My father ducks under the blade of another young noble. One of Leander's friends. Whilst he ducks, he slices at the boys exposed side before slamming his foot into his chest. When the boy is down, my father slams his boot again, but this time into the boys face. Blood splatters everywhere and the boy shrieks.

"Hey!" Leander shouts as his group rush over to my father and their screaming friend. "You can't do that, Matty," he grins. "Sir Prowl," he calls with a sug grin on his face. The man, who I only recognise from these visions, comes over and looks between my father and the bloody boy.

"Something wrong here?" he asks. Leander smiles.

"Are you serious? Did you not see what he did?" Sir Prowl raises an eyebrow.

"I only saw a young man use his wits and skills to beat an opponent," he replies.

"He broke his nose," Leander snaps.

"That sounds like his problem," Sir Prowl shrugs.

"My father will hear about this," Leander growls. "You'll end up dead in a ditch," he threats. Sir Prowl moves quickly, lifting Leander up by the throat and pinning him to the wall of the castle.

"Dear daddy isn't going to lift a finger," he growls. "If dear daddy finds out about this, then young Lord Matthias's father will find out about your little practical joke last night." Leander struggles and claws at the hands of Sir Prowl. "How do you think Lord Baylon will react when he finds out his son was dangled out of a window?" he asks, dropping Leander. Leander falls to the floor gasping for breath. "Be careful, boy," he growls. "You piss too many people off, and they begin to turn their heads when your victims retaliate."

Leanders's eyes fall to my father who is keeping a neutral expression. Leander grins wickedly and I see the blazing anger in his eyes. Father does not cower though, he stands tall. A little smile playing on his face.

Again, I am left wondering how these two become best friends or if they are even friends at all. If they aren't, they are very good at pretending otherwise.

The Lupine dancing freeze as Razan rushes along the balcony and almost skids as he turns to rush down the stairs. My heart is beating wildly in my chest as I see my wolf again. My eyes catch Kai's as he appears at the top of the stairs and begins to walk down. Before I can get a good look at him, Razan is upon me. I can see Nianzu, Wyatt and Zoran move to protect me but they stop as Razan's huge tongue licks my face.

"Ew," I groan as he continues to bounce in front of me and lick me. "Razan," I laugh as I stroke the fur of his face. "You aren't a pup anymore, stop it," I chuckle as another big lick slides along my cheek. Razan is definitely not a pup anymore. He is the size of Trouble, maybe even bigger. He nudges me with his face and I fall onto my back, laughing as I stroke his fur around his nose.

"Razan," a deep voice says behind him. I gulp, my throat drying as I stand slowly and my pup...wolf... turns to glare at Kai. I gulp and smile softly. Not sure how to best address this situation.

"Solavar," I say as I curtsy. Kai walks over to me and Razan steps in front of me protectively. Or most likely not wanting my attention being on Kai instead of him.

"Razan," I sigh and he lets out a low moan and nudges my face again. Seeing him again after all this time is... I can't help the small smile. Even if I am trying to stay as formal as I can. I have no idea what's happened here in the last three years. For all I know, he could have married the woman they were pushing him to wed. Still, as I look at him, I can't help the wild racing of my heart. The mask wraps around his face, his golden-green eyes shining beneath. The same neat line of dark hair still sits around his angular jaw and full lips and his dark hair is still tied in the bun. Neater this time though. His is just as tall as before... obviously Illyana. Though he looks even more muscular. Stronger. His eyes scan over me and I can't help but feel a little nervous. What if he has moved on? What if he realised that the time at the castle really was just a silly little fling? I gulp and let out a breath as he smiles. He makes a gesture with his hand and speaks in Lupine. The music starts again and the Lupine get back to dancing. Though their eyes still fall on us.

"Ana," he says softly and holds out his hand. I smile and take it nervously. He gently pulls me toward him, his hand falling on my waist as my hand finds his shoulder. Our other hands stay intertwined. My body involuntarily shivers at his touch. We don't speak for a few moments as we gently move around the room. The memories swirling of what happened after the last time we danced together. 

