The Lost Warrior Princess

A Night in the Castle

He was stunning, he was not what I expected the prince to look like, but with the words that came out of his mouth next shocked me out of my thoughts. “Are these the extra protection that you requested? They are just children.” He said as his eyes moved over each one of us but his gaze lingered when he looked at me.

His expression changed from one of irritation to shock. I’m not sure why but I felt drawn to him, like I needed to be close to him. We stare at each other until the Queens soothing voice broke through to my ears and our gaze breaks. “Be nice dear, they travelled a long way to be here.”

“They are children, how are they meant to protect me when they don’t even look like they could protect themselves?” The prince said with a patronising tone.

“Nicolas, that’s enough. We have requested they assist in escorting you and that is what is going to happen.” The King had a tone of finality.

“We may not look like much more than children but I can assure you, we are more than capable of ensuring your safety Prince Nicolas.” I say as the prince turned to me. He had a look on his face like he was going to say something but changed his mind.

The King turned to his son with a mischievous grin on his face, “ If my son is so concerned about your ability to maintain his safety, maybe a demonstration is in order. What do you say Captain?” He signalled to the guards with a nod and four of them stepped forwards.

I nodded to Alice and she stepped forward to standing next to me. I knew if I let Riley take part in this demonstration that he would take it too far and possibly kill someone and that would land us in the dungeons. If I had asked Max it wouldn’t have shown just how capable we really are. But it would having two small females take on four vampires who were god only knows how old.

I gave Alice a sly smirk before she nodded with her own signature grin. We both removed our jackets and threw them to Riley and Max before taking a relaxed fighting stance.

The four guards were given another nod from the King and immediately moved towards us. Alice and I dodged their attacks effortlessly.

The vampires weren’t holding back, so I made the decision to go on the attack instead of the defensive. I ran towards one of the guards closest to me and faked a swing to the left, when he dodged my fake attack I quickly swung my fist and made contact with his jaw, he staggered back a little but regained his balance before coming back to swing at me.

I ducked down and kicked his legs from under him and as he landed I drove my fist into his nose. I quickly look around and see that Alice is on the back of another guard with him in a chock hold. He is trying to get her off but she has a tight hold on him.

I quickly move to the next guard and swing at his abdomen, he doubles over as I bring my knee to his face. As he brings his hands up to hold his face I bring my foot down on his knee bringing him to the ground with a scream of pain.

I look to Alice again as she knocks the guard she had in a choke hold earlier to the floor with a swift punch to the side of his head. As she went to turn, the last guard standing grabbed her by the throat. She brought her elbow down on his arm to break his hold on her. I quickly run towards them and kick the back of the guards knee. He let go of Alice’s throat to grab his now mangled knee. As he does Alice quickly knees him in the head and he falls backwards to the ground.

I quickly check that Alice is okay before I turn and look back towards the King who has a large smile on his face like he has just won the biggest bet of his life.

The Queen is shaking her head with a quiet laugh as the prince stands slightly wide mouthed in shock and something else, it looks almost like pride or adoration. “As you can see your Majesties, we are more than capable of keeping the future King safe.” I say with a slight bow.

“ Indeed you are, now if you’re done playing games dear we have to discuss the matter at hand.” The Queen says.

“Do you have any plans or routes prepared that you wish for us to go over before we make the journey?” I asked looking back to the King and Queen.

The King waved his hand and Franklin stepped forward and approached the King before he does a low bow and straightens us to receive his orders. “Have the plans delivered to their rooms for them to go over before morning and make sure their meals are delivered as well.” The King gave another wave before Franklin stepped back with a bow.

The prince still stood staring at me with an odd look of confusion and interest on his face. “ you’re dismissed, but we would like to see you in the morning captain before you leave to make sure you understand the importance of this mission.”

I bow before glancing at the other three standing behind me and signalling for them all to do the same. They follow my lead, some more reluctantly than others but they did it all the same. With that we followed Franklin out of the throne room and back down the stairs to the second floor.

