Lizette’s P.O.V. What? The temperature of the hall went down to zero as the air became heavy with tension, raising fine hair on my nape. I was riveted to my spot, gawking at the court full of officials. Their judgmental dark eyes made me gulp a lump in my throat. I was in the middle of a real life’s crisis, unable to solve this puzzle of my sudden infertility. And instead of being supportive or understanding, my mother-in-law openly broadcasted this news. She could have complained to Vincent in private, but what was the use of announcing it publicly? The heat of intense gazes burned me in the volcano of embarrassment as an official spoke sternly, shaming me for this brand-new weakness. “His Majesty has ordered us to gather for the introduction of the new Queen. But we didn’t know that she isn’t fit to be an Erasthai. Why didn’t he reject her after the first meeting?” My whole world turned upside down as the tongues wagged viciously, demanding the godforsaken rejection. A cold
Lizette’s P.O.V. What? Second examination? My dumbstruck gaze remained fixed at Vincent’s face as he uttered those words as a King, prickling goosebumps over my skin. The authority of his tone cut through my heart, shattering the crystal castle of my dreams. In the new light of realization, I clearly saw my place among the high-ranking royals. I wasn’t a mate or the next Queen of the lycans, but a suspected criminal. A panel of doctors would decide whether I was innocent or not. All the lycans bowed and bared their necks, praising Vincent for his flawless justice system as Lady Isabella said. “King Vincent has always advocated for the supremacy of laws. There is a reason that he became the youngest King in history.” Oh, yeah! He was indeed a dutiful King! It was me who expected too much from him. My eyes burned with tears as I blinked them rapidly, saving my face was the only thing that I could do in public now. The slap of harsh reality was enough to wake me up fr
Lizette’s P.O.V. “Will I face rejection?” Although mentioning such a cursed word ran a jolt of pain across my body, I asked Dylan, he was knowledgeable about laws. Vincent gave me a guidebook for mating and my duties in the Palace, but the issue of infertility wasn’t included in it. Dylan and Jane glanced at each other as their serious expressions made me feel a cold pit in my stomach, I could sense that there wasn’t more than rejection to this punishment. “Let’s not think about these bad things, Your Highness. I know you are perfect.” Jane tried to brush me off, collecting the trash from the bed. So, I begged Dylan. “I want to hear the truth, Dylan. It will help me to be prepared for upcoming disasters beforehand.” As he was present at the court’s meeting, he felt my anguish and sighed. “If the second examination also proves that you are barren, then you will be convicted for fraud and capital offense, Lizette. Even your family will be punished as well
Lizette’s P.O.V. “My reports?” My stupefied gaze fell at the clock as it was only three hours after my thorough check-up. And doctors had specifically told me that the reports would be directly sent to Vincent tomorrow. Then how? Considering this as a prank, I called off Dylan’s bluff and stood beside my bed. “I am already tense, Dylan. Don’t play tricks on me.” Dylan waved that envelope in front of my eyes and spoke in a desperate tone. “This isn’t a joke, Lizette. Look at this hospital’s monogram. These are your reports.” As Dylan was looking damn serious, I received that envelope with trembling hands, searching for the proof. This white envelope indeed had a monogram of the general hospital as Dylan said, so my heart forgot to beat while I tore the seal. After checking for the time, date, and my name, I blinked my eyes rapidly to clear the haze of fog of uncertainty to read properly. That was the moment of truth, deciding my fate! However, a query popped up in my m
Vincent’s P.O.V.Not again!The head of the Royal advisory committee, Official Noah, interrupted the announcement at this crucial moment, testing my patience. And it wasn’t the worst part of it.An uninvited guest walked inside the hall, fixing her eyes at me. Ares growled in annoyance.“Evangeline?What is she doing here?”I had especially asked Arlo to send her away to avoid any incidents, and here she was, ruining my plans. If it weren’t for her family services for the throne, I would have kicked her out of the hall.But I had to discipline my emotions and think rationally, my turbulent emotional state had created many troubles for me in the past few weeks.After all, there was no harm in listening to the request.Official Noah spoke after my permission and handed a blue file to Beta Arlo.“As our Court is welcoming your Erasthai, I would like to present your signed decree in the Court, Your Majesty.Please take a look!”That old fogey!There was no need to look at the file as I kn
Vincent’s P.O.V.What?Little Swan’s dad?Holy cow!If I had to choose among the worst happenings today, this news would easily top the chart without any competition. I was in the middle of a jeopardy and Mr. Bancroft took it as the right time to make an appearance. I was flabbergasted by this coincidence.Beta Arlo sensed my worsening mood and poured me a glass of red wine, his voice was laced with concern.“Is there any problem, Vincent? Will you like me to solve it for you?”I had no doubt of Arlo’s loyalty to me, but I felt hesitant to share my discomfort, jumping to any conclusion without investigation was wrong. Little Swan was my Erasthai and our relationship was strong enough to solve our issues on our own. So, I didn’t share my life crisis and asked him.“Where is Mr. Bancroft right now?”Arlo was puzzled by my query, but he replied to me respectfully.“On the border, Your Majesty. Lady Isabella has strictly instructed the border security to not let any Werewolf i
