Chapter 7: Chapter 7- A dance and dead body
Holding her hand and another to her waist '' l can start with you my princess'' Simon grabbed her to his chest.
'l can just have one dance with him but not for long, otherwise my sister will kill me with that look. Shit not only her but all princess here .l have to leave this place'
As Hazel and Simon were dancing people noticed that Simon was not ready to share her with anyone. Another prince came asking for Hazel's hand and was refused by Simon. Dame he was good at ignoring people.
'' can you just let me dance with other people'' Hazel plead
'' no'' short answer
'' you must be kidding me'' '' well, l feel convinced that you were spying, no that l can prove it but l will''
'' maybe you will, in the meantime let's keep dancing'' Simon was irritated with another prince who asked for a dance with Hazel.
''and to be clear, l doubt my interest in you anymore''
'He is refusing me to dance with another prince like he own me. All my plans are failing, l just want to get away from him and go to sleep'
'' why is that you are refusing me to dance with anyone? Hazel asked slowly.
Simon was still cool as usual '' l just don't want to'' he smiles back.
'' excuse me ladies and gentlemen all first Prince and princess are inquired to join the master table'' Levi said after getting attention.
Some prince who were eagerly waiting to get a chance with Hazel were now getting a chance. But who was getting her hand first.
'' l can lead you to your room'' Simon
''that will be more appreciated'' that's all she said. She was not going since she was not considered the first princess.
Knowing very well that she won't have any other chance than this because many prince were waiting for a single chance to introduce themselves. Simon led Hazel to her room which was pretty too confusing to Hazel on how come he knows her chamber. Simon dropped her and rushed back to the master table.
Love, kindness, peace and joy, can all be found if you are willing to give it a try. But however it can easily be turned to hatred if you outdo it. We can find ourselves in a romantic episode but behind the senses there more tragedy of darkness.
Just after Simon left Hazel fell into a deep sleep.
''Hazel, hazel wake up'' that was Simon trying to wake her.
'' can you let me sleep more'' Hazel said avoiding to open her eyes. ''or we do something''
'' there is party in the hall and people are dancing outside, can we now go'' Simon was trying to convince her since he was the one who put her to bed. Or he was going to take advantage of the moment but how.
Simon get closer whispering naughty things to turn her on. Not that Hazel avoid but welcomed. Un resistible Simon started with a kiss on her forehead to her lips. If Hazel was in her full senses she won't be standing for that. It was an insult. Kissing her from nowhere. But however it conclude that she was not herself. '' kiss me again'' she said whispering to his ears. Her voice exposed how hungry she was for love. That love she was waiting for so long. Heaven knows since when she was craving for his touch all over her body. Simon take her to sit on his lapse while kissing every part that comes to his mind. His lips and his tongue slowly devour every warm breath leaving a mark on her body. He pulled strands backs, his hand dominating on her body like a beast god. '' do it again'' Hazel said looking forward for his touch on both her breast and his sweet kisses on her neckline. He pulled her hair on other side and pulled back as he cupped her face with his hands. '' l love you Hazel''
Out loud '' l love you too Simon''. Hazel was taken back to life with a loud laughing voice in her room. ''do you love me? Simon laugh out loud
What? Oh my goodness l was dreaming. Judging by the expression on Simon's face he has been in the room for too long, and seen it all.
'l can't believe this girl is all over me already' Simon was laughing inside
'This is embarrassing, l wish l can take it back'' talking to herself Hazel was so regretful of what happened. Her face was all red, but she can't take it back even if she wants to.
'' can we get to the party'' Simon insisted
'' l don't see any reason for me to go back while its over'' Hazel was too tired to go back.
'' do you want to go back to the party with me to say goodbye to everyone or you want your half love brother to come and fetch you from bed''
'' am not going back everyone is gone and am sure, I will be a destruction to all ladies who want to have a moment with you'' Hazel said opening the door for Simon to leave. '' and l need to rest for tomorrow training'' she said pleading
''ok if you say so but can you lead the way'' Simon was so, game on to see her leave the room and she gave up after a little push outside.
