Elena’s POVDuchess Hermoine closed the box with quiet finality and looked up at me with a sincerity glinting in her eyes. “I’ll explain.”Somehow, I felt the need to brace myself for it, and so I did.“Your mother,” she started. “...is really the one who bought this jewellery. She ordered it from Vince, the same jeweller I ordered from. I later found out that it's supposed to be her gift to you for your wedding.”I froze at her words as my eyes landed on the jewellery box again.My brows furrowed. “But I thought… I thought you said that you had it customised?”She let out a small laugh and shook her head before shrugging her shoulders casually. “It turns out your mom and I had the same taste.”Opening the box again, she pointed at the moon part. “There was a mix-up at the shop. When I came to collect my order, Vince handed me this instead. I didn’t realise it’s a mix-up until I noticed it had more gemstones on the moon than mine.”I stare at the enchanting bracelet with a pounding he
Elena’s POVThe Roosevelt Pack was quieter than I had expected it would be.As I walked inside the packhouse with a few warriors with me in the distance, which Jayden insisted I bring with me, I didn’t even encounter anything unusual.There are no gossiping members or staff, and there are no awkward glances. Aside from the official members who were assigned to usher me inside, everyone went about their own business like any other day.All through my walk in the living room, all I heard was the hum of the central cooling system in this extremely hot weather and the faint scent of freshly brewed coffee.“Elena…”Duchess Hermoine Gallop greeted me with a faint smile as we met eyes.She’s standing at the base of the staircase, dressed simply in a navy wrap blouse and crisp white slacks. She looked extremely elegant without even trying. Unlike most of the royal members, she looked like she didn’t care about her status, nor did she have anything to prove.Duchess Hermione Gallop was a dista
Elena’s POV“Princess, are you okay?” Zara asked quietly as she sat down with me on the patio, where I was quietly admiring the backyard garden.I raised my glass of wine and swirled it slowly as I looked far ahead. In the kingdom, especially the royal capital, scandal was the favourite pastime of the bored and powerful.And this week’s favoured subject?That would be me.It’s been a week since my memorable visit to the Grand Princess, but the heat about me was still on the rise, and it wasn’t even about the wine bottle I broke and hurled at the Grand Princess’ fountain.No… It’s a whole lot of new mess, which I knew was created and ignited by Princess Geline herself to get back to me.I could still remember the murmurs I heard when we went out to the market this morning.“She’s only getting close to Prince Deacon to wash her family’s bloodstained legacy.”“She’s ambitious. Cold. Used her tragic past for sympathy points.”“Don’t you find it strange? She was so invisible for years, and
King Desmond’s POVInside the study room, the air smelled faintly of cedar and ink while I, the Lycan King, leaned back in my leather chair, tossing a silver pen onto a half-signed contract. I already felt exhausted after reviewing and signing countless reports since early morning.After a while, I heard the familiar click of Jude’s shoes against the marble floor that broke the silence.“Your Majesty,” Jude greeted with a slight bow as he opened the door and stood before me. “Princess Geline has arrived at the palace.”I could only sigh, not even the slightest surprise. After what happened at her party that spread like wildfire around the palace, her coming in here was only a matter of time.“She’s early. And angry, I presume?”Jude made an expression. “Seething, actually, King Desmond. She’s waiting outside. Impatiently, if I may add,” he uttered, pointing at the door.Chuckling, I asked with confidence, “Let me guess. This is about Elena again?”He hesitated for a while before noddi
Elena’s POVThe next day, just like what I said to the Duchess, I went back to the palace to pay the Grand Princess a visit.Wearing another uncomfortable set of maroon dress and heels, I sat on the back of the car with the windows down, letting the fresh air calm my nerves before we arrived.As soon as the car was parked in front of Princess Geline’s mansion, I looked at it and couldn’t help but feel only coldness despite the beautiful mid-morning sun gleaming on it.Grabbing the wine box from the armrest, I opened the door and walked out of the car.“Zara, stay in here. I’ll go alone,” I ordered with my palms up as soon as I saw Zara about to open the passenger’s door and follow me.I didn’t know how long I would stay in there. Knowing the Grand Princess’ personality as she showed in the party, it might take longer as she’s harder to handle than the Duchess. For sure, Zara won’t be able to come inside with me either. And I wouldn’t want her waiting outside the door for too long.The
Elena’s POVThe day after the party, I woke up in a good mood, especially after having that night's conversation with Deacon. However, that mood was instantly ruined the second I went down to the dining room for breakfast.“Princess…” Jayden loomed over me from behind just as I was about to take a mouthful of waffles into my mouth.I wouldn’t have minded it if it weren’t for the cautiousness laced in his voice.Sighing from the foretelling trouble I was feeling, I placed down my fork and slowly looked at him with raised brows. “Shoot. Hit me with whatever bad bullet you got in there.”Raising up his phone, he shook it a little to make an emphasis before giving me a sheepish smile and a cautious look. “I just… received an email from the palace. Duchess Dianne is asking for your presence… again.” He opened his eyes and met my empty ones, that’s filled with disbelief.After the stunt she pulled off after the party. I’m not quite sure if seeing her would be the best thing to do, especial