The next day, my commander stops me before I walk into training. The other wolves look back, puzzled, and continue into the arena to warm up.

"You've been moved out of my league. The princess has personally requested you to be her guard." The old wolf raises an eye, stares me down. I look at the ground, unable to meet his look. I'm afraid that if I do, he will be able to read my mind and see what I am hiding. "I don't know what you did, or doing, but be careful. In the upper legion, there is more deceit and lies. Everyone wants to get to the top, and they will do anything. Even kill you."

Now I look up. It's hard to believe that wolves would hurt each other. We are loyal to a fault, but power makes greed. Our human side is vulnerable to greed. I bow my head to him.

"Thank you. I will be careful."
"You were a good student the short time I had you. I hope you do well in your training. Now, go inside the castle. That is where your training now takes place. Inside. They will bring you where you must go. I believe you will talk to the king; it is his daughter you will be protecting, after all."

My fur is buzzing with excitement, but I manage to calmly drop my head to my paws.

"Thank you for everything," I say, and walk towards my future.

I hear his gruff voice call behind me.

"Watch out for the princess, too. She is trouble, that one." When I look at him, there is a humorous glint in his eye. I wonder just what he could mean by that.

Proudly, I walk towards the castle, trying not to look at my former trainees. They are all jealous. I try not to seem too prideful as I step into the castle's door. There are guards right on the inside. They stand throughout the halls, staring at nothing. When I walk in, two of them turn towards me. They were gold helmets with strange horns protruding from them. Even their fur is dusted with gold. The hall of the castle stretches straight forward, adorned with stained glass, flags, and plush red carpets. Our flag has a base of half gold and red. On the red side is the half face of a wolf. The other is half the face of a man. We can never forget who we are.

"Follow us," the two wolves say. I nod my head and do as they say. There is a air of silence floating through the castle. Even as they step, nothing can be heard. It is cold in here. The walls seem to be stone.

The wolves lead me out of the hall and down a empty corridor. I am lead up a flight of stairs and into what looks like a dining hall. They turn into men, their helmets converting to fit their head, and they open two wooden doors.

Inside, there is a carpet leading to a throne, and the kind sits on it in human form. Even as a human, you can see the wolf in him. He is huge and hairy, with a dark beard covering most of his face. The facial hair can not cover his eyes though, which are yellow-gold and glow. Even from across the room, I can make out the strength in them. When he sees me, they glisten. I can't tell if he is angry. There is a small gold crown atop his head. Standing on either side of his thrown are his daughters.

She will not meet my eyes. I can see her stomach protruding slightly with child, and I can already tell it will not be much longer until we must become more creative about how we hide it. Hopefully no one can tell. Both daughters are wearing dainty tiaras atop their ears. One daughter is white, the other is auburn.

"Hello," booms the king. "What do you think of my castle, young Leonitis," he asks.

"It is... large," I say.

He laughs, much to my surprise.

"Very cold, too. It's pretty horrid. You just won't say it to my face."

"It is cold," I agree, still wary to tell him the truth. The king smiles, but his smile is menacing; he has very large, sharp teeth.

"You are small. Born to a unnoble family."

I wince when he disses my family.

"What I lack in birth I make up for in the strength of my mind."

"We will see," he says. "We will see. Training is hard, young Leonitis, and I will make it harder on you. You've already impregnated my daughter; now you are forced to earn your spot guarding her life.

I'm sure he can see the surprise on my face. Impregnated his daughter? I glance over at her, and see her looking at the floor in guilt. So this was her plan, to make her father think I am the father of her child. It is smart, but dangerous. What if her child comes out deformed; part tiger, part human. It is a risky game putting my life in risk. I asked for this, though. I wanted my role on the court, whatver the cost may be. Now, I must play my part.

"It is an honor," I say, bowing low. "I will be the best warrior -and father. Putting my life in front of your daughters always."

The king nods his approval.

"You may begin."