{•Lynette•}

I stood in the middle of the shooting yard, facing the different bullseye targets a couple of yards away. Some already riddled with arrows.

I gripped my bow in my hand as I looked at them.

"Ready and load!" Alister ordered from nearby, Shy and Leo on either side of him as they watched with the other archers of the Warhol Stars.

I took my arrow from my quiver and loaded my bow, keeping the posture that Shy had taught me before.

"Aim!" he shouted.

I raised my bow and kept steady as I focused on my target.

"Fire!!" he shouted.

I shot my arrow, and it got the bullseye dead center.

I armed again and shot the second one, succeeding again, and then the same with the others.

Once I got to the last one, which still had Leo's arrow pierced from his demonstration before, I shot, and immediately my arrow pierced right through his own arrow, splitting it in half.

I let out a deep breath and smiled before turning to my uncle, who nodded proudly at me.

"Excellent, my dear," he said as he walked over. "A prodigy, just like your mother."

"Shy also taught me everything I know," I assured.

"Then my compliments to her ladyship on being an excellent instructor," he said, bowing in respect to Shy.

Shy smiled and bowed her head.

"Its an honor to have her as my pupil," Shy said, making my smile.

Alister smiled and then faced the other archers while I adjusted my jacket a bit.

(Picture: Example of Lynette's current outfit)

Alister considered I could use something a little less constricted than a gown, especially when there's no specific or special occasion to wear one.

Honestly, anything to get me out of those corsets, at least for a while before Emerson gets a say on ny wardrobe again.....

Of course the cape seems much... At least its lightweight, though, so I can't really complain much...

This one was from one of the Warhol vaults in the basement that no one's opened until now, and it belonged to my mother, who wore it whenever she went on assignment.

Ever since I met my uncles the day before, its mostly just been trying to get used to everything that's been put on me regarding a whole new life and perspective, while also training to face Lilith and the rebellion.

I'm back on archery, and also working on my sword fighting, which Emerson is training me on.

He's a very picky teacher, unfortunately... Ugh...

I'm also going to be working on learning more about Obsidian with Sebastian and my uncles, so I can begin training for the throne.

Leda continues at my side, along with Shy and Austin, and now Leo has become a sort of bodyguard to me as well.

Another one of the Warhol Stars, Francesca (or "Frankie" as everyone calls her), and I had started to get along. She's a bit younger than me, but very sweet and talented with spells like Jay or Genevieve are, as well as tracking and archery. Her sister, Storm, is also a member of the Warhol Stars, and their brothers and father are guards on Wismont Island.

They also prepared me on an interview with Laura, which was a bit awkward. She was a bit bold, like any news reporter, but she was patient with me at least, and we got along great during the interview.

"Alright then," Alister said as he faced the others. "Leo, Duchess Shy, you two will train the archers while I go look at the sword fighters."

They both nodded and bowed to him. "Of course, sir," Leo said.

"Lynette," Alister then said, facing me as I looked up at him. "Accompany me, will you?"

I nodded. "Of course," I said as Leo took my bow and quiver for me, and I then followed Alister while Shy and Leo stayed with the other archers to train them.

"You truly are quite the prodigy, dearie," he said as we walked towards the courtyard.

"Uhh, thanks," I said a bit shyly as I took my archery gloves and putting them in my jacket pocket. "I try..."

He smiled at me as we then approached the balcony that overlooked the courtyard below.

Many soldiers trained with swords and shields, a few with daggers or spears.

Women were also among the soldiers training, like Leda, Billie, Jay and Larisa.

Queen Onyx, who I met earlier, was also among them, training with a spear.

Larisa wielded a sort of short scythe weapon with a long chain attached to her hip that she was able to throw at the practice targets, slicing or stabbing them.

What I learned is despite vampires having their own powers and abilities, like Emerson being an Oracle or Sebastian and his Blood Whip, they also train themselves with weapons in order to have a better advantage on the battlefield.

"I assume women in battle is something you're not that familiar with back in the Earth realm," Alister added, making me look up at him.

"Honestly... You see a bit more of it on TV," I said. "There's a lot female soldiers back on Earth, but unfortunately more of the praise and recognition almost always goes to the men."

"Yes, I've witnessed the excessive misogyny your realm has against its women, especially those in battle.... Its atrocious..." he said, disgust in his voice. "I can assure you, however, the women in this realm, especially in our military, are highly respected, even moreso than their male counterparts."

