HAZEL As the morning sun casts its sunny glow over the palace grounds, I find myself standing outside my room, watching as the taskmaster prepares to leave. In spite his previous animosity towards me before now, I feel compelled to walk him to the gate and thank him for the gift he gave me at the party. Approaching him, I plaster a polite smile on my face, trying to hide the unease bubbling beneath the surface. “Taskmaster, I hope you enjoyed your stay at the palace.” I say, my voice steady but with a hint of something else. I couldn’t deny that there was something uncompromising about being in his presence. The taskmaster turns to face me, his expression unreadable. “It was adequate, Your Majesty.” He replies, his voice full of emotion. “Thank you for your hospitality.” I nod, trying to ignore the slight edge I noticed in his tone. Maybe if was all in my head. “Of course.” I say, forcing myself to maintain a polite front. “I'm glad you could join us for the celebration
HAZELThe energy from what had happened down with the taskmaster is still coursing through my veins, and I can’t help but replay the moment as I make my way back to my suite very quickly. My heart pounds in my chest, and I can't shake the feeling of his hands around me, squeezing, suffocating. I reach my room and shut the door behind me, leaning against it for support while breathing heavily. The memory of his sneering face, his malicious intent, fills me with dread. How could I have been so naïve to trust him? I mean, how could he just like me all of a sudden? I pace the room, my mind racing with a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. Fear, anger, betrayal, embarrassment, they all surround me, threatening to consume my being. How could I have trusted him enough to see him off? To even talk to him? “Why did he do that?” I mutter to myself, my voice trembling. “Why did he pretend to be nice, only to turn on me like that? What did I ever do to him?” I sink onto the edge of my bed,
ARNOLDI wake up to the sound of soft whispers coming from Hazel and Ethan's direction. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I glance over to see them huddled close together, their heads bent in deep conversation and I hear Hazel giggling. The bond between them seems stronger than ever, and I can't help but feel a pang of jealousy gnawing at me. As they notice me stirring, their conversation falters for a moment before Hazel shoots me a warm smile. “Morning, Arnold.” She says, her voice soft and gentle. “Sleep well?” I nod, forcing a smile of my own even though I can't shake the feeling of unease that has settled in the pit of my stomach. It's not that I'm not happy for them— they've been through a lot together, and it's only natural that their bond would strengthen, but so have we. Thing is, the way they seem to be so in tune with each other, it's almost as if they share a secret language that excludes me. “Morning!” Ethan chimes in, his eyes bright with excitement. “We were jus
HAZEL I wake up with a start, my heart pounding in my chest as I sit up in bed, sweat dripping down my forehead. Another dream. Another nightmare. For weeks now, I've been haunted by visions of Alpha Hunter, the very man who declared war on us, the one who poses a threat to everything we hold dear. Arnold and Ethan made it clear that he's not welcome anywhere near our territories, but that doesn't stop him from invading my dreams, from tormenting me with his presence. I glance at the clock on my bedside table. It's early, too early for anyone else to be awake. But the fear gnawing at my insides won't let me rest any longer. I swing my legs over the side of the bed and stand up, my legs shaky beneath me. As I make my way to the window, I can't shake the feeling of worry that settles over me like a heavy blanket. The sun hasn't even risen yet, but already, I can feel the weight of the day pressing down on me, suffocating me with its endless possibilities. How long will I continue to
HAZELI wake up feeling a bit better, Arnold's words still echoing in my mind. But I know I can't let the fear control me. I need to do something to take my mind off everything. As I get dressed, an idea starts to form. Arnold is already up, sipping coffee by the window. Ethan joins him, looking equally concerned. I approach them, determined to make today different. “Good morning!” I say in a sing song voice, trying to sound cheerful. “Morning, beautiful.” Arnold replies, his eyes scanning my face for any signs of distress. Ethan smiles, but it's clear he's worried too. “How did you sleep?” “Better, thanks to you both.” I say, meaning it. “I was thinking... maybe we could go on a tour around the kingdom today. It's been a while since I explored, and I think it would be good for me.” Arnold looks at Ethan, then back at me. “That's a great idea, Hazel. We could use a break too.” “Absolutely.” Ethan agrees. “We can show you some places you haven't seen yet, and it
HAZELI wake up to the sound of frantic footsteps and hushed whispers outside my door. Something is wrong. I can feel it in the air. I sit up in bed, my heart pounding. Arnold and Ethan are already up, speaking in low voices by the window. “What’s going on?” I ask, my voice still groggy from sleep. Arnold turns to me, his face serious. “There’s a disease outbreak, Hazel. People are getting sick.” My heart sinks. “How bad is it? And overnight too?” Ethan steps forward, his eyes filled with worry. “It’s spreading quickly. We’ve already lost a few people. The healers are doing everything they can, but they’re overwhelmed.” I feel a wave of fear wash over me. “What can we do?”Arnold walks over and takes my hand. “For now, you need to stay inside. We can’t risk you getting sick too.” I nod, understanding their concern but feeling helpless. “What about you two? You’re going to be out there with the people, aren’t you?” Ethan smiles reassuringly. “We’ll be careful. We
