Fated is overrated

Lola POV

The rest of the evening went by pretty uneventful, luckily. Zane was a lot more silent after I got dressed than before, I wonder what that was about. His grip on my hand had tightened throughout the evening, as if he was afraid of letting go. He kept mumbling something about a meeting tomorrow morning between kingdoms, but I guess my dad will fill me in on that.

Throughout the night I got more and more uncomfortable, I kept feeling everybody's burning gaze on me, even though they tried to hide it. Most of them were either downright fearful, or hesitant, as if they hadn't made up their mind about me yet. I guess having a Lycan bringing down a massive dragon to his knees will do that. But there is no way around for me to become ruler of the dragon kingdom, Damon doesn't want to and my father insists I was made for it and how he needs me to step up to prevent sh*ts like steroids from claiming the throne.

I have decided I will, I don't want to be the destruction of the kingdom. I will protect the kingdom to my dying breath. That being said, everyone needs to know I am no pushover and I am not f*cking around.

I will not be a Queen who sits by idly, looking pretty and planning parties. Nor will I rely on any man to fight my battles for me. I am the heir to the throne and I will fight against little sh*ts like steroids myself.

Besides the fearful and hesitant stares I was receiving, there were also a few who seemed very enthralled. Among one, Felix the warlock. He has been nothing but kind to me thus far, but he seems a tad bit eager to be my friend. I could be imagining it though, not everybody who is kind has an ulterior motive, I guess.

Steroids was nowhere to be seen all evening, after being beat down by a Lycan. Good riddance. Zane stuck by me the entire evening, not wanting to let me go, and to be honest I kind of liked it. He hasn't said or done anything stupid all evening either, which is progress I guess you could say.

Zeke was never too far from us, looking like a beaten puppy. I f*cking hate that the bond made me feel bad for him, but I did. When Zane and I said our goodbyes in a tight embrace and a small kiss, I could almost feel Zeke's burning gaze on my skin. I am taking it slow though. I like being near them (yes, Zeke too, even though I hate to admit it considering he is an idi*t) and they are definitely easy on the eyes, but I won't be giving my heart out any time soon. They'll have to earn that and prove they have changed. I am still stretching in bed, really not ready to get up at all, but I am training with my brother soon so I really should. There is a soft knock at the door, and the scent coming from the other side lets me know it is my dad on the other end.

"Come in dad!" I yell from under the covers. I am probably the biggest sleepyhead ever, but I had to miss my family for way too long already, I'll never miss an opportunity to spend time with them.

My dad enters the room chuckling. Probably at the sight of my sleepy *ss still under the covers. "Weren't you training with your brother in about.. 15 minutes?" he chuckles again.

"Yes, I am. So that meant I had 10 minutes of sleep left" I chuckle back, while throwing off the covers to be able to see my dad. He has positioned himself at the other side of my bed. His smile lingers for a bit, before his look turns more serious, more solemn. I sit up and scoop closer to him, giving him a tight hug. "What's up dad? What's wrong?" I ask with my face clinging to his chest. I absolutely love hugging my dad, there's nothing better in the world. 1

He sighs while running a hand through my hair, his other hand resting on my back and pulling me into our embrace tighter." Yesterday, the vampire and warlock King demanded we'd have a meeting today with all current Kings and Queens, and their heirs.." he drawls, and I keep quiet to let him continue.

He rests his head on top of mine, before continuing "basically, they are scared of you and your powers, and they want to discuss this with all kingdoms. I am not sure what they are going to say, but I need you to trust me, honey. I will not let them touch a single strand of hair on your head, I will go to war before I let them take away my daughter".

I am a little confused whether or not I should be sad, scared or proud that they are afraid of me. Looking up at my dad, I can see the tears forming in his eyes. I feel so bad for him. "I don't want you to go to war, dad

. I don't want anyone to get harmed. That being said though, I am never EVER parting from you and Damon ever again. I will destroy their entire kingdom myself if I have to" I say determined, with a clenched jaw. "Don't worry dad, it will all be fine, I promise you. I am not leaving you" I say while embracing him tighter and leaning up to kiss his cheek.

He clears his throat, before answering "I know, honey. I love you".

"I love you too, dad. So, so much". We sit in comfortable silence, embracing each other for a while, when Damon links me that training is off for today, as he has to attend the meeting. My dad gives me one last squeeze, before releasing me from his hold and reluctantly walking back towards the door. "The meeting will be held here, on the bottom floor meeting room.

The vampire King has brought an army of guards to be stationed on the bottom floor, and specifically to be guarding the meeting room, so please do your old man a favor and steer clear of the bottom floor".

I give my dad a reassuring smile, and reply "OK", before he exits the room. I hate lying to my father and I hate going against him, but there is no way in hell I am going to let them take the brunt for me. If this vampire "King" has something to say about me, he should be man enough to say it to my face.