"So," he finally begins with his thick accent and deep voice. "You managed to sneak right into my city," he begins. I shrug and smile.

"Your people lead me right here," I tell him. He raises an eyebrow.

"I think I am going to need to improve my security," he tells me as he spins me around.

"I heard you were looking for me," I begin. He smiles.

"I was," he nods his head. "When word reached me of you attempting the True Trial," he stops smiles again.

"What?" I ask.

"I thought you would be here sooner, I must admit," he chuckles.

"I had important work to do first," I tell him. He laughs and I stare at his smile. Realising how much I have missed everything about him and my Razan. The doors burst open and the room stops again, except myself and the Solavar as we continue to dance, looking into each other's eyes. Karn rushes to the Solavar and says something in Lupine. Kai smiles and looks at me, speaking in the common tongue.

"Your prisoner is right here, Karn," he chuckles. I turn to see Karn. He frowns as he looks at me.

"No, she didn't look like that..." he stops as he analyses my face. "Anna?" he asks, his eyes widening.

"Illyana, actually," I reply with a slight blush. His mouth drops open. He tries to form a few sentences but all his mouth does is open and close. Kai laughs and taps him on the shoulder, his other hand not leaving my waist.

"I do not know how she changed her looks my friend, but the princess and I have a little bit of catching up to do," he tells him.

"Brinya?" Karn replies looking at me. "Princesses?" He gulps.

"It's okay, Karn," Kai laughs as Karn continues to look between the two of us. "Just go and have a drink and everything will be explained later on tonight."

Nianzu steps closer to me, touching my shoulder. His voice fills my head.

"What the fuck is going on, Ana?" I look at Nianzu and smile.

"I'll explain everything later," I reply, feeling guilty at keeping all this a secret from him. He frowns and crosses his arms.

"I don't like this," he tells me, just as Razan growls at him. I look at Razan and raise an eyebrow. He lets out a moan and sits before giving me a wide-eyed look. Nianzu's eyes fall to where Kai has his hand on my waist before narrowing and looking back to me.

"I'm fine, Nianzu," I tell him. "Can you go and tell Wyatt and Zoran they don't need to look like they are about to jump between me and Razan at any moment please?" I ask. He huffs and turns away, walking to the other two and whisper in their ears. I look back at Kai who smiles softly.

"We have so much to catch up on," I sigh. He nods his head.

"I am looking forward to it," he replies, his smirk having my heart fluttering. He takes my hand. I jump as a loud gong rings through the air. Kai laughs at my reaction.

"Not your usual expletives this time?" he asks with a grin.

"Expletives?" I ask. "I'm a princess," I laugh. "Princesses don't use such language." He laughs and leads me to the balconies outside where everyone else is going. As we find a spot on the large balcony that seems to line the whole outside of the building the ballroom is in, I look over the city.

"You'll like this," he whispers in my ear, his breath hot against my skin. Making me shiver again. Then everyone falls into silence. The sun is beginning to set, the sky turning the spectacular colour of burning orange. I jump again as a cannon rings through the air. At the same time, everyone begins to sing. I don't understand what they are saying, but it is beautiful. Kai's voice is deep and strong next to me as the soft melody of hundreds of voices fills the air. Even coming from the city below. Thousands of people singing at the same time. The same, beautiful, haunting sun as the sun sinks. Kai still holds my waist as my back presses against his chest. My hand holding over his, our fingers interlocking. As the song continues, my body feels a strange mix of awe and peace. It is just so beautiful. I have never heard anything like it.

They continue to sing until the sun is gone. When they are done, there are tears in my eyes. I stay silent as the rest of the Lupine turn to go back inside. Leaving me on the balcony alone with Kai and Razan. The doors even shutting behind us so we can have a private conversation.