HAZELI am walking around town outside the palace, enjoying the cheerful atmosphere. The children are playing in the streets, and their laughter fills the air. I have a bag of candy with me, and I start handing it out to the kids who gather around me, their faces lighting up with joy. “Thank you, Princess Hazel!” One of the little girls says, hugging me. “You’re welcome, sweetie!” I reply, smiling warmly at her. Suddenly, the sky darkens, and a large thunderstorm comes out of nowhere. The first raindrops hit the ground, and I feel a chill run down my spine. I look up, worried. “Everyone, inside! Quickly!” I shout, trying to usher the kids into the nearest building. The rain starts pouring heavily, and I notice some people getting hit by it. To my horror, they collapse instantly, lifeless. “No! What’s happening?” I cry out, panic rising in my chest. I grab the children and push them inside, my heart pounding with fear. The rain seems deadly, and I can’t understand what’s g
HAZELI am pacing again. I need to stop, but each time I do, I seem to unknowingly pick it back up. But how can I not with all the bad things happening around? Things aren’t looking right at the moment, and there is nothing that I can do to help at the moment. What kind of queen am I if I can’t even begin to brainstorm or offer solutions? Do I even deserve to have this title? “Your majesty, please sit down. You’ve been walking around for so long, and the doctor has said that your rest is very important.” One of my maids say to me and I shake my head. “I won’t break down if I just walk around for a bit. People have died, and it is worrisome.” I reply, and she nods. “Yes, but you might harm yourself and your child. Please take a seat. Should I fetch one of the kings?” The maid gets up from where she sat on the ground, cleaning something off. I think about it for a while. There’s no question about it, I love to be with my mates, but is it really wise? They’ve worried about me
HAZELThe days following the twins' recovery are filled with a deep sense of relief and gratitude. Zena and Kamila, who were once pale and weak from the poisoning and curse, are now thriving with renewed energy. Their smiles shine throughout their nursery and their light shines through and lifts the spirits of our kingdom.Arnold and Ethan watch over them with vigilant eyes, and I can feel their relief as we witness our children return to their normal selves. We gather as a family in the evenings, sharing meals and stories, cherishing each moment like a precious gift.One evening, as we sit together, basking in the warmth of our living room, with Zena and Kamila nestled between us, I make a vow out of fierce determination and love."I promise," I begin. My voice is steady despite the emotion that threatens to overwhelm me. "That I will protect you both with everything I have. No harm will ever come to you again."Arnold looks at me with trust and agreement in his eyes. Ethan nods in a
HAZELThe decision weighs heavily on my heart as I stand before the cell where my former taskmaster is held, shackled, and guarded. His eyes widen in fear as I approach, and his voice trembles with desperation when he speaks."No, please!" he pleads, his voice cracking. "I didn't mean for this to happen!"I meet his gaze firmly with my hands clenched into fists at my sides. "You poisoned my children," I say through gritted teeth. Each word I say is laced with fury and pain. "You will help us save them. That’s the final part of the ritual required for them to heal completely."The taskmaster recoils, and his face is pale with terror. "I… I don't know how," he stammers."You know more than you're willing to admit," I retort. My voice is low and dangerous. "And if you don't cooperate, I will make you regret every moment you spent plotting against us."With a wave of my hand, the guards unlock the cell and drag him out into the harsh light of day. His protests fall on deaf ears as I lead
HAZELOutside our suite, the pack house buzzes with tension. Alphas from packs send healers and messages of support. Members of our kingdom stand vigil, their faces filled with worry and grief. Days turn into nights, and the passage of time is marked only by the faint ray of hope that refuses to die. And then, finally, there’s a little change. Kamila’s fever breaks first, followed by Zenas’s, but their bodies remain weak.Relief floods through me and tears of gratitude blur my vision as I embrace them. "We made it," Arnold whispers hoarsely as his hand finds mine."We're not done yet," Ethan adds. "We still have work to do."The twins' recovery marks a turning point, but the scars of betrayal still run deep as questions linger in our minds. Who orchestrated the poisoning, and why? How could we have missed the signs? In the days that follow, we strengthen our security measures, monitor every meal, and go through our alliances. The maid remains locked in the dungeons, and right now,