While Simon and Hazel were walking down to the garden Ephraim approached them with a smile on his face.
'' seems like my sweet little sister catch a big one today'' Ephraim said getting in the middle of them breaking a weird silence which was present. His hand grabbing her waist.
This was uncomfortable for Hazel and was easily noticed by Simon who saw it by the reaction which was made Hazel in respond. '' can we have some more wine little sister'' Ephraim said trying to leave Simon behind but Hazel didn't take a step forward.
Simon was now convinced that not only does Ephraim love Hazel but also he wants her to himself. This was confusing because he thought Ephraim was after Hazel hand maid from his research. But now this confusing was clear it was all pretence and drama.
'' what a beautiful lies, wow this guy is dangerous. If he made a good impression that he is in love with someone while he is all over his sister. What a horrible man' Simon was querying
It was true that Ephraim love was different towards his sister Hazel, it was lust.
''Hazel you were talking about getting ready for tomorrow so you need to rest, you can go back'' Simon said taking Hazel from Ephraim.
'' you can do that later, the night is still young little sister. You haven't meet or talk to any crown prince except for Simon and me. So l will help you before they all left'' not that he wants her to be seen with someone. He was just jealousy of the way Simon get attached to Hazel and, he really need to do something. Ephraim easily saw that Simon was getting close to Hazel intentionally.
'' no need for that'' Simon
Before Ephraim impose anything Simon was walking fast back to Hazel's room. Hazel was just stuck in the middle of battle between her brother who loved her lustfully and Simon who was not clear yet if he loved her.
As soon Hazel opened the door to her room she barked in front of Simon'' am l a piece of property huh, Simon? You want me to do this in the other hand Ephraim is there forcing me to meet crown prince's. lets have some wine. What is wrong with you both. Yesterday you were Steven today you are Simon. And here you are like my bodyguard following me everywhere. Sleep oh wait wake up.Do you think l like the attitude you impose on the dance and you just coming inside my chamber without knocking. Who do you think you are''
Simon didn't take anything she says serious. He just looked deep into her eyes." Am your husband girl". Simon said to himself
His eyes were already drawn behind Hazel. Blood were already on tips of her heels.
Not saying anything Simon just stand there listening.
Ephraim left with a devilish smile. It was clear that he was jealousy to see anyone close to Hazel and also he was behind something horrible. '' is it done'' Ephraim said looking at Layla in front of him.
'' all done'' Lydia nodded her head with great satisfaction.
Simon's eyes got attention of something horrible behind Hazel. Without saying anything he took few steps close to her. After he was sure of the scene he moved Hazel to the other side. Behind Hazel was prince Michael of Ozar kingdom the one and only son of king Balam from his second wife queen Eliza. Michael's body was layed on the floor, his legs crossing at each other, his hands aside.
Simon did not waste any more time he locked the door from inside that instant and went to check if he was still alive.
'' is he breathing? Hazel asked '' he is dead'' Simon replied looking straight at her reaction. '' are you sure? Hazel asked again. In case Simon made a mistake she do it herself.
Now that she was sure, she was trembling with fear. The body was Michael and they both know the penalty of the crime. King Balam is known to be ruthless and un merciful. With his only heir, dead they were going to be blood everywhere in Ezra.
'' this is a setup Hazel'' Simon was sure that someone did it and that same person wants Hazel dead. Hazel was already shaking on the floor. The fear of death, even if she was a princess but the law was stamped and should be followed by everyone. Queen Mirma has set the rules and it was followed and respected by everyone.
'' am going to die'' Hazel said crying
'' no you aren't, you are not going to pay for someone else crime Hazel''
Simon cupped Hazel's face with his hands. '' Hazel listen to me, you didn't do this, and you are not going to die. Whoever did this wants you on the ground so don't give him or her that satisfaction. You need to be strong'' Simon was assuring her. Simon was suspecting Lama and her crazy sister. If not them its obviously the queen and Victoria's doing.
