The Isle (Chronicles of the Irish Princess Book 1)

When the maid had told me that the doctor was here for my father I walked over to his chambers. I took Huck from her hoping that he would be able to cheer my father up some, or at the very least bring me some comfort. Walking in there were a lot of differences, though he was still in his bed, but he was now hooked up to an IV drip. I watched as he took two pills and tossed them in his mouth taking a drink of water to help them down. He smiled at me and motioned for me to come sit with him. I had gone to visit him alone, mostly because Kai was dealing with Luca and King Oran. Apparently, I didn't need to know everything about ruling the world of wolves just yet.

I sat next to my father in his bed and watched the doctor. He was setting up a few machines and one of them I recognized as the chemo. My arms covered with goosebumps at the thought of him going through it. I had seen enough with my mother's father when I was ten. It was a nasty drug that ripped through the human body trying to kill all the cancer cells it could. But it also took other important cells with it, lowering the immune system. The medication could make matters worse with his power, I was hoping that it wouldn’t, but we weren't sure what it would do.

"Your father is a lucky man, for you to have caught this for him before matters got worse. My instruments tell me that it is only at a stage three in his bones, however some of his organs are showing progression into stage four. Starting him on this now will help him fight. I'll be honest, it won't be pretty."

"I am well aware of what it looks like with normal humans, I can only imagine how much worse it will look with his power fighting also. But my father is strong, and he has a good support system. "

"Yes, well I think that is all I need for right now," He bowed to us both. "I'll be back Monday first thing to check on him and run his first round of the machine. For now make sure he takes the pills I've given. Don't let him get too crazy, Princess."

"I'll try not to."

My father smiled at me. "What is on your mind, my dear?"

"Kai, he woke up from a bad nightmare last night. He said it looked real, felt real. It was almost like he was describing one of my dreams. Do you think it's possible for our bond to share some of my abilities?"

"No, but I believe that the Great Mother shows us possibilities of our future through our unconscious mind."

"She does?"

"Yes, she did with King Oran just before the great war."

I looked at him amused. "As in World War Two?"

He nodded. Yes. Oran is much older than he looks, wolf genes and a bit of our magic have done tremendous things for him all these years. He has been in power since your before your grandmother was born. He was at her father's side when he got the news she and uncle Tobias were born."

"That's amazing."

"He is very wise also. That is why my leaving you at your most crucial time does not fear me. When I returned to the Isle after uncle Tobias died, I didn't remember much about what I had learned growing up. It had been nearly three decades since I had completed my training and moved to the states. Oran was with me step by step overseeing my transition. The reason that we both live and work here is for that purpose. If one of us falls, we are here to help and guide the younger that takes over. Like how he will guide you and Malakai once he steps down."

I took in all the knowledge that he had given me and stored it in my memory. I kissed him on the cheek and left to go study in the spell room. Aunt Emilia was already there working on organizing the herbs and charms for some spells and potions. She smiled at me and kept working. I didn't have a reason to be there aside from wanting some quiet and maybe more advice.

"Aunt Em, how long were you and Uncle Don together before you got married?"

"A month."

"That's it?"

"Wolf Weddings tend to be quick like that. The bond between mates is very strong."

"Oh, I guess that makes sense." I looked down, "Were you nervous?"

"Very, that is normal, my dear. Don't worry about it."

"How long did you wait?"

"For what?" She turned and looked at me realizing what I was talking about. "Oh, ummm, we didn't. But we also had more time together before we were married. Not that it ever worked out. We found out that I was unable to have children. For our people that is very rare, but it was the way the Great Mother wanted it. I see it as a blessing, with kids of my own, things would have been different and who knows what would have happened with you and Luca."

"Aunt Em, what should I do? I don't want to tell Kai no, but what if I want to wait. We are so young, still children ourselves. I just. I don't know what to do." I broke down crying. "I don't want to disappoint him."

"Child hush. You know that boy would do anything for you. Including wait as long as you wanted to have children. But you are going to be a married woman. I know that you have waited for him for a very long time. If you don't want to wait, but aren't ready for kids. I know that he will understand. Leah, you know you are like my daughter, and I will do anything for you. This though, you need to think about what you want, either out loud first or to yourself. Then you need to talk to Kai about it. I know he will understand."

"Do you mind if I talk out loud kinda to you then?"

"They don't call me aunt for nothing." She laughed.

I sat down in the chair. “I mean I want kids, but I’m only 17. I still have no idea what I’m doing. Waiting could mean another few years. Maybe 20. Spend some quality time with Kai. That’s only what 3 years…. But what if we don’t get pregnant right away… it could take so long. And something could happen to us. To leave this world with no heir. Who would it all go to. I can’t let Luca be pressured with two thrones. That was why I turned down one in the first place.”

