The sound of Duncan and Hailey's voices filled the air as they approached the palace, giggling and making small talk. Hailey had just threatened to smear chocolate on Duncan in jest after he had made fun of her for getting it on her blouse. "Do you know you are awfully bad at eating chocolate for someone who claims to love it as much as you do?" Duncan said with a laugh.Hailey chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh, really? You should have seen me when I was a kid. I was a chocolate-eating pro. This is just a minor setback."They were so engrossed in their light-hearted talk that it took them a couple more steps to see Lisa waiting for them outside the palace. Her expression was irritated, and her arms were folded across her chest.They immediately stopped laughing at the sight of her. Ignoring the tension in the air, Duncan smiled and moved forward to greet her with a sweet tone "Hey, Baby," he extended his arm to embrace her. But her eyes blazed with wrath as she shoved him hastily away.
Lisa had an idea, and a cunning smile appeared on her face. She moved around the room mentally going through her strategy. "This will work," she said to herself in a whisper. "I will make sure of it."Afterwards, she crept into Duncan's room. Her gaze landed on the elaborate timepiece resting on his nightstand - a familial treasure bestowed to him by his father. Perfect. She collected it and walked discreetly to Hailey's room, arranging everything in its proper place and concealing the watch in a drawer.Lisa was unaware that Hailey's favourite maid, Lila, was on her way to clean Hailey's room. As she approached, she saw Lisa sneaking in. Puzzled and suspicious, Lila quickly hid behind a corner, watching as Lisa entered the room."What is she doing?" Lila whispered to herself, her brow furrowed with concern.After a few minutes, Lisa emerged and hurried away looking nervously over her shoulders. Lila waited until she was out of sight before entering Hailey's room herself. She began he
Lisa paced in her room, anger bubbling inside her. Her plan with the watch had failed miserably, but she was not someone who gave up easily. No, Lisa was a strategist at heart. There was always another approach, another move to make. A thought hit her like a lightning bolt. "I need to build her in trust me," Lisa said quietly to herself, her lips curving into a cunning smirk. “This time, I will play the long game."It was time to shift her tactics. Hailey was kind, almost too kind. Lisa knew she could use that softness against her. She would get close, play the role of the wounded, misunderstood woman, and before long, Hailey would be under her control.Later that day, Lisa spotted Hailey in the garden again. Pretending to have just gone outside for a breath of fresh air, she snuck out of the house. She walked slowly at first, ensuring Hailey did not notice her right away. When the timing felt right, Lisa quickened her pace and, just as she neared Hailey, she faked a stumble.“Oh!”
Positioned on the bed with her legs crossed, Hailey looked through her phone. She was too busy going through her social media account that she barely noticed the soft knock on her door. She said, mindlessly, "Come in," her eyes still fixed on her phone. The door cracked open to expose Lisa's head. "Hey there," she smiled kindly. "I hope I am not disrupting anything important?"Hailey looked up, surprised to see Lisa. "Oh, no, not at all. Just killing time, really."Lisa stepped into the room with two steaming mugs. "A cup of coffee for you and tea for me." The flavourful scent filled the air, instantly causing Hailey's mouth to water. "It is a bit chilly today, I was craving coffee but could not get one because of the caffeine so I made myself some tea," Lisa explained, her voice gentle and friendly. "Then I thought, 'Why not brew coffee for Hailey?' I hope that is okay?"Hailey's eyes lit up at the sight of the freshly brewed coffee. "Oh wow, Lisa. That is so thoughtful of you! Ho
Hailey wandered the palace, feeling bored. Luna Grace was away, and Lila was busy with her chores. With nothing to do, Hailey found herself in front of Duncan's study. She had never really looked around."Perhaps I will find something intriguing to read," Hailey thought, pushing the door open. She strolled towards the book racks and ran her fingertips across the covers of each book. She glanced at an ancient, well-worn book. She pulled it out and smiled. It was about plants and herbs.Hailey sat in a chair and started reading. She was so absorbed that she didn't hear Duncan come in."Hailey?" Duncan's deep voice startled her. "I did not expect to see you here."Hailey jumped up. "Oh! Alpha Duncan, I am sorry. I was just..."Duncan waved his hand. "It is fine. What are you reading?"He moved closer, looking at the book. Hailey showed him the cover."Herbs and plants?" Duncan raised an eyebrow. "I did not know you were interested in gardening."Hailey grinned. "Oh yes, I am practically
Luna Grace walked into the dining room, a small gift in her hand. She saw Alpha Duncan and Lisa at the table, but Hailey was nowhere to be seen. "Welcome back, Luna Grace," Duncan said, his voice strained. "How was your trip?"Luna Grace sat down across from them, her eyes narrowing as she placed the gift on the table. “It was...enlightening," she replied cautiously. She scanned the room again before asking. “Where is Hailey? I brought her something."Duncan's jaw clenched. "She is...indisposed."Luna Grace’s concern deepened. “Indisposed? That does not sound like Hailey especially when she knew I was coming back. I will go check on her.”As she moved to stand, Duncan's cold voice froze her in place. "She is...better off where she is."Luna Grace slowly sank back into her seat, eyes now sharp with suspicion. "What do you mean, where she is'? Duncan, what is going on?""Oh, Luna Grace, it is awful. Hailey...she tried to—""I did not address you, Lisa," Luna Grace cut her off icily. "Y
Luna Grace hurried down the damp stone steps leading to the dungeon, her heart racing. As soon as she reached Hailey's cell, Hailey rushed forward, gripping the bars."Luna Grace!" Hailey cried, tears streaming down her face. "I did not do it, " Hailey choked out between sobs. "Lisa did it. When I caught her, she turned it all around on me. You have to believe me!"Luna Grace felt her heartache at the sight of Hailey’s desperation. Her own eyes brimmed with tears, but she quickly blinked them away, her voice steady as she reached through the cold iron bars to clasp Hailey’s trembling hands.“I believe you, sweetheart,” Luna Grace said softly but firmly. “We are getting you out of here right now.”At her command, the guard stepped forward, unlocking the cell door with a low creak. The moment the door swung open, Hailey flung herself into Luna Grace’s arms, her sobs coming in waves, her body shaking with the weight of her fear and despair“It is all over now,” Luna Grace whispered, stro
Hailey was buried in concentration and was hardly aware of the gentle knock on her door as she peered out the window. Silently, Lila walked in with a tray of food."Good morning, my lady," Lila said gently. "I have brought your breakfast."Hailey turned, offering a weak smile. "Thank you, Lila. You can just leave it on the table."Lila set down the tray and hesitated. "It has s been two weeks now, my lady. Do you not believe it's time to go outside for a little while? This time of year is when the gardens are most beautiful."Hailey's shoulders tensed. "I can not, Lila. The thought of facing everyone...their stares, their whispers. It is too much."Lila approached Hailey. “I understand, but staying cooped up is not good for you. You are starting to look pale as a ghost."A faint smile flickered across Hailey's face. "Maybe that is fitting. I feel like I am fading away in here."Lila knelt beside her, concern etched on her features. "What do you mean?"Hailey's voice quivered as she sp