Henrietta
It's been a few days since Gwendolyn attacked me during study. I made sure to stay away from her as well to avoid any attempt to complete what she started, call it fear or anything but I definitely wouldn't risk my life to test her.
All I've done is sneak out of my room to my mother's room which happens to be the last place Gwendolyn would be. Having heard the gravity of Dad's punishment on her, I know she wouldn't try anything stupid but I can never be too sure either.
Sitting on the floor of my mother's room, right next to her sick bed, I held her hand and raised it up to me while staring at her face. She hasn't moved an inch for over a year now and even when she does, it's either she cries of pain or a maid helps. She has been struck by this strange sickness which many healers propose to be an effect of poison. Even the best healers say the same.
Father has gone in and out of Odyssey numerous times in search of a cure but all to no avail. She remains bedridden, unable to move any part of her body and with great difficulty, struggles to move her neck.
Without taking my eyes away from her pale face, I asked the royal physician, Geneva, who was busy packing her bags of herbs and potions, "Would she be okay?" I knew the answer because it wasn't the first I had asked the exact same question.
"It would take time." She sighed, "The queen is a really strong woman, you should be strong for her as well." She advised and I tilted my head to meet her sad gaze. Her lips curved in a sad smile as she turned around and walked towards the door.
It hurts to see her this way. I miss those days when she would hold my hand and take me round the gardens during the day as our father could not go out during the day. She made sure I didn't miss out on all the fun irrespective of the fact that I wasn't special like Gwen.
It was as if she had an agreement with dad to share duties, because while I was resting at night on some days, Gwen was out with dad. And when it was Gwen's turn to be with mum, I spent my time with dad, having a playdate in my room.
Sighing deeply, I shut my eyes and brought the back of her hand close to my lips, placing kisses on it, "I wish you could just get well right now," I whispered against her hand before gently dropping it beside her and resting my head on the bed stand.
I was going to fall asleep when I felt my face being brushed gently by a light hand and my hair gently ruffled. "Hmmm," I breathed but recalling whose room I was in, I quickly openedmy eyes.
"Mother," I called out, seeing that her eyes were open. Those gentle, bright blue eyes that once had me staring in awe now looked dim and tired, too tired that they lost their glow. She managed to smile at me, gently cupping my face in her palm and right then, I yearned to hear her voice.
"Henrietta, my…"Her words were interrupted by a hard cough and I quickly left her side to grab the water jar which was on the table, at the foot of her bed but not minding the cough she managed to finish her sentence, "My sweet baby," She said, her voice sounding hoarse and I rushed to her side holding a cup of water.
I placed my right hand under head, slightly raising her up while bringing the cup close to her mouth so she could sip on it. After she was done, I wiped the side of her lips with my hand before placing the cup on the dresser.
"I heard what happened with your sister," She began without giving me a chance to ask how she was feeling, "Your father told me." She coughed.
"Well," I began, thinking of the best way to present what I was going to say, "Gwen hasn't really mastered being a vampire and how to master her powers," I shamelessly lied, lowering my gaze to avoid her eyes.
"Hmmm, is that really what happened?" She asked and I nodded, "I birthed both of you and I know you will always do anything to protect your sister but would she ever do that for you?" She stated, surprising me. She didn't need an answer even though I had it, Gwen would never stand in for me in trouble and even when she creates them, she drags me in.
I gulped down the lump in my throat, trying hard not to tear up. "I have always watched closely how dominating your sister could be and how you let her, why is that?" She questioned, dragging herself up on the bed so that she had her back on the head rest.
"Why do you let her walk all over you like that?" She asked, yet another question while taking my hand in hers. "What do you think would have happened if your father hadn't come in at the exact time he did?"
That was the exact same question I had asked myself over and over again, was Gwendolyn really going to...no she wouldn't, I doubt if she had the guts to do something that hurtful to me.
