Hunter… Who is He?

Hi Fellow Bloggers,
This week is about Hunter. I haven’t introduced him yet in the story, but I did to a character forum with him. I got a good response to his conversation. So this week I want to give you a bit more insight on Hunter from my perspective. Hunter is my other protagonist. He holds a lot of the cards in this story. He does a few things throughout the series that really had me championing him despite Ivy’s rejection. So much so that I found myself wanting to write scenes from his perspective. There were a few instances where his voice was so loud that I would write what he was seeing instead of Ivy. Not that there was anything wrong with that, but his voice never really followed through the entire book. It was just in serious situations where he was really emotional over something. A lot of my favorite scenes with him come out during those moments. They are when I find the tidbits of information about him that bring us closer.
Because Hunter is from a different time period. A time where women weren’t as valued or respected I wanted to assuage that factor. Everything starts with the royals. If they people seem them treating women with respect it should trickle down. Well that’s how I feel it would be in my make believe world. Hunter’s world may feel and sound familiar. I wanted that to be the cause. I wanted you to almost feel like it was something from our history, but have that nagging in the back of your mind that keeps reminding you of all the reasons it couldn’t be. I wanted to created something that was relatable, but wasn’t.
Who is Hunter? Well, he is the prince in his world. Beside his father there is no one that can question him or put him to task. He is strong and resilient. When he chooses to love you he protects you. Sometimes that causes him to be over protective… if you were to ask Ivy. He has a tough exterior, but on the inside he craves understanding. He wants someone who will get passed that and see the loving aspect of him. For some reason it didn’t take me as long to figure him out. When I first wrote the scene with him and his father. I wondered at his feelings. I wanted to kind of feel him out. See why he didn’t want to marry Harmony. She’s pretty, smart, and friendly… but he was a shallow guy. He wanted more from the person he was going to spend the rest of his life with. The person that would rule his kingdom by his side when he took his reign. I could respect a guy like that.
I think if Harmony would have been able to look into his soul the way Ivy did. They would have been able to work. She couldn’t see the burden of the throne weighted on him. He didn’t want to be the one to fail the kingdom after so many successful reigns in his family. He was worried about so many things regarding that responsibility that you would have had to see that to get a good understanding of him. That tough exterior came from all the pressure he was under. Ivy saw that and encouraged him. She looked into his heart and saw his potential greatness if he would just believe in himself. I don’t know about you, but anyone who is able to do that for you is a keeper.
I know as the writer I shouldn’t have favorite characters… but if I did Hunter would be one. He’s easy to read (for the most part). He doesn’t give up easily when he sets his mind to something. These different facets of Hunter best describe him to me. That strong, charismatic man, who is also loving and patient.
The scene that best demonstrates who Hunter is to me, is later on in the book. It’s when he meets Ivy for the first time. He notices that she is hurt and takes charge. Within the span a mere minutes he has everything in order, and fits in time to reprimand Harmony for not seeing to her safety. Even though he has no responsibility to Ivy, he is still concerned for her health.

Upon hearing their arrival in the room, a young man with brown tousled hair, and a touch of stubble on his strong jaw. Stands up to greet them. He is tall, well-muscled, and very attractive.
Harmony walks over to him and curtsies, “so good to see you again your highness,” Harmony says.
“Same to you Lady McLain,” he replies in a husky voice as he bows and kisses her hand. “This must be the lady you wrote me about.” He says gazing at Ivy while speaking to Harmony. “Afternoon Madame, you may address me as Prince Owens. Tis a pleasure to meet you,” he says as he bows and kisses her hand as well.
Ivy curtsies before responding, “It’s nice to meet you, your majesty. My name is Ivyna Greene,” she says with her head down. “You can call me Ivy… That is if you want?” she stutters.
“It would bring me much joy,” he responds.
Ivy lowers her eyes and sits down in a chair next to Harmony.
“Come let us have some tea,” he says only making eye contact with Ivy.
“Miss Greene, how long have you and Lady McClain been acquainted?” Hunter says as he crosses his legs and leans back in his chair.
“Only a few days. Our meeting was unconventional from what Harmony tells me.” Ivy says looking over at Harmony.
“What were you doing before meeting Lady McClain?”
Ivy puts her cup down before responding. “The last thing I can remember before meeting Harmony is being sent to town with my sister Anna to buy groceries. We both knew our family wanted us out of the house so they could plan our 18th birthday party.”
“I have never lost my memory before, but I am sure it is rather frustrating.” Hunter says.
“It is, I can’t seem to remember no matter how hard I try.”
Hunter turns towards Harmony, “did you send for the physician? The knot on her temple doesn’t look good. It is probably the reason she can’t remember.”
“No, I uh forgot about that. Everything happened so quickly that I didn’t even think about it.”
“I will send for one straight away.” He says summoning the butler. “We don’t want our guest to become unconscious again.” Hunter says frowning at Harmony.
The butler comes in and Hunter has him send for the Royal physician.
“Thank you, your highness.” Ivy says looking at him over her cup.
He waves her gratitude away as he reaches toward the table to grab a miniature cake. Harmony watches the encounter between the two and gets a little roused up. Not pleased with their easy acquaintance

Chapter Five Excerpt One

Hi Fellow Bloggers,
I jumped a bit ahead with the sequences of the books to give you this scene. Since I am posting about Hunter this week I thought I should introduce him in the books. This is where we first meet him. He is very reserved and manly (not to be offensive) but that’s just how men where during this time period. There wasn’t much room for debate when they had a particular mindset already in place. I really enjoyed the discovery I found in this first scene with him. I realized that just because you are royalty you are just as bound to the people as they are to you. I think the fact that Hunter spends his morning pouring over the betrothed conditions demonstrates where his feeling are towards Harmony. This scene is pretty short. It just gives you a glimpse into his life. I hope it’s enough for you to see him like I do.

