My father stands in his room with a sword. All his furniture has been pushed to the side of the room. Another man stands with him. I recognise him as Sir Prowl. I watch as he trains my father.

"Come on, Matthias," he urges as he easily knocks the sword from my father's hand.

"I'm sorry," my father growls, picking up the sword again. He manages to hold his own for a minutes before Sir Prowl has him disarmed again. The man sighs.

"We'll call it a night, shall we?" he asks. My father nods and puts the sword away. Slowly, he sits on his bed with a sigh, his face wincing.

"I told you, this extra training wouldn't be easy. We should have a few days off. Give your body a rest."

"No," father snaps. "I need this. I need to be better than them at everything."

"Matthias," Sir Prowl begins. "If you want to get better, sometimes you have to give your body a break. Overworking can leave you as useless as not working at all. You will have two full rest days starting tomorrow and continue your regular training for the following week. For that week, we will stop this."

"It's too long," my father sighs.

"It will be fine. When we start back up again, you'll be fully rested and in the right mindset to learn."

"Okay," father agrees and lies down on the bed. "This is a secret though," he reminds sir Prowl. Sir Prowl chuckles.

"I know," he replies, walking to the door.

"I don't want them to know I am getting better."

"I understand young lord, you don't have to explain yourself to me," he chuckles and walks out. My father sighs and closes his eyes. I walk over to him and see his body. It is bruised and covered in cuts and scratches. I jump as he moans and sits back up again. Groggily, he walks to the desk. He pulls a blank piece of paper and then one with writing one. For a few moments, he analyses the written letter. I watch in amazement as he practices on the blank sheet of paper. Copying the handwriting that is on the other parchment. He does this for about twenty minutes before taking out a fresh piece of parchment. He begins to write, copying the handwriting on the other piece of paper.

"My dearest Yazmine," he begins and my heart stops. He's writing to my mother. I gulp and force myself to continue reading.

"I know that I am meant to keep an open mind when it comes to you and your sisters, but I can't. I really want you to win this Queen's Trial for you will be a spectacular leader. Together, we could rule side by side and do not worry about Leander. As soon as I am the King, I will make sure he never steps foot in this court again. I promise that I will never let him hurt you or our children. Once I am done with him, the Drake name will be nothing but ash. Worse than the Baylon's. They will be nothing. I'll be sure of it. Too long I have been his lesser. Doing every horrific thing he has asked. Pretending to be his friend. Not much longer until we are free of him.

Your love,

Lord Ivar Tonra." 

He closes the letter and melts some red wax over the seal. Finally, he takes out a stamp and presses it to the hot wax. It is the Tonra's house sigil. He holds up the forged letter and grins. Quickly, he grabs the Tonra stamp and darts out of the room. I follow him as he rushes through the corridors of the castle. Silently, he walks to another room. Pulling out a key, he opens the door. It doesn't creek or make any sound as it opens.

Father licks his lips before walking in. I recognise the boy lying in the bed asleep. A friend of Leander's. One of the cruel boys who beat father to a pulp on his first week.

He doesn't stir as father puts the stamp away in his draw and quickly rushes out of the room. Locking the door behind him.

When father is back in his own room, he picks up the letter with a grin. He writes on the front.

"Princess Yazmine," it says. He takes the letter and sneaks back in the corridor. He goes to another room and takes a deep breath before knocking on the door. Both he and I jump when Leander opens the door.

The spear whistles through the air and lands right in the centre of the target. I smile and Una hands me a dagger. I launch it and hit the target again. She nods her head.

