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
Hector gritted his teeth in anger when Raphael suddenly asked him to leave. It was Raphael, who asked him to find out about the rumors in the palace. And when he gathered the information, Raphael asked him to leave. Hector entered the main palace and headed to the royal garden to calm himself down. The place with greenery, where he would always find solace from his work. “Why is Raphael like this!? Damn him!” Hector cursed and punched the tree in front of him. Because of his werewolf strength, the tree got shaken from stem to the top and the leaves fell off its branches. “Easy, Hector. You are committing a sin by cursing the king!” Nathan appeared out of nowhere. Hector jumped in fright at his sudden appearance, “What the hell? Why are you here?” he asked in a fury. “I have been here for the last two hours.” Nathan told Hector, “But you were the one who arrived here abruptly and started cursing at our almighty king. You are even angry at me for no reason.”Hector rolled his eyes
Winter was a bit surprised by Hector's sudden request. Even though she missed Raphael’s presence around her, she was happy that she had not had to face his cold face and harsh words. However, Hector wanted her to go to the summer palace and serve Raphael.“My Lord, Is this an order of His Majesty?” Winter questioned.“Of course, it is the King's order. Now, let's not waste time anymore. His Majesty has a lot of things to handle,” Hector pronounced. Winter didn’t notice the mischievous grin across Hector's lips."I would like to pack my things," Winter politely requested. "Do it quickly," Hector asserted. She bowed to Hector and went to the servant’s quarter. While packing two pair of clothes and other valuables, she wondered why Raphael suddenly wanted to see her. She made the knot on the cloth bag and went back to Hector.Hector couldn’t help but feel excited about his plan. He thought that since the King disliked Winter so much, he should plan a sweet reunion for Raphael with he
Raphael smirked to see Winter, he licked his lips and with a lightning speed he approached her. Winter's breath hitched when Raphael held her close, his eyes looked deep blood red. He inhaled her scent, his lips brushing the smooth, delicate skin of her neck. Winter's breath hitched under his firm grip and whispered, "Raphael." Even her voice was something that heightened his primal urges. He was ready to mate with Winter, forgetting everything he felt for her. "Your scent drives me crazy every time you come close to me. You have no idea how I control myself and today I'm going to claim every inch of your body," Raphael said as he suckled on her neck. His hand moved down to her hip and then the thigh when Winter asked him to stop. "Don't do this. What's wrong with you? You hate me," Winter stated. She was still unable to understand what Raphael was undergoing. His lips on her neck felt weird to him. It seemed he was hungry for her. But why? Winter attempted to push him away, but