“You have some very good points. So have you decided?”

“Not entirely. But as much as I want to wait it’s stupid. Something could happen to Kai and I. That means no living heir. No one to take over. This war with Aideen, what if we don’t win even that it could mean the same result. But if I get pregnant I could get hurt and lose the baby.”

“Aunt Em, what do I do.”

“War is hard. But you will make it through. I know we will defeat her. You have me and your brother. You are the most powerful of us all. That means something.”

I smiled at her, "Thanks, I think I should go see if Kai has a few minutes to talk."

"By the sounds of it you might want to ask for a few hours."

The Grand Hall was bustling with people, mostly people who were trying to get it clean from the coronation. There were a few people that were standing around a table up by the thrones. I saw King Oran pointing at some spots at the table, I assumed there was a map laying on it. I scooted closer and closer until I was basically among the group.

"We need to protect our people as much as the castle. We cannot let them be corrupted by her."

"Prince Luca, I understand your position, however, how are we to know who isn't already corrupted?"

"I could help with that," I piped up, then immediately regretted making myself known.

All of the men looked at me, as if I had interrupted some manly pow-wow. Malakai and Luca looked at me amused, King Oran was surprised at my outburst, but willing to let me speak. Several of the men gave me disgusted looks. I could feel their disapproval and it amplified in my mind. I instantly regretted making myself known and fussed around straightening my dress. It was grey and made of chiffon. Sarah insisted I wore it along with a pair of heels she lent me. At first I felt ridiculous in it, it was just a walk with Kai later. Now that I was among the nobles, I understood a little more.

"Gentlemen, I think we should let the Princess speak," Sarah's father spoke.

I smiled my thanks, "If we are to face her and beat her, we need to know who is on our side. This means we need to know our people are safe. I think the best way to do that is to close the Isle. Yes, I know that this means there will be our people in the outside world that will be left unprotected. However, it could mean keeping Aideen and more of her followers out. I know that some already live on the isle, but limiting the amount of power she could have here is our priority. Protecting our people is priority."

"What will this mean for the wolves? Many of our families and our Packs, how will they be protected?"

"My solution is this, any warriors you have prepare them for battle. Prepare them now. Aideen could attack the packs at home before she reaches us here."

I felt their anger rise, many of the men were losing control of their humanity. I quickly moved to stand behind Oran, Kai and Luca. They all began to shout. Seconds later it was quiet, I peeked out from behind Kai and quickly found out why. King Oran's eyes were glowing a bright amber. He was in control and his word was final.

"Gentleman, let us reconvene tomorrow once we have all had a moment to prepare our packs and cool off. Need I remind you should any harm come to the Princess then the evil power will take over."

They all left bearing teeth and claws still grumbling about my opinion.

I stood there quiet, still and refused to look anywhere other than my shoes. Kai lifted my chin and I realized we were the only ones there.

"Luna, what did you need?"

"Well now I feel the need to rethink everything. Why were they so angry? I'm trying to help them."

"Because they are not used to proactive and strong women like you. My grandmother is a wolf, submissive and has never dealt with the affairs of the people. You aren't like her, you were raised to be a part of this and they just don't understand. They will give them time. Now what was it you wanted to talk to me about?"

"Umm.. Could we maybe go somewhere we don't have so many people around?" I glanced around at all the staff.

He took my arm and led me to the gardens. Once we were deep within the maze of hedging he pulled me to him for a quick kiss.

"So, what is that beautiful brain worrying about?"

"Having kids."

"Why are you worried? We will have them when we're ready."

"Are you ready?"

"I mean my mother had me when she was just 18, it’s a natural thing for wolves not to wait. But I know that you aren't a wolf, you didn't grow up like this and you are very nervous about everything."

I sighed, he knew me all too well. "Kai, we don't have time for that though. What if something happens to us? What if we don't make it through the battle? We can't leave both thrones to Luca and Sarah, I won't do that to them. Not when I didn't want it for myself. But we can't let the throne fall to another pack."

"How long have you been debating this, my love?"

"Since this morning and I even talked it out with Aunt Em, well not really, she was just playing my conscious and devil's advocate."

"What did you decide?"

I stopped walking and looked around us. When I was convinced we were alone I finally looked at Kai, "I love you. I have dreamed of being with you since we were kids, as much as I think I want to wait my heart and my feelings are telling me to hell with it. I'm going to be your wife, I shouldn't be denying you of that pleasure, I shouldn't deny myself either. I don't want to wait."

