Chapter 16"He wouldn't stop, would he?" That's what I uttered as Elijah stood before me while I sat in front of my desk. Again. Elijah had been coming here to the Velvety Stones so many times. He would make sure that I was here in the jewelry shop to pester me. It was said that it was under the orders of Alucard."I apologize, Your Serene Grace. His Royal Highness disregarded your suggestion to explore other jewelry shops capable of crafting customized pieces. He was adamant about the Velvety Stones fulfilling his request."I clasped my hands together, feeling my blood boiling right now. "Should we choose not to comply, will he resort to wreaking havoc?" I asked, feigning mock seriousness. "Or perhaps, he'll present himself before me and kneel in supplication? Who knows, I might reconsider if he does." I added, playfully teasing, though my tone suggested a hint of amusement at the absurdity of the idea.Elijah looked troubled by my suggestion. His eyes were showing how uneasy he was
Chapter 17I raised an eyebrow, trying to hide my surprise at seeing Alucard here. But how could he show himself before me? "Elijah suggested, did he?" I replied with a touch of amusement in my voice. How dare Alucard show himself before me when I was just kidding. "Well, how thoughtful of him."Alucard's smile didn't waver, and his gaze held mine steadily. "Indeed," he replied, his tone laced with a hint of playfulness. "I couldn't possibly resist the opportunity to meet with you, Grand Duchess Bellwood. After all, it's not every day that I get to enjoy such delightful company."I couldn't help but almost roll my eyes at his flattery. Alucard had always been a smooth talker, skilled at weaving words to his advantage. "What do you really want, Crown Prince Alucard?" I asked, cutting through the pleasantries. "I highly doubt you came here just for a casual visit." Although I already knew why he came here.I was just jesting at what I told Elijah, yet this jerk was now in front of me. I
Chapter 18"Mommy, may I take care of this tiny kitten?" Luciana inquired amidst our enjoyment at the Dandelion Festival that evening. Her attention was captured by a kitten, having black and white fur, that approached her and seemed to like her.I blinked before going to see the kitten she had in her arms. "May I see this little one?" I squatted so our faces would be even. Luciana handed me the kitten with care, and I examined it to determine its gender. "A male, I see..." I nodded in agreement, estimating that it might be around two months old. "Have you decided on a name for her, Lulu?" I asked, saying her nickname."I will name him Mochi, Mommy." Luciana giggled when I suggested that I should be the one handling the kitten before it decided to run away from her grasp. "Eh? Mochi? Lame!" Lumiere scoffed. "Figaro is better! Lulu makes a lame name," he teased in a sing-song voice."Eww! I like Mochi! Go get your own kitten!" Luciana glared at her brother, but Lumiere stuck his tongu
Chapter 19He stood there, his presence commanding and powerful as ever. Dressed in attire that bespoke his regal status, he looked every bit the formidable figure I remembered. Damn it... What the hell was he doing here? Was he here the whole time? In that very carriage?"Greetings, grand duchess," he greeted, his lips curving into a smile that held a hint of warmth, but his eyes were unreadable."You..." I said, this time with a stronger resolve, rising from my knees. "What are you doing here?" An instinct, I stepped forward to hide them with my heart pounding so fast.His gaze shifted to my children, his expression softening as he observed them with a mix of curiosity and something else that I couldn't quite decipher. "I am the one who fetched them to the Cloveshire Citadel and brought them back here in the Bellwood estate." The way he admitted it had brought chills down my spine. And did I hear that properly? He was the one who..."Mommy." I felt a gentle tug in my dress only to
Chapter 20Inside the manor, the walls seemed to close around me as I paced back and forth, my emotions churning like a tempestuous sea. The audacity of Alucard's words echoed in my mind, each sentence carving a deeper wound in my already battered heart.My children's laughter wafted from the adjacent room, a stark contrast to the turmoil that raged within me. I wanted to shield them from the chaos, to protect them from the tangled mess that had entwined our lives.The memories of our shared past surged forward, memories of laughter, camaraderie, and a love that had once bloomed so pure. It was those very memories that he seemed to be using against me now as if he had the key to unlock my heart's hidden chambers."No, I won't let him do this," I muttered to myself, clenching my fists in determination. The years I had spent rebuilding my life, piecing together my shattered world, couldn't be unraveled by his claims. I had fought tooth and nail to give my children a life away from the s
