Stefan
When I step into the manor hall, the guests flood the room, and all I can hear is ‘Your Highness’ over and over as people try to get my attention. This is another reason I wanted to avoid tonight. I've dealt with people every night for over a month, and tonight was the one night I had free.
I give quick nods of approval to the people trying to get my attention but excuse myself quickly. I can’t wait too long before seeing the Earl and Countess; they are the first people I should have a conversation with tonight. I also know that my father's guards are watching my every move and will likely report back to him how long it took me to approach the Earl and Countess.
As I walk through the crowds, I spot them standing together and make my way for them. As I stop at them, the Earl bows.
“Your Highness.” He smiles, and his wife curtsies in acknowledgement. I smile at them both and nod.
“I apologise for the interruption, but the king is unable to join tonight's celebrations,” I decided to explain the reason for my father’s absence straight away rather than having them question me why. "There are a few issues at the border that require his attention, so he has focused on solving them tonight. He sends his apologies and wishes that you have a gracious birthday, Countess.” I smile at her.
“The king doesn’t need to concern himself with our celebrations, Your Highness. That being said, if he requires help with the rogues, I am more than happy to assist.” Earl Harold looks at me.
“Thank you for the well wishes for my birthday, Your Highness.” The Countess smiles.
“You’re welcome. The king does not want you to concern yourself with the issues tonight, Earl Harold. He has the matter in hand and said he can deal with it along with some soldiers. He wishes that you stay at the celebration with your family.” I explain, knowing that is what my father would tell me to reply.
“That is fine, I am sure he will approach me should he need the strength.” Earl Harold bows slightly.
“Happy birthday, Countess, from me personally,” I say, remembering that I need to wish her a happy birthday as well.
“Thank you, Your Highness. How is your mother?” she replies.
My mother would usually be here, as her best friend, it’s rare they aren’t at celebrations together. I know though, that she is likely helping my father. “I believe she is well, Countess. She is helping my father by ensuring all the plans go ahead without an issue and ensuring no other attacks are made at other borders,” I explain, giving her a reason for my mother's absence.
My father didn’t tell me why she wouldn’t attend, but I assume that is why, she does help him often with the attacks we face, so no doubt that is where she is now.
“Well, I’m sure we will see each other soon. Enjoy the Celebration, Your Highness,” she replies.
With a polite goodbye, I excuse myself from their company and walk away. I begin to seek out Samuel, knowing that he is the one person who can make this celebration more survivable. As I weave through the guests, I spot him.
He nods and smiles at me. “Your Highness.” Samuel greets me and bows slightly. I don’t stop, I walk past him and into a quieter room. Needing a break already from Harlyn and her eyes, which have followed me the entire time since I walked into the hall.
Taking off the crown, I place it on the side and lean back in the chair, enjoying the quietness of the room.
“Samuel,” I say as he joins me, and holds out a glass. “Thank you.” I take it and have a drink.
“Ah, Stefan. It’s rare to see you without your crown,” he jokes, but he knows what it means. If I remove my crown, I’m not Prince Stefan, Your Highness, or any other title. I’m simply Stefan. It’s the break that I need.
“How is your Lucy?” he asks, and I glance at him briefly, confused by his question. I’m unsure even how to answer that. I can’t say she is childish; it’s improper, but still, she is.
“She’s Lucy,” I reply, knowing that he will know what I meant by that. She’s her usual self. Childish.
“Maybe we should return to the celebration? No doubt my father will make an example of me if he realises I slipped away from my mother’s celebration,” he laughs. I nod in agreement, knowing that keeping him here isn’t how the king would act.
Picking up the crown, I place it back on my head and walk back into the bustling hall. The words ‘Your Highness’ once again surround me and everyone seems to be coming for me tonight.
Throughout everything, I still see Harlyn, her eyes always on me and following my every move; just what will it take for her to give up and accept that she isn’t going to be my mate, no matter how much she tries to be?
I’ve lost count of how long I’ve stood here in polite conversation, speaking with the guests and answering their questions. The alcohol helps the time to pass by quicker.
Standing, my mind becomes hazy, and the noise of the room sounds like it’s travelling through water. My body is hot, and I feel like I need to remove my tie just to breathe. Something isn't right; I glance around, feeling confused, my emotions running over.
Why do I feel like I've been drugged? I want to laugh at that. It's ridiculous, no one would drug me, no one would do anything like that here, at the Earl's manor.
