Page 4 of What Lies Beyond the Realms

“There was a strange man outside my room this morning. I was letting Chepi out on the balcony, and he was near the garden just staring up at my room. Do you know who it could’ve been?”

“Their Majesties have requested I bring you to their chambers this morning once you’re ready. I don’t know what man you speak of, but maybe they’ll have something to say about it.”

Lili is never one to give much information. Seems I’m always kept in the dark about everything.

“Done. You look like a beautiful princess, ready for training,” she says while patting my shoulders. She’s always better at doing my hair than I am. Today she made several large braids then gathered them all in a tight bun at the nape of my neck.

“Now follow me. I’ll take you to your parents. I believe they’re having breakfast arranged for you in their chambers. I’ll take Chepi downstairs and make sure he gets a good breakfast in the kitchens.” She starts walking toward my parent’s wing of the castle with Chepi in tow.

I wonder why my parents want to have breakfast with me this morning. This is very out of character for them. I usually have breakfast alone with Chepi. It’s probably to chastise me for getting out of dinner last night.

I know I’ve reached my parents’ wing of the castle when the hallways somehow become richer with color. Everything is a deep purple and gold. Elaborately stitched rugs extend down the halls, and I almost feel bad for walking on them. The walls have several stained-glass windows, and when the sun shines just right they make dreamy rainbows cascade about.

“I can go the rest of the way alone, Lili. Will you go feed Chepi? I know he’s starving.”

I pass by her and continue down the long hallway alone before she can object. I knock on the door to my parents’ wing, and my mother lets me in. Her golden locks fall over her shoulders as she turns away from me. They do indeed have breakfast set up for just the three of us. The heady scent of wine slaps me in the face, and I look to where Silas is dunking pieces of biscuit into a goblet of deep red liquid.

“Come, dear, please take a seat. I know you must be hungry, and we have much to discuss.” My mom takes her seat across from me at the table next to Silas.

“Good morning, Lyra,” says my stepfather with a mouth full of food. Beads of wine dribble down his beard. I refrain from cringing.

“Good morning, Silas,” I reply while loading my plate with fresh fruit and biscuits with jam. “So what do you wish to discuss with me?” I take a big bite of a biscuit.

“It’s about your training,” my mom replies. Her green eyes look to me then at my plate. “I think one biscuit is plenty darling. You wouldn’t want to ruin your figure.” She smiles at me, and I want to roll my eyes.

“Yes, mother.” I give her my best fake smile. I’ve been put through training and lessons for as long as I can remember. Mr. Drogo is my current teacher, and we’ve mostly been focused on learning the history of the realms and their geography. I used to have another teacher, Mrs. Scampi. She taught me about herbs and making potions and casting spells until Silas decided it was too dangerous to learn such things without having any real magic yet.

“What about my training?” I ask.

“Up until now your training has been mostly academic, but starting today you’re going to start physical training. I want you to know how to wield a blade and a bow and be able to defend yourself physically,” says Silas. “Now, don’t look so worried. We’re only looking out for your best interest.”

“I don’t understand. I’ll never need to fight. I’m a princess, not a warrior. I don’t even have muscles. Why are you making me do this?”

“Enough, Lyra. Your father doesn’t need to explain his reasons to you. You’ll do as he says, and you’ll not question it,” says mother, silencing my protests, her green eyes cutting into me.

“He is not my father,” I say before I can stop myself.

My mother visibly flinches. “Watch your mouth, young lady.” She’s got fury in her gaze.

“The first stage of your training begins after breakfast. I have brought Aidan the leader of the Lycan Realm here to train you. He’ll stay at the castle, and you will train with him every day until he sees fit. Do you understand?” Silas says, sternly.

“Yes, I understand,” I mutter

“Good. Now finish your breakfast then head down to the back courtyard. Aidan will meet you there.” Mother seems to have regained her composure.

No longer hungry, I excuse myself and make my way to the courtyard.

Chapter Three

Aidan is already waiting for me when I reach the courtyard. He has a shirt on now, but it's tight and shows off his defined muscles. He’s tall and broad. His white-blond hair is straight and glossy next to his face. His jaw is wide and strong, speckled with white stubble. His face shows a little bit of age, mostly around his eyes where wrinkles are slightly pronounced even when he’s not smiling. Those pale blue eyes look at me now, but they aren’t glowing like this morning in the forest.

“Um . . . Hi, I’m Lyra, and I was told to meet you here.” I try to hide my vexation.

“Yes, hello again, Lyra,” he says with a sly wink, as if he’s referring to our earlier meeting when he was lurking outside my bedroom. “My name is Aidan, and your parents have asked me here to assist in training you in physical combat. And, from the looks of it, I have my work cut out for me.” He smirks and takes in my less-than-impressive physical appearance.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” A wave of warmth spreads across my cheeks.

“I mean no offense. It just doesn’t look like you have very much muscle on your body. Although, I must say it’s a nice body.” An arrogant grin spreads across his face while eyeing me up and down.