"Good," she finally says. We both look up at the same time as Aaliyah and Hadya walk into the training area. They are both laughing and chatting and I feel my heart leap into my chest upon seeing Hadya. Especially when her eyes fall on me. The smile is immediately wiped from her face. Hadya is very pretty. She is small in stature. Perhaps just over five feet tall. Her skin is a beautiful golden honey tone and her hair is a deep shade of burgundy. It is in a warrior style, though is slightly different from the other braids I have seen. The top of her head is split into three sections. Two, one on either side, are small, tightly pulled plaits. The one in the middle is looser and a different style of braid than the rest. They all gather in a low ponytail at the bottom of her head. The hair in the ponytail is loose and only comes just below her shoulder blades. Her eyes are just as striking, especially against the warm tones of her skin. They are a blue so pale that they could almost be seen as silver. With eyes like that, she must have a wolf of her own.

Una glares at Hadya. I frown, confused. I thought Hadya was massively popular. Hadya gives Una a sarcastic smile as she walks over to us.

"So," she begins, looking over the both of us. "You have been palmed off with the brinya..." she chuckles as she uses the mocking title. "Seems appropriate for a Maovessa tart," she grins. Una smiles herself and crosses her arms. She replies back in Lupine and from the angry twist of Hadya's lips, I can tell whatever Una said hit a nerve. I look over Hadya's training outfit. Hers is a one-piece suit with hardened leather pads around her torso, chest, knees and shins. My eyes fall on Aaliyah. She is the tallest of all of us and looks particularly striking today. Her hair is styled the exact same as it was three years ago. All pulled up into a tight high ponytail and one long simple twist style braid. 

Aaliyah presses a hand on Hadya's shoulder and mutters something to Una. I stand in awkward silence as the three talk. Aaliyah's uniform is neat and similar in style to mine. Of course, she has her own twists on it, but it suits her perfectly and shows off the muscles in her arms, shoulders and legs. She looks at me.

"I trust you have had a successful morning, Ana," she smiles. I nod my head and look at Una.

"It has been, interesting," I state. Hadya glares at me again and I try not to shudder. What is it with this woman and glaring.

"I think we should show all these people what proper warriors look like," she says to Aaliyah. Aaliyah frowns and looks around the training grounds. 

"Very well," she sighs and the two make their way to the same square that Una and I sparred in.

"Are Aaliyah and Hadya training partners?" I ask Una. She hakes her head.

"No, Aaliyah is the Solavar's training partner. That is why she is his second," she tells me. My eyes widen.

"Who is Hadya's?" I ask.

"Him," she gestures to a man standing watching the two with his arms crossed and a smirk on his face. He is massive and his training uniform certainly shows it.

"That is Nevan Valmir. Hadya's cousin." I nod my head and gulp as he eyes fall on us. His smile falling. Neither of us say anything and continue to watch.

Hadya and Aaliya's fight is both brutal and beautiful. They both move with incredible, precise speed. Their strength is immense and at a level I could only dream of. Aaliyah wins, though Hadya puts up an epic fight. The two laugh as they walk off to clean themselves up. The rest of the Lupine laugh and walk off too having enjoyed the show.

"Aaliyah is almost undefeatable," Una says to me. My eyes widen.

"Really?" I ask.

"The only person who can match her is the Solavar. But that is why they are partners," she says. I gulp. "Come on, training is over for today. It is time for dinner," she tells me as all the Lupine begin to leave.

I sit next to Una at dinner. On the other side of me, Karn and Kovan sit next to each other. They are partners too. Though because they are a high rank, they don't always have to go on missions together. Hense why Kovan came to the castle and Karn stayed behind. He was put in charge of keeping everything in order whilst the Solavar was away. I have learned that Karn is the more trustworthy of the two. Wyatt and Zoran sit opposite again. They have been partnered with each other which they seem to be happy about. Zoran has cheered up a lot since this morning. His scales seem to be more vibrant and golden than earlier. Even now, he is getting odd stares from the Lupine. Waterfolk are a rare sight. I don't bother Wyatt and Zoran. They are in deep conversation. 

Kai standing at the Solavar's table silence everyone, however. He goes through a similar process as this morning. Giving a little speech before saying the prayer. Dinner is brought out and we wait until he has taken some and gestured for us to eat before we do so. Dinner isn't as bad as breakfast. The plates of meat are bigger this time and the centrepieces. They are surrounded by boiled dryweed and red potatoes.

