Foolish Moments

Stefan

I hate this. Everyone is welcoming Wayne like he’s a fantastic guy and the best thing that happened to Harlyn. Still, he isn’t. Sure, he may have taken her in after she was exiled, but it took years for us to learn that.

The Earl said Harlyn chose to leave for years; it was only after I heard Samuel arguing with him that we learned the truth and that he exiled her.

I still don’t understand how he could do that to his daughter, and he honestly looked so unaffected by it. The Countess hid away for months after, and it was clear when she finally began to attend events again that she had lost part of her soul.

Just like Samuel and Colton, all three of them seemed to be ripped apart by the loss of Harlyn, but not the Earl. Why? There must be something or a reason why he hates her so much. Whatever it is, he won’t speak of it, so I’m not sure if we will ever get the full story behind his hatred for her.

I’ve managed to stay hidden within the crowd, close enough to hear the conversation. Samuel is constantly toasting the happy couple, Harlyn and Wayne. Even Lucy is there telling them how wonderful they look together and how cute their little family is.

Each word seems to annoy me, and it’s not because Wayne is possibly linked to Jacub, but more that he’s where I should be had my parents been the type to agree to let me marry her.

The pups are also involved a lot, constantly talking, telling Wayne about their time here and then telling Samuel and the others about things at home with Wayne.

I try to listen to see if they mention training, but they don’t. Sighing, I walk back through the crowd and sit on the throne. I shouldn’t have left it, but I used the excuse that I had cramps in my leg, which meant no one questioned me walking away.

“Harlyn seems to have gathered quite a crowd. Who is that?” Mother looks at me, and I shrug, not wanting to reply to her. “Son, who is that with Harlyn?”

“Wayne.” My word is growled as I see Harlyn now dancing with him, his hands settled perfectly on her ass.

“Hmm.” I turn, confused by her noise. “Sorry, just from what I’ve heard of people, they make a cute family.”

The glass in my hand shatters at her words. Cute family? I turn and focus on Harlyn again. The maids move in to clean my robe.

“Son, did you hear me?” Mother’s words break through, and I look at her. “Is something going on with you and Harlyn?”

“No.” My word is snapped, and I keep my eyes on them. How could something be going on between Harlyn and me? She seems too loyal to do that—too loyal to him.

“Then why the reaction?” Mother asks, her hand holding my clenched fist. “Stefan, do you...”

Standing, I brush her off. “If you will excuse me, I need to leave.” Now, the longer I watch them, the more I want to hit him just to see if he confesses to being part of the plan.

I leave the grand hall and go to my chambers. After getting changed, I sit and consider it. I don’t know how to deal with my emotions, and Ghost has been quiet.

So I can only imagine his pain at seeing Harlyn with Wayne is worse than mine. I’m lost on the way forward, and I can’t claim Harlyn or expect anything from her.

I rejected her and lost my rights the day I did that. I also can’t claim the pups. Harlyn and I never had a relationship, so I can’t just announce they are mine. Even if everything is explained, people won’t take it well that Harlyn left while pregnant, even if she had no idea the pups were mine.

I need to go back. I can’t avoid the celebration. Although the new king’s early departure doesn’t look right, I don’t feel like there is much to celebrate right now.

Reluctantly, I stand and open the door. My mother is waiting. Why is she here? I glance past her and consider just walking, but her face tells me if I try, she will hit me.

“Mother.” I look at her, still confused by the fact she came to my chamber and didn’t just get a maid or servant to come get me.

“Are you alright?” She looks at me, and I can see the worry in her eyes. She takes my hand and leads me back to the sofa.

“I’m fine. Stop worrying.” I smile at her, pushing down the emotions again.

Her head shakes. She looks at me in a way that suggests she has something to say but isn’t sure if she should.

“What is it, Mother? Just say it.” I ask, knowing that once she does, I can leave this room.

“What is going on with you and Harlyn?” she asks, and I laugh. Is she joking? How can she think anything is going on with me and Harlyn? Right now, Harlyn is cuddled in another man’s arms.

“What is this thing between you and Harlyn?” she states more firmly, and my head shakes. I can’t say. I know her reaction and my father’s reaction if they know the truth.

“I have no idea what you’re speaking of,” I say, unwilling to get into it.

“Son, you and Harlyn.” She sighs and looks at me. “Do you have feelings for her?”

“No, not at all!” My words are loud, and she jumps. I can’t be honest about how I feel, not when I know how they will react. I don’t want Harlyn hurt because of my feelings.

“No?” She looks at me, waiting for confirmation.

“No.” My word is louder.

“I’m your mother. You realise that, right?”

What sort of question is that? Of course, I know that she is.

“Mother, I...” Her hand goes up and stops me from talking.

“You can’t lie to me, Stefan; you never could. Now tell me the truth.” She looks at me, waiting.

Tell you the truth so you can tell me how wrong it is? No way. “Why would I lie to you, Mother?” I say, trying to appear like I don’t care. I still remember her and my father’s conversation, so I can’t admit my feelings.