Chapter 2. Fathers Hate

Harlyn

I’m unsure of how long I hide away in the garden, just to give myself time to process the rejection from Prince Stefan before I gather my courage and begin walking back through the gardens towards the manor. My eyes go to the palace briefly before I try to push Prince Stefan out of my mind.

I’m still shocked that he rejected me so easily. For him, the bond and us being mates made no difference in his eyes. So many see the bond and mates as a blessing, a path that needs to be followed, but he didn’t. He seems to think the Moon Goddess made a mistake and won’t care that he rejected me.

Surely they will. After all, bonds and mates aren’t something to be ignored or fooled about with. They are sacred and special. As I get nearer to the manor, I begin to slow my steps, feeling the anger and hate flood from inside. I already know right now that my Father is going to shout at me. I’m not sure what for, as I’ve done nothing wrong today but it feels like I am about to be in trouble again.

As I step inside the manor, his dark presence overwhelms me. He turns and glares at me as the door closes behind me. I should have known that even on my birthday, my father wouldn’t spare me his abuse. One day, he will regret this, but I know right now there is nothing I can do. I’m lucky still to be here, considering I don’t have a wolf, and he hates that. Sometimes, I feel even if I had a wolf, he would still hate me like I’m the issue, not the lack of a wolf.

“Where were you!” His voice is loud, and he steps closer to me. He stares at me, waiting for my answer.

“I was seeing Princess Lucy, Father,” I reply, unsure why he is so angry with me. It’s my birthday; I shouldn’t be in trouble for wanting to see my friends for an hour, although I am. I knew when I left earlier that I should have waited until tomorrow.

“Today? Of all days, you choose today to go? Do you really care so little about your Mother that you put yourself first!” His words slam me, and I shake my head quickly, trying to deny that he’s right. My mother means everything to me, more than anyone, but he won’t believe that even if I die trying to prove the point.

“Father, Mother had given Harlyn permission to go to see Princess Lucy.” Samuel stops beside me and smiles down at me. “It is her own birthday, after all, and Mother wanted her to enjoy the day,” Samuel explains. He is trying to defend me, but it won’t matter to my father; today isn’t my birthday. Not one that needs to be celebrated anyway, just like all the other birthdays that were under the shadow of my mothers.

I watch my Father shake his head. He’s not having any of it. He isn’t happy that I spent merely an hour of my day with Princess Lucy. He glares towards Samuel, and now I feel bad that he is going to get abused by my father, even if it isn’t as bad as what he gives me.

“Your Mother was being kind, not wanting to hurt her. That doesn’t make it right that she left.” Father shouts and steps closer to me. “What is it with you? When we don’t want you near us, you’re like a leech never letting go, and when we need you, you’re nowhere to be seen!” His words are spat in my face.

My body shrinks back, and my head drops. Leech? That is a new one, even for my Father. Just how much more can he throw at me and expect me to survive? I glance around the hall, unsure of what to even say; I want to argue with him, but I know it’s useless. Nothing I say will be seen in a good way. He will twist my words and make me look like the bad guy, like he always does, and I hate him for it.

“I apologise, Father; I didn’t mean any disrespect, I was just…”

“No! No excuses; today is your Mother’s birthday, and you’re insignificant compared to her, so you will spend the day with your Mother. Do you hear me?” He glares down at me, and I nod quickly. I guess I won’t explain that Princess Lucy had requested I see her at some point today.

“I understand, Father.” My words are quiet.

“Father, this isn’t fair on Harlyn. It’s her birthday as well.” Samuel looks at him.

“Her birthday means nothing. She wouldn’t have one if it wasn’t for your Mother. I will not discuss it anymore. It’s one day! One day, Harlyn, I expect you to be here for the entire time.” He turns and storms away.

“Sorry Harlyn.” Samuel hugs me.

“Yeah, sorry.” Colton, my little brother, smiles and hugs me.

“Boys, follow now!” Father shouts back, and they begin following. I follow behind them slowly to my mother’s chambers. As we get there, I walk into the room. My Mother instantly warms my heart. I wish she could make my Father see that his abuse isn’t right. Nothing she says can change his hatred towards me, either. It’s something I have no choice but to live with.

“Harlyn, darling, I thought you were with Princess Lucy?” She walks over and hugs me.

“No, I just wanted to see her quickly. Today is your day.” I smile at her.

“No, it’s our day.” She lifts the necklace I am wearing and smiles. “From Princess Lucy?” She asks, and I nod.

“Yes, Mother, she said it was so we would never be apart.” It’s a beautiful necklace, and the sentiment behind it is even more beautiful, but as soon as I can, I’m leaving this city and escaping my father’s abuse.

Had Prince Stefan accepted me, I would have stayed. I can’t now.