"The meat will help with muscle repair, the potatoes for energy and the weed provides the vitamins," Karn tells me as he puts more on my plait. "You need to eat more for the amount of training you'll be doing and if you want your muscles to get stronger." I try not to sigh as I force the bland, muddy tasting food into my mouth. I'll get used to it. I notice again, that apart from the Solavar's table, our portions are much bigger than the rest. 

I don't speak much over dinner. I just listen to the language being spoken around me knowing that the more I hear it and am around it, the easier it will be to soak up. At least, I hope so. Una doesn't so much as look at me when dinner is over. She just walks off muttering how she will meet me for the morning session tomorrow. I yawn, which makes Kovan laugh.

"I think you need some rest, princess," he says. I nod my head and stand, Razan standing behind me. My eyes go to the Solavar's table and I catch Kai's eye. I smile softly at him before turning away and leaving the hall to go to my room. When I am almost at my room, I hear a voice call my name. I turn to see Hadya. She smiles cooly.

"I just wanted to properly introduce myself," she says, almost mockingly. "Hadya Valmir," she smiles. I nod my head.

"It is nice to meet you," I say to her. She lets out a low laugh.

"I'd say the same but then I'd be lying," she chuckles. I shrug off the comment. Not everyone has to like me. She steps closer and Razan lets out a low growl behind me. She stops, looking up at my wolf almost hurt. "Calm down, Razan. I am not going to hurt her," she says, her confident expression now back on her face. I still feel Razan tensing beside me. "I just wanted to give you a little warning, princess," she smiles. I smile too.

"I am always looking for advice," I tell her.

"The Solavar," she begins. "Kai," she continues, using his name informally. I have to resist the urge to clench my fists. Something about her saying his name like that makes me feel angry. It is almost disrespectful. I can tell she is using the informal name as a power play over me so I force myself not to show any sort of reaction toward it. "We are in a unique position," she says, a hint of frustration in her tone at not getting a rise out of me. "You see, Kai is a man who comes from nothing. He is a man who made himself a leader. A man who is so loved and powerful that no one even dares to try and take it away," she smiles. "But, if he makes a few wrong decisions, he will return to being nothing," she threatens. "I am making sure that doesn't happen. The Solavar needs someone who can give him a strong family name. Having my family name behind him is what is best for his future," she smiles arrogantly. I nod my head and smile back, not being able to resist what I say next.

"I completely understand," I tell her, an innocent smile on my face. "Family names are massively important. I, of all people, know what alliances with powerful families can do to a nation."

"I am glad we see eye to eye," she smiles and crosses her head.

"Of course," I continue and she frowns. "I wonder how powerful a Solavar would be with a Dulavelle union?" I ask. "I mean, who would dare overthrow someone married into the royal family?" Her lips twist into a sneer. "Marry into your family, and the Solavar is the most powerful man in the Northern territory," I shrug. "Which is impressive," I nod. "Marry into mine," I smile "and the Solavar is the most powerful man in the whole of Vivelle," I tell her. She grits her teeth.

"Ana, can I call you that?" she asks.

"No," I reply back. "Only my friends can call me that," I smile calmly.

"You aren't a princess here," she snarls. I step forward, looking down at her.

"Maybe not in the eyes of your people," I agree. "Yet."

"Or ever, if you don't learn your place here," she replies. "You aren't the top dog everywhere, your highness," she mocks. "Be careful, princess," she grins. "Don't make dangerous enemies and don't get in my way. You don't want your sisters to hear the cannon any time soon, do you?" she asks. I step away from her and let Razan's low growl ripple through the corridor. She cowers away from my wolf. I smirk, showing her that her threat means nothing to me.

"Goodnight, Hadya," I smile and turn my back on her.

