Taming of the Prince

Prologue

The prince strode down the dim corridor to the chamber. His father would be waiting for him there. 'It's finally time.' He wasn't too fond of the cloak he wore. The robe was white. Its hood hung over his head, covering the upper half of his face. As he drew closer to the chamber, a pale light began to brighten the hallway. He soon came to a hexagonal room. In the center was a glimmering, light blue crystal; The crystal that gave his kingdom its power. The power that would be his.

He stopped his advance about ten feet from the Crystal, standing by his father's side. He wore a similar robe, but his was gold. "Are you ready, my son?"

The prince scoffed, "Of course. Let's get on with the ceremony."

The king raised his hand to the Crystal. In an ancient language, he muttered a chant. No normal person would be able to comprehend what he said, but Noctis understood him.

O, great Crystal that has protected our kingdom

We have used your power to support our lives and make our mark on the world.

But now I ask that you pass your power to another.

I shall not live forever.

There will be a day when my time on your soil shall end.

When this does happen, I will have to pass my crown to my offspring.

An heir must receive your divine power to serve the world that you created.

I nominate my children to take care of the world in Etro's place.

I humbly ask for you to grant your power to the next ruler of the kingdom Potentia.

The prince smirked to himself. He then raised his hand in a similar manner to his father's. He chanted another plea in the same language.

O high Crystal

I accept my call of duty.

I will rule my kingdom with the power you give.

I vow to use Etro's holy power, the one you hold within.

I beg of you, allow me to watch over this world in your place

As you quietly keep an eye on it from your chambers.

I promise I will to serve your world.

My strength will not waver.

I humbly ask for you to grant your power to the next ruler of the kingdom Potentia.

The Crystal's glow grew brighter. It was so blinding that the prince had to shield his eyes from the light. Smoke formed around the Crystal as it levitated magically. The smoke gathered together. It suddenly shot through the prince, forcing him to take a few steps back. Within moments, the mist was gone. The prince regained his balance. The king removed his hood from his face, revealing his degrading features. His father looked at him with a serious look on his face. "Congratulations, Noctis. The Crystal has accepted you. Use its power well."

Noctis gave him an arrogant smile. "It's mine now, I'll do with it as I please!"

999

Chapter 1 – Arrogance

"It's okay, Sis. You have to leave now or you'll be late."

The pink haired girl solemnly looked at her sister as she sat up in her hospital bed. "I don't know. Are you sure you don't want me to stay here with you? I could cancel this one time to stay here."

The younger girl shook her head. "I'll be fine. Just come see me whenever you're free. After all, you don't want to be late on your first day of teaching, do you?"

The older sibling chuckled. "I guess not." She rose to head for the door. As she left, her sister called from her bed, "Have a good day, Lightning!"

Lightning honestly didn't want this new position. She had to teach some guy how to fight while protecting him. She hated being a body guard. If she didn't need the money for Serah's condition, she would never have thought twice about the offer from Captain Amodar.

999

"That is obscene!" The prince shouted to his father. "I have my own power now! I do not need a guardian, let alone a combat teacher! If I need to fight, I can just use my power to kill all my enemies!"

The king stared down at Noctis. He was tired of his arrogance. "You don't understand."

"I understand that you don't believe I am strong enough to fend for myself! I am not a child!"

"It isn't that you're not strong enough. It's that you're not ready to wield the power yet."

Noctis glared at his father. "And you insist on getting me a teacher in order to prepare me? How insulting! I can handle my own strength!"

"That's another problem; You'll rely too much on the Crystal's power now. You still need to complete your battle training even if the Crystal assists you."

Noctis' voice blared, "That's ridiculous! I—"

The king had had enough. "Noctis Lucis Caelum, I am your father and the ruler of the kingdom. What I say goes! You will be assigned one of Amador's men to teach you and protect you until you are able to fight for yourself. No exceptions! And remember that I asked the Crystal to give you power. I can easily tell it to take it away!"

