The Lupine were a unique race. They were human, but not. They lived in the barren lands of the North. Home of the desert wolves. Known as Kintara Wolves. The Lupine had magic connected to the wolves which meant they were more than human. Though they looked human, their muscles held greater strength and speed. Their eyes could see so much more and their hearing and smell were so much stronger. They were killing machines. They would hunt in packs, scouring the lands for food and riches they could not grow or make in their homeland. Just on their own, they were unstoppable, but that isn't the only power they held. They could also bond with the wolves themselves. These creatures to them were more than pets. They were family. The wolves were completely loyal to their human. To make matters worse for the rest of Vivelle, some of these wolves could grow bigger than horses. Big enough for the Lupine to ride them into battle.

The race were killing machines who had no mercy for anyone or anything. They took what they wanted from whomever they pleased. To try and stop them, the humans sent forces to their barren Northen home. However, by the time they got to their homes, deep in the heart of the North, the humans were weak. They found no food or water. Storms were often and deadly. Wolf packs roamed free, tearing the soldiers to shreds. It was easy for the Lupine to dispatch of all those who entered their territory. They only left one alive, sending him back to his leaders to send a warning.

"The Lupine are untouchable. They are merciless Savages who live in a crumbling city of stone. They are wild and uncaring, eating anything they can find. Even their young are little monsters, pillaging what they could off the dead like rats. In their city, they are untouchable."

-History of the First War of Vivelle. Volume One. Chapter Seventy-Six, Verse Three.

I am quick to join another conversation with some knights. I am interrupted by a face I would actually like to see, however. 

"Lord Emlyn," I smile as a young man walks toward me. He takes my hand, kissing it softly and bowing dramatically. I laugh as he pulls me to dance.

"Princess," he grins. He is very handsome. His skin is dark and smooth. His hair falls down his back in thick black dreadlocks and his dark brown eyes are surrounded by thick lashes. His features are sharp and his smile is dashing. He wears smart clothing. Tight black trousers with brown, polished leather boots. On his top half is a loose, dark green shirt and a black leather vest over it. The vest is done up with golden buttons etched with the tree of Vivelle. The vest also has a dark grey collar around the neck as well as on the sleeves.  A golden belt hangs around his waist, the strands clipped together by the golden tree.

Like most males in court, the colours he wears represent his role. The dark green shirt means he is a healer. The vest and belt he wears over it mean that he is also a high ranking military member. More specifically, in charge of a particular military branch. Lord Emlyn being a soldier would not surprise anyone. He is very tall and his muscles are bulging. I have seen him fight also. He is extremely skilled in the likes of hand to hand combat as well as with a blade. Although Lord Kristoff likes himself as the finest warrior in Vivelle, it is really Lord Emlyn. Had it not been for that fact that Lord Emlyn wanted to learn Healing like his father, then the head of the Red Guard would have gone to him instead of Kristoff. So, Lord Emlyn is the commander of all military healers. Which slightly outranks Lord Kristoff anyway. That makes me very happy. Especially as it pisses off Kristoff and his father. What is even better is the fact that Lord Emlyn is preferred at the court over Kristoff. Though Kristoff portrays himself as an angel, many can see into his cruel, arrogant persona. Lord Emlyn is kind, incredibly clever and skilled on the battlefield.

"What is plaguing you, princess?" he asks. I look up at him. I sigh.

"The Trial," I sigh.

"Barbaric," he spits. "This whole thing," he shakes his head. My heart warms at his words and I feel a smile cross my face.

"If I had any say, there would be no such trial and you would take the throne. Just as you would if you were a male."

"Thank you, Emlyn," I chuckle. He smiles and it is warm. There is nothing fake about him. It is one of the reasons why he is one of my best friends. He twirls me around and I laugh as he pulls me back into his chest.

"I hope your father chooses me though," he says seriously, bringing my mood back down again.
"Not because I want to rule, but I want to be able to protect at least one of you," he sighs. His eyes flicker to Kristoff at the other end of the room. He spins Cordelia around though his expression is bored and cruel as he whispers in her ear. I can see her nervous, uncomfortable expression. Even a little fear crosses her face. I feel anger rise up inside me and go to make a move toward them. Emlyn holds me back, drawing my gaze up to his.

"Don't make a scene Ana," he warns. "You've already drawn enough attention tonight," he sighs.

"I hate him, Em," I say. He nods his head.

"As do I," he sighs and we dance a little more. 

"Illyana," he finally says. "Do you plan on winning the Trials?" he asks, looking directly into my eyes. I gulp.

"I have many plans. Unfortunately, the ones I want most to succeed are an impossibility," I sigh. "What I can do is sacrifice myself so at least one of my sisters gets to live," I tell him. He shakes his head.

"Ana," he almost pleads, bringing a hand to my face. I feel tears prickle in my eyes, but I don't let them spill. "You can't throw the Trials," he whispers. I stare up at him, a lump forming in my throat. I don't answer him. "Ana," he says again, "What are you planning?"

"Don't worry about it, Em."

"How can I not worry about this whole situation?" he sighs.

"Em," I say, warning him against his rising voice. He shakes his head.