We walked in silence until we arrived back at our door. Franklin turned to look at us, “I will have the plans for the journey delivered to you shortly along with your dinner.” He said before bowing and turning to walk in the opposite direction.

Max opened the door and we all walked inside, our bags were still where we had left them. Thank god for that because I don’t think Riley would have held it together any longer if his things had of been moved.

Max shut the door and let out a long sigh.“Well that was interesting.” He said. “Yeah, I don’t think I have ever seen a guy look that good before.” Alice said as she went to sit on one of the couches in the middle of the room.

“Yeah sure if you like your men to be arrogant blood-sucking assholes.” Riley said back to her.

God I wish they would all just shut up for two seconds so that I could just think for a little before these mission plans are delivered.

“ you haven’t said much Luna... is everything alright?” Alice asked with a slight look of concern on her face.

“Oh... yeah I’m fine, just wishing you guys would just relax and enjoy the fact we aren’t sleeping in the guards quarters.” I said, this was way nicer then what we would normally have to stay in. So, I wanted to just enjoy it for the one night that we are here without having these three talking about how they do or don’t like the royal family.

It was part of the job, sometimes we had to work with or for people we didn’t like. I walked over to the bed and sat down to unlace my boots and take them off.

I looked up just as Max started running to the other room with Riley close behind. Oh that’s right, Riley had said he didn’t want to share with Max. I guess Max was getting in first before Riley had a chance to claim the other bed. I just sighed, those two could be so childish.

Alice just giggled to herself before turning back to me, “you’re sure you’re ok?” She asked.

“Yeah I’m all good.” I began, “ so are you going to be able to keep it in your pants while we are on this mission?” I asked with a laugh.

She looked at me with her hand over her heart like I had hurt her feelings. “I have no idea what you mean, I was just admiring the view we were graced with.” She said with a wide smile. I just laughed at her.

“Ow..... seriously man it’s no big deal...” Max’s voice came from the other room followed by a loud thud. “Dude.... come on... I was here first.”

Riley and Max both came back from the room. Max under Riley’s arm in a headlock, Alice just laughed while I looked at the two boys and rolled my eyes. “Come on you two that’s enough, just pick a bed.” I began, “and if you’re not going to share with someone you can sleep on the couches.”

“I will share with Max....if you’re ok with that?” Alice said to Max with a cheeky grin and a wink. “Oh....ah.... yeah sure, I don’t mind Ali.” Max’s face was almost as red as his hair. Riley let out a loud laugh at Max’s reaction as he let him go, to busy holding his tummy. “That means you’re in with Luna, Riley.” Alice said with a smirk.

“Ah, any girl would be lucky to share a bed with me for one night.” Riley said with his usual arrogant tone.

“Yeah sorry but I’m not one of those girls.” I replied making Riley deflate his ego just a little. “Now everyone, start making sure you take stock of the remaining ammunition and that your weapons are ready for the morning and start having showers. I mean you boys, I’m not spending the next how ever long with you stinking up the place attracting all the rogues to us.”

“Ha.... yeah like that would even make a difference.” Alice said with a smile.

“We don’t smell that bad!” Riley said while lifting his arm and giving it a sniff, scrunching up his nose. “Yeah I think you’re right about the showers, I’m heading in now.”

“You might stink man but I don’t.” Max said with a bit of a laugh, while dodging Riley’s arms as he went to grab Max in an effort to put him in a headlock again.

They kept going like that for a couple minutes before there was a knock at the door. We all stopped to look.

I quickly grabbed my knife from the outside pocket of my bag and just gave the others the cue to be prepared for anything.

I walked over to the door with my knife behind my back, opening the door to see who it was. I let out a breath when on the other side of the door I saw Franklin and another human servant pushing a silver trolley with four silver dish covers on it with cutlery and a jug of some kind of pink soda.

Franklin was holding a thin folder, he handed it to me as he bowed his head and said “the mission plans you requested for the journey tomorrow.” I took the folder careful not to reveal that I had my knife, we didn’t need the servants thinking we were in fact here to kill the royal family.

“Thank you Franklin...... what’s this?” I asked signalling to the trolley.