"Wow," I say. Kai smiles. I turn to face him. We move at the same time. His arms wrap around me and I fall into his chest as we hug. We stay in our hug for a long time. Not saying each other, but holding each other tightly. My face buried in his neck as I inhale that smokey scent again. His face in a similar position against my own neck. His huge arms wrap around me and I realise how much I've really missed being in his warm, safe embrace. He tilts his head back and kisses me on the forehead. Then, he is moving down, kissing away my tears before I tilt my head up. His lips find mine and I sink into him. My toes curling as our lips touch delicately. My hands bury into his soft hair whilst his move down, cupping my bottom. I moan against his lips and pull back, breathless. He doesn't move his hands though as he looks down at me with another one of those beautiful smirks. His forehead rests against mine and I can't help the happy smile on my face.

"This is not how I was expecting this evening to go," he chuckles.

"Me neither," I laugh. "You know after I would have been left to imagine my fate for a while before being brought out to please my case to the other Alphas" I shrug, as I quote what he said earlier.

"You heard that?" he asks.

"All of it," I smile. He shakes his head and sighs.

"How many races do you already have?" he asks.

"Three," I reply. His eyes widen and he grins.

"You have enough then?" I let out a long sigh.

"I have met the requirements on the contract. There isn't enough though," I tell him.

"You need the Lupine," he sighs. I nod my head. "It won't be easy, Ana," he gulps.

"That's why I am here last," I tell him.

"After your father slowly stopped complying to the treaty..." he shakes his head and sighs. "My people will not be quick to trust a Dulavelle again."

"I understand," I reply with a frown. "I didn't know father stopped complying to the treaty," I say. He nods his head.

"The first year was perfect. We paid the agreed prices for taxes, food always arrived and supplies. After that, we continued to pay but deliveries started to become less frequent. Until they stopped altogether when you started the True Trial." I close my eyes and sigh. A good move from dear old dad. Already making me an enemy to the Lupine. Making me the reason for not getting the food they are paying for and need.

"That's why you were back in the villages again," I sigh. He nods his head. "How do I gain these people's trust?" I ask.

"The same way a rising Solavar or Lunavar would," he replies.

"By killing you?" I ask with wide eyes. He laughs.

"You couldn't," he chuckles.

"I don't know," I sigh, looking up into his eyes with a grin. "My sisters are on the line here and I want my throne." His hand moves to my face so he can tuck a strand of hair behind my ear.

"Your throne?" he asks.

"It will be," I tell him as I wrap my arms around his neck.

"Well," he begins. The door slams open and a woman walks out. Kai turns to face her. Her eyes narrow as she sees us before she angrily spits something out in Lupine. Kai answers back angrily and lets me go. She glares back at him before looking at my Razan. She calls for him, but he growls at her. Her eyes widen and she glares at me. Kai snaps something at her again before she turns and slams the door shut.

"As I was saying," he replies, not stepping close to me again. "We need to get you liked by the council or Starva as we call them here, the Alphas and the people." I nod my head. "The best way to do that is for you to fully embrace our culture and begin training as one of our warriors. You need to learn our language, our religion, our festivals, our way of life. You need to be more than just a princess of Vivelle. You need to be a Lupine champion." I gulp.

"Not much then," I sigh and lean against the balcony.

"You'll be able to do it. I am sure of it."

"Thank you," I say. He nods his head.

"One more thing," he begins. "I can't be seen to be showing you too much favour. I must act in the best interest of my people. If they think I am being too soft on you and giving their loyalty away freely, I'll be out," he warns. I nod my head.

"Right," I sigh.

"We had best go back inside and tell them before Hadya starts spreading dangerous rumours." Kai looks worried as he looks at me. I smile and touch his cheek.

"Don't worry, Kai. I've been playing the politics game for a long time and I am good at it. I am ruthless when I need to be."

"You'll need that here."