I nodded with a smile as I observed them all.

Everyone was very skilled in fighting and training.

"Take a good look before you, dearie.... One day, this will all officially be yours to rule and command," Alister smiled at me.

I looked up at him and frowned a little.

"Alister.... Uncle..... I-I don't know if I'm ready yet for that kind of responsibility," I admitted, pacing a little. "I only have nearly a year in Obsidian... There's still so much I need to learn.... About a lot things, honestly...."

"All in good time, love...." Alister said. "We'll be teaching you all there is to know, as well as the laws in Obsidian, which will be yours to do with what you wish."

I pursed my lips and looked back.

"Your mother and father always knew you'd be capable of great things.... The senior high priestess at the time, Maria, even told your mother when she learned she was pregnant that you'd be a great saviour and ruler..." he said. "All you need is a little more knowledge of this world..."

I looked back up at him.

"Unfortunately, had it not been for your grandparents, your upbringing would have been very different...." he said with a slight frown.

I pursed my lips sadly, knowing he was right.

"However, now Hermes and I will be here to guide and teach you everything you need to know...." he said assuringly. "We promised your mother and her spirit, as well as your father, that we would find you, and take care of you if he couldn't.... No matter what..."

I sighed softly, looking away and back ahead. "I wish I met her.... I wish I could see him, not just in that memory, where he was scared and heartbroken...." I murmured, holding onto my necklace.

He frowned softly before placing his hand on my shoulder, making me look up at him.

"She died loving you.... And wherever your father is, he will return for you...." he said. "He never gave up hope on you ever coming home...."

I sighed, looking down. "I hated them for so many years..... I don't know if I'll ever forgive myself for that...."

He frowned softly. "There was no possible way you could have ever known, love," he said solemnly. "After the hellfire you were put through your entire life, your feelings at the time were understandable...."

I sighed softly as I looked over and then saw Remington training with Colson, sword and shield in hand, along with a protective vest and protective padding on his arms and legs.

"At least Remington bought me here..... Or else I never would have known the truth..." I said softly as he swung his sword and Colson blocked it with his shield.

Alister looked over curiously at me, and then at Remington.

"You truly love that Blackwell boy.... Don't you, dearie?" he asked.

My eyes widen and I looked back at Remington, and smiled softly as I felt blush tint my cheeks.

"I do.... I had stopped believing in love long ago," I admitted. "Remington, though, he.... He let me believe in it again..... I never truly felt safe or happy, until I met him that day...."

He nodded quietly as I looked over.

"You're not like Alexander or Lilith that hate the idea of someone with their blood mated with a vampire, are you?" I scoffed softly.

"Oh please," he scoffed. "My long lost niece being in a romantic relationship with a vampire is the least of my worries.... So long as she's being respected and treated well, of course."

I chuckled softly. "Don't worry, Remington has been a gentleman with me."

He smiled down at me. "He is a good lad. Impulsive and stubborn at times..
However his heart is in the right place...." he said, then looked at me curiously. "If I may, has he proposed to you yet?"

My eyes widen and looked up at him before shyly looking away.

"W-Well.... We haven't really spoken about it...." I said, feeling my cheeks blush. "After what's happened, especially now with what Genevieve is investigating, its a lot on our plate...."

He nodded in understanding as I looked back at the soldiers training.

Remington continued practicing with Colson at swords, and was doing good before Colson suddenly dodged and knocked him down hard with his shield.

I gasped and held onto the railing.

"Its alright," Alister assured. "This is only training."

"Yes, but you know Remington's situation...." I said worriedly as I looked back.

I watched Remington groan, looking winded as he sat up before Colson drew his sword back and held his hand out for him as Remington rubbed his chest.

That definitely looks painful...

Remington frowned, almost defeatedly, before taking his hand and letting Colson hoist him up to his feet, steadying himself and holding his chest as he looked like the wind got knocked right out of him.

Colson said something, and then Remington grumbled something back before walking off, tossing his sword and shield aside.

I frowned as Sebastian and Emerson watched worriedly, Colson looking guilty.

I looked back at Alister, who curiously, looked over at the situation, but nodded his head at me. "Go to him..."

I hurried and rushed over to catch up to him.

