A Prince Awakens

The early rays of dawn crept through the ornate windows of Blanchette's room, painting her peaceful face in soft gold. Joshua stirred awake, blinking away sleep before his eyes landed on the girl nestled beside him. Her expression was serene, her long lashes resting against her cheeks, her chest rising and falling with calm rhythm.

She's really beautiful, Joshua thought, a small smile tugging at his lips.

Carefully, he slid out from under the covers, doing his best not to wake her. Standing beside the bed, he realized with an awkward grimace that he had morning wood. With a quiet groan, he adjusted himself discreetly, then turned back to Blanchette. Gently, he brushed a few strands of hair from her face and leaned in to kiss her forehead softly. She stirred slightly but did not wake.

Joshua cracked the door open and slipped out, closing it behind him with a quiet click, just in time to see Lancelot doing the same from the room next door.

They both exhaled in relief, only to lock eyes mid-sigh.

"Huh?" they said in unison, blinking at each other like two kids caught sneaking out.

"What are you doing here?" Joshua asked, scratching the back of his head.

Lancelot narrowed his eyes. "Merlin and I share that room. I should be the one asking you."

"Uhh… Blanchette said I should stay the night," Joshua admitted, rubbing his neck awkwardly.

Lancelot sighed. "If Queen Juliet finds out, you're dead."

"Yeah, I know."

"Whatever. We have training today. I'll be waiting at the training grounds. Raphael and Jack should be there too, so go get them."

"I don't even know where Raphael's room is."

"He's sharing it with you and Jack."

"Damn, that's super overcrowded." Joshua groaned and trudged off to fetch the others while Lancelot headed to the field.

Joshua burst into the room like a whirlwind. "IT'S TRAINING TIME!"

The door slammed open and Jack yelped, tumbling out of his bed.

Raphael sat up, startled. "It's morning already?" he yawned, rubbing his eyes before beginning to strap on his armor.

"Hey, asshole! Ever heard of decency!?" Jack growled, grabbing Joshua by the collar.

Joshua ignored him and began putting on his armor.

"Huh, whatever," Jack muttered, letting go. He pulled out his old Xeno armor.

"You still wearing that?" Joshua asked, raising a brow.

"Yeah, I'm too used to it," Jack replied before extending his claws and scratching the Xeno crest off. "But let's make some alterations."

Joshua and Raphael grinned at the defiant act. Once ready, the trio marched toward the training grounds.

They arrived to see Captain Percival and Lancelot already waiting. The group joined Lancelot in formation, standing shoulder to shoulder.

"It's good to see you returned, Raphael," Percival said, an uncharacteristic warmth in his voice.

Joshua, Jack, and Lancelot leaned toward one another, whispering.

"Have you ever seen him smile like that?"

"Not once."

"I think I'm scared."

"QUIET!" Percival snapped, his face immediately reverting to his usual stern glare.

"Yes, Captain," they all responded in unison, snapping into a salute.

"I heard about what happened at the rehearsal dinner from Raphael," Percival continued, his voice sharp. All three glared at Raphael, who gave them an innocent smile.

"And I am very disappointed in your performance. From now on, you'll be training from morning till night."

Their faces froze in disbelief.

"Also," Percival added, "I went to the noble blacksmith to get a sword made for you, Jack. I think it fits your style."

He tossed the blade toward Jack, who caught it with ease. It was a curved scimitar, silver blade, gold hilt, perfectly balanced. Jack couldn't help but grin.

"Let the training begin."

Raphael drew his massive claymore. Lancelot unsheathed his own blade, followed by Joshua, and the courtyard echoed with the ringing of steel as they all took their stances.

Meanwhile, deep in the slums, Zain returned to the hideout. He stepped inside, blinking in surprise at the neat and spotless condition of the room. Justin and Luke were seated at a small table, sipping tea like gentlemen.

"Wow… it's so clean! So, you guys found a witch to heal your wounds?" Zain asked as he joined them.

Justin poured him a cup as he sat. "Yeah, but it was awful," Luke muttered, and both shuddered at the memory.

Zain took a delicate sip. "Back to serious business, did the other team manage to capture Sam?"

"No," he replied smoothly. "Luther was killed by Percival, but Johnny brought back a noble vampire as an apology. My father accepted it."

"Good," Luke said. "Honestly, I'm glad Sam didn't get captured. No girl should suffer like that. But what's our plan for Siegfried?"

"My plan is to rally the werewolves who are against my father. Then we get them to choose a new leader."

Justin frowned. "But we don't have any pure noble left to replace him. The people won't accept you, they think you're just as bad as your father."

"I know," Zain replied, sipping elegantly. "But I found someone who fits the role perfectly."

"Who?" Luke asked.

Zain placed his cup down and answered plainly, "Joshua Xeno."

Justin and Luke spat their tea all over him.

"Joshua Xeno?! The rightful heir to the crown? Son of Loki Xeno, the Kind King, and Scarlett Xeno, the Black Warrior?" they shouted in unison.

Zain calmly dabbed his face with a napkin. "Yeah, that one."

"But didn't Siegfried kill him?" Justin asked.

"I thought so too. But I saw him when I rescued you. Looks like he's with the human nobles now."

Justin's eyes lit up. "The werewolves would love that. A real heir… and one raised by humans? That could unite both sides."

"Exactly. I didn't get to speak to him, your little attack made the humans too hostile but now that I know he's alive… we finally have a real chance at toppling my father."