I am woken before dawn again. This time, it is by Razan. I groan and sit up, getting changed into my training uniform. This is the first day I properly begin my timetable. I get into my uniform and have my braid done in less than half an hour. Razan abandoned me not long after he woke me so I am left alone in my room. I am rushing outside to the training grounds as the sun rises. The closer I get to the grounds, the more warriors I see also starting the training. I am not late, at least. Again, I get a few strange looks but I smile back at people. Una is waiting for me with Lucian. All the Lupine are gathered in one group, waiting for something.

"What happens now?" I ask.

"Now, we do a special form of relaxation," Una explains. "It involves various stretches and positions to hold our bodies in. It is hard, but it is a good stretch for our muscles. Not only that, it helps our breathing and teaches us to connect with our bodies and minds. It is done every morning whilst the sun rises." I nod my head. I can feel Razan before I see him. Kai walks into the grounds, followed by Nishka and my Razan. I grin. I can't help it. Seeing Razan always brings a smile to my face. Kai catches my eyes and smiles softly. It is strange being around Kai like this. I never thought I would see him again. Now, I am in his home. We haven't had much of a chance to talk recently either. I am not sure if I even should talk to him. With all the talking and rumours going around that could endanger everything we both have worked so hard for.

Razan lets out a bark that is almost an order for me. I can sense what he wants me to do. With a sigh, I walk over to my pup.

"Bossy," I mutter in his ear as I stroke his face. Lucian and Una follow.

"Good morning," Kai says to us. "Illyana, Una," he smiles. We both bow our heads in greeting. He looks between the two of us.

"I am glad Karn put the two of you together. A suitable match," he smiles. I look to Una, who has a smile on her face. Though I can tell it is forced. Kai can see through it too. He touches Una's shoulder and gives it a little squeeze. "Do not worry, Una. I have seen what Ana is capable of. Just give her some time to adjust," he tells her. She nods her head.

"Yes, Solavar," she replies.

"It takes a while to have the strength to do some of these stretches and positions, Ana. There are some other training Lupine here too so do not be afraid to miss out a move that is beyond your ability. You will not be alone. Even some of the more experienced warriors can't do it all," he assures me. I nod my head, feeling a little less nervous.

"Thank you, Solavar," I say with a soft smile.

"Come on, we need to get into our places," Una says. I nod my head and turn to leave.

"Ana," Kai says behind me. "When this is over, I need to have a word," he explains. I lick my lips and nod my head.

"Yes, Solavar," I reply. We go to our places near the front and the exercise begins. It is lead by Aaliyah. Her voice, though she speaks in Lupine, is soft and melodic as she gives the instructions. I definitely struggle but am able to copy some of her moves. They start off simple at first and the deep stretches definitely feel good. As it progresses though, they start to get more complicated. There are points where I just have to stand and watch whilst the Lupine elegantly pose themselves in ridiculous positions. The women are better than the men. Their muscles are much more flexible. However, Aaliyah seems to give variations between the two genders to ensure that the exercises help their body shapes instead of injuring them. I manage to do a couple of the advanced moves. Some are similar to what I did back at the castle. However, when I watch Una next to me balancing on her two hands with her torso twisted so her feet dangle in front of her face, I realise that I have a lot more training to do before I can get to that level. It goes quickly and it really is relaxing. Especially with the sun rising around us and the peaceful quiet before the castle and city wake. Too soon, it is done and the Lupine are going off in different directions. Some to do some more training before breakfast. Others back to do other things. I have no idea. All I know is that I now have an hour with Riva before breakfast. 

Una doesn't say anything as she goes to continue her training. I shrug and walk over to Kai.

"You wanted to talk?" I ask. He nods.

"We will walk whilst I take you to your first lesson," he smiles. I can feel the warriors stare as Kai and I disappear together, our wolves following. We don't say anything until we are out of the training grounds.

"How did you find yesterday?" he asks. I nod my head.