I went down the stairs and towards the soldier's quarters nearby where Remington went, and saw as he sulked by the lockers on a nearby bench.

"Hey.... Are you okay?" I asked, standing at the door.

He looked up at me, but sighed and looked away.

"I'm fine.... Just bad footing, that's all," he mumbled. "Colson apologied. Its no big deal... Its all training..."

I frowned. "I know you, Remington, and it looked like a lot more than just bad footing.... What's going on?"

He looked up at me with a frown, but then sighed. as he looked back down.

"How can I be able to protect you when I'm half vampire and barely even have much of my strength left?" He said.

My eyes widen as I realized what this was about.

Ever since he came back, Remington has struggled with the fact that he doesn't have his fangs, and most of his powers are gone.

Fangs are the main root of a vampire's powers, and unfortunately vampire fangs don't grow back if severed.

When Lilith ripped out Remington's, she took most of his powers, speed and strength. Similar to when a vampire is exposed to juniper.

"A vampire without their fangs is just as useless as a mermaid without its tail, or a werewolf without the moon..." he said, looking away with his arms crossed.

I frowned softly before walking over, my hands on his shoulders

"Remington.... I know this is hard on you, but we are going to get your fangs back...." I said. "Genevieve is even going through every spellbook she can find to help fix this..."

"Genevieve struggled on finding a spell just to bring me back.... It'll take a long time before we find something to help with getting my fangs back, if its even possible," he said. "It's not like there's a vampire manual out there to check through every time we're broken or missing parts."

I pursed my lips and frowned, looking down.

He was right...

"Lilith knew she was doing more damage than ever when she ripped them out of me....." He said. "She may not have known about the revival spell, but she still did it to make sure I was not only shamed at death but also double dead...."

I sighed and looked at him. "We're going to make sure she pays for it all......" I assured. "However, you forget that you still have more power than she does...."

"By half," he scoffed, looking back. "I need all my power in order to fight her, to avenge you and my parents, to make things right for our people."

"Then don't give up," I said sternly. "You keep fighting, like you always have ever since you woke up on the shore."

His eyes widen.

"You get knocked down, then you just get right back up...." I said. "Don't give Lilith that satisfaction that she's beat you..... She won the battle when she killed you and tortured me, but she did not win this war....."

He looked down, then sighed.

"How can I be sure I'll succeed, though?" I said. "Lilith may be half mortal compared to Alexander, but she's still strong, and if that sorceress is like anything Genevieve said, she's probably found a way to use my fangs as a sort of power source, like Alexander did to Genevieve using his talisman."

I sighed as I tried to think of something.

"Spar with me...." I said.

"What?" He asked, confused.

"You need the confidence and practice to face her, and I need to work on my swordsmanship before Emerson rips me a new one over my form or posture, and then snitches on me to my uncles.... Which we all know he will....." I said.

He rolls his eyes, knowing I was right, then furrowed my brows. "They've only been your uncles for about 48 hours, though....."

"Do you wanna question them?" I reminded him, raising an eyebrow.

He pursed his lips in thought, then nodded. "Good point...."

"Besides, even though I hate to admit it I am still Lilith's equal by looks and talents....." she said. "You can practice with me."

He frowned. "I-I don't know..."

"I'll be fine, Rem...." I assured.

He hesitated, but then took a deep breath, looking up at me.

***

I stood with Remington as he held the practice sword, and I held my own,as well as holding our shields.

Everyone circled around us to watch.

"Remember your stance!! I am docking points, missy!" Emerson scolded at me, making Sebastian smack the back of his head. "Ow, hey!"

He took a deep breath as I held the sword. "Ready?" I said, taking my stance.

He took a deep breath and held his sword up in stance.

"Begin," Hermes ordered.

We stepped forward and I made the first swing.

Remington blocked it with his sword, and from there we took turns swinging our swords and dodging each blow.

Remington swung and I leaned back to avoid it before spinning around and then striking his shield with my sword.

I then blocked a surprise blow with my shield, almost losing my footing.

I quickly got back up and swung with my shield, which he did as well, and then somehow mine was knocked out of my hand.

He then swung the sword and I blocked it with mine as I took a step back, but then ducked and managed to knock his shield down.

"Excellent disarming!!" Hermes called out.

Remington grunted as I swung my sword and hit his before he then swung again, making me block his throws.

He then spun and ducked before swinging up and hitting near the handle of my sword, almost hitting my hand.

