Their Power

Stefan

The Earl and Samuel’s words have been on repeat constantly since I left Harlyn in that room.

I know that I can’t deny it anymore. Harlyn was with me that night, and nothing I do can change that or make things right, especially not when she was exiled for it.

Still, she has pups—my pups. I’m not sure how to approach that situation—actually, I’m not sure how to approach any of the situations. This isn’t like I have spoken to her throughout the years or that she trusts me.

She doesn’t trust me, not even the smallest amount, so my approach to these things needs to be more planned—not that stupid attempt I made last night.

That was wrong, and I realised when I walked away it would have looked like I was making light of her situation. I wasn’t. I should have just said it outright.

I had to push every thought away about Harlyn and the pups. However, I couldn’t go into the battle with my mind lost in thoughts of her, them, and my mistakes.

Luckily, Ghost seemed willing to agree and didn’t pester me over the issues either. At the last minute, King Fredic arrived, claiming he would support us. He is Diandra’s father and the king of their kingdom.

Together, it was easy to wipe out the rogue army, too easy, and I regretted that as the battle kept Harlyn and everything else in my mind at bay.

As soon as the last one fell, everything came flooding back. Everyone was singing praise as we looked at the disassembled bodies of those who had successfully passed our first line of defence.

We were done before sunset and returned home. The entire time, Harlyn was in my mind. For some reason, I was worried for her, and I’m not even sure how or why. I just felt in pain, like she was hurting, which isn’t possible.

No one would attack the palace and get past the guards outside. That is why Colton joined us. He wasn’t needed at the palace.

Whenever I think about what Harlyn has gone through, I hate myself more because it’s down to me. Walking through the door, I instantly see Harlyn, and she looks like she’s about to leave.

She can’t leave, not yet. I see everyone embracing each other, and I step closer to Harlyn. I need to ask if she’s okay. I see the pups cuddled against her, and she smiles down at them lovingly.

My heart thumped hard, and I stared at them. They were Harlyn’s pups. No, they were our pups. I continue to walk towards her and them when I hear Diandra cry out.

Turning, I see her hugging her father. I forgot about her. I step towards her and see cuts and bruises on her body. I watch her father frown, demanding to know who hurt her.

Diandra pointed and blamed Harlyn, but even I knew that wasn’t right. Harlyn wouldn’t do that, and some of the marks, even though they are nearly healed, are clearly from a wolf. Harlyn doesn’t have her wolf.

I almost laugh at Diandra and tell her to stop joking before I realise I’m king and not meant to act like that. Harlyn isn’t strong enough to win against Diandra, and even if she were, I know she is soft-hearted and would never hurt anyone. I also know she wouldn’t attack a princess.

“Wait, you’re saying Harlyn attacked you?” Samuel stands confused, and I don’t blame him. I watch as Harlyn moves, her hands pushing the pups behind her.

Her stance changes to somewhat of a protective one, and a look of determination covers her face like she is ready to protect and fight for something.

“This was just a misunderstanding. You know how ladies can be.” My mother laughs it off, and Diandra stays quiet. Why? If what she said really happened, why would she suddenly be quiet?

“That’s not a misunderstanding! Attacking my daughter, a princess, to this degree is not a misunderstanding!” King Fredric says, glaring at Harlyn. He’s not touching her. “What kind of misunderstanding would warrant this?” he asks again.

My mother stands quiet, and Lucy tightens her lips. I swear I won’t be happy if she laughs right now. Would be amusing anyway?

“You did this?” Earl Harold glares at Harlyn. She nods at him and stands up straighter.

“I warned her not to touch me, and she didn’t listen. She attacked me first, so of course I retaliated.” Harlyn moves and shows her wounds, my eyes widening. I hadn’t seen those. I step towards her more.

Did Diandra really do this to her? I stare at her, confused. Why is Harlyn saying it was her when she doesn’t have a wolf?

“Let’s just get into the main hall. You must all be tired,” my mother says, trying to get everyone to forget about it.

“You apologise right now!” Earl Harold steps towards Harlyn.

“No. I will not apologise for defending myself when I did nothing wrong.” Harlyn speaks up, and I’m shocked by her courage. Earl Harold growls at her; he doesn’t like that she is defending herself.

Harlyn has never lied a day in her life, so I know she is telling the truth. Diandra began this whole thing, though. Something doesn’t feel right. Sure, Harlyn is saying it was her, but there is no way she could do it.

I turn and look at Lucy. It wouldn’t be her. They would have all lied if it was, and Diandra wouldn’t be saying it was Harlyn. How is it possible that Harlyn, sweet and innocent Harlyn without a wolf, took down Diandra?

Turning, I look between the women, and I know they are hiding something. What else happened that they are trying to keep hidden, and why? What purpose would they have in hiding what really happened?

“Diandra, consider this; I think you should let this go.” Lucy looks at her.

“I agree. Consider what really happened.” Mother says, and Diandra seems to realise what they are hinting at. I don’t consider what? If Harlyn attacked her, what would she have to consider?

King Fredric steps forward between my father and Earl Harold.

“She refuses to apologise for her actions, so she should be punished for hurting and disrespecting the princess. It can not be left as it is!” King Fredric states.

My father looks at him in shock, and I can see he doesn’t want to agree. I go to step in and say it’s no longer his choice and refuse to let anyone punish Harlyn, but because I can, one of the pups appears before Harlyn.

“No! No one will be punishing my Mummy!” He says, his eyes glowing blue, shit. How is that even possible? His rage emitted from his body. “I did it, and I hurt the princess.” He states.

I watch one of the other pups step forward.

“And me!” he says, and I stare in shock. His eyes glow red like mine. I peer around Harlyn and see a little girl, her eyes glowing golden.

How can they be Lycans? Most don’t unlock it until they are eighteen. I can feel their anger as they glare at Diandra, and I think she is best away from here now.

“We hurt the princess after she hurt Mummy.” One of them growls, and I definitely think Diandra needs to leave the room.