Noctis stormed out of the throne room. His three friends, Prompto, Ignis, and Gladiolus, were waiting for him outside. They were probably his only companions he'd ever had. Not that Noctis minded. He didn't like people pestering him anyway. Gladiolus walked next to him as Noctis stomped down the hallways. "What did he say?"

Noctis growled, "He's getting me a guardian and teacher to protect me. I can't believe the bastard doesn't think I can fend for myself! My power is unstoppable!"

Ignis said, "You may have the power, but using it is the key. His Majesty is only concerned for your safety and wishes that you learn to completely control your powers. They are still very new and unstable."

Noctis shook his head. "Now you're siding with him! What the hell—"

In the prince's anger he hadn't noticed a maid coming around a corner. They bumped into each other, causing the woman to drop a few dishes. He shouted, "Watch where you step! I'm walking here!" He stalked away.

Prompto apologized to the maid properly. He caught up with Noctis. Prompto and all of Noctis' friends knew Noctis could be a good friend, but they couldn't deny that he was a secluded, arrogant, rude, spoiled rotten prince. He never shared much of his life or feelings. All he did was yell at his servants. "Noct, you can't treat others like that."

Noctis stopped. "Like what?"

Gladiolus explained, "Like how you told off that maid back there. It's impolite. And unhealthy. Not only that, but if the press saw you behaving in such a manner, the people would try to overthrow you once you take the crown. No one wants a cold hearted ruler."

Noctis sneered. "Please. I can treat my lowers any way I wish." He turned to walk away.

Ignis stopped him. "You have to head to the training room. If you don't meet your new teacher/guardian, your father won't be pleased. Remember how quickly Etro's power can be revoked."

Noctis sighed. He went down the hall to the training room. Whoever this guy was, Noctis was going to give him hell.

999

Lightning examined the exquisite training hall. Its open ceiling made the onyx walls seem endless. Pillars bordered the perimeter of the room. It had to be at least one hundred feet by another two hundred feet. About half way up the walls, another hallway of a higher floor was exposed by arched windows that viewed the monstrous room. A stairwell lead up to the upper floor, where sometimes the castle's inhabitants would watch others train. Lightning noticed a few men were up there. One had glasses and brown hair. He wore a suit. Another was blonde, wearing a white shirt with a sleeveless coat and grey jeans. He carried a shotgun in one hand. The last had slicked back black hair, wearing all black.

She leaned over to Amador, who was also exploring the room. "Captain, are one of those guys my 'student?'"

Amodar shook his head. "Just some bystanders. You'll know which one is yours."

Lightning sighed. She turned around to look back at the men. She jumped back when one was already in front of her. "Was up?" The blonde one somehow snuck up on her.

Lightning tried to regain her composure. "Um, who are you?"

The other two men from the upper hall joined them now. The blonde lightly slapped his forehead. "Oh, sorry. I probably freaked you out there." He pointed his thumb to his chest. "The name's Prompto. My friends here are Ignis and Gladiolus."

Ignis pushed up his glasses. "Pleased to meet you."

Gladiolus nodded.

Amodar came up beside Lightning. She was surprised when Prompto said, "Hey, Captain!"

The captain responded, "Good day to you, Prompto."

The blonde continued, "So is this Noct's new teacher?" He hadn't expected her to be a woman.

Amodar nodded. "This is Lightning Farron. She's one of our best."

Prompto made an astounded look. "Whoa-ho! That's pretty sweet!"

Amodar told Lightning, "These are your student's close friends. You might want to get to know them." Lightning looked at them awkwardly. "I'll go see when the king shall bring your pupil."

Lightning stopped him. "Wait, why the king?"

Amodar bit his lip. Gladiolus intervened, "You didn't know you were training Prince Noctis?"

Lightning stared at Amador. He simply said, "I wasn't sure if you'd take the job if you knew. Just wait here, I'll get them."

