The Plan

Stefan

I pace the halls, waiting to hear from the Earl.

“You’re going to burn a hole through the floor if you continue with your obsessive pacing back and forth!” My mother looks at me from her throne.

“How far away is he?” I look at my father.

“An hour closer than when you last asked, stop.” He stares at me. “You’re the king. Remember that. This behaviour has to stop.”

I laugh slightly. “I will just pretend I don’t care then, right? Then I won’t care if she leaves, and he takes the pups with him.” Why did he have to claim her?

“You know, this is awkward to say, but I’m just going to say it.” Lucy looks at me.

“Well, spit it out then.” I continue to pace the hall and wait for her to talk.

“From my conversations with Harlyn, she and Wayne haven’t slept together or mated.” My body stops when I hear her words. “She said she didn’t feel ready, and Wayne, the lovely gentleman, said he is happy to wait until she is ready.”

So, the bond won’t be strong.

“We need to keep them apart.” I turn and look at my parents, and they laugh.

“That is impossible.” My mother looks at me.

“Nothing is impossible. If she agrees to stay, we can keep them apart. Now that he’s claimed her, he is more likely to mate with her, and she will agree. You.” I point at the maid. “Get Wayne for me, please.” She nods, and my father raises his hand.

“That is foolish. He will know you’re up to something. Then, if Harlyn agreed to stay, he might push her to agree to leave.” Sighing, I nod.

I hear the footsteps and turn as the Earl walks towards us.

“Well?” Standing, I wait.

“She agreed to stay the night, Your Majesty; I will be having breakfast with the pups and Wayne.”

Well, that’s a start. “I will be having breakfast with them, not you.” I don’t trust him.

“Surely she will ask why I’m not there when I asked her to stay for that very reason?” He looks at me.

“You were called away; it gives you a reason to ask her to stay later because you missed your chance.” I don’t trust him near the pups or Harlyn, so he’s staying away.

“If that is what you wish, Your Majesty, then I shall do it.”

I nodded at his words. “Good. You will ensure no one sees you in the morning. I will explain you had to leave, then you come back and try to get her to agree to stay longer.”

“If she doesn’t realise you’re tricking her, Stefan, Wayne will, and he will make her believe him.” My mother looks at me.

“Well, what else can I do to ensure they don’t leave?” Two days, just two days, is all I need.

“Sink their ship.” The Earl looks at me; well, he’s not as dumb as I thought.

“No!” I turn, looking at my father. “He has his soldiers and guards on that ship. You are not sinking it and killing them. Find another way.”

There isn’t one. “Make sure Harlyn agrees to stay tomorrow night.” I look at the Earl.

“Wouldn’t it just be easier to let her leave?” The Earl looks at me.

“No, because then she takes the pups.” I thought he understood this. “Just stay out of sight until lunchtime, then find Harlyn and make her stay another night.” I insist, and he nods, walking away. I will make sure she is still here when the warlock arrives.

I walk into the room and see the table set, and I stay out of sight until I know they are here. If Wayne sees me, there is a good chance he will divert the pups in another direction.

I hear Isaac first and watch as the pups run to the table. My eyes stay on them as Wayne sits down and joins them. His eyes glance across at the food.

“Try not to cause a war.” My mother looks at me. “Just use your story; the Earl is busy. Don’t mention Jacub, the plan, anything Stefan, or he will get up and take the pups.” She looks at me, waiting.

“I know, okay, I know.” Sighing I walk through, Wayne looks towards me and I take a seat. The pups stare at me, shocked.

“You can eat,” I smile at the pups. If they are eating, he can’t run. I watch as they begin to eat. “Unfortunately, the Earl got a call and had to leave for work. He is hoping to make it back before breakfast ends, but he can’t guarantee it.” I explain and look at Wayne.

“That’s fine, you can leave now.” He glares across at me.

“Oh no, I’m staying; I promised to fill in for him until he leaves.” I smile and look at Isaac. “How do you like the palace, Isaac?” I ask.

I’ve got a visitor coming for Thorin, which I hope will help with ensuring they stay longer.

“I like the pool.” He smiles, then shakes his head. “I like the games room.”

Laughing, I nod. “The games room is my favourite as well.” Wayne glares at me. All I am doing is talking. “I believe Princess Lucy has a present for you, Lotta before you leave.”

Lucy told me this morning that she is giving Lotta her old, outgrown crown. Lotta’s face lights up, and she asks what it is.

“Well, it’s a surprise. You will see soon,” I assure her. Sitting, we eat and talk. Well, Wayne doesn’t. He just glares. He doesn’t like that I’m spending time with them.

I watch as they begin to finish up. I nod to the guard, and he walks out of the room.

“We should get ready, and we need to leave soon.” Wayne stands.

“Wait a moment. Someone is here to see Thorin,” I say and stand watching as the guard walks back in. Behind him is Carlton. Wayne looks towards me and glares.

“I’m here to see Prince Thorin?” He nods at me. “Your Majesty, always a pleasure.” I nod at him, and he glances between Isaac and Thorin.

“I can only guess you’re Thorin.” He looks at him; it’s clear it is. He’s speechless, and Isaac looks at him like a stranger. “Myself and the king know each other well, and considering I’m at the academy training others, I thought I would call in and see if you had a few hours spare?” Carlton looks at Thorin.

“Yes!” His shout is loud.

“Is that fine with you, Your Majesty?” Carlton looks towards me.

“No issue here, have fun,” I say. Wayne glares towards me.

“We’re busy.” His words are loud, but Thorin is already running outside to the training area.

“You can continue to prepare to leave, Wayne; no one is stopping you. Why don’t you two join us outside?” I look at Isaac and Lotta; they nod, and we walk out. Wayne glares after me before turning and walking in the direction of Harlyn.

That’s fine, as Lucy is keeping her busy all morning.