“Your Dinner, we have provided a steak with steamed vegetables on a bed of mashed potato with a red wine gravy.” He said as he lifted up the lid to one of the dishes. “I hope it is to your liking?”

“Oh... yeah it looks delicious, thank you.” I said stepping out of the way for the servant to push the trolley into the room. Everyone eyed they trolley, the servant removed the lids and placed them on the bottom shelf of the trolley before moving to the hallway. He seemed to be a little nervous, he kept his head down the entire time not looking at any of us.

“Once you’re done, just put the dishes on the trolley and leave it in the hallway for one of us to come and collect it.” Franklin said as the servant moved to stand back behind him. I nodded at them both before they turned to walk away.

Wow, that was a little weird I thought as I shut the door behind them. I turned to see that Max, Alice and Riley had already started eating. Letting out a slight sigh as I put the folder on the bed with my knife, going to grab my dinner and sit on the couch next to Alice.

We ate in silence, the food was just mouth watering. Max would let out the occasional hum in appreciation of the food he had put in his mouth while Riley ate like it was his last meal he was ever going to get. Alice and I ate slower than normal just savouring the different flavours. The vegetables were perfectly cooked with the carrots being both soft and still slightly crunchy. The beans were just as amazing with a slight sprinkling of salt over them, the mashed potato that the vegetables were sitting on had a slight hint of thyme to them and were the smoothest mashed potato I had ever had. All topped with a delicious smooth gravy.

We were all to busy to remember the drink jug still left on the trolley until after we had finished and by then we were all too full to even think about putting anything else in our stomach. We all placed our empty plated on the trolley and Alice pushed it out into the hallway.

“Alright, I’m going for a shower.” Riley said as he stood up and walked over to the bathroom, stopping in the doorway. “Hey guys there are two showers in here!”

Alice and Max jumped up to have a look while I stayed on the couch, I figure I would see it when I had my own shower. Riley and Max went and had their showers while Alice rummaged through her bag finding her pyjamas.

I picked up the folder to start reading the plan that the royals had come up with for the best route to get to the northern pack. I opened it and started reading the reports on where the rogues had been sighted in larger numbers along with the most direct path to the pack.

The plan suggested that we go directly through the rogue territory across the river, I don’t know why I bothered asking when I already knew that they would pick the most direct route anyway.

Just because it was a straight line didn’t mean that it was the safest option. I looked at the map attached to the file with all the locations of rogue sightings, there was a path that looked like it would be a much safer option but it would be hard to convince the King and Queen to agree with that idea. I drew in what my plan was so that at the meeting in the morning before we left I would be able to show the King and Queen.

Just as I finished Max walked out of the bathroom letting us know the shower was free. I nodded to Alice to go ahead and shower, I still had to get my stuff ready. I moved over to my duffle bag and opened it trying to find the blue pyjama pants I had stuffed in last minute.

Usually I wouldn’t worry about it and just sleep in my clothes for tomorrow but I’m glad that I had grabbed them because I shouldn’t sleep in my underwear while sharing a bed with someone. I found them stuffed down the side of my bag, grabbing them out along with a black singlet and fresh underwear. I finished gathering my stuff just as Riley walked out drying his hair with a white towel.

He walked over to the bed and flopped down on it before I had even gotten to the bathroom door. It was going to be interesting sleeping in the same bed as him tonight, Max always complains that he snores so who knows, he may not even make it to morning without me smothering him to death.

I opened the bathroom door and stepped in shutting it behind me, when I turn and see the bathroom for the first time, my eyes widen. The wall to the right had a beautiful gold framed mirror the size of the wall with a white marble basin sitting just under it, the sink itself looked like it was made from some kind of crystal with gold fixtures. There was a toilet sitting on the far wall next to a door that I’m guessing leads to the other room.

I looked around spotting two white towels hanging on the towel rack in between two frosted glass shower doors. I opened the shower door and was even more in awe at the sheer size of the shower itself.

One end had the shower head and taps with a little shower recess in the wall with an assortment of different shampoos and soaps, while the end with the door had a little bench to put your clothes and towels on.

