HAZELI stare at the person in front of me as defiantly as I can. I’m not about to let myself be bullied again. I have faced a lot of bullies this past month, and now, I’m ready to speak up. I can’t just stand back and allow other people to control me just as they have been doing before. My taskmaster looks back at me with surprise swirling around his features. I know why he is surprised because I am too. I never expected that I would stand up to him, and he didn’t either. But now, here I am, looking at him as he looks back at me, all the while standing my ground. “What did you just say, girl?” he asks me in a firm tone.Actually, this is the assistant taskmaster for all the maids in the Moonshine Pack. The head taskmaster usually handles most of the work, but since he is away at the moment, the assistant taskmaster is stepping in. That’s why my workload and those of about five other maids have been handed over to the assistant taskmaster. The five other girls that I’m supposed to
HAZELAll the maids of the Moonshine Pack have just been informed that King Ethan is on his way to this pack for an official visit. And that’s not all. We are told that this time, he is coming along with his twin brother, The King of the Northern Kingdom, King Arnold Sharpe. We are told that they are coming on official pack business, but I know that’s bullshit. The main reason that they are coming here is because of me. King Ethan probably told his brother about his mate and how she rejected him and now, they are both coming here to try to force me to accept King Ethan and go to his domain with him.Well, if my guess is correct and that’s really what they are coming here for, then they are in for a rough time. I won’t go with them willingly, except if I’m tied and bound up. They have to forcefully cart me out of this place if they want me to leave.It’s the truth that I don’t like my situation in this pack. I have never liked being a maid, but there is nothing I can do about it. Well
HAZELWhen the rest of the maids went inside the pack house, the Alpha of the pack came to lead us to the suite that had been prepared for the Kings. All of us had followed him silently and when he showed us to the suite, he left without a word as well. Now, the two Kings who are in the same room with me have started arguing with each other.“What do you mean she’s your mate?” King Ethan growls at his brother.“Ethan, to tell you the truth, I don’t know how it happened. I just know that I felt myself being drawn to her when we first arrived and now, I can feel the mate bond between us,” King Arnold replied calmly.“You can’t be serious. She is my mate. Hazel is mine!” King Ethan roars. “She’s mine too. I can’t be lying to you about something like this,” King Arnold insists. “Come off it, Arnold!”“I want her to come with me to my Kingdom as my mate. She will be better off there, especially since she’s being bullied here. She can’t remain here any longer. My mansion will be the safe
ETHAN I’m still rooted to one spot in shock and so is my twin brother. I cannot believe that Hazel just rejected us so brutally and I’m sure he doesn’t either. But it’s the truth. She rejected us and we just have to come to terms with it. I don’t know why Hazel rejected us and I don’t think I understand why either. Try as we did, we couldn’t seem to find out what her reason was. But the main issue is that I don’t think I can come to terms with the fact that a maid just rejected me and my twin brother. Hazel is just a mere maid, for God’s sake, so I still don’t understand why she would reject either of us when we are offering her a chance at a better life, when we just want to lift her out of the abject misery she is currently living in. “She rejected us, Ethan,” Arnold suddenly says, cutting into the silence that has enveloped us ever since Hazel left. “She did,” I reply in a brave tone.He looks heartbroken about the situation and I am too, but I know that we have to square up to
HAZELThere is an expression of plea in my eyes as I look upward at the stone that is sure to come crashing down at my head any moment from now, but the girls around me don't seem to notice it. And even if they do, then they don't care. Just then, I close my eyes in order to brace myself for the forceful impact the stone will definitely have on my delicate head, but I'm shocked when after a while, I don't feel anything, not even a single touch as light as a feather. I'm puzzled by this sudden development since it's definitely not what I was expecting, so I start to open my eyes tentatively but surely. When I finally get them open completely, to say I'm shocked by what I see would be an understatement.Standing near Cathy and looking at her with a murderous look on his face is the head taskmaster. The stone she was about to hit me with is still in her hand and now she looks around, trying to find a way to dispose of it and make herself look less guilty, but it doesn't seem to work bec
HAZELFOUR WEEKS AGO “What do you even know how to do properly, you lazy girl?” my taskmaster yells at me, his eyes narrowing in distaste as he fixes his penetrating gaze on me. “You're a failure and a disgrace. It's no wonder your parents left you to languish on your own.”His gaze is still on me as he makes mention of my parents and he narrows his eyes more, expecting me to give him a reaction, but I don't. I won't give in to what he wants. I won't give him the satisfaction of that. No matter what he says to me today or any other day for that matter, I won't say anything negative or revolt against him for once. He should keep saying what he wants. He will leave me alone soon enough just as he always does. I stay quiet as always as he keeps spewing more and more hateful words at me. Even though the words affect me, I always try my best not to give off any reaction. I never allow anyone to see how much their words affect me. I don't want to give them that satisfaction. My expression
HAZELI run a brush over a particularly hard patch of the floor. It seems like there is something sticky on the floor and I know that I surely have to get it off since I don't want to incur the wrath of the taskmaster. So I scrub harder and before long, the sticky stuff is gone. Then I retrieve my mop and continue cleaning the floor, using the bright lights of the second floor as guidance. Earlier, when I finished washing those clothes, and I met the taskmaster just outside the laundry room, he didn't have much to say to me. It seemed as though the shock I had experienced when I first caught sight of him had been for nothing and thankfully, he hadn't made a mention of any punishment.He just asked me to go inside and clean all the living rooms on the second floor, and I nodded, and replied to him with the usual, “Okay, taskmaster,” before I rushed into the pack house to do as he asked.Now, I'm cleaning the second living room on the second floor and as I survey my work, I'm quite sat
HAZEL“What’s wrong with you, girl? Why can’t you just do anything properly?” the head taskmaster yells harshly at me.The ferocity in his tone is enough to make me cower in fear. He has always been harsh to me right from the beginning, but this time is different. He looks so angry that I don’t even know what to do or say about it.“How dare you think of washing my clothes with that of one the other taskmasters?” he growls.So that’s the problem? It doesn’t sound like something to be worried about so why is he making a big deal out of something so little? It just seems like he is making a mountain out of a molehill. But as usual, I don’t say any of what I’m thinking out loud. I always keep my thoughts to myself and it has served me well so far. No one needs to know what I’m thinking as it might get me into trouble. As if I’m not already in enough trouble every single day of my life, I think.“And the worst part of this whole situation is that you didn’t wash my clothes with just anyo
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