He smiled at me and took another look around, "Well then I guess there's just one last question." I looked at him confused, but let him continue. "Leah, I love you, I have loved you for longer than I care to admit. I know we don't have a choice in this, but I would regret not doing this properly for the rest of my life. Leah, will you marry me?"

I had started crying immediately when he pulled out the aqua diamond ring that had belonged to my grandmother. She had worn it since the day her and grandpa got engaged. I nodded my head and threw my arms around him. "Of course I'll marry you."

He slipped the ring on my finger. I couldn't stop staring at it.

"Your Aunt gave it to me before we left Oklahoma. She said that it would be the perfect thing to give you."

"She was right. I loved this ring. I think I even asked for it at one point after she died."

"Well now it is yours."

I smiled up at him. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"Everything... just everything."

We continued our walk through the maze of tall hedges and came out near the stables. I could sense Stella inside, along with Fury Road and a few other horses. I smiled and began to pull Kai along. He came willingly carrying the picnic basket we had brought for a snack. When we entered the barn Stella let out a series of snorts and whinnies. She was as excited to see me as I was her.

"Hi girl, maybe tomorrow we go for a ride?"

Her response was a snort in my face.

"Thanks Stella." I pet her neck and kissed her nose. "Be good and I'll see you tomorrow."

Kai was smiling at me as we walked out and back towards the gardens. "I'll see about that ride tomorrow. I'm sure Luca and Sarah would love to get away for a while. We can all go. It'll be good to get away from the palace for a while."

"Thank you. That would be great. We've been her almost two months and I don't think I've seen the little town since we got here."

"We will definitely have to change that. There are so many little shops."

"Really? Sarah and I have been wanting to do a little shopping."

Kai set up our little picnic and pulled me down next to him. "I'll talk to Oran and see. Maybe if we take a few guards with us we can visit the town for a few hours."

"That would be lovely." I paused, I was nervous about getting married so young, but I knew that a part of my problem was all of the changes and how very paranormal my life had gotten the last few months.

"What's on your mind, Luna. I can practically see the panic in your eyes. Is it being here? Our wedding perhaps? You know If we could wait, I would. I'm honestly happy your father gave us until after your birthday, considering he could have signed off on things and made it happen sooner."

I smiled, "He didn't do that just for my sake. He wants our people to become accustomed to Luca and I. Not to mention he doesn't want them to panic over this just yet. There is so much that is unclear, to all of us. He knew he couldn't just make everyone prepare for a wedding and a war in a two or three week time frame. He did it for all of us really. Himself included, I know he wants more time with us."

"I never thought it through I guess. But that means despite all the shit wrong, you know deep down he loves you and missed you."

"I know," I smiled. "I only wished we had longer."

Kai patted my led and gave me a small smile. I finished off the strawberries we had brought while he packed up our other goodies. "We should probably start heading back. Everyone is going to want to know we are officially engaged."

"Yeah." I laughed. I gave him one last good kiss before we got up and made our way back through the maze.

If there was one good thing that came out of being a princess to a bunch of mythical creatures it was that there wasn't hardly any press or photographers to deal with. It was really just a small handful of people for the three newspapers we had. It came as no surprise when we told our families, they were very excited and happy for us. We had a small dinner for the occasion with just the family. Aunt Em had requested and alfredo bar with your choice of chicken, shrimp or scallops. It was by far my favorite meal that she cooked. She usually just did all three when she cooked it, and served it with a light Cesar salad and breadsticks galore. The cooks at the palace served it with these and some sort of fruit bar with a chocolate fountain for dessert.

After we ate we went to our room and called Kai's grandparents.

"We are so happy for you both!" Kai's grandma said. "When is it? Should we start packing?"

"Not just yet Gran. You have plenty of time. Its like four months away. Invitations should be sent out sometime next week."

"Kai, how are things there, we had some stormy weather the other day here," Chief spoke as if he was talking in code.

"Is everything ok there Chief?" I asked.

"Nothing we can't handle, dear one. We are well protected here on the Res. Don't worry about us."

"Okay, well we just wanted to share the good news. Talk to you soon Chief."

"Goodbye White wolf and Leah, take care."

I looked at Kai questioningly. "He's lying about something. Something didn't sound right."

"Luna, try not to overthink it. I'm sure they are fine. I'll talk with Muraco in the morning. How about that?"

"Okay," I sighed knowing he was right. It wouldn't do me any good to worry. They were more than capable of protecting the Reservation.

After a quick shower, I found my way into my pajamas and into bed. I had enjoyed my day spent outside and couldn't wait to explore the town tomorrow. I was hoping that Sarah and I would be able to start looking at things for the wedding, such as flowers and centerpieces.