Hazel's POV
I sat in the hotel room with a cup of coffee in hand, trying to push away the thoughts of Colton. He had been hovering constantly, checking if I was alright or needed anything. I'd told him countless times that I was fine, but he never seemed convinced.
Today, though, he'd gone to confirm some things on his end, leaving me alone with my thoughts—and the rare luxury of imagining life away from the kingdom. My parents hadn't reached out, and I wasn't the least bit surprised. Deep down, I knew they didn't care. I was never the favored child. I'd long since learned not to expect anything from them.
A sudden knock at the door broke my thoughts. I frowned. Who could it be? Colton had made it very clear that I was never to open the door unless it was room service, and until now, only staff had come by to do their work. Maybe it was them again, sent by the manager. Without thinking too much of it, I walked over and pulled the door open—only to freeze in disbelief at the sight before me.
"What are you doing here?" I demanded, my voice trembling as shock surged through me.
"Hazel! Oh my god, I missed you so much," Skyler exclaimed, throwing her arms around me.
I stiffened. Skyler? Here? How in the world had she found me?
Colton had sworn no one would track us to this place. The hotel was old, tucked away in an unpopular part of town—hardly a place anyone would think to look. So how had she managed it? Who gave her my location? Could it have been Colton? Was that why he'd left me here alone?
I shook my head sharply, rejecting the thought. Pulling back from Skyler's embrace with disgust, I glared at her. "Why are you here, Skyler? Who told you where to find me?"
She sighed, putting on a worried expression.
Did she really expect a warm welcome? After everything she had done—betrayal, deceit, stabbing me in the back—she had the nerve to show up here?
And what if Liam knew, too? The two of them worked hand in hand; it was entirely possible. But almost as if reading my suspicion, she rushed to defend herself.
"Don't worry, Liam doesn't know. He has no idea I came here, or that you're even here. I'd never betray you like that," she said quickly, trying to reassure me.
I let out a harsh scoff. "If that's true, then you should leave right now. Someone might have followed you. Besides, I don't want to see you—you disgust me."
"Why? Are you hiding someone?" she asked, craning her neck to peek into the room. I stepped firmly in her way.
"Hazel, listen… I came because I wanted to talk. That's all. I know I wronged you, I know you hate me—but just hear me out. I'm not asking to come inside. We can talk out here if that makes you more comfortable," she said softly, almost pleading.
I shook my head immediately. Listening to her was the last thing I wanted. Skyler was a manipulator. She'd do anything to bring me down.
And worst of all—she was the reason I'd lost my child. She had killed my baby. That thought alone was enough to make me slam the door in her face. But before I could, she caught my hand, tears spilling down her cheeks.
What was this? Why was she acting like a victim?
"Please, Skyler. Just give me a chance to talk. I promise I'll leave after. I won't come back if that's what you want. But please—just listen to me first," she begged, clutching my hand tighter when I tried to pull away.
"Don't push me out. I know I'm the last person you want to see right now, but I'll stay here until you hear me out. Please… show me a little mercy," she insisted.
I sneered. "A promise? It sounds more like a threat. And the last I checked, you have no right to threaten me, you murderer. Killing my child wasn't enough—you also forced me to see the worst in people. You're a snake, Skyler, and you'll never change." I yanked my hand free of her grip.
"Get out. I don't want to see your face again. You've already won—you can have the kingdom, you can have Liam. I hope the two of you choke on each other's lies. Liars, manipulators, murderers, betrayers… you deserve each other. I want nothing to do with either of you," I spat, moving to slam the door shut.
But she pressed her hand against it, holding it open.
For a fleeting moment, fear gripped me. She was stronger than me, and I was alone. Colton could be gone for hours—I had no way of knowing.
"Please, Hazel," she pleaded, desperation spilling out of her. "I don't want him either. I never knew he was such a monster. I regret everything I did to you. Please… help me."
I froze, staring at her
through narrowed eyes. Was she actually apologizing?