Princess of my Immortal Heart

Chapter 2: Zaria....216 years later

The full moon felt marvelous on her silver/white fur. Zaria stretched and yawned contently, as its pale bright light warmed her fur. Zaria Ara Sofia Morganthe Sangre loved this time of the month. Especially in late summer, like tonight, when it was warm outside and the woods were fragrant with old leaves and hints of the cooler weather to come. Her werewolf blood sang in her veins as she sprinted through the woods and leapt over fallen trees. In the distance, she heard the familiar howl of her beloved father calling to her. She yelped in reply and ran toward Dragon Castle, her home. When she broke through the tree line, she slowed to a walk when she saw her father proudly sitting near the marble fountain on the large, round patch of grass in the middle of the circle driveway in front of the castle. The crushed white shells that served at pavement shone bright in the moon’s light and her father’s thick, dark grey fur glistened. She walked up to him and rubbed her head along his neck and he returned the gesture of affection. “You wander farther and farther each month, Zaria... You must remember to stay within our boundaries. You never know if a Cast Out is out there or has set a trap for one of us.” Luke said to her telepathically. “I know, Father, and I’m sorry. I just feel so free when I run that I want to keep going on and on until I reach the end of the world.” Zaria replied, and then lapped her tongue across his front paw as a sign of obedience. Luke chuckled in his throat and lapped her ear in return. They both smiled at each other, then phased back into their human forms. Thanks to a special magic that was within them, they always phased back to human form with their clothes on, otherwise this would be very awkward. “I understand all too well, my love. You get that from me, grandpa Ulrik, Grandma Sofia, and all your wolf ancestors before you.” Luke said, putting his arm around her shoulders and turning her toward the castle. “Will you please tell me the story of grandpa Ulrik and Grandma Sofia again? I love hearing it.” Zaria asked, laying her head on her father’s shoulder. She looked up at him with her dazzling silver eyes, identical to her mother’s, and hoped he would melt to her like he always did for his queen. Luke chuckled again and kissed her forehead. “You minx. Just like your mother, trying to melt me with those beautiful eyes as she does. However, I unfortunately do not have the time to tell you the story right now. Your mother and I are meeting with your grandparents and Father Loragen tonight about you and your brother’s official crowning ceremony Saturday night. A few things still need to be discussed and finalized. I promise you, though, that I will tell you again tomorrow after our evening run. Will that be ok?” Zaria smiled up at him and kissed his cheek. “Sounds like a plan, Father, I look forward to it. I will see you at dinner. I’m going to go find my brat of a brother,” she said sweetly. “Zaria, please, do not harass Vincent so harshly tonight. His mind is on training our armies and the upcoming ceremony.” Luke said cautiously. “Yes, sir.” She replied and sauntered off toward the lower bailey where she knew Vincent would be practicing swordsmanship with the army. It never ceased to amaze her that in a world of tanks, guns, and powerful weapons; in their little slice of Romania, time seem to stand still and the sword, mace, and daggers are still used as they were centuries ago. They even still held jousting tournaments at the annual fall festival and feast every year. It seemed so medieval to her, yet it was still so much fun. The guards did carry guns loaded with silver bullets and the army had a few more powerful weapons hidden away in case of war, but that was for added protection from the Cast Outs, for they carried the same. She just hoped that her brother was in a good mood this evening or her fun would be very short lived.