ETHANI can tell Arnold and I are at our breaking points. The stress is getting to both of us, and it's showing in our tempers. When Arnold suggested taking a break and spending some time in our man cave, I agreed without thinking twice. We both need to unwind and clear our minds. We head down to the man cave, a place we created for moments just like this. It's a place where we can just relax and forget about the troubles of our kingdom, even if only for a little while. The room is filled with everything we love, which includes a pool table, a foosball table, and a large screen for gaming. “How about a game of pool?” Arnold suggests, grabbing a cue stick. “Sounds good to me.” I reply him, trying to force a smile as I grabbed another stick. “We could both use the distraction.” We start playing, and the familiar click click of the balls provides some kind of relief as the sound it itches my brain in a good way. For a few minutes, we are just brothers again, not kings burdened w
ETHAN“I know.” I say softly. “But this is the best way to keep you safe. And we'll keep you informed about everything that's happening. You won't be out of the loop.” Hazel looks down, clearly struggling with the decision. “Where would I go?” “We have a safe house in the mountains.” Arnold explains. “It's secluded and well guarded. You'll be safe there.” Hazel nods slowly, still looking uncertain. “I trust you both. If you think this is best, I'll go.” “Thank you.” Arnold says, pulling her into a hug. “We'll make all the arrangements. You'll be safe, and we'll get through this together.” I join the hug, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. It's not an easy decision, but it's the right one. We need to keep Hazel safe, no matter what. As we pull back, Hazel gives us a determined look. “Just promise me you'll find out what's causing this and put a stop to it.” “We promise.” I say firmly. “We'll do everything in our power to end this.” With that, we start ma
HAZELI sit in my room, staring out the window at the sun setting over our kingdom. The sky is a brilliant mix of oranges, pinks, and purples, and I would have appreciated it under normal circumstances, but there were pressing issues. This illness sweeping through our people is unlike anything we've seen before. The anxiety was deafening, not just for the kingdom but for our child growing inside me. A soft knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts. It's Ethan and Arnold. They enter, their faces looking a mixture of emotions. I can tell immediately that something is wrong or strange somewhere. "Hey, you two," I say, trying to sound cheerful despite the weird energy in the room. "How was your day?" Ethan tries to smile, but it doesn't reach his eyes. I wonder what must have happened. "It was good. We played a game in the man cave. We needed the break." Arnold sits beside me, taking my hand. "Yeah. But we need to talk to you about something important." My heart sinks. "What is
HAZEL I sit in the car, feeling the rumble of the engine beneath me. The guards surround me, their faces tense and alert. The sun is just rising, casting long shadows across the road as we leave the palace behind. I can't help but feel a heavy sadness in my chest. I don't want to leave, but I know I must. I look out the window, watching the familiar landscape pass by. The fields, the trees, the little stream that runs through our kingdom, all of it looks so peaceful. But I know it's just an illusion. Danger lurks everywhere now. One of the guards, a young man named Tom, tries to make small talk. "We'll be there soon, Your Highness. The safe house is very secure." I nod, not really in the mood to chat. "Thanks, Tom. I just... I wish it didn't have to be this way." He gives me a sympathetic smile. “We all do, ma'am. But your safety is the most important thing right now." I sigh and look down at my hands resting on my belly. I can feel the baby moving, a little re
ARNOLDI pace the length of the room, my mind racing. Hazel should have reached the safe house by now, but there was no correspondence on the machine yet. My stomach churns with worry. I look at Ethan, who sits by the window, staring out at the darkening sky. His face mirrors mine, full of anxiety. “Any word yet?” I ask, my voice tight with tension. Ethan shakes his head. “Nothing. It's been too long, Arnold. Something's wrong.” Just then, a messenger bursts through the door, his face pale. “Sir, there's been a problem.” My heart stops. “Who do you think you are to burst in here like that, and what is it?” “The safe house... her majesty never arrived. There's no sign of her or the guards.” The room spins, and I grab the back of a chair to steady myself. “What? Send out men to search the route. Now.” I beak at my guards and they all run to do their duties. The messenger also nods and rushes off. I turn to Ethan, my eyes wide. “What have we done? We should ha
ARNOLDEthan’s eyes soften, but his resolve remains firm. “I know, brother. But we have responsibilities. We can't abandon our people. We'll continue the search, but we must lead from the palace.” I nod reluctantly, knowing he's right. “Fine. But the moment we get any word, we’re leaving everything and coming back here.” Ethan agrees, and we prepare to leave, our hearts heavy with worry and guilt. We ride back to the palace in silence, each lost in our thoughts.- Back at the palace, we attend the council meeting, but our minds are elsewhere. The council members discuss various issues, but all I can think about is Hazel. The fear for her safety consumes me. “Your Majesty, what do you think of the new trade agreement?” One of the council members asks, snapping me back to the present. I glare at him, my patience wearing thin. “Do whatever you think is best.” I snap, my tone harsher than intended. Ethan tries to intervene, his voice calm but strained. “Let’s stay fo
ETHAN I go into my brother’s room, the weight of the worry still heavy on my shoulders. Arnold stands by the table, his brow bent in deep thought. I can tell something's bothering him, even from across the room. “What's on your mind, brother?” I ask, trying to lighten the mood. Arnold looks up, his expression grave. “We need to talk.” I approach him with concern. “Uh-oh. What's going on?” He leans in close, his voice low. “I overheard Frederick talking. He wants to bring us down.” I raise an eyebrow, trying to hide my surprise. “Frederick? That old snake? What's he up to now?” Arnold sighs, running a hand through his hair. “He thinks we're unstable, a threat to the kingdom. He's planning something, Ethan.” I place a hand on his shoulder. “Don't worry, Arnold. Frederick's bark is worse than his bite. We'll handle him, like we always do. We should send him away for good this time.” Arnold nods, but I can see the worry lingering in his eyes. I decide t
ARNOLDThe sun beats down mercilessly as Ethan and I trudge through the dense forest, our senses on high alert. We've been searching for Hazel for what feels like an eternity, but so far, we've come up empty handed, and it’s frustrating. Every lead has turned into a dead end, leaving us frustrated and exhausted. “I can't believe we still haven't found her.” Ethan mutters, his voice thick with frustration. “No trace of the people who might have taken her either.” I nod grimly, wiping the sweat from my brow. “I know. But we can't give up. We have to keep looking.” We press on, wanting to leave no stone unturned in our search for our mate. We've been camping in a nearby pack, using her scent to guide us, but it's proven to be more challenging than we anticipated. Hazel's scent seems to linger everywhere, making it difficult to pinpoint exactly where she might be. “Maybe we're approaching this the wrong way.”Ethan says suddenly, breaking the silence. I raise an eyebrow, curio
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