Stefan
I 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. Why do I have to go?
“There is an attack at the border, and I am needed there. The Earl is to stay at his wife’s birthday celebration, so you will go in my place and do without attitude. Do you understand?” he shouts, and I nod.
“I’m not sure it is ideal, Your Majesty. I’m not comfortable going to the celebration. I’m not comfortable going to the manor.” I can try to fight this and hope that he listens and lets me off. I would agree to any other thing without a second thought, but this isn’t right. I’ve hardly been to the manor since I rejected Harlyn two years ago.
“You’re set to be the future king, you have no choice but to go. You can’t avoid all the uncomfortable situations when you’re king, just like I can’t,” he explains, while ensuring I know that I’ve got no choice in this matter but to agree.
Agree to go to the celebration, and possibly see Harlyn. I hate that, I tried to reject her and she doesn’t take it, she still looks at me like she is hoping for another chance, like she thinks I will change my mind.
She should just accept my rejection and get over it, it’s the best thing for her, no one is ready to accept her, no one wants a queen who is void of the very thing that makes use werewolves. The wolf. She doesn’t have one and that means no one will just accept her as the future queen.
“You will be representing our family tonight, as well as our kingdom. As you’re aware, many from other kingdoms and packs will be in attendance, so your behaviour will be judged greatly. Do not mess this up.” He stares down at me.
What does he think I will do? Go to the celebration and start a war? I’m not that bad, actually, I’m not even bad. Whenever I’m in public or around others, I act like the king should. I put away all my wishes and hopes and step into the shoes of my father.
“I understand Your Majesty, I will ensure our family and kingdom are represented to the highest degree.” My words almost sound mocking, and he stares at me.
“This isn’t a joke. Your future wife could be there. There could be someone at this celebration who might be your future wife’s father, uncle, or similar, and you’re not taking it seriously,” he shouts and rubs his hand across his face.
God, I’m only twenty-one and he is already trying to find me the perfect wife and queen seen as I don’t have a mate, I had one, I rejected her in the hopes of a second chance mate. One who would at least have a wolf and not be rejected by my parents and the entire kingdom.
“I apologise Your Highness, I do not see this as a Joke, I promise I will act only in the manor that a king would,” I reply, accepting that there is no avoiding this, and no getting out of it. I will just need to avoid Harlyn. Stay away from her.
She keeps coming to me, and I have to push her away. It’s like she knows the truth, or she enjoys being hurt because I do hurt her. Every time I shout and call her names to try and make her run, she does, only to be right back there the next day.
“Son!” I jump, hearing my father.
“Did you hear me? I said you need to approach the Earl and Countess yourself, on my behalf, and wish her a happy birthday. Do not rush to get it over with. They will be able to tell that you’re eager to leave, so you stay the entire night,” he stands waiting.
“Okay, Your Majesty, I will ensure it is done. Tomorrow, I will speak with you and update you if any issues should arise,” I explain.
“If? No issues will arise because you will not take one step in that wrong direction. Not only that, but you’re leaving early in the morning, so you can’t communicate issues with me, so ensure there aren’t any!” His words are loud, and I nod.
“I understand, Your Majesty, I will follow your orders exactly as you wish,” I say, and he nods, turning and leaving the office. Walking out of his office, I go to my chambers and begin to get ready, considering how I can avoid even seeing Harlyn tonight.
I look across at my crown. I was looking forward to the brief break from wearing it. After getting ready, I place it on my head and walk to the window. My eyes fall on the garden, a spot that holds so many memories. I almost smile before I rip the feelings down and burn them inside of myself.
I can’t reminisce; no good will come from it. Only more hurt and pain, so I won’t dwell on the past. I won’t consider whether I made a mistake; I’ve done the right thing. I’ve done what everyone would expect, and in the process, I protected her from rejection by the entire kingdom.
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
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