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
HAZEL As I wake up the next day, the first thing I do is jump out of my bed as I head to the little bathroom that I alone use. When I’m there, I wash my face and brush my teeth. I don’t bother to take my bath since I know that doing it won’t serve any purpose because soon enough, I will be doing all sorts of chores that will make me get dirty or sweaty easily. So I quickly dry my face with a worn but neat towel before I step out of the bathroom, and then I go back to my cubicle of a room to change my clothes. When I’m done with that, I step out of my room, moving towards the second floor as I have some work to do there. Yesterday, when I was done with my work in the kitchen, I had done a few other chores before I was finally discharged by the taskmaster, but not before he gave me a list of the chores I would do this morning. The first thing I do just before I climb the stairs leading to the second floor is get some supplies from the storage room which is at the bottom of the stair
HAZEL But I don’t know the answer to that because he doesn’t say anything just then. Instead, he walks around the kitchen, his eyes roaming over the whole place. He does this for a full minute but he still doesn’t say a word. His eyes are expressionless so there is no way for me to know what he is thinking.My heart is beating fast in apprehension as the taskmaster walks forward until he is standing just in front of me. What does he want with me?Then opens his mouth to speak. “I have just come from the second floor before I headed over here,” he starts, and as he says that, the apprehension I’m feeling increases because I know exactly what he went to the second floor to do, and his next words prove that my thoughts are right. “I inspected the bathrooms I assigned to you to wash.”My heart is beating so fast that I almost think the taskmaster can hear it as I wait for his next words. Even though the universe does not favor me most times, I really hope he will say something favorable
HAZELThe biggest hall in the pack house has already been decorated and transformed by the best decorators in our pack. I'm really happy with the way it turned out because the decorators arrived late, and I had already felt that it wouldn't be possible again.The biggest task has been accomplished and the rest of the things that are supposed to make the welcome ceremony a success are just little and can be done quickly.Since I'm done with my work, I decide to move around the pack house to make sure everything is in order, even though it's really not my job to do that. I don’t know why I decide to do it, but I just want to because I feel that I have to know if everything is in order in preparation for the King’s arrival. The next hour goes by really fast. It’s really faster than we all expect, and the fear that we have all been trying to hide starts creeping in; the fear of everything being a failure and of not impressing the King at all. I surely don’t want something like that to
HAZELImmediately, I lower my gaze and bow my head. My hands are shaking and I'm so scared to look up to see if he noticed anything. Then our taskmasters start ushering everyone in. I look at my fellow maids and nervously bite my lower lip to stop it from shaking, but it doesn't work. We wait for the guests that came with the King to all come into the hall before we disassemble our line and fix ourselves around different parts of the hall instead, as we await the needs of the guests. Presently, I'm looking around the whole hall except for the King’s face, even though I can feel his gaze on me. My whole body is shaking, and I can’t help but wonder how everything is going to end.If I can, I want to leave and not come back at all just because of how scared I am. My wolf continues to whine and chant the word, ‘mate’ but I'm trying so hard to be normal, so I just ignore her."Welcome to our pack, Alpha King. We are so happy with your presence," our Alpha and the taskmasters chant in uni
HAZELThe King starts to move back, and he pulls me along with him. I try to pull away, but he is too strong. As I trail behind him, I can hear people having side talks and they seem so surprised at the way everything turned out. Well, they aren’t the only ones feeling that way. I'm surprised too. I never thought I would get noticed by the King, not to talk of getting embraced by him. I can only wonder where he is pulling me to… and why.The King continues to pull me along, albeit gently, with him until we get to his bedroom. I have never entered the bedroom before, so when he opens the door and wants to pull me inside, I flinch and refuse to go in. "I want you to come in. We have to talk, Hazel," he says and pulls me in, closing the door behind us immediately. He finally releases my wrist and I wince quietly at the sore spot on it as I slowly rub the pain away. He sits on his bed and squints his eyes at me. I can tell that he is thinking about something, but I don't know what it i
ETHANI stand near the bed in the suite where I will be residing for the duration of my stay in this pack. The suite has been tastefully furnished to suit me but I think about none of that as there are other pressing matters on my mind. I’m stunned. Really stunned, in fact. I didn’t think Hazel would have the audacity to reject me, a whole King of the East, seeing as she is just a maid in this pack. I know for sure that she felt the mate bond, so why would she reject being my mistress like this? I was sure that she would say yes and yet, she said the exact opposite of that. I’m really dumbfounded and this is not something that happens to me frequently as I always know what to say at any given time. But the thing is that I’m a bit relieved because she didn’t reject me outright. She only rejected the idea of being my mistress. At least, there is still something to stand on. And this means I can try again. She was probably in a bad mood when I asked her the first time so I have to tre
HAZEL It’s the afternoon of the next day and the most baffling thing right now is that I’m done with my chores for the day. I didn’t expect that to happen and it’s really surprising. Yesterday and even this morning, all my thoughts were occupied with the fact that I would have a lot of chores to do today since I didn’t do much yesterday. I was still thinking that that would be the case until I went to the task master’s suite and he gave me the same chore as yesterday, and nothing else. Even when I went back to his suite to ask him for additional chores, he just ignored my question and told me that was all for the day. Why is this happening? I ask myself.It really isn’t that I don’t like the fact that I’m not given as many chores to do as before, because I really do like that. I actually like the respite I have gotten from my daily chores, but what is puzzling me badly is the reason for it. I have thought about the whole thing and I have only one reason for it. Maybe I’m getting
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