Chapter Four
Hunter Owens sat at the massive wood table in his father’s study, going over the betrothed conditions between his family and the McLain’s. As heir to the throne it was his duty to marry and continue the line. His father’s childhood friend had a daughter around the time he was born and they have been betrothed ever since. Hunter frowns at the piece of paper that determined his destiny before he even had a say in it.
“Your highness, your presence is requested by the king in his chambers,” his valet announces.
Hunter walks out of his father’s study, and heads down the hallway toward the Great Stairs. His parents’ wing is on the second level of the castle. He races up the stairs, before he turns the corner to their room he straightens his attire.
“I hope this is going to be quick. I have plenty of matters to attend to this day.”
He reaches their door and knocks three times a childhood notion he hasn’t broken out of yet. His mother opens the door. She has her long curly brown hair down, and is wearing a peach colored dress. She grabs his hand and leads him into the room. The room is decorated in dark reds, gold’s and white. The ceiling holds a large golden double layered chandelier. The borders of the room are painted gold around the white flowered walls. The red and gold curtains that match the pillows in the seats cover the large window in the room. Preventing the sunlight from glaring in. On the table in their sitting area is the remains of their breakfast.
“Come in my son. Your Father has news regarding Lord McLain and your betrothed.”
He sits down in the large gold framed chair near the white couch. Hunter turns his head at the slight change in the air. King Xavier has a way of making his presence known even before he announces it. Hunter stands up to greet him, and walks over to embrace him. Hunter looks very much like his father, with the same strong jaw and stubborn chin. Both are very tall and imposing men, and they hover over most of their peers. The king’s black hair is gray in some areas. His hazel eyes light up when he sees his wife remains in the room.
“Father, you look well.”
The king waves the greeting away, and sits down in his chair. “I have news my son! My old friend, Lord McLain will be gone for several weeks in seven days. He wishes to marry Harmony off by then.”
“What say you?” Hunter ask his tan cheeks darkening and his eyes turning a deeper blue. “Have you agreed to this change?”
King Xavier looks at him perplexed. “Yes! What difference does it make Hunter? Now or in several weeks. You will still marry her! ” He said leaving no room for discussion. “As prince it is your duty to marry–”
“And continue the line, I know this Father. It should be my choice in regards to whom I wish to marry. You did not take my wishes into consideration on this matter. I have told you I have no feelings for Harmony. Why can I not decide whom to marry on my own?” He asks as he stands.
The king stands as well, “We have talked about this Hunter. We cannot break the betroth, because of the indenture.”
“Why is that so? When I never agreed to it?” Hunter responds.
“I am king, and you will obey me,” The king says.
“I bid you good morrow,” Hunter says and storms out of their room.

Deep thoughts with Harmony

Elissa: Hi Harmony, I have been talking to Ivy and her family. As well as Hunter and his. I wanted to get your side of the story. I know that you were betrothed to Hunter. What was that like?

Harmony: It was distant. We really didn’t know each other. Because of our father’s we were forced into it. The time that we did spend together was always very awkward.

Elissa: So why were you so upset when Ivy came along?

Harmony: Well I hated there easy comradery. The very thing I was being forced to feel with him came so easily between them. I was jealous.

Elissa: So do you feel that way with someone now?

Harmony: I do.

Elissa: Could that have been why it was so hard for you to love Hunter?

Harmony: I believe so. When I was with Hunter all I could think about was the other guy. I knew that I wasn’t being fair to myself or either one of them.

Elissa: So when did you realized that you would never love Hunter?

Harmony: I was sixteen years old. I had spent the day with Luke. He had this way of making me forget how bad things were at home. We were running through the forest and I tripped and fell. He raced back to my side. I was in so much pain, but he made me forget about it when he picked me up and carried me to my bedroom. He stayed by my side until the doctor came. Then he sat with me every day for several hours until it healed.

Elissa: Why do you think your father wanted you to be with Hunter so much?

Harmony: I really don’t know. I wish I could tell you that his behavior those few months where different from usual… but I can’t. I really didn’t know my father. The person I loved disappeared when my mother died.

Elissa: Do you agree with what he did to Ivy?

Harmony: Not at all. Like I said I was jealous of Ivy. I did things that I am absolutely ashamed of towards her. The worst was manipulation her to come to my room so my father could take her.

Elissa: Why didn’t you just tell your father you didn’t want to marry Hunter?

Harmony: I was afraid for a long time that if he knew about Luke he would do something awful to him. Then when I got enough courage to tell him he didn’t listen.

Elissa: Do you think he regrets what he did?

Harmony: I hope he is.

Elissa: So are you married now?

Harmony: Yes.

Elissa: Do you have children?

Harmony: Not yet, but I hope to someday.

Elissa: Well I wish you the best in life Harmony.

Harmony: Thank you.