Lycan Prince Matteo

Freya

“How dare she think I’m not worthy of my mate? I’ll prove her and her father wrong. I always suspected they couldn’t be trusted; their agenda was to push me out of the palace and into Matteo’s life. If Matteo doesn’t get his priorities straight, that woman might actually succeed.

I shouldn’t have to spell out my feelings to him. If he truly cared, he should have sensed it. Yet, I can’t help but feel sorry for myself, sensing his hesitation. I noticed his doubts, especially when that elder mentioned his mate before me,” Camila said.

I looked at her, rising from the chair by the window. It was a beautiful morning, and I had planned to stroll around the palace later. Since someone wanted to see me, I might as well do it now. “Where is he?” I asked. Rapha, the head of defense and my trainer, awaited.

“In the training hall. He also mentioned changing into your training attire,” Camila replied, heading to the walk-in closet. I tried to stop her, insisting I could manage, but she insisted and handed me leggings and a sports bra. Grateful they were mine and still decent, I left behind the torn and old favorites.

Rubber shoes awaited me on the floor when I emerged from the bathroom. I put them on and followed Camila to the training hall. We exited the palace, walking along a path leading to the side, passing villas along the way. I wondered who lived there. The Midnight Pack’s villas were reserved for important guests, such as the prince. Were there individuals more important than the king and prince allowed to stay there?

“We need to pick up the pace. The training hall is a 15-20 minute walk from the palace,” Camila said, looking back at me.

“Can you walk with me?” I asked, and she smiled. “Sorry, Your Highness. Am I walking too fast?”

“No, I just felt like you didn’t want to walk with me,” I replied. “No, that’s not it. We usually walk behind or ahead of the royals.

“Walk with me from now on; I prefer having someone beside me rather than behind or ahead. How can we converse if you’re distant?”

“If that’s your preference, princess,” she replied, waiting for me. I reciprocated with a smile. Upon entering the hall, I marveled at its size, almost like an entire gymnasium. Lockers lined the entrance, likely used by numerous warriors daily. Passing through, I noticed various gym equipment, benches for resting, and water dispensers. The absence of people suggested they weren’t expecting my presence.

Further inside, a boxing ring caught my eye. Unfamiliar with boxing due to my parents’ instruction in freestyle fighting, akin to street fighting with no rules. Their advice was to confront enemies without constraints, fighting with the intent to kill, based on their experience with rogue encounters.

Approaching the ring, Rapha greeted me, and I noticed a door, likely his office. “Good morning, Princess,” he greeted, and I responded in kind.

“I wasn’t aware my training would begin today. I apologize if you had to send for me before my arrival,” I mentioned.

“No need to apologize, Princess. I decided quickly after our discussion yesterday. I know it’s sudden, but here we are starting your session,” he assured.

“No harm done, um…” I hesitated in addressing him.

“Just call me Rapha, Princess.”

“Rapha it is,” I replied with a smile.

“We’ll start with the basics,” he announced.

“I’m fine with that. Tell me what I need to do. If it involves cleaning the hall, consider it part of my training; I’m ready to learn everything,” I assured him.

“Thank you. Since you’re all dressed up, let’s begin, princess,” he said, and we commenced with warm-ups before a casual run around the hall. Transitioning to the quick agility ladder, Rapha emphasized moving quickly and effortlessly. Despite catching a furrowed brow from him, I focused on following his instructions, confident in my performance.

“He set up the cones and signaled me to run with his whistles. I focused on improving myself, as he demonstrated exceptional skill that I aspired to match. I aimed to acquire knowledge beyond what my parents had taught me. Despite finding it somewhat tedious, I approached the training with enthusiasm, eager to learn more from him.

“That’s enough for today,” Rapha declared. “Take a moment to cool down and avoid straining your body,” he advised, leading us through some cooling-down exercises. Afterward, he called me over, standing by the boxing ring.

“You performed well during the training. I thought you might complain, but you showed great patience,” he remarked.

“My parents instilled in me the value of patience,” I replied, smiling, and he chuckled.

“They were right. I sensed you might have had prior training, yet you diligently followed all the basic instructions today. It’s a promising start; it seems you’re genuinely eager to learn.”

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“I assume you’re looking forward to tomorrow. Am I correct?”

“You bet,” I responded. After the workout, I headed to the shower and changed into fresh clothes that Camila had prepared. She patiently waited for me. As we walked back, she informed me, “Princess, the king has invited you to dine with him again.” Anticipating questions about the training, I agreed, hoping to avoid encountering any unpleasant individuals.

“I hope I won’t have to deal with that person again.”