I grabbed the two clean towels and stepped into the shower placing my clean clothes and the towels on the bench. I stripped off and put my dirty clothes at the other end of the bench. Turning the water on, the shower hissed to life and it didn’t take long for it to get hot. I stepped under the water and let it run through my hair and down my back, it was so relaxing to just be able to shower without being on a timer.

No wonder everyone was taking extra long, this was absolute bliss. I looked to the shower recess at all the different shampoos and soaps. There were lavender, grapefruit and vanilla scented shampoos but the one that caught my eye was the cherry blossom shampoo and soap.

I opened the bottles and sniffed them before I started washing myself, it was a subtle floral smell. I put some in my hand before rubbing it through my hair until it bubbled before washing it out and moving onto the soap.

I finished making sure I was all clean before turning the water off and going and getting my towels off the bench. I wrapped my hair up in one towel and dried my body with the other. I quickly got dressed and went out to the mirror with my dirty washing in one arm. I put my towel in the hamper that was in the middle of the two shower doors before I put my dirty clothes on the bench and taking the other towel from my head and drying my long black hair before putting that towel in the hamper as well.

I grabbed my brush and racked it through my hair before taking one last look at the mirror making sure I didn’t have any exposed areas that could be embarrassing. I let out a long breath before grabbing my stuff and heading out to the main room. I put my dirty clothes in the plastic bag I had packed so that my clean clothes stayed seperate from the dirty ones.

I stood up and looked at the bed I would be sharing with Riley. He was already in the bed fast asleep. He was only sleeping in boxer shorts, his tattoos on show for everyone to see. He was quietly purring, only loud enough to notice. He was laying on his stomach with one arm pulled up under the pillow with his legs half out of the blankets.

I grabbed my knife and the folder off the end of the bed and placed the folder on the coffee table and put my knife under my pillow. I climbed into the bed and pulled the sheets up leaving the big doona at the foot of the bed. I lay on my side facing away from him, I didn’t want to laying too close to anyone. I liked having my own space.

I closed my eyes and slowly drifted off to sleep, it didn’t take long before I was out like a light. Hopefully things would go more smoothly in the morning.

…………………………

Unknown POV.

I watch as they leave the throne room, well more accurately I watch her leave. I have never seen anyone so beautiful. Her long braided black hair and her piercing green eyes.

I hadn’t expected to find her let alone for her to be human or be here in the palace. My soulmate, the way she moved was effortless.

I couldn’t take my eyes off her. When I first set my eyes on her I was surprised, I wanted to go to her and wrap her in my arms but I had to restrain my need to have her close. I had to keep up appearances, I had to know her.

Humans don’t feel the connection like supernaturals do. She wouldn’t feel it as strongly as I could.

She had to be young, we had all heard storied about the human rogue hunters. They were taken from their families young and trained to be killing machines. A spark of rage hit me at the thought of my beautifully fragile mate being anywhere near violence and danger.

The door shuts behind her and and I was left in the throne room with my parents.

“So dear, what did you think of them?” My mother asks in her sweet soothing voice.

“I think. . . I think it would be safer without them.” I reply.

My father looked at me with a sly smirk on his face and I knew I wasn’t going to like where this conversation was going.

“And why is that Nicolas? The females proved that they are more than capable. Perhaps there is another reason why you don’t wish for the humans to go as your protection detail?”

I can’t just come out and tell my father the King of the vampire kingdom that a human girl is the mate I have been waiting for for so many years, he would never accept a human as my mate or the future queen of this kingdom. I have to come up with a reason that will be believable.

“ Well father, they are mere humans. They may be capable fighters but they are still weak humans. They will most likely be collateral damage. I doubt they will survive the journey.” My father hummed while rubbing his jaw with his hand. I looked to my mother who had a small smile on her lips. My mother was very good at reading people, she was able to tell just by looking at someone what their intentions were. She would be able to see right through my lie and I just hoped she wouldn’t say anything to my father. “You will be taking the humans with you, I have made my decision and that’s final.” My father says with a blank expression.

