Locked Inside

Harly

Waking up, I look around the room. The same room from that night.

I watched as Stefan walked out of the room; he was lucky his soldier had come for her. I was about to slap him again for thinking what happened was a joke.

Why in the hell would he joke about it being him? So yeah, he needs to thank that soldier, as his words just created a burning anger within me that made me want to hurt him.

After he left, I tried to leave the room but was told I wasn’t allowed to. Apparently, the king had insisted I don’t leave the room until I was to be guided to the palace today.

Like I was some child under house arrest, he honestly ensured his guards wouldn’t let me leave. While I want to scream and shout at him for it, I can’t.

It was his order that saved me more abuse from my father last night. I was in bed when I heard him arrive at the door asking if the guards had seen me.

They reassured him I was safe. He didn’t care if I was safe; he just wanted a punching bag for his voice to abuse. So, while I hate Stefan for refusing to let me leave, I’m thankful at the same time.

Still, his words anger me. How could he joke about that night? Opening the door, I look at the guards.

“Now can I leave?” I ask, feeling annoyed.

“Yes, Miss Harlyn. We will escort you to the palace until the men return,” one of them says.

My head shakes. “I need to do things first.” I can’t leave the pups.

“The pups are already making their way there, Miss Harlyn. The Viscount is with them right now.” He smiles at me and points the way.

I begin walking, and I see my mother as I get to the palace. Rushing over, I hug the pups; I have missed them.

“Harlyn! Where were you?” Lucy appears at the door with the queen. She walks to me and hugs me. “I came to your room last night and this morning.” She stands confused.

“I was erm...” I can’t lie, not when Stefan may speak the truth. “I was in King Stefan’s room.” My words are whispered, and her eyes widen.

“You spent the night with Stefan?” She stands shocked.

“Not the entire night. He cleaned and bandaged up my foot, then left. I just stayed in his room for some rest,” I explain. I can’t have her think more than what it was.

“He cleaned and bandaged your foot? Are you sure that was Stefan?” She laughs slightly.

“Trust me, I’m surprised as well.” I reach the queen. My mother stands beside me, and the pups are ahead of me.

“Your Grace.” I curtsey for her, and she smiles.

“Harlyn, it’s wonderful to see you again.” She hugs me and looks at my mother.

“Viscountess Rosemarie, it’s so great to see you again. We didn’t have time to talk at the wedding.” The queen moves and hugs her. Then, she steps back and looks down.

“Well, who are these?” I watch her kneel, her eyes observing the pups.

“My pups, Your Grace. I hope they are welcome?” I thought someone would have told her they were coming.

“Of course they are.” She smiles, looks at them, and then at me with an unusual expression. Why is she looking at me like that?

“This is Thoring, Isaac and Lotta,” I say, pointing them out. This is Princess Lucy and the Queen.” I say to them; I watch as they do small bows and Lotta curtseys.

“They are truly amazing.” The queen stares at them and then looks back at me like she’s trying to work out something. What?

“Come in. Food will be ready.” She stands again and guides us inside. As we enter a large hall, the table is already set with food. We all sit around the table and begin to eat.

It’s uncomfortable, though. The Queen keeps looking at the pups, almost scrutinising them, as if she is trying to see something within them.

“I didn’t know you had pups, Harlyn. They must be a real blessing.” The Queen smiles at me.

“I didn’t either,” Lucy states, turning to me.

“I apologise, Your Highness. I wanted to tell you, but I didn’t want to overcloud your big day. I didn’t get a chance to speak to you after,” I reply, not wanting her to feel like I intentionally hid it from her.

“It’s fine, honestly, Harlyn.” She smiles at me from across the table.

The Queen is looking at them again. “They are adorable, such treasures.” She smiles at me.

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

“Do I know their father?” She asks, and I pause, feeling panic rise within me.

“No, Your Grace.” I can’t answer that question and possibly know the answer.

“Oh, I just feel like I’ve seen them before.” She looks at them and tilts her head. Why would she have seen them before?

“This is the first time we have come to the kingdom, Your Grace. They weren’t born here, and it’s their first time visiting,” I explain, hoping she realises she hasn’t seen them before. It’s impossible; the Queen never leaves the kingdom.

“Oh, maybe I’m mistaken; who is their father?” She smiles at them and then at me, and I swallow.

“I...erm...” I look to my mother for help.

“How is the planning for the celebration for when the men return going?” My mother asks taking the attention away from me.

“There won’t be anything big after the wedding, but there will be a small party to celebrate our success,” The Queen says.

“Let’s discuss it then.” My mother stands, and the Queen nods.

“Let’s go. I can show you my plans.” The Queen smiles and stands.

We all stand and move away from the table now that we’ve eaten.

“I will see you later, Harlyn; make yourself at home with your pups, please.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.” I smile at her.

“You too, Princess Diandra.” The Queen smiles behind me before leaving, and I turn to see Princess Diandra staring at me. Great, here we go again.