Misha the Beast Tamer.

We returned to the castle, I was feeling a mixture of emotion. I tried my best to continue the day as normal, but Dad had not told me who my father was. I knew he was the guard called Tristan, the one who killed Micah. I just didn't know all the details . I couldn't. I decided to take myself into my bed chambers for some peace and quiet. I was lucky enough to get thirty minutes alone, before the familiar, comforting voice of Stefan drifted under the door.

"Misha, please let me in?"

I sighed, I loved Stefan and he always knew how to make me feel better. He was like my mother when my real mother wasn't around and he fitted the role perfectly.

" Alright, come in." I replied.

Stefan rushed in, ran over to where I was standing and held me in his arms while fussing over me.

"Are you alright? Anything I can do to help? Your Father told me what happened today. It was a requirement before you leave for the academy. I wish I was there to comfort you, but I understand why King Luca decided to do what he did."

We stood in the middle of my room, cuddling. I cried a bit

"Do you love my Father, Stefan? Do you love me Stefan, Truly?"

Stefan stood back from me, shock on his face.

"Of course I do. Why do you ask?" He replied.

"I just wanted to know, I don't want my Father and you to divorce like they did and leave me."

Stefan stifled a small laugh, led me to the bed sat me down knelt to my level.

"Firstly, we can't get a divorce because we are not married and even if we were, our marriage would not be recognised and we'd probably end up in the dungeons.

Secondly, Luca loves me and we are together because we are in love not because of an arranged marriage.

Thirdly, even if your Father did have an affair I would not even think about killing his lover.

Finally, you're my daughter Misha. A father will always love his daughter, no matter what." He answered.

"But you had nothing to do with the birth or conception of me. How can you love me like a daughter? "

"I helped your Father raise you. In my eyes you're my daughter, no matter what people say. You'll always be my daughter." He answered in a matter of fact way.

We hugged again, Stefan eventually calmed me down.

"We are having a farewell dinner for you. I've contacted Zac and he has agreed to join us. Don't worry I scolded him for not coming to your birthday celebration. He reassured me he had a good reason and nothing will stop him from saying good bye to you. I hope that's okay?"

I smiled, my mood brightened at the sound of Zac's name.

"Yes...Stefan?" I stopped myself from continuing but Stefan had already heard.

"Whats wrong Misha? He question a slight hint of concern etched his voice.

I paused I wasn't sure if I should ask Stefan the question I wanted to ask. The question had to do with Micah. My curiousity and thirst for knowledge overruled my doubts.

"My Father mentioned that Micah was scarred because he was treated badly, but he enjoyed it. He wouldn't go into detail because he said I was too young. How can someone enjoy being treated badly?"

Stefan paused, a smile crept on his face.

"Well I have to agree with him there. You are too young. But you are someone who has an almost unquenchable thirst for knowledge and curiosity that matches that of a thousand cats. The book you read without my consent a little while ago. The book of erotic tales that I left in the library, you know the one involving stories of two men and two women together? There is a chapter right at the end, it appears you've not read it, it will provide you with some idea of what he means. Also, this specific chapter is in your native language, so you'll actually understand what is happening.

Now, you are young and impressionable but please only read it if you can handle it, okay. If your father knew, he'd kill me I'm sure. Farewell Misha, see you at dinner time?"

"Yes, see you then Stefan." I replied.

Stefan left.

That night a little before dinner the curiosity reached the point of unbearable. I needed to know. So I snuck into the library, found Stefan's book and turned to the last chapter. The pictures were detailed, and now I knew what my Father meant. Micah enjoyed pain and in a sexual sense could only climax when he received it while having sex...with my Dad.

I kind of regretted it, but I needed to know, now I did.

I raced downstairs as soon as I was told Zac had arrived. I found him standing nervously in the doorway. I jumped into his arms, and kissed his lips. He kissed me back, I led him into the dining room.

Once everyone had eaten and released from the table, Zac and I took a stroll in the garden. Zac was still nervous, I knew tonight was going to be the night he would open up to me. There was an air of awkward silence that hung between us. It became unbearable for me, so I decided to ask him what was wrong.

"Zac, I know there's been something you've wanted to tell me ever since the first night we met. What is it? You can tell me, I promise I won't judge you."

Zac stopped in his tracks, turned to me and as I looked into his eyes I saw tears run down his face, the moonlight reflecting on them.

"What is it Zac? Please, just tell me." I begged.

" I want to tell you, but it's hard, I feel as though I'm a fucking freak. Last time someone knew about it, I was beaten so badly that I didn't want you to see me. It was the night of your birthday and I was practicing this very speech. Some men overheard me, and decided I was a freak and needed to teach me a lesson they taught me the lesson with their fists and they tried to teach me my place with their dicks too.

Luckily, my mentor, Sir Stuart heard them and saved me. He knows now too....I don't want you to hate me like them. But I'm scared to tell you Misha. I fear I'll lose your love. Please understand?"

I wiped the tears from his smooth face, kissed his lips.

"Please tell me, I'll love you no matter what." I said reassuringly.

Zac paused, he was struggling. So I took his hand's in mine and waited.

He took in a deep breath, a new set of tears fell down his face.

" Misha, I was born like you, a woman, my old name was Zoe. But I never felt right in my body. When I see myself naked I want to vomit and I start to cry. I know a way to make my body the way it was supposed to be, the body of a man. But it takes time, coin and a special tonic. The tonic can only be made by a very skilled witch, I drink the tonic and I will change slowly, but so far it's only temporary. The witch is trying to perfect the potion so that it will change me permanently. So far, we have had no such luck."

I dropped Zac's hands. I saw fear and sadness reflect in his eyes. He expected me to run away, or spit on him out of disgust. I loved him and that was the last thing I wanted to do. Instead I pulled his face towards my own and kissed him. He almost collapsed out of relief. It was a large emotional load lifted from his shoulders.

"I still love you Zac. You're the most amazing man I've met. This will not change the feelings I have for you." I replied through kisses.

Zac stepped back and reached into his pocket. He pulled out a silver necklace that glistened in the moonlight a single butterfly encased in a glass heart hung as a pendant. I let out a gasp of surprise

Zac's cheeks went red as he walked behind me and clasped the pendant.

"I know that this necklace probably isn't fancy enough for a Princess, but It is special. I spent all my first place winnings from my last squire jousting competition on it."

I gently caressed the necklace my cheeks warmed and my heart beat fast.

"Zac, it's perfect. I love it. Thank you."

We kissed one last time, Zac walked me to the castle door.

"Hopefully, next time you see me Princess. I will be in the right body and on my way to be a noble knight.

One day I will be a nobleman, worthy of marriage. I want to marry you, my beautiful Princess who will also be an accomplished Beast tamer. Please be patient and wait for me?"

My face went red and I nodded.

"Of course I'll wait." I whispered in reply, while fiddled with my necklace. It was truly beautiful. We parted ways, soon I'll be on a carriage with Bourdon travelling to the Academy.