“Go get some sleep dear, you will need all the rest you can get.” My mother says with a smile as she puts her hand on my fathers.

I nod my head and say my goodbyes and walk out the room. I head in the direction of my room when the intoxicating scent of my mate hits me. I can’t help but follow it to the door of the room she is staying in. I can also smell the other three humans in the room with her. I hear footsteps and quickly move around the corner out of sight. I watch as Franklin and another male servant wheel a trolley with covered dishes to the door.

They were talking quietly to each other. “I heard the two females took down four of the Kings personal guard. That’s amazing.” The servant pushing the trolley was saying. I felt pride in how well my mate had handled the guards. “Yes, they are very talented killers, and that is all they are, Killers. Don’t get too close, they are more dangerous than they look. I would prefer not to have anything to do with them but that’s not up to me. Just do your job, make sure you keep away from them. You don’t need the King thinking you are betraying him.” Franklin said in a harsh tone.

How dare he accuse my mate of such things. My mate would never try and kill the royal family. At least I hoped she wouldn’t be involved in such things. I wanted to strangle the life from him for speaking such things. I take a few deep breaths to calm myself.

I hear the door open and my mates voice flows to my ears along with her amazing scent. She smelt like cherry blossoms and vanilla. I took another deep breath taking in as much of her scent as I could. After Franklin and the other servant left I quickly headed to my room to get my things ready for the journey tomorrow. It was going to be long so I had to make sure I packed everything I would need.

As I was about to open the door to my room I heard footsteps behind me. I turn to see my mother walking towards me. Her long dress flowing behind her as she walked.

“Nicolas dear, may I have a word with you?” She asked. I nodded and opened my door and held my hand out to signal for her to enter first.

She walked into my room and over to the blood red couch sitting in front of the fireplace on the right wall. I shut the door and took a seat across from her in one of the high backed arm chair. She looks me over for a few minutes before letting out a breath. “Nicolas, I know you lied about why you weren’t wanting the humans to be your escort.” She paused for a second before she continued, “ what is the real reason you don’t want them to go to the northern mountains pack?”

I debated lying to my mother but knew it would be pointless. So I take a deep breath before telling her the real reason. “I found my mate mother.” I look at my mother to see a radiant smile on her face. She looked ecstatic that I’m worried about telling her my mate is a human.

God I don’t even know my mates name.

“ Oh Nicolas, this is wonderful news. Who is she? Is she a vampire noble? I’m sure she is beautiful, what’s she like?” My mother rushed out the questions, I wasn’t sure if I should tell her who my mate was but I knew she wouldn’t stop asking until I told her.

“Well, she is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. You met her actually, today. I’m not sure what she is like, I don’t even know her name yet. I haven’t had a chance to actually talk to her.” I admit.

“I met her today? The only people I met today were the humans. . . Wait! Your mate is one of the humans?!”

Please let her be understanding, please let her still be happy. “Yes mother, my mate is one of the human girls that were sent as my protection to the treaty negotiations.” I reply.

“Well which one was she?” My mother demanded. I take a deep breath and exhale before I answer. Well here goes. “My mate is the one in charge of the team I believe.” My mothers smile returns and is even bigger than before. “Captain Luna is your mate, I knew you would end up with a strong and beautiful mate. You will have to let me meet her officially.” I nod to my mother and stand as she moves to get up and gives me a tight hug before she leaves my room.

I am left to my own thoughts as I start to get my things ready for the journey tomorrow.

The need to be near my mate becomes unbearable. I exit my room and head in the direction of her room.

I enter the room next to theirs and head through to the balcony doors. I stand on the balcony and look over at the balcony joined to their rooms. It’s at least twelve feet from the balcony I’m on but that’s nothing, I leap across and land silently outside the door. I quietly open the doors and glance in. I open the doors wider and the feeling of rage rises inside me when I see my mate in bed with another man. I have to fight for control so I don’t rip him to shreds. Just as I’m gaining control, movement catches my eye. My mate is awake.

Oh s**t.