"Er, it was good," I say, trying to sound positive. He lets out a low chuckle.

"You don't have to lie, Ana. Not to me," he tells me. I stop and look at him with a sigh.

"It was... tough. But that I wasn't expecting anything less." He looks at my face and raises his hand. I go still as his fingers brush over one of the bruises. Licking my lips and gulping as a little as his delicate touch sends a rush spreads through my body. Kai smirks at me, his eyes bright with mischief. I gulp.

"Una got a few good hits in," he chuckles. I let out a low laugh too.

"Well, at least that one thing that's similar to home," I say with a smile. "Surprisingly, the fight was the easiest bit. The constant staring and judgement is a little harder," I admit. He doesn't say anything. "All the warnings too," I sigh.

"Warnings?" he asks. I smile and look down, reflexively finding Razan's fur to run my hands through to calm me a little. I stroke his side and he sinks his head down to nudge mine.

"About you and Hadya," I finally say. He lets out a long sigh.

"It is a complicated situation," he tells me.

"You don't have to explain it to me. I of all people understand when there are certain expectations placed upon you and the power of those who judge you on them." He looks at me and smiles.

"I know," he says.

"Don't worry, Solavar. I can play the politics game. At the end of the day, no matter what you race you are, the game for power is a universal one." We continue to walk in silence for a few moments.

"Ana," he begins. "You really need to be careful with Hadya," he warns. I nod my head.

"I have gathered," I smile, then stop. "I think," I begin. "That it would be best if you call me princess in public. Like I call you Solavar," I gulp. "We should be more formal with each other. We are two leaders and at the moment, I am your guest. Not your friend. That needs to be seen." The Solavar nods his head.

"Yes, I agree." Another silence falls upon us and we continue to walk. A sadness falls over the both of us and I can sense it in Razan too. We can't have that close, friendly relationship that we had all those years ago. Which is a good thing. I think. As I have already said to Kovan and Malakai, I can't have any distractions and Kai, he's a big one. Any feelings I have need to be forgotten and squashed down. I will not let my emotions toward Kai ruin my chances at saving my sisters. I open my mouth, ready to tell Kai my very thought process. He stops and looks at me with a sad smile.

"You don't have to explain it to me, Illyana," he says. "I understand what you must do. I do not want to see you fail and I want your sisters saved." I gulp and clench my fists. I may be putting a stop to any sort of this attraction, but the thought of the pressures on him to mate Hadya has my blood boiling. It is selfish of me. But I can't help it. Get yourself together, Illyana. Yet, when Kai says the right things like that previous statement, I can't help but wonder what the possibilities would be. I shake my head, trying to physically get those thoughts out of my head. He chuckles as if he understands my inner dilemma.

"Stop saying the right thing," I laugh at him a jokingly slap his arm lightly. He grins.

"I can't help being perfect," he tells me.

"I wouldn't go that far," I reply. He smiles and looks at me. 

"What I really wanted to talk to you about," he begins. "Is that I would like to take you into the city on your day off," he tells me. My eyes widen.

"Do you think that is wise, people seeing us together?" I ask. He nods his head.

"Of course. You are the Princess of Vivelle. What sort of Solavar would I be if I let someone else give you a tour of our home?" he asks. I nod my head.

"Okay," I sigh.

"It will also be good for people to see us together. To see me working with the future queen." I laugh.

"The only way there is even a chance I'll be the future queen is with your people's support." We come to a stop at the door to my room. He looks at me for a few moments. My heart is racing in my chest as he gently runs his finger over the scars on my shoulder.

"These are new," he states before he looks down my arm at the tattoos of the blood promises I have made.

"I have a few new scars," I tell him. His brows furrow and he takes his hand away awkwardly. "These ones, at least, weren't done in the castle," I joke.

"Dare I ask what trouble you got yourself into on your way here?" he laughs.

