HarlynStefan currently has everyone’s attention. The pups are behind me, but the place is packed. People have moved closer to him to listen to what he is saying.He’s currently thanking everyone for coming, and the speculation over what this is about surrounds me.Some men think that he’s planned a date to marry Diandra, and others think that he is stepping down as king. Some of the women are speculating as well. Their speculation is around me, because people know that Stefan left to deal with an issue about me.“Maybe he has exiled her entirely, and this is him letting us know?” I hear the woman and ignore her.“The royal family took long enough. She barely had the right to be classed as a werewolf,” another laughs. Thorin glares towards them. Kneeling down, I smile at him.“Forget their words, this is about you,” I say and kiss his cheek. I listen as Stefan announces he recently found out he was a father. I watch as he calls up the pups, Princess Lotta, Prince Thorin and Prince Isa
StefanI look at Samuel, and he seems cheery, so things must have gone well on his trip. I can hope, anyway.“Come on, Earl Samuel, this is taking forever,” I complain, and he laughs.“I’m sorry, Your Majesty. The people are completely cleared of magic, and his sister is none the wiser. Magic was used and she didn’t know a thing, so she isn’t a risk,” he explains.“Their father?” I ask.“His body is there, so he was certainly dead, and it was all Wayne. The pack has a new alpha, one who isn’t connected to Wayne’s family and such. So it’s sorted,” he explains, and I relax more.We had thought we had sorted everything, but only two months someone attacked, and it turned out Wayne had yet another brother we didn’t know of. So now we know everything and are sure no one else is coming for Harlyn. I can relax.“How has Lucy been?” He looks at me.“Fine, she and Harlyn have spent most of their time together. Go see her. We can get a full breakdown in a few days,” I say and watch as he nods a
HarlynI came to the palace to see Prince Stefan, but Princess Lucy intercepted me at the door and dragged me through to her chambers. I didn’t have the heart to tell her I didn’t come to see her. She just assumed I had come to see her for my birthday, and I also didn’t have the confidence to tell her the real reason behind my visit. I wasn’t entirely sure how today would end, and I didn’t want to tell her that I had recently found out her brother, the prince, was my mate.So, I’ve sat here for an hour, listening to her talking away to me about things, and I know I need to leave. In a way, I’m using Princess Lucy as a wall to avoid doing what I planned.“Your Highness.” I hug her slightly. “I need to leave. As you know, it’s my Mother’s birthday as well.” I curtsy her, and she nods in return.“You take care, Harlyn, happy 16th birthday!” She hugs me briefly before stepping back and finally allowing me to escape her. As I close the door to her chambers, I make my way to the prince’s, w
HarlynI’m unsure of how long I hide away in the garden, just to give myself time to process the rejection from Prince Stefan before I gather my courage and begin walking back through the gardens towards the manor. My eyes go to the palace briefly before I try to push Prince Stefan out of my mind.I’m still shocked that he rejected me so easily. For him, the bond and us being mates made no difference in his eyes. So many see the bond and mates as a blessing, a path that needs to be followed, but he didn’t. He seems to think the Moon Goddess made a mistake and won’t care that he rejected me.Surely they will. After all, bonds and mates aren’t something to be ignored or fooled about with. They are sacred and special. As I get nearer to the manor, I begin to slow my steps, feeling the anger and hate flood from inside. I already know right now that my Father is going to shout at me. I’m not sure what for, as I’ve done nothing wrong today but it feels like I am about to be in trouble again
StefanI have no idea what is going on. Father had sent one of the maids to tell me I was needed immediately, so here I am, pacing the room, and he wasn’t here. It’s been at least twenty minutes and he’s no where to be seen.Something must have happened for him to summon me on the night I’m meant to have off and then not show up on time. Maybe there is an attack on the kingdom? Then again, why would he ask me to meet here, in his office, and not in the meeting room where the soldiers, Earl, and we meet?“Son,” I hear his voice and turn to look at him. “You’re required to take my place at tonight’s celebration. Please ensure you personally speak to the Earl and Countess and explain the reason for my absence.”Wait, I stare at him. This has to be a joke. Not only is it the one night I’m not expected to do things, but he wants me to go to the Countess’ birthday party, where Harlyn will be. I’ve done everything I can to avoid her, and this means I have to stand in the same room as her. Wh
HarlynThe manor hall is full, but I don’t feel like I’m surrounded by people, I’m trying to find Princess Lucy, she promised me she would attend tonight so that I wasn’t alone here. She isn’t here though. Not that I can see.I continue to walk around trying to find her and stop when I see Prince Stefan. He hates me. I’ve noticed that whenever I even attempt to get close to him, he throws vile words at me and pushes me away. It’s as if he is afraid of me going near him, so I barely get within five feet of him before he shouts abuse at me and storms away, or I run after his words.Why, though? Is all this because I don’t have a wolf? Does he really hate the fact that I’m merely a human, not a werewolf? I see Princess Lucy and walk towards her.“Your Majesty.” I curtsey her, grateful to finally have someone at this celebration that I can speak to. Other than my mother and brothers that is, there is no one else here will even acknowledge me, it’s as if they themselves don’t see me as wor
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 de
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