"Good," I tell him, my voice turning serious. "As I said earlier, my sister's lives are on the line here. If anyone gets in my way..." I don't finish the sentence as Kai nods.

"Just be careful," he tells me. "If you are caught stepping out of line or going against loyal members of my court, I will have to show you the same mercy I show to anyone else who does it." I nod my head and we stand in awkward silence.

"Come on," he finally smiles and leads me through the doors back into the ballroom.

Already, I get funny looks from the Lupine in the room. That woman, Hadya, is already talking quickly to a group of Lupine who are sending a nasty look my way. Kai leads me to the thrones and raises his hand. The room falls in silence in a second.

"My people," he begins, speaking in the common tongue. "As you know, a princess of Vivelle is currently attempting the True Trial. Already, she has three races behind her. Over the past two weeks, she has journeyed into my lands and snuck right into this room without anyone knowing." There are gasps as he finishes. "I present to you, Princess Illyana Dulavelle." The gasps grow louder as I remove my mask and they really see me for the first time. "Now," he says and immediately they fall silent again. "I am not like other races. We are not like them. We are not so desperate to just give in to the whims of a princess. I have offered the Princess a chance to prove herself to us. She shall train like one of our warriors. She must learn our language and become a welcomed member of our society before I will even consider an alliance." There are nods of agreement and others argue. Kai holds up his hand again. "The Princess deserves a chance to prove herself. We once put our trust in a queen before and it put an end to a war that had been raging for millennia. I am not saying we have to trust Princess Illyana now. But she has a right to try and gain it." There are more nods of agreement as he finishes his speech. Hadya steps forward.

"What of you, Solavar?" she says speaking the common tongue mockingly. "What about your bias toward the princess?" she asks. "You changed after you returned from the Capital three years ago," she continues, "defending the princesses and telling stories of how she brought about the deal. Refusing to perform your duty and marry a strong Lupine warrior until the Queen's Trial was over. How can we trust that you will not..." Razan steps forward, a deep growl forming and his muzzle pulling back to expose his teeth. Stopping her mid-sentence. Her eyes snap at him and widen slightly.

"I will be treating the princess as I would any other Lupine warrior," he tells us. "I may have a history with her but my people come first." She sneers.

"What type of history?" she asks. "A history that would make you turn your back on your duties to my family?" she asks. Razan barks and she jumps slightly. Even Nishka starts to growl as she appears between me and the Solavar. Nishka gives me a little nudge to say hello before looking down on Kai.

"My decision shall not be questioned, Hadya," he warns. "As for my duty to your family, no promises have been made. You have only assumed." Her lips twist into a sneer and I glare at her. When she sees me, I give her a polite smile and press a hand against Razan's flank. He stops growling and turns to me.

"It's okay," I smile.

"Tonight, we continue with the festivities. Princess Illyana's training begins tomorrow." The room slowly starts talking about everything again as the music starts. I look over the room, my heart racing in my chest with nerves.

This is going to be tough.

I stay stood next to Kai whilst I nod for Wyatt, Zoran and Nianzu to come up and meet me.

"Half Lupine trying to find his roots?" Kai asks Wyatt with a raised eyebrow. Wyatt just shrugs and slings his arm over my shoulder.

"I just do as she says," he sighs.

"I knew I recognised the name," he says, shaking his head. I laugh and roll my eyes, flicking Wyatt's arm off me.

"Mute?" Kai asks Zoran. Zoran sheds the human disguise that Nianzu had given him. His dark skin now almost glowing with the golden scales that form around his forehead. His eyes now the liquid gold that I had grown so used to. Kai's eyes widen.

"I am here to protect my Queen," he replies. It is strange, hearing the two accents. The Lupine accent as they speak the common tongue is thick and almost sharp sounding. Of course, the common tongue is not their first language though they are taught it at a young age. Zoran's accent is much softer and almost musical as he speaks.

"I see," Kai replies and sits on his throne, his eyes darting to Nianzu and narrowing.