"That is a very long story," I sigh. "Let's just say that these were a parting gift from the Lost Wood." He raises his eyebrows.

"The Lost Wood?" he asks. I nod my head. "No one comes out of there alive." I can tell he is trying to get me to elaborate. I shake my head.

"A story for another time," I remind him with a laugh. He laughs and looks away.

"Well, it may be slightly morbid, but they probably help your cause here. I think you get more looks because of your tattoos and scars than you do for actually being a princess."

"You think?" I ask. He nods his head.

"Everyone here has an image of what the Dulavelle princesses are like. Entitled, privileged, pathetic..."

"I get it," I laugh.

"But when they see you, scarred and strong they being to see there is more than they thought." I chuckle. The door opens behind me and I jump.

"Are you going to hurry up? Oh, Solavar I am sorry," Riva says as she bows her head. Kai laughs and taps Riva on the shoulder.

"Do not apologise, Riva. I was keeping the Princess from her studies. I am sorry," he grins and my heart skips a beat. "I will see you at breakfast," he tells us and turns to go. Riva quickly drags me inside for my first lesson in languages.

The hour passes quickly and Riva hands me a huge pile of textbooks and work to do once my timetable is finished for the day.

"These are the books we give school children. They shouldn't be too difficult," she tells me.

"Er, thanks," I reply. She raises an eyebrow and I quickly correct myself. "Dah' shlen," I say. The Lupine words for thank you. She nods her head.

"Good pronunciation," she says. Riva taught me some of the basic words. Some greetings, the first letters of their alphabet and the basics. She taught me how to write them too. It is a slow start but I'll get there. "Being around the language will help," she assures me. "You'll pick up phrases and words quickly the more you do lessons and begin to understand how the language works."

"Thank you," I say.

Walking to breakfast, I am sure to replace the common tongue words for the Lupine ones wherever I can. Even if they are only a few. Una doesn't talk to me during breakfast. She is in deep conversation with some Lupine opposite her and from their occasional glances to me, I can guess what the subject is. Karn gives me an apologetic look but is to busy planning something with Aaliyah and some other Lupine to talk to me. Wyatt and Zoran didn't get a place at the table near me so I am sat eating in my own awkward silence. I do catch the eyes of Kai a couple of times though, which makes things a little better.

Training is brutal. We don't focus on any fighting technique. Instead, we focus on cardio fitness. A large group of us, lead by Karn, go out on a jog. It starts in the training square, leaves the gates and goes into the desert. To make things more difficult, just beyond the city walls is a canyon that cuts into the ground like a gaping gash. It is spectacular and my eyes widen as I see it. I can't stop though. Not at all. I lag behind as make our way down a narrow rocky path into the canyon. Razan jumps around on the path ahead of me, rubbing it in and gloating. The closer to midday it gets, the hotter it gets and soon my body is soaking with sweat. Getting to the bottom is a relief. I am not the only one panting as I sink into the river that rushes at the bottom. The water is thankfully cool against my skin and I lap it up greedily. I find some satisfaction seeing Una just as sweaty and exhausted as me. Of course, we haven't even begun the ascent yet.

Karn gives us not even a five-minute break before we are running back up the canyon and toward the city. My muscles in my legs are shaking by the time we return to the training square. I lie on the floor and again am thankful that I am not alone in my exhaustion. Una collapses down next to me. Of course, that brief break doesn't last long. We are given a quick lunch. Some more sliced meat and a red potato salad of sorts. It tastes gross. To drink down with it, we have dryweed tea. Apparently, our bodies absorb the liquid better when it is consumed like this. I am too hungry and thirsty to even care about taste and I am shoving it down just like everyone else.

