The Lycan King's Defiant Surrogate

Since my arrival here at the capital, it has never been any secret that Caleb was the kingdom's most eligible bachelor. I can't pretend to be shocked when so many woman take interest in him, hoping to claim his eye and his hand - and some of his power for themselves.

-

Yet, even knowing that, the thought of Caleb actually getting married felt like a far off prospect. He's never shown much interest in the women who pursue him. Since I've been here, he spent most of his time with me, not those women.

But with this request from his parents, Caleb's attitude on the whole matter has seemed to shift. Suddenly, he's taking it all much more seriously.

Standing beside him in his office, I watch as he writes down a list of names. Women he knows. Potential brides.

I don't recognize the names, but Caleb seems to know them off hand. What did his parents say? He needs to marry a noble werewolf. That's probably a short list. I wonder if any of them are beautiful. Caleb would want a beautiful wife. I'm not jealous, but as I stand beside Caleb while he sits at his desk writing, I will for him to look up at me, so see me and acknowledge me. Instead he seems entirely focused on his task.

With each passing moment, a sprig of annoyance slowly grows within me, coiling around my chest, inch by unbearable inch.

I am not jealous. I will not be jealous. I refuse to be jealous!

"I've made arrangements with the Pitmaster," Caleb says. training. I've told her to expect you."

"You remember her? She will be conducting this season's warrior

A new fear opens up within me, pushing back that annoying sprig for now. "You don't mean to send me back to the coliseum..."

I dread returning to that place, even just to train in the pit. I have so many dark memories from there, where I was so agonized, knowing my death was encroaching. I don't ever want to feel that way again.

"Of course not," Caleb says, dismissing that fear at once. "This training will be conducted in the courtyard. You will not be the only attendee, so I expect you not to embarrass me. Several trainees of the guard will also be taking the training."

"I understand," I say, relieved. "I'll do my best."

"Do better than that," Caleb says

and lists another name.

My annoyance immediately returns.

Later, when summoned for the warrior training, I head out into the courtyard. There, in a far corner, blessedly away from the pit where I had nearly been whipped, I find the Pitmaster, who looks younger than I remember. Though I've never seen her in sunlight before. Several guard trainees are already there, each flexing or showing off with backflips or handstands. The Pitmaster ignores them all. Instead, she considers me as I approach.

"Harper," she says. "Glad to see you have survived. And a consort now too, congratulations."

I'm still not sure why being a member of a harem is considered an honor, but it does beat risking my life in the coliseum.

Thanks," I say.

"The King himself told me that you would be attending warrior training this time," the Pitmaster says. "He insisted that I not go easy on you. Please be aware that you will be treated as any other of the soldiers-to-be present here."

3

10:45

Thu, Dec

"I understand," I say. "I don't want any special treatment."

85%

To actually learn something, I can't be treated with any kind of special treatment. The hard knocks might hurt the worst, but they always leave the most long-lasting memories.

Over the past few months, my life has been threatened and then threatened some more. Whatever I can do to at least deter people from trying to kill me would be a step in the right direction.

Short of me actually carrying a gun, which Caleb continues to suggest and I continue to refuse.

"Good," the Pitmaster says. Louder, she shouts. "All of you, ready yourselves!"

An hour later, I fall down onto the ground for the fifth consecutive time.

Without special treatment, I have been paired up with a tall and broad monster of a trainee, who could probably moonlight as a professional weightlifter he really wanted. Instead, he's busy breaking every hold I could try, and flipping me over onto my back like I weigh nothing at all.

"Sorry," he says, looking down as he towers over me. "You are very light..."

He's a gentle giant. His regret seems heartfelt. Reaching down, he plucks me off the ground then rights me on my feet.

"Thanks," I tell him.

"Harper? You good?" the Pitmaster calls.

I don't want special treatment, but my body is sore. Fortunately, there are other trainees who have tapped out for a moment. They are currently resting in the shade, their backs against the wall.

"I might need a moment to catch my breath," Ltell her.

"You can't train if you're hurt," the Pitmaster says. "It's good to know your limits." She nods toward the other group, and I walk over to them.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

I sit in the shade beside a younger looking man, likely only recently twenty. As we watch the stronger trainees continue with their sparing, he grins at me.

"Hardly seems fair, pitting you against the biggest guy here," he says.

"I need to be able to face an opponent of any size," I say.

"Sorry, but if that guy comes up to you, you should probably just run."

Running is ever my first choice, but I know by now that it is sometimes not an option. In those cases, I need to be ready to fight,

"I'm Ted, by the way," the trainee says. "I know we're not supposed to make friends here, but life's too short to sit around all quiet all the time." His grin is somewhat infectious, even if he comes off as slightly naïve.

I wonder, with a slight ache in my chest, how long it will be before this place ruins his spirits. Hopefully not too soon. It's nice to talk to someone with such an easy smile, who doesn't seem haunted by bad memories. "I'm Harper."

"A beautiful name," he says. "Are you training to become a guard too?"

I blink at him. Does he really not know who I am?

"Ted!" the Pitmaster barks. "If you are feeling well enough to flap your lips, then you are well enough to continue training.

Get over here."

"Got to run," Ted says with a wink. "Talk more later?"

-

3

85%

"I suppose," I say, too stunned to say much else. He genuinely believes that I am here to train for a guard position? Looking down at myself, I'm wearing a borrowed tunic and leather riding boots. Caleb didn't want me to train in my usual, more revealing harem outfit. Is this the source of Ted's confusion?

I should tell him, I reason. The sooner the better. If he knew who I was, he would know to treat me with more caution.

If Caleb were to see...

As if drawn by my thoughts, I suddenly see him. Caleb. Storming toward the training with his eyes flashing red. He's furious.

And he's headed right for Ted.