Shutting my eyes for a few minutes, I let out a long sigh, "I'm not special, mum." I finally said it with my mouth, "I do not have any special powers like you, dad and even Gwen or like anyone in the kingdom." I added, "That's an advantage Gwen has over me and that is why she is even more fit to be next after Dad." I whispered, biting my tongue after I said those words.
"You're nothing less, sweetheart. Who even told you that you're not special?" She asked but obviously, I didn't need anyone to tell me what was staring directly at me.
"Mum, I knew you'd say that but it still remains the truth, I neither have fangs nor furs nor fog,
I'm just… Just me, ordinary and dad even pities me." I blurted out, "I have a feeling he wishes I was born different, I know you do too." I whispered in frustration.
"Aww, don't cry. At least you've come to realize the obvious truth," I heard a voice different from mother's but belonging to the one whom I didn't want to set my eyes on, Gwendolyn.
Hissing, I raised my gaze and gave her a hard glare, "What are you doing here?" I asked as she began to walk towards mother's bed.
"Can't I see my mother anymore or do I also need permission for that? " She rolled her eyes, "How are you feeling, mum?" she asked, making me wonder if she really cared because she has never stepped into this room to check up on our mother willingly unless she was dragged or wanted something.
"I'm doing just fine but it would be better if you stop trying to hurt your sister or scare her." Mother blurted out, her voice growing weak yet she remained seated.
"It's not my fault she is weak and empty," Gwen said in a casual voice, waving her hand in the air.
"I am not!" I dead panned visibly angry as to how common she made me feel and how suffocating her presence around me was.
She sized me up with her eyes, "Oh really?" She asked, "then show me," she said in a tone that held mockery, "Odyssey doesn't need a weak princess for a queen, you are weak Henrietta, accept it already."
"Enough already!" Mother shouted with as much strength as she could muster. "Leave now Gwendolyn, it is obvious you only came here to insult us. You have no respect for my presence nor do you care to listen and make amends." She spat, "Leave!" Mother bellowed, staring annoyingly at her. Gwen soon turned around without any apology, she left the room.
"Did you see that, mother? I asked, "Do you see what I say?" I whispered, "Gwen is already making advances towards earning the throne even while you and father are alive, she wants to be next in line and I can't even compete with her in this form." I cried out, placing my head on her thigh for comfort.
"Shh, everything would be just fine," she said in a hush voice, "Your father and I are always here whenever you need us." She assured me, but for how long.
While playing with the loose strands of my hair, she began to hum an old lullaby. It sounded more like an enchantment but it was slow and soothing, "I hear there's going to be a ball here in the palace, in a few days," she whispered, "I want you to look your best, do not care what anyone says to you, Henrietta
It's been a few days since Gwendolyn attacked me during study. I made sure to stay away from her as well to avoid any attempt to complete what she started, call it fear or anything but I definitely wouldn't risk my life to test her.
All I've done is sneak out of my room to my mother's room which happens to be the last place Gwendolyn would be. Having heard the gravity of Dad's punishment on her, I know she wouldn't try anything stupid but I can never be too sure either.
Sitting on the floor of my mother's room, right next to her sick bed, I held her hand and raised it up to me while staring at her face. She hasn't moved an inch for over a year now and even when she does, it's either she cries of pain or a maid helps. She has been struck by this strange sickness which many healers propose to be an effect of poison. Even the best healers say the same.
Father has gone in and out of Odyssey numerous times in search of a cure but all to no avail. She remains bedridden, unable to move any part of her body and with great difficulty, struggles to move her neck.
Without taking my eyes away from her pale face, I asked the royal physician, Geneva, who was busy packing her bags of herbs and potions, "Would she be okay?" I knew the answer because it wasn't the first I had asked the exact same question.
"It would take time." She sighed, "The queen is a really strong woman, you should be strong for her as well." She advised and I tilted my head to meet her sad gaze. Her lips curved in a sad smile as she turned around and walked towards the door.