Chapter 21 "Uncle Romir! Grandpapu!" My triplets exclaimed as they ran towards them as soon as they arrived in front of the Bellwood estate. Edison did not hesitate to kneel and opened his arms. "Come to grandpapu!" His eyes were getting teary-eyed when they giggled and hugged him. I smiled before turning at Jaromir with Evelina. "Jaromir... Evelina..." I hugged them both and expressed how much I missed them. Before I left the Moon Oriental pack, it was then I learned Lady Evelina, the one I met at the banquet party six years ago, was Jaromir's mate, she rejected him, but they managed to reconcile with each other when Jaromir knew that Evelina, who was supposed to be engaged with someone, had called off her engagement. "I missed you both..." They both chuckled and hugged me back. "We missed you, too, Faustina." "Don't forget your nephews, sister-in-law," Evelina said before she gently tapped my back to make me look at Reiner and Heinfrey. I almost squealed upon seeing Reiner, fo
Chapter 22Alucard's presence alone was enough to stir a whirlwind of emotions within me. Hatred, hurt, longing—all tangled together in a complex web that threatened to ensnare me once more. His forest-green eyes, so familiar yet now so distant, bore into mine, their intensity causing my heart to race.Alpha King Azarius, on the other hand, exuded an air of regal authority that demanded respect. His demeanor was composed, his gaze assessing as it swept over me. It was evident that he was a ruler accustomed to command and obedience.For a moment, the room seemed to hold its breath, the tension palpable. I fought to steady myself, to regain control over the maelstrom of feelings that threatened to consume me. With a measured breath, I composed myself and stepped forward, my chin lifted in a show of confidence."Your Majesty, Your Royal Highness," I greeted with a polite curtsy, my tone respectful yet reserved. "What a surprise to find you both here."Alpha King Azarius inclined his head
Chapter 23I tried to struggle against his hold, but Alucard was so strong that he even pinned my hands on each side of me. His closed eyes spoke of his intense focus, his intention clear as his lips sought an entry into my mouth. In a desperate bid for freedom, I sank my teeth into his lower lip, hoping to force him to release me. Yet, his determination prevailed, and as his ardor intensified, I found myself reluctantly closing my eyes, the heat of the moment overwhelming my defenses. I was trapped, caught in the whirlwind of his insistent and consuming kiss.That was when I dropped my guard, returning the equal fervor of his kiss. When Alucard thought that he already coaxed me, he placed my arms to cling to his neck, earning a moan from me as my fingers were clutching the strands of his hair when our kiss deepened. I could feel the longing he was pouring into our kiss with a mix of dominating each other, neither of us was backing down. His hands had started to wander around my body
"Finally..." I heaved a sigh as I finished the weaving I had been working on for the past few days. I held it out with a smile to admire how proud I was. "What do you think, Lulu?" I showed my daughter sitting beside me, watching my finished product. Luciana fluttered her eyes in surprise. "It's so pretty. Are you going to show it to Daddy, Mommy?" she asked as I handed what I weaved. Her delicate hands traced all the details I had made. I could see how impressed she was. Chuckling, I kissed her temple to make her look at me. "Yes. Later." I winked at her, causing her to giggle. "Take a break from stitching, sweetie. Go and join with Lumie and Richie." "Hmm! Yes, Mommy!" She stormed out of the parlor room as fast as a lightning bolt. My stomach felt ticklish as I stood up and went to the window to see her joining with her siblings, who were busy playing chess. I bit my lower lip. I couldn't accept that they were eight years old this year. "Time surely flies..." I muttered, feeli
Chapter 93 Alucard It was hard to get back on my tracks during those years. Thanks to Brother Azarius' help, my engagement with Charity had ended. During those years, I yearned for Faustina and her touch. My shattered heart couldn't be picked up together since her death. I wanted to be with her, but I chose to be strong for her. When I thought that I could finally accept her death, it was then I came to meet the daughter of the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess Bellwood. I thought I was dreaming when I learned her name. Faustina Miles Bellwood... The current head of the House of Bellwood. The moment I saw her, my world stopped, and I almost lost my cool upon seeing my beloved mate—alive and breathing. However, it came to a light that she wasn't my Faustina. But deep inside, I knew to myself that it was her. She might have changed how she walked and talked; my guts were telling me that Faustina Miles Bellwood was the mate that I had been longing for, and I thought that she had died.
