Harlyn
I’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.
As I step inside the manor, his dark presence overwhelms me. He turns and glares at me as the door closes behind me. I should have known that even on my birthday, my father wouldn't spare me his abuse. One day, he will regret this, but I know right now there is nothing I can do. I'm lucky still to be here, considering I don't have a wolf, and he hates that. Sometimes, I feel even if I had a wolf, he would still hate me like I'm the issue, not the lack of a wolf.
“Where were you!” His voice is loud, and he steps closer to me. He stares at me, waiting for my answer.
“I was seeing Princess Lucy, Father,” I reply, unsure why he is so angry with me. It's my birthday; I shouldn't be in trouble for wanting to see my friends for an hour, although I am. I knew when I left earlier that I should have waited until tomorrow.
“Today? Of all days, you choose today to go? Do you really care so little about your Mother that you put yourself first!” His words slam me, and I shake my head quickly, trying to deny that he’s right. My mother means everything to me, more than anyone, but he won't believe that even if I die trying to prove the point.
“Father, Mother had given Harlyn permission to go to see Princess Lucy.” Samuel stops beside me and smiles down at me. “It is her own birthday, after all, and Mother wanted her to enjoy the day,” Samuel explains. He is trying to defend me, but it won't matter to my father; today isn't my birthday. Not one that needs to be celebrated anyway, just like all the other birthdays that were under the shadow of my mothers.
I watch my Father shake his head. He’s not having any of it. He isn’t happy that I spent merely an hour of my day with Princess Lucy. He glares towards Samuel, and now I feel bad that he is going to get abused by my father, even if it isn't as bad as what he gives me.
“Your Mother was being kind, not wanting to hurt her. That doesn’t make it right that she left.” Father shouts and steps closer to me. “What is it with you? When we don’t want you near us, you’re like a leech never letting go, and when we need you, you’re nowhere to be seen!” His words are spat in my face.
My body shrinks back, and my head drops. Leech? That is a new one, even for my Father. Just how much more can he throw at me and expect me to survive? I glance around the hall, unsure of what to even say; I want to argue with him, but I know it's useless. Nothing I say will be seen in a good way. He will twist my words and make me look like the bad guy, like he always does, and I hate him for it.
“I apologise, Father; I didn’t mean any disrespect, I was just…”
“No! No excuses; today is your Mother’s birthday, and you’re insignificant compared to her, so you will spend the day with your Mother. Do you hear me?” He glares down at me, and I nod quickly. I guess I won't explain that Princess Lucy had requested I see her at some point today.
“I understand, Father.” My words are quiet.
“Father, this isn’t fair on Harlyn. It’s her birthday as well.” Samuel looks at him.
“Her birthday means nothing. She wouldn’t have one if it wasn’t for your Mother. I will not discuss it anymore. It’s one day! One day, Harlyn, I expect you to be here for the entire time.” He turns and storms away.
“Sorry Harlyn.” Samuel hugs me.
“Yeah, sorry.” Colton, my little brother, smiles and hugs me.
“Boys, follow now!” Father shouts back, and they begin following. I follow behind them slowly to my mother’s chambers. As we get there, I walk into the room. My Mother instantly warms my heart. I wish she could make my Father see that his abuse isn’t right. Nothing she says can change his hatred towards me, either. It’s something I have no choice but to live with.
“Harlyn, darling, I thought you were with Princess Lucy?” She walks over and hugs me.
“No, I just wanted to see her quickly. Today is your day.” I smile at her.
“No, it’s our day.” She lifts the necklace I am wearing and smiles. “From Princess Lucy?” She asks, and I nod.
“Yes, Mother, she said it was so we would never be apart.” It’s a beautiful necklace, and the sentiment behind it is even more beautiful, but as soon as I can, I’m leaving this city and escaping my father’s abuse.
Had Prince Stefan accepted me, I would have stayed. I can’t now.
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
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