"I love all of you and I am going to lose all of you," he gulps. I lean into his chest.

"Oh Em," I whisper. "I'm so sorry. I wish there were another way," I say. We stay quiet for a few seconds.

"I hope father chooses you," I say to him. He would be a very sensible choice. He is very popular both within the court and with the people. His father is also a member of the High Council. I look up at the balcony. His father watches with eager eyes. His father is in charge of Healing and Medicine, which is where Em gets his intelligence and passion for helping people from.

"I hope so too, but even if he doesn't, I will try and protect your sisters as much as possible," he tells me. "Whichever one wins," he gulps. "Including you." I nod my head.

"Thanks, Em." I sigh.

"Cor Em, share her with some of us poorer folk," a voice says behind me. I turn to see Wyatt, a smirk crossing his face. Emlyn rolls his eyes and laughs, letting go of me.

"I swear Wyatt, if this wasn't such a formal event, I would beat your arse for speaking to me in such a manner," Emlyn jokes.

"Like you could posh boy," Wyatt replies back. Wyatt holds out his hand and I take it with a shake of my head.

"I'll speak to you later, Em," I say, looking at Wyatt who is grinning down at me. Em laughs and walks off to a group of his friends.

Wyatt is a member of the Red Guard. However, unlike most of the Red Guard, he is a similar age to me. He, and a few others, grew up in the castle with us. Training with us. They're like family.

"I thought you were busy taunting Ray," I tell him as he spins me around.

"I was," he laughs. "But then I saw your father giving me a nasty glare so I came to annoy you instead." I let out a long sigh and shake my head.

"You're a pain," I tell him. He beams brightly.

"But you love me," he tells me.

"You make it difficult," I joke, looking up at him. Wyatt is unique. He is half Lupine. Meaning he is stronger and faster than the average human soldier. His Lupine routes are clear to see. His skin has the dark, tanned glow and his hair is an even darker brown. Usually, it hangs scruffily around his head. Today, he's actually neatened it. His honey coloured eyes are bright with mischief and his smile is warm. Being a member of the Red Guard, he wears a formal style military suit. One not too dissimilar from Kristoff's. Though his long coat and trousers are grey instead of black. It looks good on him.

"You actually look presentable, for once," I smirk. He raises a brow and feigns offence. 

"You know, Ana," he grins, "for a princess, you are very rude." I laugh and he drags me over to some of our friends. Fallon and Shaelyn already talk with them.

"Princess," they bow as I approach and I roll my eyes. They all wear the same uniforms as Wyatt. Signalling their status as members of the Red Guard. It is a group of seven in total. All of them brought here during their childhood were we all trained together and grew up together. Of course, I don't tend to see them as often seeing as they're always away on various missions under at the command of either Councilman Drake or Kristoff Drake.

"Merissa was just telling me how she managed to steal a case full of jewels from a crime boss in the City of Tolro," Fallon grins, her eyes lighting up with excitement. Merissa laughs.

"It wasn't that big of a deal, Fallon," she says. Merissa is the only Red Guard member who is female. The woman is fast and an excellent thief and manipulator. The uniform looks just as smart on her as it does on the men too. 

"Not that big of a deal?" Shae asks with a smile. "At least you get to leave this city and explore Vivelle," she says.

"Hearing your activities outside these walls is the only excitement any of us get," Fallon sighs. We fall into silence as a group of older Red Guard walk past, giving us cold glares. Most of the Red Guard members are friends of Councilman Drake and not as friendly to us as our current company.

"Oh no," Shae gulps, looking into the ballroom. "Kristoff's got to Ray," she gulps, her eyes glassing over. We follow her eyes to where Ray is dancing with Kristoff nervously. Fallon goes to take a step forward but is held back by Merissa. I feel my hands shaking with fear when I see Ray trying to shy away from him and his wicked smile as he pulls her close to whisper in her ear. Wyatt barges toward them and our eyes widen. 

"That idiot is going to get himself killed," Merissa sighs as Wyatt taps Kristoff's shoulder before bowing deeply. I can't help but smile though as the two exchange words and Wyatt takes Ray's hand. I look over at Fallon and see the same smile on her face. We watch as Wyatt twirls her around the dance floor. Her smile wide and a slight blush on her cheeks. I let out a long sigh, my smile falling. Merissa touches my shoulder and gives it a squeeze, knowing what I am thinking.

Too soon, that will be gone. It brings a lump to my throat and has my eyes prickling with tears.

"Whichever one of you wins," Merissa says to us, "We'll make sure to look after you." I force the smile back on my face.

"Thank you," I sigh. The conversation picks up again and Cordelia joins us too. We spend the next ten minutes joking about nothing important and talking about the other guests in the ballroom. Eventually, Wyatt brings Ray over. He looks down at her with a protective fondness. 

"Thank you, for the dance," Ray smiles at him.

"Well, someone had to save Kristoff's toes," Wyatt jokes. Rayana frowns and slaps his shoulder playfully.

"You're such an arsehole," she tells him with a laugh of her own. He nudges her back, causing her to slightly lose her balance. Both Fallon and I give Wyatt a warning glare.

