Chapter 10The passing years I had been a whirlwind of change and growth. Six years had elapsed since that fateful day when the revelation of my true identity had shaken the foundation of my life. The pain of Alucard's rejection had eventually dulled, and my heart found solace in the love of my newfound family, the Bellwood.After learning about my past and the Bellwood estate, I embraced my heritage and embarked on a new chapter of my life. With Jaromir's unwavering support, I bid farewell to the Moon Oriental pack, leaving behind the memories of a life that had shaped me into the person I had become.Under the care of Dowager Grand Duchess Leanne Bellwood, my loving mother, I was guided into a world of privilege and nobility. The elegant estate became my new h
Chapter 11As I stood in the garden of the Bellwood estate in the middle of the night, the fragrance of hyacinth flowers filled the air, reminding me of the day my life took a dramatic turn. I smiled, grateful for the unexpected journey fate had laid before me. The scars of the past had faded, replaced by the warmth of love and family surrounding me."Faya."My heart melted upon seeing my mother's arrival. Also, the name, Faya, was her and Father's nickname to me from Faustina. "Mother... Are you not sleepy yet?" I asked softly, seeing how she wrapped herself with a scarf on her chemise."I'm about to, but I saw you here."I offere
Chapter 12"Mommy, why can't we come with you tomorrow?" Luciana inquired, sitting in front of the vanity mirror as I gently combed her wavy brown hair she inherited from mine. Meanwhile, Lumiere and Liutrich were engaged in a playful pillow fight on my bed. Despite Liutrich being a bookworm who preferred reading, Lumiere was always more active and enthusiastic about various activities."Because it is a royal cabinet meeting, sweetie. Only adults are allowed there," I answered softly, as they knew I was going to the royal palace for the meeting. That would be my first debut with the rest of the members of the royal cabinet."Mommy, when can we visit the royal palace?"Lumiere's question sent shivers down my spine. As I glanced at his reflection in the mirror, I noticed Liutrich frowning, still recovering from the playful beating he had received from Lumiere's pillow. Taking a deep breath, I resisted the urge to scold Lumiere and instead decided to answer his question."I am not certai
Chapter 13"To you, His Majesty, Grand Alpha King Apollo," I respectfully greeted the father of the Alpha King and the other princes, meeting his earnest and stoic gaze. "Your Royal Highness, Crown Prince Alucard..." I noticed him shift slightly in his seat, his breathing reaching my sensitive ears before I looked away. "And Your Highnesses, Prince Alistair, Prince Alejandro..." These two were twins, known as the Twin Garnets for their role as matchmaking cupids, often causing chaotic but amusing attempts at finding potential mates for others. "And Prince Atticus." My eyes then turned to the youngest brother of the current monarch and the youngest son of the previous ruling king."I see." Alpha King Azarius nodded with acknowledgment. "I have heard that you were the long-lost daughter of Dowager Grand Duke and Grand Duchess Bellwood." His voice was deep, and his forest-green eyes were glimmering in amusement."Yes, Your Majesty. I have now become the head of our household after achiev
Chapter 14I brought my triplets to the Velvety Stones in the following days, as Mother had brought them here a few days ago. I was here to recheck the accounting records for the past years, even though this had been audited by a third party. "Lumiere, Luciana, Liutrich, stop running in the halls!" My voice had to be thunderous as I heard them giggling outside. I caught them being chased by their nannies as I sighed, wanting to join them, but I shouldn't.At least, not yet, since I was taking care of these records. I have only finished five years ago records.Immersed in the records, I was interrupted by a series of knocks on the door. As the door swung open, Expert appeared, announcing, "An envoy from the Calbourne Citadel is seeking you, Your Serene Grace."This presented me with an opportunity to smirk upon hearing the name of the castle, Calbourne Citadel, which belonged to Alucard. The Grand Alpha King Apollo had gifted it to him when he turned 18 years old. "Name?" I inquired,
Chapter 15The atmosphere around me seemed to freeze as Prince Alistair and Prince Alejandro stood before me, their eyes wide with smiles on their lips. It was as if time itself had paused, and the air was charged with the weight of unspoken emotions.Damn it... Of all people I had to meet right now, why Alucard's twin brothers? Once known as the matchmakers of our kingdom, they had the uncanny ability to identify potential mates for individuals. However, they had stopped practicing their matchmaking skills ever since a heartbreaking incident involving the rejection of their mate, who later gave birth to their twin children. It was rumored that their mate tragically passed away, which left them in a state of devastation, but they eventually transformed their lives for the sake of their beloved twins."It's really you, grand duchess," Prince Alejandro finally managed to say, his voice beaming."We did not expect to see you here," Prince Alistair said."Your Highnesses..." Think, Fausti
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
"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