Wishes

Chapter 1 - Wishes

“Better luck next time.” I grin down at Cedric as I offer him my hand. He ignored my out-reached hand, getting up on his own, dusting himself off. Without another word or look in my direction, he joined the other trainees. My father, and grandfather, are the current leaders of the Royal Guards. The Royal Guards are a level of warriors tasked with protecting all entrances from each realm. They have a direct link to the moon goddess, Selene. From all the stories that are written in texts and told by my parents. My grandfather is one of the original Royal Guards. My father's pack only became a part of them, the guards twenty-three years ago, after defeating a great evil and claiming their rights to the throne.

My parents had been through hell and back, almost losing one another along the way. There are some stories they keep to themselves, but I’ve heard different versions from my uncle Drake and Aunt Rachel. They talk about how ruthless my father was, still is at times. How brave and powerful my mother is. Drake and Rachel have helped raise my siblings and me. Their daughter, Audra, is practically another sister to me and one of my closest friends. She is a year younger than me, but she has the maturity of a fifty-year-old, wise beyond her years and over-cautious.

When my parents became rulers of all realms, they gave up a lot in their lives. They were busy but always made time for us. It became harder to find time as we got older. They began giving me more classes and more training, preparing me for the future I am destined to have. They always tell me I can accept or decline it, but then give me another lesson and add training.

The only place I find any form of peace is when I’m out in the field training with the warriors or Royal Guards. The warriors of the Fae realm are more accepting of me; most Fae respect the hierarchy. The Royal Guards are a little less accepting; they don’t fully believe I have earned my way into their training sessions. They would never tell my parents or grandfather what they thought about me and treat me differently. A few hate the fact that not only am I good at fighting, but I also make them look like they are out of practice. That’s why I have been sent to train with the newbies, fewer egos to bruise.

“Next time, you need to put all of your body weight into the swing. You keep twisting and throwing your weight into your back leg. During a fight against the enemy, they would have seen that and knocked out your leg and killed you.” My grandfather explained. He lifted his shoulders and straightened out his back, moving in one fluid motion, slamming the sword through the air. When it hit the hay in front of us, it exploded, hay flying everywhere. I let out a laugh; the fact that he was over two hundred years old and held that much strength was truly amazing. He had Fae in him like me, so he would live a longer life than most wolves, than most of the Royal Guards. If my grandmother were still alive, he would live as long as she would, linked to her life. Since I was born Fae, I could live the life span of an immortal, not unable to die but able to live a long life.

“I was a little out of my element today. Mom and dad informed me of the guard ceremony happening next week. I’m excited to see who is going to be chosen as the new leader.” I gave him a weary smile, knowing fully well that it wasn’t a good excuse. He shook his head; disappointment etched on his features.

“We have talked about this, Imelda. You can’t let thoughts take you out of your mindset. You must remain focused. The ceremony is an exciting time, but something could happen at any time, and you have to be able to snap out of that moment. Be able to focus on winning in a fight, tuning out everything else around you.” He grabbed my shoulder and squeezed it tightly.

“I understand. It won’t happen again.” I let out a sigh of annoyance as he let go and walked towards Cedric. I could feel the others watching me; some held scowls while others held a look of amusement.

“Is he always that tough on you, or is it just because we’re around.” A deep voice asked, snapping me out of my thoughts. I turned my gaze to his. A man stood in front of me, his eyes a deep purple, his hair the colour of the moon, cut short. His ears reaching a perfect point, and his skin the colour of caramel. He wore fighting leather, his tunic sleeveless and form-fitting. He had knives sheathed to his left thigh and right arm. Everything stretched out, hugging his body perfectly, showing off every muscle. Even though I was partial Fae, I could never compare to their beauty. It was completely and utterly enchanting.

“No, he is just that intense. I don’t blame him, though, and he is training everyone to fight on the battlefield, protecting our kingdom. Every death would be a death he tried to prevent through training and tournaments. Only the best make it into the royal guard.” I explained, turning to look over at a sour Cedric. His eyes met mine, giving me another death glare as my grandfather walked away.

“It’s definitely an honour to be trained by him. I’ve heard stories about how he used to train right before they were locked in the human realm. He was ruthless and unforgiving, a true warrior.” I turned and studied his face, and his eyes were focused on my grandfather. Watching as he showed another trainee how to hold his stance while swinging his sword. Then, his eyes returned to mine, his lips stretching into a breathtaking smile.