StefanI'm not entirely sure what is wrong with me, but I don't feel great.“Your Highness, are you okay?” Jacub appears in my face, and my head shakes. The room spins slightly, and my eyes fall on a woman. “Your Highness.” His words this time are louder.“Something is wrong, and I feel like I’m drugged. Something feels wrong.” Why did I repeat that? A king doesn’t repeat himself. My words are barely even a whisper, or at least to me sound quiet.“Your father, the king, feared this would happen.” Jacub looks at me.“What?” I ask, trying to focus, but I fail, and the feelings continue to grow.“There was a threat. Someone was going to try and get to him. Lace his drink with drugs, and a woman would guide him into a private room. She was set to record the encounter and use it against him,” he explains, and I nod. “Do not leave with a woman who offers herself to you, Your Highness.” His words are serious, and I nod.Laughing at him because I wouldn’t anyway. My relationships are hidden i
HarlynIt’s been two months since that celebration, and my mind often goes back to that night. I’m unsure what to do about it. I know my father will blame me, making it out like I somehow caused it to happen.I stare at the doctor, his head nodding at me.“I’m sorry, Miss Harlyn, but you are pregnant,” he says, and my head shakes.Samuel and Colton are stood beside me, they are here for support, I was hoping I would be wrong, but I’m not. When my period didn’t arrive last month, I told myself it was the stress of everything.Then, this month, it didn’t again. I asked Samuel to get the doctor to check me over without letting my father know, and he agreed to. I was so sure the doctor would tell me it was something like stress.He didn’t, though. Now, Samuel and Colton are staring at me in shock. I couldn’t come to the doctor alone, I knew they would tell my father or mother. Coming with Samuel, however, means there's a chance the doctor won’t speak to my father.Still, I didn’t think th
HarlynIt’s been two days since I spoke with the doctor and explained things to Samuel. I’ve heard nothing since, so I can only assume it means there’s no update, and he hasn’t found out who it was yet. I was hoping by now he would have answers or at least something to ease the blow of this.“Harlyn,” Samuel says, and I turn to see him with Coton.“He knows, right?” They are looking at me like they are ready to hurt me, which means my father has found out the truth.“Yes, he’s on his way. We will help, he can’t say or do anything Harlyn, you’re not to blame, and this wasn’t your fault, it was the bastard who took advantage of you.” Samuel shouts. If only father would see it in that way but something is telling me he won’t.I hear his footsteps first, or rather stamps. He is angry.“What is this about you being pregnant!” His words float through the hallway as he storms towards me, my mother following behind him. He glares at me and stops in front of me.“Father, please. Can we try and
Harlyn – Eight Years LaterI look around the room, ensuring that everything I have to do is finished. My gaze goes to where Wayne is standing. It’s strange to consider how much things have changed in the last eight years.The eight years have forced me to change, not just because I was exiled and homeless but also because I became a mother, and well, things like that changed a person. It changed me a lot, and I am grateful for the changes the pups have forced me to make.The weak, pathetic girl from before is gone. She has been replaced by someone stronger, who no longer stutters her words. Now, I walk around with my head held high rather than with my eyes on the floor, too afraid to look up.The changes were made throughout the last eight years, thanks to Wayne and the pups. They have given me a strength that I never knew I had. I went from living with a family and pack who mostly hated me and saw me as worthless to living with a family and pack who saw the value in me.“Are you fini
HarlynI’m stuck on what to reply to him, the silence once again fills the car.“So, this celebration,” he says. He's clearly changing the conversation, sensing I’m worrying about the wedding topic. “Beta Jonathan and Olivia will be returning in a few days.”I know he’s right but celebrations should wait, we have other pressing issues to solve. “Wayne, maybe we should hold off on celebrations? At least until we figure out the attacks at the east,” I suggest.“We can deal with that, my love, without compromising on celebrations. The pack needs something to celebrate, and this is the perfect excuse,” Wayne explains, and I nod.“I still don’t understand this whole rogue king and why he’s returning,” I say, feeling confused by the entire situation.“I’ve told you everything that I know my love, some rogue kings who have lost their kingdoms and packs do just attack others in the hope they can win and take over,” he explains and grasps my hand. “It’s no real threat.” I nod, accepting his wo
HarlynI dial the number and wait. Each ring worries me. If Father answers, which he has a few times, I have to hang up quickly so he doesn’t know it's me.“Harlyn!” Samuel’s voice comes through the phone, instantly making me smile, but at the same time, tears begin to fill my eyes.“Samuel, it’s good to hear from you,” I reply. “I wanted to do our usual check-in,” I explain. Our phone calls are rare, and they are the only way I know that everyone is alive and well at home. We have agreed on no big updates, if less they are life-and-death sitauations, it’s for the best.“Harlyn, I need you to come home, please,” Samuel says, and I notice the worry in his tone.“Samuel, that’s not possible. I was exiled, remember?” I remind him. My heart is craving to go home and see them, but it’s not possible.“Please, Mother wishes to see you, Harlyn,” he pleads. I wish he could understand this.It isn’t easy to refuse, but going back is going against my father's orders, and that won’t be good for a
HarlynThe pups look excited about this trip. “Okay, go pack, please,” I say to the pups and watch as they run to their rooms. Moving on, I walk to mine and begin to pack my bag, ready to go.“Are you sure about this, Harlyn?” Wayne asks. I turn and see him standing by the door. He’s worried, but I know that I will be fine.“I am sure. Don’t worry about me, Wayne. I’ve changed, you know that I have,” I remind him. He walks to me and wraps his arms around me.“Yes, you have,” he whispers. “The difference from the person you arrived here as to today is huge, it seems almost impossible for you to be the same person.” He kisses my cheek, and I smile. “The pups have changed you. Just remember your training, Harlyn. You may not have a wolf, but for seven years, you trained,” he reminds me.I nod. Even I know my training is useless if I am faced with someone who is a wolf. Another human, sure, I can manage, but a wolf? No. Still, he needs reassurance.“I remember, don’t worry. Plus, Thorin w
HarlynWalking in, I see someone standing ahead of us; I watch as he turns, and I can’t stop smiling.“Harlyn?” Samuel stares at me. He looks so different.“Sam!” I cry. Running to him, I wrap my arms around him in a tight embrace. Emotions flood through me. It’s been too long. Eight years is a long time not to see your family.“You came,” he whispers.“I wouldn’t refuse Same, not when it’s likely the only chance I will get to see you again,” I remind him. I look at him and smile.“Come say hello to your uncle,” I look at the pups, and watch as Isaac and Lotta walk forward, Thorin however stands looking at him. I watch as Samuel kneels and speaks to Lotta and Isaac, after introducing himself he turns to Thorin.“You must be Thorin,” Samuel asks. Thorin cautiously steps forward, and I watch as Samuel goes to embrace him.“I am,” Thorin speaks. He offers his hand to Samuel to shake, rather than accepting the hug. Once he knows Samuel he will allow him to hug him, right now he is cautiou