'Ephraim won't hurt her. Can he? Maybe he can, or maybe not but am sure he will definitely kill someone who have eyes on her due to jealousy but he loves her. And his love must not be trusted. He is dangerous. If he is not behind the death of that innocent boy.'
This act was not a shook to Simon. He was into war so he knows what an enemy do to get you. Instead he act too fast than the enemy.
Simon was thinking of a way out. He take Hazel's hand '' we need to get rid of the body before anyone sees it'' Simon said '' if there is no body, there's no crime'' he added '' you need to get up and move fast''
Hazel was shocked with Simon's confidence. To her it was the first time but to Simon it was not knew, he was used to it. Sometimes people use it as a blackmail, threat, conspiracy, but to him, he was now in the game. He was used to it, he also use the same style, but his were much better. If it was him, he makes sure you are caught with a dead body in your hands and full evidence pinning on you.
Chapter 8: Chapter 8- No one should know about this
The air was thick with tension as Simon crouched beside the lifeless body sprawled across the cold marble floor. Hazel stood nearby, her face pale, her fingers clutching the folds of her gown as though grounding herself. The golden light of the candelabra flickered, casting long shadows over the crimson stain that marred the once-pristine stone.
"We can't leave him here," Hazel whispered, her voice trembling.
Simon nodded, his sharp blue eyes scanning the room for anything he could use. "No one must find out about this," he said, his voice low and steady despite the chaos racing in his mind. "If this was an enemy, it means the palace has been breached. Whoever did this could still be here."
Without hesitation, Simon grabbed a nearby curtain, its heavy velvet fabric deep enough to hide the dark stain spreading across the man's chest. With practiced efficiency, he draped it over the body, obscuring the face and the wound.
"Help me," he commanded, glancing at Hazel. She hesitated, but his determined gaze left no room for argument. Together, they hoisted the body, Simon carrying the weight while Hazel steadied the legs.
"Where are we taking him?" Hazel asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"There's an old storage room near the west wing," Simon replied, his voice tight with effort. "No one goes there anymore. We'll leave him there for now."
This was shocking to Hazel, how could Simon know all about her palace.
Moving quickly yet carefully, they navigated the shadowed corridors of the palace. Simon knew the guards' patrol patterns by heart, slipping between blind spots and ducking into alcoves whenever footsteps echoed too close.
When they reached the dusty, unused storage room, Simon kicked the door open and gestured for Hazel to follow. Together, they concealed the body behind an old, moth-eaten tapestry, the weight of their secret heavy in the air.
"This stays between us," Simon said, locking the door behind them. Hazel nodded, though her wide eyes betrayed her unease. They had buried the evidence, but the danger was far from over.
Here's a scene that blends the intimate dynamics between Ephraim and Layla into the story:
---
The flicker of torchlight played across the sandstone walls of the secret chamber beneath the castle. Ephraim stood by the arched window, the chill of the night air brushing against his face as he recounted his success. His voice was smooth, tinged with satisfaction. "Simon and Hazel were as predictable as ever," he said, turning to face Layla, who lounged on a velvet chaise. "Their trust is crumbling, piece by piece."
Layla tilted her head, a sly smile curving her lips. The soft glow of the firelight caught the amber hues of her eyes, making her look almost feline in her poise. "You've done well," she murmured, her voice a seductive purr. "Simon is more vulnerable than ever. And Hazel? She'll be too distracted to see what's coming."
Ephraim took a step closer, his dark eyes locking with hers. "I deserve more than words, Layla. You know that."
She leaned back, letting the thin silk of her gown slip slightly off her shoulder. "Is that so?" she teased, her tone laced with challenge.
Ephraim's lips twitched into a smirk as he closed the distance between them. He knelt before her, his hands resting on the arms of the chaise, caging her in. "You enjoy this game as much as I do," he murmured, his voice dropping to a low, intimate rumble.
Layla's fingers grazed his jaw, her nails trailing a faint line down his neck. "Perhaps," she admitted, her voice softer now, more vulnerable. "But tell me, Ephraim—do you play this game for the thrill, or is it for me?"