Chapter 92Alucard"One more slap, and I can summon my elite knights to deal with someone who dared to hurt the crown prince of this kingdom.""I-I'm so sorry," Faustina whispered, unable to look into my eyes. "I didn't mean to...""Save your apologies," I said with iciness in my tone as I turned around and walked out of that garden, having that firm expression."Alucard..."I barely heard Faustina calling my name, her voice filled with anguish. It took all my strength not to turn around and rush to her side, feeling my heart shatter into pieces as I walked away, out of her sight. I concealed myself and gritted my teeth, witnessing her broken expression from how I had treated her.Right there and then, I wanted to punch my father for bearing me in this situation, and I had to hurt my mate so I could protect her."Faustina..." I murmured her name, wanting to be near her, telling her I never meant those words I uttered.I almost took a step forward, but a hand abruptly halted me. It was
Chapter 91Alucard"Alu, dear."I snapped back to reality when I heard Mother calling me. "Yes, Mother?" I asked, blinking so many times, looking at her. She smiled hesitantly and looked at me weirdly. "You haven't touched your meal again. Is there something bothering you these days?" Her soft tone made me straighten my back. "Yeah. Mother is right, brother. You haven't eaten much."I turned at Alistair, who was creasing his forehead and was sitting across me. Beside him was my other brother and his twin, Alejandro, who had the same expression. It was the exact moment when I had to lay my eyes on my other brothers, Alejandro and Brother Azarius, looking at me as well. Lastly, my eyes landed on Father, who was arching his eyebrow in my direction.I knew, even if he didn't mind-link me, with that kind of piercing look, Father was already telling me to fix myself. "I'm still full. I had some snacks earlier." Now, I had to lie since I didn't want to involve my mother if she happened t
Chapter 90AlucardMy back straightened upon the mere mention of my beloved mate. I could even feel my heart dropping to the pit of my stomach as I met his frigid gaze before I caught his hand where he was waving the letters I had received from Faustina.My eyes widened in horror. "Where did you get them?"My voice was so thunderous that it felt like it had shaken the whole study room. I could even feel the blood draining to my feet, questioning what was happening."You are not planning to end your engagement with Charity just because of this woman you met," he said in finality.I was initially dumbfounded, still processing his words, until my expression changed into disbelief. "She has a name. Her name is Faustina, Father."I didn't know how he got those letters from Faustina since I kept them in my citadel, but I already guessed that he had some suspicions about my behavior ever since I returned.I remember that incident where I wandered alone in the forest without having my elite k
Chapter 89Alucard"There," I muttered with conviction as I finally put a seal on the envelope with my letter inside before looking at Elijah. "Now, dispatch one of my elite knights to deliver this to Faustina, Elijah. I want her to receive my letter as soon as possible. Understand?" The smile plastered on my lips couldn't be erased as soon as Elijah hesitantly reached for it. He looked at the letter first before looking at me worriedly. "Your Royal Highness, you're already engaged to Lady Charity, yet you're exchanging letters with Lady Faustina..." Elijah emphasized, sighing. "You haven't even informed your mate about your engagement..."My mood shifted as fast as the lightning bolt upon the realization. I pursed my lips into a thin line, looking away."I know that..." This made me massage my temple since Elijah made me slap the reality. "I plan to end my engagement soon, so I can be with Faustina."The statement I uttered caused Elijah to gasp in horror. I didn't have to look at
Chapter 88"How about our children, dollface? Did they know that we are going to eat together?"Alucard asked me questions when I prepared our food here in the Luna Queen's garden. Alucard brought me here when I told him I wanted us to picnic. However, our children were left in the mansion.He watched my movements even though some of him wanted to help me, but I insisted that I serve him just as he served me. "Indeed, yes," I replied and glanced at him. "And I want to be with you alone. We haven't been spending much time with each other these days. So... I missed you, pudding." Those words that came out of my mouth made me want to be buried six feet below the ground from embarrassment. I wanted to be vocal with my feelings as much as possible to reassure Alucard, since we needed to communicate to avoid misunderstanding. My wolf agreed with my resolve. And both of us had been longing for our pudding since he was busy for his departure, and we had this misunderstanding these past few
Chapter 87 "I see that the five of you are improving your studies," I praised the Ironwood siblings, who had proven their worth that they could be helpful for my triplets. "I hope you will continue this phase along with your siblings, Cedric." Cedric smiled and gently bowed his head along with his siblings: Gavriel, Lysander, Percival, and Elysia. "We are happy for your praise, Madam Faustina. I wish to show our gratitude by being filial to our duties." His words brought satisfaction to me. "Alright, you may return to your quarters and rest. Thank you for today." As they nodded and left, it relieved me that they were easy to handle at their age. I also made sure that they were living comfortably. I knew that even though they lost their parents, I was trying to supervise them properly. I also had my head butler to handle them. "Expert, do I still have a schedule today?" I asked, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Attending the tea party of Marchioness Archer is your last schedule
Chapter 86I felt disheartened when Alucard left. As much as I didn't feel like entertaining Simone right now, I had to since my pups were already with him. It was good that they were there, so I still had ample time to recollect myself while thinking about how to coax Alucard. "Yay! I have more books!" Liutrich exclaimed, his eyes glistening excitedly as he looked up at me. "Mommy, I will start reading them today!"Smiling, I caressed his hair as I nodded. "Summon our butlers to help you display your new books." Then, I turned to Luciana and Lumiere, who were busy with the presents they received from Simone. "You are spoiling them again, Simone..." I heaved out a sigh when he chuckled."I don't see them often, Faustina," he said, looking brightly at how they liked their presents. "Thank you, though, for inviting me to their birthday party. My apologies if my arrival is all of a sudden. I also have a business to attend here in the Sowinski Kingdom.""I see. I understand." Smiling, I