"You?" he asks. Nianzu frowns and crosses his arms.

"Ana and I have an agreement," he says, not wanting to give anything away about his powers. I touch his shoulder lightly and smile.

"It's okay," I tell him through the bond. He raises an eyebrow.

"I'm not sure, Ana. These people didn't look too happy to see you," he replies. I smile and shrug.

"I'll win them over, don't worry."

"They don't look easy to please," he grumbles. I laugh.

"Neither were you, remember? But look where we are now," I smile. He lets out a small laugh and sighs.

"I am not going to be able to convince you to leave, am I?" he asks. I shake my head.

"I need them Nianzu," I reply back. He lets out a long breath and nods his head.

"Okay, fine. But I am still suspicious," he mutters.

"Of course," I grin back at him.

"Are you two done?" Wyatt asks and I turn to him with a glare. "It was starting to get awkward," he shrugs. I roll my eyes and slap him on the back of the head.

"You should be used to it by now," I tell him. I look back at Kai who sits on his throne with an odd expression on his face as he looks between me and Nianzu.

"Let's get back to business," I say. Kai nods and leans forward.

"I will have a room set up for you. Tomorrow, you will begin your training. I already have a few tutors in mind. Be ready to be up at the crack of dawn." I nod my head. "As for you three," he says as he looks to my companions. "I'll allow you to stay here in your current rooms." He looks to Nianzu. "I didn't see you earlier," he frowns. Nianzu shrugs.

"That's because I was breaking her out of the cell you put her in," he snaps. I look up at Nianzu and give a look, telling him to play nice.

"I will get you a room," Kai sighs.

"He won't be needing one," I reply. Nianzu looks at me with a frown.

"Why not?" he asks out loud. "I've been camped on rocks and sand for the last two weeks," he sighs.

"You won't be staying," I gulp, knowing how annoyed he is going to be. I am right and I watch as his face twists into an angry glare.

"We have a deal, Ana," he tells me. I look at the others and back to Nianzu.

"Probably best to have this conversation in private," I tell him. He crosses his arms.

"You can't just send me off somewhere, Illyana," he growls in my mind. "I made a blood promise to do everything to keep you safe until you go to the throne. You already made me leave you once. I am not doing it again."

"I am safe here, Nianzu," I sigh. "I am safer here than anywhere in Vivelle. I may have the shit beaten out of me a few times and a couple of angry Lupine on my tail, but they won't try and kill me. I am sure of it."

"I'm not," he growls. I give him a glare.

"Look, I am safe here. The only way to ensure this works is if I can throw everything into learning and becoming a part of their culture."

"So what does this have to do with me leaving?"

"I can't throw everything into my studies if I am worried about my sisters," It is a whisper even in our minds as I say it. His face softens and he rests his hand against my arms.

"You want me to go and look after them?" he asks. I nod my head.

"I do. They have gotten themselves involved with the Knights, as you already now. If anyone finds out... They are in a lot more danger than I am. If I had someone there who was powerful and who had my complete trust..."

"I understand," he sighs. Closing his eyes, he takes a deep breath. "Very well, I will travel to the capital and introduce myself to your sisters. I will do my best to look after them. But, if anything happens to you..."

"The mark of the blood promise won't kill you," I tell him. "You are keeping up with your end of our bargain. You are doing everything to keep me safe. You can't keep me safe from my own stupidity though," I chuckle.

"I don't think anyone can," he says out loud. I laugh and shake my head.

"I promise, I am not making this decision lightly, Nianzu. But I've been thinking about this for a long time. My sisters need you more than I do." He nods his head.

"You are my queen," he sighs and I smile.

"This isn't me throwing you away," I gulp, knowing that Visara disregarded him and trapped him in the forest pretty much broke him.