Lizette’s P.O.V. Evangeline Lancelot! This name became my nightmare, terrorizing my soul, I had never imagined this extent of slyness. When Vincent threatened to introduce her as his foster sister, she disappeared, pretending that she had given up on Vincent. However, she returned with a bang, almost convincing my mate of her consort’s status. The meeting that I attended was the trailer of her real deal as Dylan kept me updated, Evangeline’s master plan was in action to secure a permanent place in the Palace. Dylan sent me a written message, “Evangeline is using delaying tactics, Lizette. All the harem women are on her side. They have slowed down the process of returning to their territories. Be aware of her!” His warning indeed alarmed me as Jane noticed suspicious movements around my room. “Miss Evangeline’s special maid is inspecting your schedule in the Palace, Your Highness. She is definitely up to something.” The issue of my transformation was already pushing me to th
Lizette’s P.O.V. “Answers!” This was the only thing on my mind when I stormed out of my room, all set to confront my mate. Until now, I had ignored his strange behavior with multiple excuses of workload and tension, but that was it! I couldn’t endure his silent terrorism anymore; he was definitely concealing something. And I was a fool to think that it was work-related, a matter I wasn’t allowed to poke on my nose. But my dad’s letter clarified the fog from my vision, showing me the reality. It was clear that Vincent had some issues with me, and what a coincidence, I wasn’t in the mood to back off today. As my King was a workaholic, I almost ran towards his office, clutching the letter in my hand. He wouldn’t be able to deny after this written proof. However, as I passed through the dining hall, I heard Lady Isabella’s syrupy-sweet voice. “Vincent, you aren’t taking care of yourself!” The motherly love dripping from her soft tone cemented my feet to the ground. I couldn’t
Vincent’s P.O.V.Leaving Little Swan at her dad’s villa was my life’s toughest decision ever, it was challenging to take one step away from her when my soul was literally torn into tiny little pieces. But I had to do it for the sake of our future, my Erasthai wanted some space to evaluate her emotions.She was so precious, so delicate that I just wished to hide her somewhere safe so that no one could harm her. Tackling this pack’s war was also a part of my plan. The rogues were causing the ruckus on the borders, eliminating my elite warriors, my pack wasn’t a safe place for my Little Swan to live in. That was the reason that I gave to my growling lycan, who was clawing my defense walls, demanding to go back.“The throne and royalty can go to hell, Vincent. I want to be with my Erasthai.”Well, I tried my best to explain that to Mr. Bancroft as well, but he didn’t let me stay at his villa before. I even offered him.“I know I have wronged Lizette. But for God’s sake, give me a c
Vincent’s P.O.V.The wave of intense pleasure coursing through my body prickled goosebumps over my skin, making me lose control. Previous days were like hell for us as grieving parents, we were deprived of our happiness all of a sudden. I thought it to be the end of our relationship, Little Swan would never love me again. But it was a miracle that the Moon Goddess blessed her with a true Nymph’s powers as a beginning of the new era of harmony. My Erasthai agreed to be my Luna.Her touch was like the first drop of rainfall after decades of drought, I finally believe the height of good luck. She accepted the official status by combining her blood, sharing her soul with me. Every speck of my existence was dancing in glee. I wished this moment lasted for the rest of my life. Relishing the unique, heart fluttering sweetness of my mate, I was bathing in the showers of mate-bond’s bounties when Little Swan flinched, pulling away abruptly.“No!”Her eyes grew impossibly wide as she ru
Lizette’s P.O.V.After six months of mating, it was funny that still I didn’t get a mating ceremony, this auspicious event seemed out of my reach. Perhaps, the Moon Goddess didn’t want me to taste that happiness before the completion of my duties. So, when the entire pack was preparing for tonight’s ceremony, I took some rest and started investigating the poison. Dylan was back with the reports of his blood sample.As he was busy with his personal matters, his sire reported to me on his behalf.“Prince sent samples to the lycan’s laboratory and our best scientific labs, Your Highness. Here is the report of our experts.”The report from the Vampires’ city was eye-opening, blowing my head away. My heart dropped to my stomach to read fifty components of the poison.The details of some seasonal and exceptional herbs were pointing towards the dilemma of a strong effect on shifters. That was why no one could ever resist its power. Moreover, this successful experimentation added a