“I’m Apollo, by the way; this is my first year trying out. I believe I’ve seen you a few times in the warrior training but never had a chance actually to introduce myself.” He reached out his hand, I reached forward and shook it.

“Imelda, I don’t remember ever seeing you. I wouldn’t take it personally, though. When I’m on the field, I’m more focused on my training than socializing.” I laughed awkwardly. His hand was warm against mine. He held my hand a little longer before I pulled it away.

“Ahh, so you don’t purposely ignore people. So here I thought you thought you were better than us regular Fae.” He gave me a wink. I furrowed my brows in confusion. Maybe that’s why others didn’t like me; they thought I was ignorant, considering myself better.

“I’m joking. Maybe not the best choice of words.” Apollo laughed, giving me a reassuring smile.

“Oh, I know, was just lost in thought.” I lied. Letting out a forced laugh.

“Well, I better get back to training before I get in trouble for standing around talking,” I said, running off to the next round of sparing before he could answer. It was almost a shock when someone in guard training talked to me. Most ignored my very existence until we had to go head to head. I lined up behind two other trainees, I had spared them a few times, but they weren’t the greatest. Jasper was always sloppy with his stances, and his hand-to-hand combat lacked confidence. Maylea, one of the few female trainees, was quick on her feet but always left herself open, favouring her right side.

“Imelda, you’re going against Jasper. Line up and practice defensive techniques. After you are done, you are both. You are allowed to head home for the night.” My Grandfather ordered. I could hear the irritated sigh Jasper let out.

“Let’s make this quick. I have other places to be.” Jaspers's voice was sharp as he spoke to me. I rolled my eyes at him. I stripped off my metal guards and stood in my fighting leather. My knives were sheathed to my left leg and one on my upper left arm. Jasper was doing the same, his tunic was loose, and he wore similar fighting pants. He only had one knife sheathed on each leg. His brown curls a mess on his head, sweat causing some to stick to his face. He was a pure werewolf, which gave him an even bigger ego than most. Because of his status, he liked to rub it in that he was directly connected to the Lycan bloodline. He seemed to forget that I was connected to both mothers instead of one and that no one truly cared.

“For someone who wants to be a Royal Guard, you’re in an awful hurry to leave. You’re lucky Silas didn’t hear you, or you’d be kicked out of training for a week.” I retorted back, giving him just as much attitude.

“Whatever, Imelda, everyone knows you're only training with us because they feel sorry for you. Destined to be married for power. Your parents want you to believe you have a bigger purpose than being someone’s little trophy.” He mused, giving me a sly smile. I knew his tactics,  try to get into my head and psych me out. Before he could say another word, I stepped forward. Putting all my force behind my leg as I swung it up toward his face. His eyes widened as he ducked, narrowly missing it. He reached up and grabbed my leg, twisting it. I spun with the movement and tucked into myself as I made contact with the earth under me.

I let out a grunt as I fell, rolling to my side as Jasper aimed for my face. Pushing myself off the ground, I returned to my stance, and we circled each other again. I reached forward, distracting him with my left hand as I swung out my right. Clipping his jaw, he let out a curse before charging at me. I blocked each hit as he grabbed my arm. Finally, I spun and locked his arm around his neck. He dropped to the ground, trying to catch me off balance. As we fell onto the ground, I swung my legs around him, holding him in place, tightening my grip on his arm. He let out a sharp gasp and tapped my arm. I held on a minute longer before letting go. He shot up, gasping for air and coughing, while he rubbed his throat.

“You’re a psychotic bitch.” He spat as he glared at me. His friends came rushing to his side, helping him up. A few people watching looked at us in shock, others smirking. His friends glared at me, too, shaking their heads.

“Next time, I’ll make sure you pass out. Flapping your big mouth won’t fix how small your dick is.” I snapped, returning his glare. Someone cleared their throat behind me. I slowly turned around to see my grandfather standing behind me. Arms crossed, his brow arched and jaw tight, irritation and anger written all over his face.

“You should have heard the shit he said to me. I think I was quite nice.” I defended myself. He turned his gaze to Jasper, and I did the same.