"You're not picking on our baby sister again, are you Wyatt?" Fallon asks, raising her eyebrow.

"You remember what happened last time," I continue, crossing my arms. He laughs.

"And what can you possibly do to me whilst wearing dresses like that?" he asks, crossing his arms smugly. Fallon smirks.

"Do you really want to find out?" she asks, taking a step forward. He takes a step forward too, grinning down at her like an idiot. 

The playful exchange is interrupted by a large gong sounding around the room, echoing around the hall. We all stop and look up to my father who stands up and overlooks the room.

"It is time," he shouts. "The time you have all been waiting for. I will announce my favoured daughter and the King Chosen," he shouts. The room erupts with applause and cheers whilst my sisters and I all gather on top of the stairs. We stand in a line nervously as people watch us. My eyes fall on Em and he smiles reassuringly at me.

"Now it is known across the whole kingdom, that my daughters are very special. Fallon is excellent on the combat field. A match for some of our toughest soldiers," he says proudly. "Shaelyn is incredibly smart in mathematics and sciences. Rayana is the best artist in all the lands and Cordelia plays the violin with enchanting beauty. Their talent is envied by all of Vivelle and they are all worthy of my choice." My heart is racing. My father hasn't talked about me and from the small, dangerous looks he gives me, I can only imagine what he is going to say.

"However, Illyana is my firstborn," he says. "I still remember holding this little baby in my arms for the first time. Realising that I was a father. At that moment, I realised it didn't matter that she was a girl. Because she was my beautiful little girl. As she has grown, so has her beauty. All across of Vivelle, they talk about how beautiful she is. Of her eyes. They say she is Gift blessed!" he shouts and I try and make my expression look happy. But I know that all he speaks is rubbish, that he is playing for the audience. Coming across as a happy and fair father. He is a liar.

"Which is why I have to choose Princess Illyana as my favoured daughter. Of course, as is tradition, the chosen daughter must prove herself worthy of her father's favour," he continues. "Just like every favoured daughter, Princess Illyana will participate in the harder tests in order to prove she is worthy of my favour over her!" The crowd cheers but my heart jumps out of my chest. Harder tests. I gulp, only just managing to keep the happy, grateful look on my face. Though I am slightly grateful. Better I have harder tests than one of my sisters. I catch my father's eyes and he nods at me, a small smile on my face. I find myself relaxing and a genuine smile crossing mine. A silent understanding running between us. Of course he would pick me to have the harder tests. In his own way, he is helping me protect my sisters just that little bit extra.

"Now, it is time to tell you who will marry the Queen Victorious and become the next King Chosen!" The room silences with anticipation. My eyes fall on Emlyn and he smiles. Please let it be him. I look into his eyes and plead with him. You've already made one right choice. Please make another! Emlyn will make the best King. He is kind, intelligent and strong. Everything a King needs to be. My father looks at me back and I know I have lost. His previous, kind smile is now replaced with a smirk. He taunts me.

"The man I have chosen is a man of honour and strength. He is already a leader and holds the respect of our nation. I am also sure he will treat the Queen Victorious with the utmost respect," he says. "The Next King Chosen shall be Lord Kristoff!" he shouts. The crowd roars but my stomach drops and my throat dries. My eyes catch Kristoff's. He gives me an arrogant satisfied gaze. He is telling me that he has won. That I better win the trials because what he'll do to the winning sister will be worse than if they were dead. He is being surrounded by all the members of the courts who congratulate him and tell him what a fine king he'll make. No one looks at us. At the tears ready to spill in Shaelyn, Rayana and Cordelia's eyes. They don't see as Fallon squeezes my hand, a silent agreement running between the two of us. My eyes glance at my father as the cruel grin covers his face.

"Smile," he mimes. Though I don't need to. No one cares about us to look at us. They only care about getting in the new King chosen's good books. I was so stupid to think that Emlyn stood a chance. He is too kind, he'll actually help people. Kristoff will keep my father and all his friends rich.

Em has his fist clenched as he stares at us. I shake my head. Don't do anything, I plead with my eyes. I look at my sisters and I watch as they struggle to contain their tears. I look at our friends in The Red Guard. Wyatt nods his head. His way of telling me he'll cover for us.

"Fallon," I whisper. She nods her head and the two of us smuggle our sisters out of the ballroom. No one cares about us anyway. As soon as we are out of the room, Shaelyn bursts into tears along with Ray and Cordelia. The servants all pass us with knowing apologetic looks.

"I am so sorry, Princesses," one says before quickly scurrying away. We finally get to my room. The girl's crumble. Fallon and I give each other a look as we stroke our sister's hair. Fallon doesn't cry either. Her gaze stays cold.

"Do you know what he said to me?" Shaelyn sobs. "He said that if I win..." she sobs. "Then he'd..."

"We know," I whisper to her.

"Ana," Fallon says. "One of us has to head back to the ball. You're the favoured. Go," she orders. "I'll look after them." I nod my head and leave the room. My shoes feel heavy against the ground as I walk back toward the room. My heart thuds in my chest and my throat dries. I close my eyes and keep my shaking hand still. I take a slow, deep breath and enter the ballroom again.