Ephraim didn't answer with words. Instead, his lips claimed hers, and the tension between them ignited like dry tinder meeting a flame. It was a battle of wills, of dominance and surrender, but neither seemed willing to lose.
The night stretched on, their whispers and laughter blending with the crackle of the fire. For now, the world outside didn't matter. It was just them, tangled in the dangerous web they had spun.
Ephraim's lust for Hazel was causing him to do some silly dangerous things. Instead of protecting her he seems to be the mastermind behind.
While Ephraim and Layla were having a great time Simon and Hazel were in a serious crisis.
It's not easy to pretend like nothing happened. As soon Hazel reached her chamber she went straight to her bath tub.
Hazel Changed her clothes to some comfortable dress. Her maid servant was called by Simon to assist her but Hazel send her back.
As Hazel was trying to sleep, Simon was sitting opposite the bedside trying to solve the puzzle on who could it be.
Can it be Lama and Layla since they cause a sin a the table. Can it be Ephraim but no he loves her. Do who can it be Victoria and her mother Dorah?
The grand hall of the palace was quiet now, the echoes of music and laughter from the night before replaced by the murmurs of departing guests. Servants bustled about, loading carriages with the belongings of visiting nobles. King Balaam stood in the courtyard with his family, his sharp gaze scanning the palace grounds.
"Where is Michael?" the king demanded, his voice booming with impatience. His family stood behind him, their expressions tense. "I've seen every guest except him. He knew we'd be leaving together. Where is my son?"
Simon and Hazel exchanged a subtle glance, their hearts pounding with the weight of the truth they dared not reveal. The memory of finding Prince Michael's lifeless body in Hazel's room was fresh in their minds, and the fear of what King Balaam might do if he found out loomed over them.
Simon stepped forward, his tone calm but firm. "Your Majesty, Prince Michael left the palace early this morning. I saw him heading out before the rest of the guests woke."
King Balaam frowned, his suspicion evident. "Left? For what purpose? He was supposed to leave with us."
Hazel stepped in, her voice soft yet steady. "maybe he wanted to explore the city or perhaps… spend time with someon.Your Majesty. He often moves on his own whims."
Balaam's eyes narrowed, but then he sighed, his expression softening slightly. "That boy… always chasing pleasure. He's probably found some tavern or a pretty girl to occupy his time." He shook his head, frustration mingling with resignation. "Fine. When he returns, tell him I'll expect him back at the capital within a fortnight. I won't tolerate this lack of discipline much longer." with a smirk he continues " like father like son"
Simon and Hazel nodded in unison, relief washing over them as Balaam turned toward his carriage.
As the royal party departed, Hazel whispered to Simon, her voice barely audible. "We can't keep this secret forever."
Simon's jaw tightened. "We'll deal with that when the time comes. For now, Michael's death stays between us. The peace of the kingdoms depends on it."
Chapter 9: Chapter 9: Where is the body pt1
The palace corridors were eerily silent, the air thick with the remnants of the fading sunset. The torches lining the stone walls flickered, casting ghostly shadows as Prince Simon and Princess Hazel hurried toward the old storage room. Their breaths came in short bursts, their footsteps quick and precise, their nerves fraying with every second.
When they reached the heavy wooden door, Hazel hesitated only for a moment before pushing it open. The scent of dust and aged fabric filled the air. The moth-eaten tapestry still hung limply against the far wall, its frayed edges swaying slightly from the draft that had crept in through the cracked window.
But the body was gone.
Hazel gasped, pressing a hand to her mouth as she stepped inside. Her emerald-green eyes scanned the room in frantic disbelief. "Simon…" she whispered, her voice barely audible. "It's gone."
Simon's jaw clenched as he quickly surveyed the area. There were no signs of struggle—no fresh footprints in the dust, no streaks of blood leading away. It was as if the corpse had simply vanished. He turned to Hazel, his sharp eyes dark with suspicion.
"This isn't possible," he muttered. "No one knew about this except us."
Hazel swallowed hard. "What if—what if whoever killed him took him? What if they're trying to frame me?" Her voice wavered, and for the first time that night, fear truly set in.