“I will deal with you after Jasper. Imelda to my office now.” He ordered, his tone cold. It wasn’t the first time I had pissed him off. It happened once or twice on a good day, more on a bad day on those days I got kicked out of training. Today was a good day; my mouth and attitude were on the lighter side. I turned and followed him. As I looked around, I saw a huge grin stretched across Apollo’s face. He shook his head as he watched me walk away. I gave him a half-smile in return and then rushed off towards my grandfather’s office.

We walked across the field towards a small cabin. It was a cute little log home. It had vines growing up on the sides, smoke coming from the chimney. A small covered porch sat out front: a rocking chair and a porch swing hanging at the far end. As we walked in, the smell of lilacs and lavender filled my nose.

Mom told me once that it was how my grandmother smelt. She never met her, but when she visited their home, the whole place smelt like her. It was oddly comforting, I wanted to visit it one day, but my parents were very strict about me leaving the Fae realm. They always worried about me being attacked or kidnapped. Things happened to my mom when she was younger; before she knew she was pregnant with me. I know that's where her overprotective nature comes from, but sometimes it was completely suffocating. My mother was a little less guarded with Damon travelling. He is a year younger than me, and even Nesrin and Balor got to go to the different realms a couple of times. I was in lessons or training when they went, but sometimes it hurt knowing they got more freedom than I did.

We walked into the office, my grandfather sat behind his desk, and I sat in the leather chair in front of it. I let out a sigh as I dropped my body down into the seat—his sigh matching mine as he rubbed his hands down his face.

“What was it this time, Mel.” He asked.

“Jasper was just a dick.” I pursed my lips as he cleared his throat again.

“Sorry. Jasper was ignorant. He said, you only let me train because you feel sorry for me. Because soon I will be married off like some trophy, and this is your way of making me feel important.” My voice annoyed as I spoke.

“Ahh, so you let him get in your head.” He said, sitting back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest. I avoided eye contact as I looked around the room. Instead, my eyes focused on the picture of him and my grandmother. She looked up at my grandfather with such love. They had the hugest smiles on their faces. My mother looked identical to her. I often wondered if it hurt him, having a constant reminder of what he lost in front of him. I know it was different, my mother wasn’t her, but he often told her how alike they actually were.

“No, I didn’t let him get into my head. He pissed me off. He isn’t even that good of a fighter. He should just be back with the warriors, not training with the guards.” I let the annoyance lace every word.

“Of course, he isn’t good. He’s only been training for a year. You have been training for eighteen years. You have the upper hand, and you should have the ability to ignore his childish comments. Your attitude and behaviour, over the past couple of days, has been extremely disappointing, Mel.” His eyes narrowed as he looked at him. When he looked at me like that, with such frustration and disappointment, my stomach turned. I found myself feeling like a child all over again.

“As I said, I’ve been distracted. It won’t happen again. I have a lot on my plate right now. On top of training, I had three new lessons added to my spell class. I’ve been working on reinforcing my mental barriers. I’m honestly exhausted. This has been my whole life; I feel like everyone else expects so much out of me. I am always expected to smile, always be proper. Don’t forget I can’t have one hair out of place and must perform everything in a precise manner. It’s like everyone forgets that I was never allowed to be a kid. Everyone is so busy preparing me for my future; no one has allowed me to live in the present.” I snapped. I stood up, pacing around the room. This is what usually happened, everything would build up, and I would keep pushing it down until someone said the wrong thing. Until someone pushed the wrong buttons and made every feeling, every emotion, explode. Silas let out a sigh and stood up, walking around his desk, pulling me into a hug.

“Sometimes it’s hard to remember that you are more than the roles you are expected to play. I know it’s tough doing the things you are expected, but soon enough, you will understand why we have all been so hard on you, Mel. Sometimes we are overbearing and seem like we don’t care, but we do. All of us do. You’re excused from practice tomorrow. Just enjoy the afternoon, go swimming with some of your friends or roam the capital.” He said, kissing the top of my head. I gave him a tight squeeze before heading for the door.

“Sometimes I wish I could just be normal, experience life without the weight of the world on my shoulders,” I muttered. “But I know wishes only come true in fairytales.”

“Not always Imelda, magic is all around us. The greatest wishes come true when we least expect them.”

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