Celebrations

Harlyn

I walk into the room and sit next to Stefan. I know I panicked too much with Thorin; it’s hard to remember that he is strong and a lycan. To me, I see him as the baby from when he was born, and he’s still a child.

“How are you feeling?” Stefan glances at me. He seems off—not like before, but like he’s avoiding me.

“I’m fine, honestly. Shouldn’t we go out there and celebrate, Your Majesty?” I ask.

“I’d rather sit here with you and the pups,” he says while smiling.

I know he would rather that, but he’s the king. Him avoiding a celebration after a battle isn’t right. “We will join you,” I say.

“Your father will be there, Harlyn,” his words are barely a whisper. I know I didn’t want to see or speak to him, but it’s going to be impossible. I know they would have used my father to help with the battle, and it would be wrong to remove him from the celebration.

I also don’t like that me insisting I avoid him will make it harder for everyone.

“I’m fine with it, Your Majesty. At some poi