Lizette’s P.O.V.The uninvited presence in my room startled us, we both stood up in a split second. Unlike me, my mom was all respectful and courteous all of a sudden, welcoming that intruder.“Greetings, Your Majesty. Please sit!”“No!”I received my mom’s glare from being rude as I asked.“What happened, Your Majesty? Why are you here?”Picking leaves from his suit, Vincent quickly straightened up. “My apologies!It wasn’t my intention to scare you.”As this wasn’t a satisfactory answer, I waited for Vincent’s reply, but my mom acted all nice. “Please have a seat, Your Majesty. Let me bring coffee for you.”“No, thanks, Mrs. Bancroft.” Vincent requested politely, “Actually, I am here to see you. Can we talk?”His request instantly aroused my curiosity, so I sat down with them to hear him out. “Please pardon my manners.But I would like to express my concerns over a recent conversation with Lizette, Mrs. Bancroft.”For straight five minutes, Vincent apologized by
Lizette’s P.O.V. “How could I miss that?” Racing my feeble legs, I tried my best to follow that superfast vampire, drunk by the exhilaration of finding his mate. After knowing Dylan for three months, I was well aware of his impatient nature, he could be a little insensitive while stating harsh facts. Now, his mate was my sick buddy, I couldn’t trust him with her at all. Yes! My BFF Liana was his mate according to my wild guess! She was the only unmated or ex-mated female I met today, her delicate condition flipped my heart in my chest. She was recovering from the devastation of losing her mate after the completion of the mating ritual. It was impossible to predict how she was going to react to this news of a second chance mate. Mate and a vampire? It was a perfect recipe for disaster! As I reached the residential area of my pack, the real-life scenes of my horrifying imaginations welcomed me. I found Dylan surrounded by a massive crowd of enraged pack mates. Men and
Lizette’s P.O.V “I knew it!” Vincent’s ear-shattering growl shook the ground below my feet as he punched that attacker, cursing his entire race. “You aren’t a trustworthy person, leech. I will kill you tonight!” Ares’s death threat instantly converted into reality as he bared his claws, adamant on tearing that vampire apart. My trance was broken by my friend’s pleading. “Save me, Lizette!” Dylan? With his mouth smeared by blood, Dylan was helplessly enduring Vincent’s blows. I had to personally separate them as keeping Vincent at bay was impossible. He roared in fury. “Don’t come in between us, Little Swan. I caught him in the act tonight. He can’t escape the penalty!” Cradling Vincent’s face in my hands, I asked him to look at me. “Look, Vincent! Dylan is a Prince, not an idiot to endanger his fellows’ life like this. Give him a chance to explain himself.” Vincent’s amber eyes glowed golden as he took deep breaths to calm down, but Dylan added fuel to his f
Lizette’s P.O.V.“Don’t go there alone. Wait for me!”Obviously not!I brushed off Vincent’s reservations and went with Liana, her brother came with us to take his sister back home safely. The doctors had advised us to keep an eye on her, so it wasn’t safe to let her roam outside in the dark.I followed her lead as she pointed towards the north.“I saw her there, Liz!”This forest was my home, so I didn’t need more assistance for guidance. I sent Liana away with Casper, waiting for them to leave safely. Then, moving forward, I looked around curiously.“This way!”A hushed whisper alarming me raised small hair on my nape, running a chill down my spine. The rustling of leaves in the mysterious wind accompanied that whispering as it continued,“We have seen everything. Allow us to show you, dear buddy.”Whoa!Dear buddy?It was a terminology I used to address my tree friends, naming every tree was difficult in these massive woods. Calming my racing heart, I placed my hand on
Lizette’s P.O.V.“I am coming!”A cry emerged from the depths of my heart as I forced my feeble legs to run as fast as possible, following a superfast creature wasn’t easy for an omega like me.But still, I hastened my steps, calling that cruel fox.“Leave this bunny alone, monster!”In normal circumstances, hunting for hunger was a usual matter. But my emotional attachment to this specific scene drove me nuts. On top of it, I realized that this chase was fruitless after seeing the rabbit barely dodging the fox’s expert jump. A bullet of panic rose in my chest as my entire existence shrieked.“No!!!”At the height of helplessness, a sudden adrenaline rush burst through my veins, energizing my soul. I spread my arms as if my body had a mind of its own. Splaying my fingers in the direction of the fox, I spoke in a strong tone.“Protect my bunny!”As soon as these words rolled out of my tongue, the unrivaled authority of my order alerted the trees around me. My heart raced l
Lizette’s P.O.V.“A dinner?”My dad’s sudden planning left me aghast, I couldn’t get what he wanted exactly. Two hours ago, he kicked Vincent out, endangering his life by attacking his King. And now, he asked mom to prepare dinner. It was uncalled-for.Dad didn’t bother to respond to my curiosity and took out his cell phone, dialing a number. I was still under the haze of shock when the call connected, disclosing his habitual call for help.As my dad’s side of the family was martyred in the last war, he was the last survivor of the Bancroft family. He was used to calling my grandma for every problem, seeking her guidance like she was his own mom. That was what he did now, and explained my situation for her advice.Grandma spoke in her soft tone, “Get Liz on call, Harvey. I will talk to her.”Mom and dad went outside, giving me privacy in my room. On video call, my grandma was in tears, “So much happened and no one told me. I am sorry, Liz. I couldn’t do anything to relieve you