information to help Dominic's predicament. “Yes, actually I was planning to go this weekend, Florrie and I were going to ask her friend to come too, why?” He asked curiously. “Florrie, is that your girlfriend?” “Yes, it turns out she is my Fated. I am trying to work up the courage to tell her. I am not sure she will leave her life and come here” he says looking really sad. “I think she will Mark. Just trust me on this” I say. If Florrie finds out Elizabeth is Dominic's Fated and moves here, Florrie will definitely follow her bestie. He has nothing to be worried about. “Well I better be going to my mother's house. She is making my tea this evening and she will not be pleased if I am late. Nice to see you princess” he bows and walks away.

Well at least Dominic has somewhere public to finally speak to Elizabeth without freaking her out. I will go and tell him the information I have gathered and hopefully that might put him in a better mood.

A few days later I was in Dominic's office telling him about a plan I had managed to concoct to get Elizabeth to the club with her friend Florrie. He contributed to the idea for David to help with the plan too. So my job here was done.

Marcus had asked me to pop down to the gym after I spoke with Dominic as he had a proposition for me. I was a bit curious to be honest. Marcus never communicates with me outside of our training sessions with the younglings.

I entered the gym to find it quite busy. People bowed as I passed them working out, lifting weights, sparring in the ring and running on the treadmills. I had never seen it so busy, but then remembered it was nearing the end of term at the school and the graduation ceremony was fast approaching. People needed to look good for their dates, fit into suits and their sparkly dresses. I found Marcus at the end of the gym speaking to one of the chefs, it looked like they had been sparring together if the black eye had anything to do with it. “You did well Brian, but next time remember what I said about your fist placement by your face. Then you won't be sporting a nice black eye!” Marcus says. “Thank you Marcus, as always” he spots me “hello princess Danielle” bows and heads for the showers.

“Lets speak in my office Danielle” he walks off in front and I follow behind. I walk in and sit on a chair and Marcus closes the door, this is either bad news or really exciting news, I think I would rather have the latter. “I had communication with a friend of mine from the vampire realm that they need help from us in regards to training their younglings. Word seems to have reached that far your training magic works well here and they want a piece of it” he sat at his desk clasping his hands together. I sat looking at him stunned, as the vampire realm never reaches out to ask for help. “Ummm…I am flattered obviously, but why now? It seems a bit suspicious don't you think? They never ask for help” I asked. “I thought so too, so I decided to do some reconnaissance on my own. It turns out their training program has been non-existent since the war when your father died. The King decided not to continue training because the likelihood of another war was slim, instead they plowed all their resources into the soldier training only. So when the younglings leave education, they will take twice as long to train up to the level they need to be to qualify as a soldier or enrol into the army. The average age of the current soldier is over 500 years old, they are aging, if Vampires age at all? They are screwed now because of their short sightedness” Marcus explained. “Why now though?” I was still concerned about the timeline. “It turns out the king is very unwell and the eldest son has been given permission to start making changes ready for his coronation when his father passes. It is one of his priorities to reinstate the training program like Dominic had started here. His brother is in charge of overseeing the arrangements and continuing its legacy. They have requested for you to attend their kingdom to start training and will be expected to regularly visit to ensure everything you put into place is being done correctly.” I am not sure what to say, this is a big commitment.“Have you discussed this with my brother?” I asked. “Yes, of course and he thinks it would be good for you to get out of the kingdom and for a change of scenery” he laughs. “Really! He said that?” Why am I not surprised? “It will initially be two to three days to investigate their set up, capabilities and who will be training the younglings. If they do not have anyone to do the training, then you will choose the right people and they will come here to observe our techniques first, then go from there. Would that be something you would be interested in?” Marcus asked. I need a purpose in my life and this could be it. It would be nice to focus on something different for a change. “Yes, I accept, thank you for thinking of me for this opportunity” I confirmed. “It wasn't a hard decision to make princess, you have been brilliant with our younglings. You inspire all of them, every time you teach them. It was a no-brainer” he says. “We will leave tomorrow evening, I will accompany you initially to introduce my friend and the prince, and then I will leave you to start the training program as you see fit, okay?” “Yes, okay” I say as I stand up walking to the door. I reached the handle and stopped. “Thank you again Marcus” I nod and leave.

Well that was definitely not how I thought today was going to end, when I woke up this morning. A new chapter in my life is what I need. Vampire realm here I come.