Misha the Beast Tamer.

It took a while for my Father to come to an agreement with Bourdon. His threat to take me for his bride seemed to have worked in Bourdon's favour.

"I will allow her to make a choice, she leaves to visit her mother tomorrow. On her return three days later, I will pass on your offer. If she accepts, you must give me another seven days to tell her of her past. I will tell her everything, even the nature of my relationship with Micah. I will do this on the condition that you will not claim her as your bride, and that you do not return until the seven days are up. Do you accept Bourdon?"

Bourdon nodded,

"I Agree. Also, I believe she already knows the nature of the relationship you share with Stefan and you once shared with Micah. She has known for quite some time.

A word of advice for the future, make sure Stefan's erotic stories are kept away from the reach and prying eyes of curious children. Farewell, your highness and good night Stefan."

Bourdon left, I waited until Stefan and Dad left too. I had to get back to my room, pack a chest of clothes and go to sleep. As I entered my bed chambers I noticed a cup of tea on my bedside table. I'd hoped it was cool by now, if it was hot Stefan would've known I wasn't in my room. I was relieved that it was cool. I packed my chest and drank the tea. Not long after I felt tired and collapsed on my bed.

The time away I spent with my Mother was a relaxing break. She told me what was happening to my body, she warned me that in the next few years, I'd be given as a bride to a Prince/king. A pawn to be used for political, financial, and strategic gain.

She said I'll never be allowed to marry for love. I refused to believe her, my father and Stefan would never let me be used in such a way. Mother didn't believe me. That was the only thing we disagreed on.

On my return home, Dad requested I join him for a special dinner. It was only between Dad and I. No Stefan, No David, just me and my Dad.

We started off with some polite small talk, and light conversation. I sat in my chair, my anxiety growing, I knew he wanted to talk to me about Bourdon's offer. After my conversation with Mum, the feelings that I had about being treated as a Princess and not being taught the same things as my brother, I knew what my answer would be. All I needed to do was wait.

I waited through; an entrée of soup, a plate of roast pig and vegetables, and a pie made with sweet apples, crumbling pastry and cinnamon.

Still my Father was unable to ask me the main question, the only reason we were having this special dinner.

I was becoming impatient and was seriously contemplating whether to coax him into asking it. As we were being served our hot drinks, he blurted it out, finally.

"Misha, I have a question to ask you." He paused, then continued.

"Bourdon thinks that you are somehow destined to be a beast tamer, like he is. In a little over a week, if you accept his offer, you'll be travelling to the beast tamer academy and leaving the castle. You'll have six years of training at the academy, you will be able to visit us on occasion.

You'll learn things, like how to track animals, use a sword, train the most vicious of beasts and many other things. Would you like to become one of Bourdon's student's at the Academy?"

I already knew the answer,

"Yes, Father I would." I replied

"You gave an answer so quickly, without even taking some time to think it over. Are you sure this is what you want? Do you want to sleep on it, and decide tomorrow?" He said.

"I've already made my decision Father. I want to be trained at the academy " I replied defiantly.

My Father was left slightly surprised and speechless. After he got over the initial shock of my answer he replied,

"Well, it seems that I have to tell you every detail of the events that led to your existence, my stubborn, beautiful daughter.

Tomorrow morning, dress in something comfortable. We will be riding horses, so if you don't have anything, go and ask your brother to borrow something. You are still around the same size?"

I nodded, trying not to show the overwhelming happiness I was feeling. I will finally be able to do things I want to do. I will finally be taught how to use a sword. I stood from my chair and ran around and gave my father a hug. He returned it, all be it reluctantly.

"Better go to bed Misha, tomorrow morning we leave the castle at 6 chimes of the town clock. I want to show you the sunrise from one of my favourite spots. Good night, my girl."