"Don't be silly," he says and pulls me into a hug. "I know you care. I understand that as a leader you have to make hard decisions," he tells me in my mind. "If anything, sending me to look after your sisters proves your trust in me," he finishes out loud. I nod my head and squeeze him a little tighter.

"I'll miss you," I say. "Don't get yourself killed," I tell him. He laughs.

"Please, I didn't live in the Lost Wood for thousands of years just to be slain by some pathetic lord." I laugh.

"Of course," I tell him and pull out of the hug.

"Don't get yourself killed," he frowns before glaring at Kai. "I can't lose another queen," he tells me. I smile and take his hand.

"Please, I didn't survive the Lost Wood to get you out just to be killed by an expert Lupine warrior," I say, mockingly. He shakes his head and looks to Kai.

"If anything happens to her..." he begins and I hold his arm to get him to stop. He doesn't. "Trust me, Solavar," he sneers. "There will be nothing you could do to stop me tearing your precious Lupine kingdom apart," Nianzu threats, his eyes beginning to glow the bright blue they do whenever he shifts. Kai smiles and stands up, unafraid of the threat. He nods his head and Nianzu looks back at me his face softening again. He smiles and turns away from me.

"Good luck, Ana," he says in my mind. 

"You too, my friend," I reply back. He looks to Wyatt and Zoran. They nod their heads at him and he nods back. Then, he walks out to the outside balconies, stands on the ledge and jumps off. Kai flinches and mutters something in Lupine. I see the crow flying away a few seconds later and smile. I look back at Kai with a sheepish smile and he shakes his head, leaning back in his throne, muttering something else in Lupine. Wyatt snickers before his face straightens, seeing my frown.

"Go down and enjoy the party," Kai sighs. "It'll be the last bit of fun you're going to have for a while," he tells us.

"Us too?" Wyatt asks. Kai nods.

"If you want to eat our food and stay in our home, then you both have to contribute to this society."

"Can't you call it diplomatic kindness? He's a mer Prince after all?"

"Wyatt," I warn. He shuts up. 

"Just go and enjoy the rest of the evening. I have some other problems I need to deal with," he almost groans as Hadya, followed by some other Lupine walk along the balcony.

"We'll go the other way down," Wyatt suggests. I nod in agreement as Hadya's glare finds me.

"Solavar," Zoran says.

"Prince," Kai replies. "I know there is a river outside, but do you have anywhere where I can be reacquainted with the water? Being in the dry heat has not been... comfortable," he says. Kai nods.

"Tomorrow morning, I will take you to one of our underground pools," he says. Zoran nods and leaves with myself and Wyatt. I can feel eyes on me as I walk back into the ground floor of the ballroom. Most part as we walk through. Not sure if they are parting because I am the princess or because Razan is right by my side.

"Princess!" a voice calls and two people push through the crowd. I recognise Kovan and Aaliyah immediately. I grin as they rush over to me. Kovan picks me up and I squeal as he throws me over his shoulder.

"I thought you would be dead by now," he laughs as swings me around. I laugh and hit his back so he can put me down. 

"Kovan," Aaliyah scolds.

"What?" he asks, slowly dropping me to the floor. I shake my head. "I am glad they aren't obviously," he grins. I slap his arm.

"Did my sister teach you no manners or etiquette whilst you enjoyed her company?" I ask. He grins.

"Those weren't the lessons she was offering," he replies and Aaliyah gives him a light shove. He trips and almost falls over.

"Did Fallon not join you on this journey?" he asks. I shake my head.

"Just me I'm afraid."

"That's a shame," he sighs. Aaliyah shoves him again and he falls over this time.

"We are happy you are here to join us, Princess," she smiles and gives me a hug. Razan growls behind me. I turn to look at him.

"Will you stop it, pup?" I ask and he does, not before looking at me with his wide eyes. Aaliyah laughs.

"Don't worry about it, Princess. Razan has hated me ever since the day we took him from the capital. I still have some scars," she says and holds up her hand for the wolf to see. Sure enough, there are jagged bite marks where Razan must have attacked her at some point during their journey back. I shake my head and look at the wolf. He sits and looks slightly ashamed of himself. 

