Rapunzel

16

Noah cradled the infant in his arms, his lips curved in a gentle smile. This was one of the few times that he had been able to hold her in the past couple of days. His parents were elated to be together again after Henry's spiritual journey, but they were even more elated to have a baby again. If Elise wasn't holding the child, Henry was. All Noah could do was watch, until now.

Isadora was asleep, head rolled so that her face was hidden in his chest. Her black hair was messy atop her head, but the future Were King didn't notice, too wrapped up in the miracle that was his sister. Elise had been told that after Noah, she most likely would not be able to have another child. Isadora was more than just a new addition to the family, she was their most prized possession.

"Don't worry, Isa, I will always do my best to protect you," he whispered, leaning his head down to gently press his forehead to hers.

She stirred slightly before settling back down and letting out a soft sigh. His eyes closed, mouth still turned up in a smile as he cradled his sister to his chest. With nothing else to occupy his mind, he started imagining his future with Rapunzel. He couldn't help but wonder what their children would look like, what powers they would have, and how many children would be running around the manor.

"Son? I'll take the babe while you go train. You must be ready for the Demon war," Duchess Elise said, at the doorway to the sitting room. Her hair hung loosely down her back and she wore a nightie under a heavy robe. 

Sighing, Noah got to his feet and slowly walking to his mother, eyes on the infant sleeping in his arms. She had a soft smile curving her lips as she snoozed. He gently passed her to their mother, immediately missing the weight of her small body tucked into his chest. After spending the day with her, Noah's desire for his own children became greater.

"Any word on the warriors improvements?" 

Elise shook her head. "Henry doesn't tell me anything. Although, if the sound of fighting is anything to go by, it seems that they are all doing their best to protect their future rulers. The recruits from the town have been brought in and are being trained by the head warrior."

Noah nodded and ran a hand through his hair. His wolf was on edge because of the distance they had with their mate. Though it was necessary, it didn't mean that it was any easier. He had to stay on Were land to train and protect his people. Rapunzel had to go home for her own protection since the castle had many more guards for the enemies to get through, and to fight back should a Demon teleport into the grounds.

With determination, Noah made his way outside. He needed to learn how to protect everyone he loved, especially his mate. She came before everything and he was set on doing his best to keep her safe. 

Men and women were scattered around, all volunteers to learn how to protect the future royals of their own. Only those who volunteered to fight were trusted with the facts that Noah and Rapunzel would be their King and Queen in the near future. As instructed, upon his arrival, the Weres bowed their heads out of respect, but continued their training. They couldn't afford any distractions when they still had so much to learn.

The Duke's personal guard met Noah halfway across the field. As the most trained fighter, he was given the job of teaching the future King how to protect himself, as well as eliminate any threats. Once Noah mastered what the personal guard had to teach him, he would go to the castle, and retrieve his mate. That's why he was dead set on training his hardest. 

"I've been teaching you my skills since you were thirteen," Keid, the guard, said when Noah met with him the first time. "You are almost at the point of mastering everything I have to teach you. These next few weeks will involve harsher training regimens, and I will show you the more advanced fighting techniques that I have acquired over the years."