Hazel came down running, she got up late and was now getting late for her school. Her aunt Ivy Bernard was humming while working in the kitchen.Fortunately, Uncle Alec was not home. It used to be easy for Alec to slap his wife or his niece. He used to get drunk at night and beat the sh*t out of his wife. While in the morning he could not bear to see Hazel’s face.He also used to believe that Hazel was Satan’s daughter and slapping her, throwing away her wig, cursing her would bring lots of good luck to his home. He and Ivy were expecting their first child. But day by day he was getting more abusive.When Hazel was about to close the door behind her, Ivy came running after her and silently slipped a banana in her hand.Hazel’s eyes brimmed with tears. Ivy was a darling.Taking a deep breath she started walking to the school. She had just turned sixteen with still no hair on head and no periods.It had been one

“So, why you wanted to see me?” Noah was sitting behind his office desk. His office was more sophisticated than Mr. Jacob’s. Which was understood because of being a prince.“I wanted to thank you.” She said while her eyes were cast down. For some unknown reason he wanted her to look at him.He just smiled. “My father has taught us to always appreciate people who struggle and work hard. I just helped a little, otherwise it’s you who deserve the appreciation.”She nodded still looking down. She seemed nervous.“Is there anything else you want to say Hazel?” Hazel just shook her head.“No Sir.”“hmm.” there was an awkward silence in the room.“I think I should take my leave.” She stood and bowed her head before turning around.When the guard opened the office door for her, she did not exit but stayed there trying to decide.&ldqu

Tonight she was helping to set the table for Royal family dinner. Amanda had asked her to help the other two maids and also observe them. When the table was done then she was given a dish of lamb roast to offer the Royal family members.With eyes cast down she was serving the dish to the Royal family. Noah was also there along with the King Lucas James but there was someone who caught her eye in the first glance. The Royal Queen Maria James.She had seen the king occasionally, strolling in the palace. The couple had appeared several times on TV. But she never got the chance to see her in real. Maria James was strikingly beautiful, her features so angelic that Hazel could not take her eyes off her face. But for some odd reason she looked sad. Or grief-stricken.Another thing about the family she noticed was the absence of elder brother, the Crown Prince. Both princes were allowed to face media until they were five. But after that King had stopped the

Prince Noah was in the garden with Alicia and they both seemed tense.“Why did you call me my prince?” Although Alicia knew why she had been called.“Alicia you do know very well why I have called you.” Noah looked pointedly at her face.“I am afraid milord. But no, I don’t have any idea why I am here.” Alicia did not want to argue. But this meeting was bound to happen. She had to get over with it because she did not have any choice.Noah had to take a deep breath with frustration, “Alicia. At least go and see him. He is not letting any of us near him. My father and mother both are disturbed. He doesn’t want to go for the treatment. You were always there with him. Even in war fields. Then why not now?”“Prince Noah. With due respect. Last time you did tell me that even the best doctors have given up on him. They are not happy with the reports. Please accept it. But nothing much can b

“Today you need to pass the test.” Zek said playfully, teasing her. “After dinner, Sir. I can’t compete on empty stomach.” She teased him back. They had been practicing the dagger daily. She was a quick learner he realized. And for the last three nights, her training had become harder because he made her practice with a blindfold. She was hesitant at first but he did not listen to her, “Vanilla. You should know about your enemy even if you are sleeping.”  “But I hardly have enemies Zek.” “You can’t predict the future my Vanilla. But you should be ready for it. Especially if you are planning to become a Luna.” He quipped again. “You won’t let that go. Would you?” Tonight after dinner when she was ready for the test he asked her to put on the blindfold. “Just remember sweetheart. Focus.” He was sitting in the wheelchair carrying the dagger. “One. Two. Three.” On the count of three, he threw the dagger