"Could it be Layla and Lama or my evil step mother and Victoria?
"Or Ephraim" Simon mummers
Simon exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "We can't panic. If someone moved the body, they must have a reason. And if they wanted to expose you, they would have done it by now."
Hazel nodded, though her hands trembled. "Then what do we do?"
"We find out who else knows," Simon said firmly, taking her hand and pulling her out of the room. "We act normal. No one can know we're looking for the body. And we start by watching everyone."
"But everyone is already leaving? We should have gotten rid of it"
As they stepped into the open hall, the last of the daylight had faded, and the palace was bathed in the glow of lanterns. The evening air carried the distant murmurs of lingering guests preparing to depart.
Then, they saw her.
Layla.
She was gliding toward the main door, her crimson cloak billowing slightly as she walked. Her sister, Princess Lama, stood near the entrance, waiting with an air of quiet patience. But it was Layla's piercing gaze that sent a chill down Hazel's spine.
She stopped just before stepping outside, tilting her head as she regarded Simon and Hazel. A slow, knowing smile curled at the edges of her lips.
"My dear prince and princess," she mused, her voice honeyed with amusement, "you both look… unsettled. A shame, really, after such a magnificent evening."
Simon stiffened. "You're leaving?"
"Of course," Layla replied smoothly, adjusting the clasp of her cloak. "The party is over, and my father expects me back. I would have left sooner, but I had… unfinished matters to attend to." Her eyes gleamed in the dim torchlight.
Hazel felt her breath catch. Was Layla hinting at something? Is she the murderer and framing me?
Before they could respond, Layla chuckled, stepping past them. As she passed Hazel, she whispered just loud enough for her to hear, "Be careful where you leave things unattended. Someone might take them."
A shiver ran down Hazel's spine, but before she could react, Layla was gone, her sister following close behind.
Simon exhaled slowly, watching her disappear into the night. "She knows something," he muttered under his breath.
"Do you think she—" Hazel started, but before she could finish, a new voice cut through the corridor.
"There you are!"
Princess Victoria appeared in a rush.Her deep eyes were filled with concern—or something dangerously close to curiosity.
"Simon, Hazel," she said breathlessly, her gaze flickering between them. "Why do you both look so troubled? What's happened?"
Hazel forced a quick smile, but her heart pounded. "Nothing, just—just tired from the party last night"
Victoria frowned, stepping closer. "You're lying."
Simon sighed, already weary from the night's events. "Victoria, now isn't the time."
She ignored him, eyes narrowing as she studied their expressions. "Something is wrong. I've been watching you both all evening—you disappear, you whisper to each other, and now you look like someone has died." Her gaze locked onto Simon, something softer creeping into her features. "Simon, please. If you're in trouble, I want to help."
Hazel glanced between them, noting the way Victoria's voice softened when she spoke to Simon. It was no secret that Victoria had always harbored feelings for him since the party began. She even follows him on first prince and princess meeting . She was agreeing on every point he said.She disguised it well most of the time, but moments like these made it clear.
Simon took a step back. "There's nothing to tell, Victoria."
Victoria crossed her arms, clearly unsatisfied. "I don't believe you. And I will find out the truth."
Hazel clenched her fists, her patience running thin. "Victoria, you're imagining things. You're exhausted. Maybe you should get some rest."
Victoria's lips curled slightly, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Maybe I should. Or maybe I should start asking around about why you both look like you've seen a ghost."
Hazel's stomach twisted. They needed to get away from her before she pressed further.
"Goodnight, Victoria," he said firmly, grabbing Hazel's arm and pulling her down the corridor.
Victoria watched them go, her smirk never fading.
Hazel let out a shaky breath once they were far enough away. "Simon, she's suspicious."
"I know," he muttered. "Which means we have less time than we thought."
Hazel looked over her shoulder, dread filling her chest. The body was missing. Layla had hinted at something dangerous. And now Victoria was watching their every move.
Someone was playing a game with them. And they were running out of ways
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