Cecilia was extremely furious and disappointed in Raphael. All she desired was an act of complete revenge against Winter, but why did he have to go to this extent and save his enemy’s daughter?“I just hope you don’t die yet," Cecilia asserted. “I will leave if you want me to, but don’t expect me to sit back and let you do what you want.” She murmured and returned to her room to collect her things and leave the palace as soon as possible. Cecilia looked at the servants and asked them to pack her belongings quickly. She had no intention to stay in the palace for another second. A maidservant walked in and informed Cecilia about Nathan and Hector. “Why are you two here?” Cecilia crossed her arms together as she saw them walking in.“If we had waited, would you have let us in?” Nathan inquired and looked at the servants, who were packing Cecilia’s clothes.“I do not want to talk with the two of you,” Cecilia stated and averted her gaze from them. “Even if you two stop me, I won’t. I am
Winter’s legs were aching as Raphael asked her to keep standing next to his bed. When the water went above her head, she opened her mouth to speak, “Why are you punishing me? I did not ask you to send your friend away from the palace.”Raphael opened his eyes and glanced at her. “It happened because of you. I never once fought with Cecilia,” he affirmed, blaming her for what happened earlier. Winter chuckled at his comment. “Your Majesty asked me to have meals with them. If His Majesty thinks I am the reason for his problems, then he should let that wolfsbane fall on me. Your revenge would have been completed that way,” she taunted him. Raphael frowned at her harsh remarks. “I want you to suffer gradually,” he reminded her. “Just accept that you feel weak because I am your mate,” Winter said with a challenging tone. “And why do you think you are so important for me to feel weak in front of you?” Raphael said, slipped out of his bed, and approached Winter.Raphael was inches away f
Winter pulled away, shooting a sharp glance at Raphael in response to his unexpected kiss. However, he gently anchored his hand on the back of her head and once more drew her into a kiss.As an omega, Winter possessed an allure that heightened Raphael's attraction toward her. His resolve to resist her was tested when her icy fingers grazed his skin. Despite his efforts, his restraint crumbled as Winter unwittingly drew near to him.Raphael skillfully nibbled at her lips, his body emanating an uncharacteristic intensity of warmth. As his teeth lightly brushed against her lips, she stifled a muted gasp, uncertain of what might follow. Yet, he maintained the kiss's innocence, keeping it pure. With a smooth motion, he rose to his feet, drawing Winter up alongside him. Positioned on the elevated platform of the bathtub, her head hovered just inches above Raphael's.As Raphael pulled Winter into the huge bathtub, the soap bar fell off her hand, and she emitted another gasp. The sensation of
Raphael gathered with Nathan and Hector in the private chamber discussing with them regarding the change of the kingdom's name. "We need to talk with the other officials once about this. Then, His Majesty can pass the decree related to the change of the kingdom's name," Hector advised. "Of course, tomorrow in the court council this matter will be discussed," Raphael explained. "Did His Majesty tell about this to Winter?" Nathan queried. "I did. She doesn't care," Raphael replied. "What did Cecilia say?" he then asked. "She was furious and didn't allow us in the residence," Nathan answered. "Why did you send her away? We four have been together since childhood. I know she made a mistake and wanted to harm Winter, but her anger is reasonable on her," Hector asserted. He had promised Cecilia that he would talk on her behalf to Raphael. "Because Cecilia would not have respected my choice to keep Winter alive. I don't want her to stay mad at me or either of you all the time. That is
The next morning Raphael after getting ready returned to his chamber, feeling burdened with worries. He knew that with Hector, Cecilia, and Nathan around, things would be taken care of. However, his immediate concern was his upcoming rut. In the past, he managed to suppress his desires as he had no mate. But lately, being near Winter made it hard for him to control himself even on regular days. Now, with his rut approaching, he feared his overwhelming desire for Winter, which was overpowering his mind. Last night, after having a conversation with Nathan and Hector, he contemplated whether he began liking Winter. But that was not possible. He would never love his enemy's daughter. He was confident that it was lust in him that made him attracted toward Winter all the time. Entering his bedchamber, Raphael found Winter changing the flowers in a pot. "Why are you here?" he asked in bewilderment. He remembered he didn't summon her there. "Your Majesty!" Winter bowed her head, greeted h
Raphael entered the courtroom, and the anticipation in the air was palpable. The nobles gathered for the king's arrival, and stood up with heads low as he entered. Raphael walked to his throne with a unique air of authority, a demeanor that set him apart. Seated on the throne, he gestured for the nobles to take their seats."The court shall start," Raphael pronounced, focusing his attention on Nathan, seated to his right."Your Majesty, the subjects in the territory bestowed to me are happy with the Kingdom's name change," Nathan reported, then turned to Hector to address concerns in his territory.Nathan was known for his diligence and intelligence when it came to his official duties. Even in the face of unrest, he could swiftly quell disturbances.Hector stood, bowing respectfully to the king. "Your Majesty, we have been planning to change the Kingdom’s name since the start, and everything was fine but for a few days…" Hector began and paused briefly, pulling out a letter from the C
Winter finished cleaning and doing the other chores she was tasked with before Raphael arrived from the court. She glanced at him with her doe eyes, holding the duster tightly in her hands while he glared and looked angry. 'Did I do something again?' Winter thought and lowered her eyes. She thought to leave and slowly walked toward him. "If His Majesty needs something, he shall ring the bell," she said and bowed slightly before pivoting on her belle shoes. "Stop!" Raphael said and she again turned to look at him. "I won't be in the palace for a few days," Raphael informed Winter. But he didn't tell her his rut was approaching and he needed to stay away from her, miles away, especially when she was his mate. "Hmm. Is it for work?" Winter queried. "Yes," Raphael lied since that was the plausible response in his eyes. Winter was happy that she would not have to see him for a few days. As she raised her head to look at him, his lips were the first part of him that she noticed. She r
Winter was seated on the patio of the garden, looking at the seasonal flowers, which had bloomed after many days of watering. Her eyes were misty after she heard how the maids and servants were gossiping about how she sold her body to Raphael to keep herself alive. Winter looked at her forearms and saw the deep scar, which had not disappeared despite a long time. It was a scar that appeared after her father beat her until she turned unconscious. Even as the princess, her life was worse than a slave. But right now, she was a maid and was being treated a lot better. Though, sometimes she would feel that Raphael's mistreatment toward her was unjustifiable but at least, unlike her father, Raphael would show his caring side toward her. "Where's the King?" Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted with Hector's question and she tilted her head to check on. Promptly, she stood up from her plac and bowed to him. "His Majesty didn't tell me. He left in anger," Winter informed him. "Hmm." He