The rest of the afternoon, Karn breaks us all. He makes us lift various-shaped rock, metal or wood depending on the exercise. Showing us the movements to target certain muscles. Apparently, this is an abnormally brutal day for everyone, not just me. It is because of Karn's brutal training day, the dining hall lacks its usual noise. Everyone is too exhausted to speak. I find Malakai's eyes. He gives me a smug smile and I just want to us my last remaining energy to give him the finger. I finish my plate of dry, bland food. Only for Kovan to shovel more on. He does this to others too. Shouting at them in Lupine before Karn translates in my ear. It is basically saying how we all need more protein for muscle repair and growth and the carbohydrates from the potatoes for energy blah blah blah. I wasn't really listening.

I end up being so tired and full, that I sneakily feed the rest of my dinner to Razan when the brothers aren't looking. Kai, of course, notices from his table and shakes his head at me. I just give him a dead, I don't care stair back. His lips pull into a line as he tries not to smile.

Safe to say, I don't do any of the work Riva told me too when I return to my room. I bathe in the tub that's in the corner, not even bothering to heat the water over a fire because it's too bloody hot for one anyway. The cold bath is a little relaxing once my skin is used to the temperature. It is actually welcomed after how hot I've been this last day. I ache so much when I pull on the sleeping robe that I can't even be bothered to properly position myself on the bed. I just slump over the top of it and fall asleep straight away.

Razan wakes me again. I moan as my muscles ache even more than last night. It takes all my strength not to wince as I walk to the morning stretching session. I am not the only who misses out the harder moves. Even Una doesn't do the harder bits like she had yesterday. However, after all the stretches and relaxing breathing in the cool air, I do feel a little better. We had stretched a lot yesterday after the training ended. This, however, is something different. It is peaceful. I can feel my heart rate relax and slow. Even my mind feels at peace. I am very hungry at breakfast and don't complain when more is given to me. Training consists of training our senses. Which means I spent some of the day blindfolded whilst Una threw sticks at me. I only caught one and dodged two. Considering I don't have Lupine senses like the others, I would say that isn't bad.

Karn seems to think I do though after the way I caught the arrow during the Fae attack on the way here. So, I'll be doing this a lot more to try and bring that part of The Gift out again.

Riva teaches me a little more of the language. She postponed our morning meeting until after training as training finished early and wasn't as gruelling as yesterday. I managed to do the work she set me in that gap between morning meditation and breakfast. She scans my writing and nods her head before teaching me some new bits.

Dinner goes quickly and soon I am back in my room doing a little more studying before I go to bed. The rest of the week passes very much the same until finally, my rest day comes round. Getting to sleep a little longer is bliss and very much needed. Apparently, the rest day is for everyone. Breakfast is later on in the day so people can sleep in. After a week of language training, I begin to be able to pick up small bits of conversation at breakfast. I have made a few friends also who now sit next to me and Una. She is even a little warmer to me now. They speak to me in an odd mix of common tongue and Lupine mushed together. I do the same, though it is much more common tongue than Lupine. Still, I am happy at my progress.

Finally, once breakfast is finished, it is time to go into the city with Kai. I have been so busy with all my learnings that I've hardly seen him this last week. He smiles when I meet him in the throne room. 

"Are you ready?" he asks. I nod my head. He then says something in Lupine. "Dyn howa lo shu?"

"Sah, Illyana Brinya," I smile back. He grins. It was a simple question. Who are you? To which I replied, I'm Princess Illyana. The structure of their language is slightly different from ours. It took a while for my head to get around it, but I am beginning to understand. Kai asks me a couple more questions which I manage to answer. Some a little quicker than others. How old are you? Where did you come from? How are you feeling today? They are just a few.

"You're doing well," he says as we begin to walk down the path into the city.

"Dah' shlen," I reply back and he grins. Having his support seems to make everything a little easier. Something I am grateful for. Though as we head into the city, I can feel my nerves rising. Butterflies are fluttering in my stomach and my heart is racing in my chest.

"You'll be fine," he says to me in Lupine this time.

"Really?" I ask, replying in Lupine also.

"Of course," he continues. I take a deep breath and walk next to him into the bustling city of their Northern Capital.