Lightning knew he was right. She took the opportunity without another word. She needed the money. If she knew it was for the heir to the kingdom she lived in, however, she wouldn't have given in so easily. The one with glasses, Ignis, leaned over to her. He quietly said, "I have to warn you, he won't be an easy student."

Prompto cheerily said, "Yeah, but maybe you could whip him into shape."

Lightning's brow furrowed. "But the prince seems to be kind enough." She had seen him over news reports.

Gladiolus said, "An image doesn't exactly always portray a person correctly. You'll see what we mean."

Lightning said, "But I—"

The doors to the training room opened. In stepped the king. Lightning respectfully saluted him, putting her hand over her chest with her little finger's side facing him. It was a traditional Guardian Corps salute given to higher ups. As he walked up to them, Gladiolus, Ignis, and Prompto waved to him.

The king smiled at her. His greying hair made him seem old, but he was indeed wise. He wore a fine suit that was fit for a royal. He looked Lightning up and down. "So, you must be Amodar's finest operative."

Lightning gave a shallow bow. "It is a pleasure to meet you, your Majesty."

The king nodded. "Likewise. You may call me Constantine. Are you prepared to begin teaching my son?"

Lightning's head snapped up. "I didn't know we would begin today."

"It is only necessary. If we don't get him used to it now it will be harder later."

"You mean, the prince, correct?"

The king nodded. "He will be difficult, but Amodar tells me you can straighten his act."

Now Lightning was lost. Why was everyone saying Potentia's prince was "out of shape?"

Amodar came in, a few castle guards following him. There was someone behind the guards, but Lightning could not see them. Gladiolus said, "Here we go."

Lightning just looked forward. Amodar soon stood next to Lightning. From behind the guards came a man about her age with spiked black hair. His eyes were a deep blue. The king gestured to him. "This is my son, Noctis Caelum."

Amodar said, "This is Sergeant Lightning Farron, your new guardian and teacher."

Lightning opened her mouth to respond, but was interrupted by Noctis' laughter. She looked at Amodar, who seemed nervous now. Noctis guffawed until he realized no one else was laughing and this wasn't a joke. He stared at his father. "Are you serious?" He glared over at Lightning. "How atrocious!" Lightning was taken aback. Excuse me?

Amodar asked, "Is there a problem, prince? Lightning here is one of our finest. I'm sure she—"

"That is the problem." Lightning didn't like where this was going. The prince continued, "How dare you think I'm so weak that I need a woman to protect me! Let alone teach me anything!"

Lightning just about drew her saber and stabbed him right there. The king held up a hand. "Please excuse us. He will join you shortly, Miss Farron." Noctis' father pulled him off to the side.

Prompto said, "Told you. Can I call you Light?"

Lightning nodded. "Whatever."

Amodar had the three men go off to the higher floor after scaling the stairs, leaving Lightning to think to herself. What have I gotten myself into?

The King whispered to his son, "How dare you act in such a manner! I thought I raised you better!"

Noctis complained, "And you seriously think I'm weak enough that I need to be protected by a woman? I don't need a teacher or a guard!"

"You do, Noctis. You can't use your powers yet because they are unstable. And before you start training your powers, you have to know enough about combat."

"But that's—"

"Noctis, remember what I said about easily taking away your powers!"

Noctis glared. He glanced over at his new teacher. She was leaning against one of the pillars, her arms crossed over her chest. She wasn't hard to look at, not bad at all. But there was no way Noctis would soil his pride by letting her teach him anything. But he needed his powers and gave in.

The King and Noctis went back to Lightning. She straightened with her arms still crossed.

Noctis couldn't help but admire her looks. She was pretty sexy in his book, but there was no way she could fight. The King gave him a bump. Noctis knew what he wanted him to do. Noctis didn't look at Lightning as he said, "I apologize for my rude behavior, Miss Farron."

She nodded. "I'll forgive you. But know that if it happens again things won't go as smoothly."