It hurts to see her this way. I miss those days when she would hold my hand and take me round the gardens during the day as our father could not go out during the day. She made sure I didn't miss out on all the fun irrespective of the fact that I wasn't special like Gwen.
It was as if she had an agreement with dad to share duties, because while I was resting at night on some days, Gwen was out with dad. And when it was Gwen's turn to be with mum, I spent my time with dad, having a playdate in my room.
Sighing deeply, I shut my eyes and brought the back of her hand close to my lips, placing kisses on it, "I wish you could just get well right now," I whispered against her hand before gently dropping it beside her and resting my head on the bed stand.
I was going to fall asleep when I felt my face being brushed gently by a light hand and my hair gently ruffled. "Hmmm," I breathed but recalling whose room I was in, I quickly opened my eyes.
"Mother," I called out, seeing that her eyes were open. Those gentle, bright blue eyes that once had me staring in awe now looked dim and tired, too tired that they lost their glow. She managed to smile at me, gently cupping my face in her palm and right then, I yearned to hear her voice.
"Henrietta, my…"Her words were interrupted by a hard cough and I quickly left her side to grab the water jar which was on the table, at the foot of her bed but not minding the cough she managed to finish her sentence, "My sweet baby," She said, her voice sounding hoarse and I rushed to her side holding a cup of water.
I placed my right hand under head, slightly raising her up while bringing the cup close to her mouth so she could sip on it. After she was done, I wiped the side of her lips with my hand before placing the cup on the dresser.
"I heard what happened with your sister," She began without giving me a chance to ask how she was feeling, "Your father told me." She coughed.
"Well," I began, thinking of the best way to present what I was going to say, "Gwen hasn't really mastered being a vampire and how to master her powers," I shamelessly lied, lowering my gaze to avoid her eyes.
"Hmmm, is that really what happened?" She asked and I nodded, "I birthed both of you and I know you will always do anything to protect your sister but would she ever do that for you?" She stated, surprising me. She didn't need an answer even though I had it, Gwen would never stand in for me in trouble and even when she creates them, she drags me in.
I gulped down the lump in my throat, trying hard not to tear up. "I have always watched closely how dominating your sister could be and how you let her, why is that?" She questioned, dragging herself up on the bed so that she had her back on the head rest.
"Why do you let her walk all over you like that?" She asked, yet another question while taking my hand in hers. "What do you think would have happened if your father hadn't come in at the exact time he did?"
That was the exact same question I had asked myself over and over again, was Gwendolyn really going to...no she wouldn't, I doubt if she had the guts to do something that hurtful to me.
Shutting my eyes for a few minutes, I let out a long sigh, "I'm not special, mum." I finally said it with my mouth, "I do not have any special powers like you, dad and even Gwen or like anyone in the kingdom." I added, "That's an advantage Gwen has over me and that is why she is even more fit to be next after Dad." I whispered, biting my tongue after I said those words.
"You're nothing less, sweetheart. Who even told you that you're not special?" She asked but obviously, I didn't need anyone to tell me what was staring directly at me.
"Mum, I knew you'd say that but it still remains the truth, I neither have fangs nor furs nor fog,
I'm just… Just me, ordinary and dad even pities me." I blurted out, "I have a feeling he wishes I was born different, I know you do too." I whispered in frustration.
"Aww, don't cry. At least you've come to realize the obvious truth," I heard a voice different from mother's but belonging to the one whom I didn't want to set my eyes on, Gwendolyn.
Hissing, I raised my gaze and gave her a hard glare, "What are you doing here?" I asked as she began to walk towards mother's bed.
"Can't I see my mother anymore or do I also need permission for that? " She rolled her eyes, "How are you feeling, mum?" she asked, making me wonder if she really cared because she has never stepped into this room to check up on our mother willingly unless she was dragged or wanted something.
"I'm doing just fine but it would be better if you stop trying to hurt your sister or scare her." Mother blurted out, her voice growing weak yet she remained seated.