"It is good to see you both again," I sigh and smile at them. "Please, call me Ana. I don't think I am the princess here," I chuckle. Kovan throws his arm around my shoulders and pulls me into his hard body. I let out an oomph as he begins to walk.

"Don't worry about it princess, let me introduce you to some of my friends." I groan and try and pull away from him, but he holds me tight.

"Kovan, let the poor girl go," Aaliyah says and shoves him again. He does so and I let out a deep breath. He grins at me.

"Don't worry, a few weeks here and you'll be playing rough like the rest of us," he tells me.

"Looking forward to it," I sigh and smile back. Aaliyah laughs.

"Though I heard you like it rough..." he smirks. I groan and Aaliyah slaps the back of his head.

"Ignore him, he has had too much to drink tonight," she tells me. I nod my head and walk with the two over to another group of Lupine.

"You may already know Karn," he says. "My little brother," he grins. My eyes widen.

"Little?" I ask. Karn is bigger than Kovan. He's probably the biggest Lupine I've seen so far. Karn frowns at me.

"That story," he begins. "You told me after the Fae attack. That wasn't true..." he states, his arms crossed. "You used me to get safe passage." I gulp and gently touch his arm. I think back to how I told him of some of my past. The events that happened the first time I killed at the age of twelve. When a councilman tried to...

"Karn," I whisper. "That wasn't a lie," I gulp. His eyes widen before frowning in confusion.

"But..." he begins. "You're the princess," he states. I nod my head and tighten my lips.

"I am. But that didn't make a difference." There is an awkward silence as he loosens up a bit.

"Oh," he replies before letting out a cough. "Well, I am glad that the Solavar has decided not to kill you," he says. I smile.

"Me too," I reply.

"This is boring," Kovan sighs. "This is festival night! We need to dance, drink and eat." He looks at me with a cheeky grin and raised eyebrows. "Maybe even..."

"No thank you, Kovan," I laugh. He groans and looks back at Aaliyah.

"See, wrong sister!" he shouts. Karn slaps him on the back and mutters something in Lupine in his ear.

I shake my head and look back for Wyatt and Zoran who are standing wearily. Walking over to them, I whisper into Wyatt's ear.

"Let's just enjoy the night like the Solavar said. This is their holy night. I don't think we are in any danger at this very moment," I tell him.

After a few hours of dancing and laughing with Kovan, Alliyah and Wyatt, Kai gestures for me to go to him. Zoran holds a drunken Wyatt up with a smile.

"Go with the Solavar, princess. I will look after this mess," he says, gesturing to my friend. Shaking my head I sigh. 

"The Lupine can throw a party," Wyatt mutters. I look around at the drunken Lupine already passed out on the floor. Kovan being one of them whilst Aaliya dances still with Karn.

I smile at the sight. There were never any parties like this back at home. They were never so carefree. Razan rushes after me as I go to meet Kai at the top of the stairs. He begins to lead me away from the mess and noise into the corridors.

"So," he begins. "How has your journey into Vivelle been?" he asks.

"Amazing," I reply with a smile. "I did not realise how beautiful these lands were," I tell him. He nods his head. "I never thought I would ever see anything of Vivelle but the capital city and the King's Wood. Yet, here I am," I laugh. "In the heart of Lupine territory," I sigh. "I finally get to be reunited with my pup," I smile, turning to see Razan behind me. He lets out a bark. Much deeper than when he was a pup. I laugh and hug him. Kai pauses to look at us.

"You didn't drink too much?" he asks.

"No," I reply back. "I only had a few," I tell him.

"Good, because your tutor is arriving at dawn," he tells me. I nod my head and suppress the groan.

"This castle is..." I shake my head, unable to find the words. He chuckles.

"It is spectacular," he tells me and I nod my head.