The King smiled at Lightning and said, "I hope things go well, Miss Farron."

She uncrossed her arms. "Call me Lightning."

The King agreed, "Alright, Lightning, good luck." He leaned over to Noctis and quietly said, "Remember, I'll be watching. Behave yourself." He went up the steps to join Gladiolus, Ignis, Prompto and Amodar.

Noctis and Lightning stared at each other for a second. Lightning finally turned and headed for the middle of the room. "Let's get started. We'll warm up first."

Noctis just stood there. Lightning turned around to face him. "Well, what are you waiting for?"

The Prince said, "I'm not doing this."

Lightning became stern. "I am your teacher, so you do as I say. I say we warm up. Let's go."

Noctis shook his head. "I'm the prince. There's no way I'm letting a peasant woman like you order me around."

Lightning slowly approached him. Intending to intimidate him, Lightning moved close to him, just inches away from his face. She could tell he was uncomfortable.

Noctis cursed as he felt his face reddening. No woman had ever made him blush. How did she? Why was she so close? What was she doing?

Out of nowhere, Lightning punched Noctis with all of her might. Noctis tumbled to the ground. She delivered a harsh kick to his chest to send him rolling back several feet. As she walked over to him, she said, "This is not a matter of social status, let alone gender!" Noctis propped himself up onto one elbow as she drew her blade, stuck the tip into the ground near his face, and kneeled down next to him. In a commanding tone, she growled, "The only things of importance in our situation: I'm the teacher and you're the student. So you obey me now. I suggest you stop the arrogant attitude so we can do this the easy way instead of the hard way. And you really don't want to make me do this the hard way. Do I make myself perfectly clear?" Noctis shot her a nasty glare. She was unfazed. She stood and tucked her weapon back into her sheath. "Now get up so we can get started. Unless you want another lecture." She turned his back to him and walked away.

Prompto nudged Constantine's shoulder and said, "Damn! You ask for a teacher and Amodar gets him a life coach!"

Reluctantly, Noctis stood and followed. He wouldn't be able to take another confrontation like that.

From atop the higher floor, you could hear his watching friends say to each other, "We should've brought popcorn. This show is going to be good."

999

Three hours. Three fucking long hours with her. Noctis' stupid trainer just had to put him through grueling work. Countless pointless exercises that supposedly, "prepared him for future training." Whatever.

As if he wasn't demoralized enough by being humiliated by her, he had to be stuck with her for the day. All day. Every day.

Noctis grumbled to himself as he advanced down the corridor, Lightning close at his heels. She hadn't said a word since he became her boss instead of her student, when the training ended.

She was so smug, acting like all that work would be nothing to her. It was easy to say you could perform harsh training when you just sat there and watched someone else do it. There was no way that she, a woman, could handle the amount of work she put him through today without being worn out. Why did she want to teach him anything anyway?

Noctis suddenly stopped. Lightning halted behind him. He just stood there for a moment in silence. She finally became impatient. "Why'd you stop?"

Without looking, he snapped, "Why are you here? I mean, why do you want this job? I don't need you."

Lightning didn't answer. She wouldn't tell him her reasons for taking this stupid ass job. He slightly turned his head to her. "Well? Aren't you going to answer me? I asked you a question."

She didn't respond. It was none of his business. Noctis faced her and scoffed, "Look, I don't want or need a teacher. Or bodyguard. So how about I just give you the day off? Or maybe the year?"

"Thanks, but no thanks."

"Why not?"

"I won't get paid if I don't work."

Noctis sighed, "I'll just give you the money then."

"No."

"Why? It'd be easier for both of us."

She hesitated, but answered, "Because… I made a promise."

Noctis was speechless. Making a promise? "What kind of promise?"

"None of your damn business!"

Frustrated, Noctis finally gave up. "When is your shift over then?"

"A few hours."

Noctis ended the conversation there. He continued his advance to his meeting. Fine, he thought. If you won't take my offer, I'll just have to make you quit.