HAZELAs the sun climbs higher in the sky, the packhouse buzzes with activity. Decorations are hung, tables are set, and guests begin to arrive from all around the kingdom. The twins are pulled away for last-minute meetings and greetings, leaving me a moment to breathe.As I stand on the balcony overlooking the courtyard, I watch as the people of our kingdom gather. Children chase each other through the grass, elders sit in quiet conversation, and warriors exchange nods of respect. This is our family, our home.A hand on my shoulder brings me back to the present. It's Arnold. There’s a soft expression on his face."Are you ready for this, Hazel?" he asks quietly as his gaze searches mine.I meet his eyes with a smile as I feel the weight of responsibility but also the strength of our bond. "We're ready," I assure him, knowing that together, we can face whatever challenges lay ahead.With that, we join the festivities, celebrating not only the coronation of the twins but also the unity
HAZELThe days pass and I bask in the comfort of motherhood and preparation. Each moment is filled with the gentle cooing of Zena and Kamila and the careful planning for the upcoming coronation. I find solace in the quiet moments with our daughters, even as decisions about the coronation swirl around us.Ethan and Arnold are diligent in their duties, and they consult with advisors as they attend to the needs of the kingdom. Meanwhile, I’m consulted on matters that require my approval, from the design of my coronation dress to the arrangements for the ceremony itself.One afternoon, as I nurse Zena and Kamila, I review sketches and fabric samples spread out on the table before me. "This one," I say, pointing to a sketch of a dress adorned with intricate embroidery. "I think it’s perfect."Arnold leans over my shoulder as he studies the design with a thoughtful expression. "It’s beautiful," he agrees softly. "Just like you."Ethan nods in approval too, and I can see that his eyes are
HAZEL"Hazel!" Ethan’s voice cuts through the darkness. It’s filled with fear and urgency. He and Arnold spring into action, and their faces are filled with confusion as they rush to my side."What’s happening?" Arnold asks. There is panic in his tone. I struggle to speak, but the pain I’m feeling makes talking impossible. Another wave of pain crashes over me. It’s stronger this time, and I cry out again, unable to contain the agony that rushes through my body.And then, as I try to stand, there is a sudden rush of warmth between my legs. It’s the unmistakable sound of my water breaking. The realization hits us all at once in the midst of the chaos."The baby," Ethan whispers. His eyes are wide with disbelief. "The baby is coming."The room fills with movement as Ethan and Arnold spring into action. Arnold dashes to gather towels and blankets while Ethan goes to call the pack doctor.The pain grips me in relentless waves, and each contraction pushes me closer to motherhood. Through t
HAZELThe sun hangs low in the sky, and it casts a glow over the serene water of the lake on the outskirts of the pack. Ethan, Arnold, and I spread out a blanket under the shade of a towering oak tree, and the gentle breeze brings the scent of wildflowers and pine to us."This is perfect," Ethan says with a contented sigh, as he settles down beside me. "This is just what we needed. A break from everything."Arnold nods in agreement as his eyes look over the peaceful scenery. "It’s been too long since we’ve had a moment like this."I smile as I feel a sense of peace settle over me too. "I couldn’t agree more."We unpack the picnic basket. It’s a simple but rich spread of assorted sandwiches, fruits, a pitcher of lemonade, and a jug of cool water. Ethan pours us each a glass of lemonade. It’s moments like these, where we can simply be together, that remind me of everything we’ve fought for and everything we have to look forward to.As we eat, laughter fills the air, mingling with the di
HAZELEthan’s face hardens. "Can you break it?"Seraphina nods. "I can try. But it will take time and energy. We need to act quickly."She begins to chant. Her words are ancient and melodic. I feel a cool breeze wash over me, soothing the fever that rages within. But it’s a struggle, and I can see the strain on Seraphina’s face.Ethan and Arnold watch with their hands clenched into fists. They’re helpless, and unable to do anything but wait and hope. I want to reassure them, to tell them that I’ll be fine, but the words get stuck in my throat.Time stretches on, and each second is just like an eternity. Seraphina’s chanting grows louder, and more urgent. I can feel the dark energy being drawn out, as it fights against her power. It’s a battle. I can sense it but I don’t fully understand it.Finally, with a final burst of energy, Seraphina’s chant reaches its climax. There’s a flash of light, and the dark energy dissolves, leaving me weak but free. The fever breaks, and I collapse back
HAZELPreparations for Ethan and Arnold’s coronation begin immediately. Despite the kingdom’s recent turmoil, there’s a sense of urgency and excitement in the air. The Great Hall, which still bears the scars of battle, is now buzzing with a different kind of energy. It’s filled with hope and renewal.The maids bustle around and they work diligently to transform the hall into a fitting venue for the coronation. It will be a modest ceremony because of our limited resources, but its significance cannot be overemphasized. This coronation represents a new beginning for our kingdom."Hazel, these are flowers that were requested for. What do you think?" one of the maids, Elara, calls out to me. I join her, and together, we arrange the wildflowers into simple yet elegant bouquets. Their vibrant colors bring a touch of life to the otherwise somber hall."They are beautiful," I say, breathing in the floral scent. "They remind me of the strength of our people."Elara smiles, and her eyes reflect