"I can see why the corridors and doorways are so huge now," I chuckle, looking back to Razan and Nishka who are able to walk through the castle with plenty of room still.

"Yes, it was designed with the Kintara wolves in mind," he tells me.

"I can't believe I am really here. That I get to see you again and my Razan," I sigh and smile.

"It must have been difficult," Kai says stopping. I gulp and look down.

"It was," I reply, looking at him. "Watching you leave was devastating," I tell him. He looks down. "For those moments where I watched you disappear," I whisper. "I had never felt so trapped and alone." I close my eyes. "But then, I went and found my sisters and I realised that I wasn't alone. That I had them and I needed to enjoy those three years with them. So, I locked everything away. All the memories of you and Razan. I forced myself not to think of you two. To forget you."

"Did it work?" he asks, softly. I smile.

"Mostly," I reply, nodding my head. "Keeping my sisters safe took up a lot of my time and thoughts. Plus, we'd sneak into the city a lot which was also a good distraction," I smile. "There were times when I was alone when the thoughts would come creeping back. I pushed them right back though. Even when I was journeying here. I didn't want to get my hopes up. For all I knew, there could have been a new Solavar. Or you could have..." I stop, looking up at him. He has a soft smile on his face.

"I could have what?" he asks with a cheeky grin. I blush slightly and look away. 

"You could have found a partner," I tell him. "I didn't know if you would look at me or feel the same as you did three years ago," I shrug. "I had to be careful and I had to force myself not to get my hopes up that I could just walk in and everything thing would be like before."

"I can understand that," he replies. "What are you thinking now?" he asks. I look up at him.

"Things are very different," I tell him. "I have a mission and I can't have any distractions. I need to do what I came here to do." He nods his head and we begin walking again in awkward silence.

"This is your room," he tells me as we come to a massive wooden door.

"Thank you," I reply and open it.

"Mine is the fifth door down the corridor," he tells me, pointing to the left. "In case you need any help with anything," he smirks and I raise an eyebrow and shake my head. "or," he continues in a more serious tone, "you find any... unwanted guests in your room. Not that I think you'll need me when he's with you," he chuckles, looking at Razan.

"You're very kind," I say.

"Goodnight, Princess," he smiles and goes to leave.

"Kai," I say quickly. He turns to look at me with a frown. A question had been bugging me for a long time.

"Why did you never say anything?" I ask, my tone suddenly cold. He narrows his eyes. "About the True Trial. I can understand my father being able to keep the staff and city folk from telling us. But you... How did he get you to keep the True Trial a secret?" I ask.

"We assumed you knew," he tells me. I shake my head.

"How could you assume that after the conversations we had?" I ask. He doesn't say anything for a few moments as he thinks.

"You didn't want to talk about it," he finally replies. "I assumed that you and your sisters had already discussed the True Trial and decided against it. After seeing what your father did to you that night... I thought that you had decided that the True Trial was even more of a risk than the Queen's Trial."

I gulp, my throat drying. He is right. It is definitely more of a risk. My sisters are in danger of more things than just being a sacrifice. If anything goes wrong on my end or their end, I dread to think of the tortures they may endure.

"You really didn't know about the True Trial?" he asks. I shake my head.

"I only found out the night after the Queen's Trial began," I whisper back. He shakes his head. I smile. "Thank you, for clearing that up," I tell him and yawn. "Goodnight, Solavar," I whisper.

"Goodnight, princess," he replies and walks away as I slowly close the door. I turn to the bed. It is huge and I walk over to it, slumping onto the sheets. It isn't the most comfortable, but I don't care. I remove my shoes and tuck under the covers. Razan lies down on the floor next to me and lays his huge head on my stomach. I smile, stroking his muzzle softly and giving it a kiss.

He looks at me with his wide, different coloured eyes.

"I love you," I say to him as he licks my face. I grin and fall into a peaceful sleep.