"It's not my fault she is weak and empty," Gwen said in a casual voice, waving her hand in the air.
"I am not!" I dead panned visibly angry as to how common she made me feel and how suffocating her presence around me was.
She sized me up with her eyes, "Oh really?" She asked, "then show me," she said in a tone that held mockery, "Odyssey doesn't need a weak princess for a queen, you are weak Henrietta, accept it already."
"Enough already!" Mother shouted with as much strength as she could muster. "Leave now Gwendolyn, it is obvious you only came here to insult us. You have no respect for my presence nor do you care to listen and make amends." She spat, "Leave!" Mother bellowed, staring annoyingly at her. Gwen soon turned around without any apology, she left the room.
"Did you see that, mother? I asked, "Do you see what I say?" I whispered, "Gwen is already making advances towards earning the throne even while you and father are alive, she wants to be next in line and I can't even compete with her in this form." I cried out, placing my head on her thigh for comfort.
"Shh, everything would be just fine," she said in a hush voice, "Your father and I are always here whenever you need us." She assured me, but for how long.
While playing with the loose strands of my hair, she began to hum an old lullaby. It sounded more like an enchantment but it was slow and soothing, "I hear there's going to be a ball here in the palace, in a few days," she whispered, "I want you to look your best, do not care what anyone says to you and even if what they say really gets to you always remember that you're special to me." She said soothingly, gently moving my hair away before placing a kiss on the side of my neck.
Richard We were all gathered by the lake under the dark sky while the palace maids gathered wood at the center of the gathering to make fire while we waited for any of the old alphas to address us. They had already assembled, each one sitting in the order of the rank they held and since it was a meeting for everyone and not only the males, every werewolf and of course, each with their mates. The pack was often divided into segments but today, everyone sat together except the oldest members of the pack who were referred to as elders as they have fought many wars before us and even before our fathers. "Greetings my dear family," King Harold, my father, greeted as he began. It was his signature way of welcoming the pack together and making them feel closer to him by calling then his family. "It's been a long time since we all sat down together under the dark sky to discuss, I can't even begin to express how excited I am about how large we have grown since our last meeting, little c
Richard "Do not get me wrong, son. That she wasn't my mate does not mean that I did not love her." He corrected, and gently lowered himself so that he was sitting on the dry land and I did the same. "I lost my mate long before I met your mother. My mate was an unhealthy wolf who died just two weeks after I had found her while your mum was the princess of this land and her mate was an arrogant brute." "Hmmm, this is getting quite interesting." I whispered. "I had a soft spot for your mum's innocence, her care, large heart and soft voice and especially her beauty." He smiled, "Have you seen any woman around who is built like your mother or whose wolf matches that of your mother," he asked, laughing shyly and chuckled still paying full attention to him. "Her mate was quite bossy and would hit her on some occasions." "One faithful day, she smiled at me as she always does, I saw the pain in her eyes. Her eyes weren't so cheerful so I requested a meeting with the King and asked for a fi
Henrietta "Your bath is ready, my princess." The maid servant said upon stepping out of the bathroom. My personal maid, Chloe, was out to get me lunch as I'd rather have another maid prepare my bath than fix my meal. "Thank you," I said in appreciation for her time before dragging myself towards the bathroom. I was about to reach for the bathroom door when I heard a rush of wind in my room and stopped at that exact moment to see who was in my room. "Princess Henrietta," one of my father's palace guards said as he became visible to me, "The King requests your presence at lunch." He informed me and I tightened my brows in such a way that a fine line formed between them. "Is there a problem?" I asked, it's been a while since my father called us all to lunch and I think a while meant a year since that was how long mother has been ill. "I hope not, my princess." He replied and although I raised a brow as if asking him how sure he was, he politely looked away, bending low his head and