I grunted as he knocked my sword out of my hand.

He then held me and held the sword to my neck, as I went still.

He panted a bit, looking surprised.

I smiled up at him, nodding my head at him.

"You did it," I said.

He smiled happily as we relaxed and he moved the sword away from me and lowered it.

"Sorry about that last swing," he said.

I chuckled and shook my head. "Who cares? Its a wooden sword anyway. Worse I walk away with is a bruise afterwards."

We then looked over and the others seemed happy for Remington, Sebastian and Emerson smiling proudly while a few cheered.

"Excellent, boy," Alister smiled, impressed. "All you needed was a little encouragement, is all."

Remington smiled and nodded softly before bowing to Alister. "Thank you..."

"I believe that's enough training now," Hermes announced as Remington stood straight while Shy walked over and helped put my cape back on.

"Of course. Let's all go inside to eat then, shall we?" Alister announced. "We'll start bright and early tomorrow."

"Thank you," Sebastian told me.

I smiled up at him and nodded my head.

"We're still working on your posture, however, your highness," Emerson said with a raised brow. "Just because you outrank us now does not mean I am going easy on you."

"Emerson!" Remington scolded, making me laugh and roll my eyes.

Sebastian grabbed the back collar of his coat before leading him inside with the others while Emerson protested at him.

I chuckled softly as I got my sword from the ground and placed it back in its sheath.

"You really think I can do this?" Remington asked me.

I smiled and walked over, holding his hands. "I know you can...."

He smiled and leaned over, kissing me softly as he pulled me in his arms.

We then pulled back and look at each other, his soft, brown eyes looking down at me.

"You're going to be an amazing queen... You know that?" He said.

I smiled shyly. "I don't know about that...."

"I'm serious.... I know you need the schooling and stuff, but that aside.... I know you're going to be just what this empire needs...." he said.

I smiled. ".... Thank you.... I'm just hoping I make my parents proud....."

He smiled. "I'd be surprised if they weren't...." he said.

I smiled up at him. "Come on... Let's get some dinner," I said, holding his hand before we both headed back inside.

"Hey, Lynette...." He asked, tugging my hand. "Why don't we

"Oh, principessa!!" a voice chimed as we walked in, and we turn to see Laura walk over to us. (Princess)

"Oh, hey Laura... Everything okay?" I asked her.

"Of course," she said. "I just wanted to make sure you were ready for our interview tomorrow?"

"Oh... Right, ummm... Y-Yeah...." I said.

"Everything okay?" Remington asked.

"Yeah, just a little nervous" I sighed. "I mean, its not every day you find out you're some long lost princess introducing herself to an entire empire and declaring war on her tyrant grandmother."

Remington gave a bit of a wince. "Yeah... That is a lot...." he said.

"Yeah," I said.

"Oh, don't worry," Laura said. "Whatever you say to that witch will drive her over the edge anyhow, and that is exactly what I would enjoy the most."

"I can see you would rather see Lilith be publicly executed or something," I said.

"She is the reason my family is dead," She said sternly. "I want her to squirm and grovel before having a picture of her head on a spike on the front page of the next issue."

I pursed my lips and looked at Remington, and then back at her. "We're going to make sure she pays for all the pain she has caused," I assured.

Laura smiled. "I look forward to it... We can meet tomorrow morning at breakfast to discuss more on your interview."

"Sure. We can go to my mother's office, since I'm looking through some things," I said.

She nodded. "Done," She said, and walked over to the dining hall.

"Let's go," Remington said, holding my hand as we followed behind when suddenly...

"Lynette! Aldous!" A voixe called, and we turn to see Genevieve walking over, a worried look on her face.

"Genevieve? What's wrong?" Aldous asked.

She looked at both of us.

"I may have identified the poison Lilith used on the stake that killed Lynette that night.... The situation is even more grave than we expected..."

~~~~~

Hey guys! So i've been out of the country for a while to visit family and turn my mind off for a bit, hence my short radio silence.

Vacation is over, though 😫🥺 and I will be getting busy with a new semester and a new job search. I did manage to finally finish this chapter, so I hope you all enjoy it. 😁✌🏼🌻

🎹Currently in Sapph's playlist:

Eyes Set to Kill ft. Craig Mabbitt
"Deadly Weapons"

♡~ sapphire.