Henrietta "Gwendolyn!!" Father slapped his hand hard on the table, startling both of us. "I didn't give you permission to interrupt me neither are you done with your punishment for trying to hurt or turn your sister!" He growled, hot air flaring from his nostrils. "How did you turn this cold?" He said in a soft voice, "And to your own twin! How did you two even grow this distance!!" He shouted while looking from me to Gwendolyn. In annoyance, he picked up the knife and stabbed it on the table while grinding hard in his teeth. At this point, I wouldn't dare speak. The silence in the room was beginning to suffocate me and even though I wanted to raise my head, I just couldn't. My head had gone heavy and my palms sweaty, "Well, Odyssey needs a Queen who is strong an…" Gwendolyn dared to speak but a loud crash caused me to jump in my seat and abruptly raise my head. I searched the room using my eyes to see what must have caused the loud noise until my eyes landed on a badly destroyed w
Richard I found myself standing before a gigantic castle and right in front of its magnificent doors were two guards. One of them went in to make known our presence and walked before us into the palace. My father went before us while I and Charles stood on his sides, walking along with him while the servants carried our gifts behind us. The throne room was well decorated with tall marble walls adorned with rare jewels of different kinds. I took a moment to admire the room and all it had, then I noticed that it had no windows. I guess to prevent the sun from getting in but the room wasn't dark either as there were huge bulbs in the room and a chandelier right before the throne. "Harold!" I heard a deep excited voice say my father's name and I looked straight ahead to see an oval face with a sharp jaw and blue orbs which shone as he spoke. He was gradually rising to his feet as he was seated on his throne and once he was fully up, I must say I might just be looking at the most hands
Henrietta I was taking a walk around my mother's garden, accompanied by Chloe as the cool breeze of the evening graced our skin while bringing the mixed smell of flowers and fruits to out nose. It was soothing and comfortable. "My family couldn't come for the ball," Chloe stated as she plucked a few flowers, on either side of the path we walked. "Why didn't they come?" I asked and she shrugged. "I learnt from a member of the pack that they were part of those who volunteered to stay back." She said in a sad voice. "Don't be sad, Chloe, you'll see them soon." I said, "Have you seen your mate yet?" I asked in a bid to cheer her up and bright red patch formed on both sides of her face "Why weren't you there to welcome the werewolves?" I heard a voice belonging to Gwendolyn and jumped in fear when she appeared right in front of me. She was so close that I could feel hot air coming from her nose. That smile, the smirk on her face which showed just how satisfied she was with my reac
Richard "I noticed how someone almost got stripped off their clothing, right in front of everyone in the palace today." Charles said as he dropped my bags in the room which was assigned to me before sitting on the bed. He had left Marta in their room to accompany me to mine while our father decided to spend some time with King Kenneth before retiring to his room. "Who and what are you talking about?" I asked, while admiring the beauty of the room. "I'm talking about you and the princess, Gwendolyn." He blurted out and I was taken aback by his words. "What's that supposed to mean?" I sighed, holding my waist with both hands. "How do you even come up with these..these stupid ideas." I slapped my hand on my forehead. Taking my hand down and placing it under my jaw, I moved closer to the bed. "Do you even see anyone else when you're with Marta ?" I asked but all he did was remain silent. After a few minutes, his voice came up again, "I saw how she had her eyes all over you in the pa
Henrietta It's been a whole day since I got restricted because of Gwendolyn. The fact that she out smarted me triggered something in me, a very hard feeling I didn't want to access. She was beginning to make a place for herself in my life, a place of hatred, the kind that runs through the vein. Although Father had sent a guard to escort me to the study where I had classes with Gwendolyn, I was still sad because I wouldn't be able to go anywhere else aside here and my room. Not even to see mother. The moment the guards walked me to the door that led to the study, I let of a long sigh before turning the knob and opening the door. Upon entering into the room, I noticed that our chairs have been moved to different locations in the room. Gwendolyn was seated very far from me, unlike the last class where we sat side by side. This time, we were opposite each other but at a great distance almost at the rooms walls while Sir Bernard had his desk at the center of the room, and whenever he