I heard a sound coming from outside the door, but I didn't want to open it. I didn't understand why Kral suddenly appeared at my bedroom door in the middle of the night, but my intuition told me not to open the door.Ever since I accidentally overheard his conversation with Catherine that day, I have kept my distance from Kral. I declined his invitations multiple times, using the excuse of preparing for the ceremony. I thought Kral must have sensed my resistance towards him, otherwise, he wouldn't have come to my door in the middle of the night, wanting to talk to me."Your Highness, it's already late now. I... I want to sleep," I got up and walked to the door, gripping the cold brass handle, restraining the surging emotions within me."Delia," Kral's voice was low, "tomorrow is our engagement ceremony. Perhaps you've been feeling nervous these past few days, and I can understand. But that's not a reason for you to refuse to see me.""Give me an explanation, Delia, or I won't leave,"
Alen’s povEven though it was just an engagement, according to royal traditions, the ceremony was highly grand. Because of the dreadful curse, every Lycan king would die at a young age. Therefore, the royal engagement ceremony was of great importance as it declared a new marriage and a new king, and most importantly, a new heir.In short, according to tradition, the engagement ceremony would commence from the palace. Delia would walk out of the palace surrounded by numerous handmaidens. Guided by Susanna, she would be escorted to the temple where Crown Prince Kral awaited her for the formal ceremony.The engagement ceremony would take place under the watchful eyes of the Moon Goddess. All the noble werewolves would attend, considering it the highest honor. After the ceremony, Prince Kral would return to the palace with Delia, or rather, the future queen. At that time, the entire city would celebrate and congratulate them.Now, as the security chief for the ceremony, I led the royal gu
Alan's POVThe twilight was touching the earth. and the moon now occupied the center of the sky. Its radiant light streamed through the skylight above the temple, illuminating the statue of the Moon Goddess. The Moon Goddess inclined her head ever so slightly, her gaze fixed upon the couple ascending the steps with measured footsteps.It was only when Prince Kral finally guided Delia to the front of the throne that the onlookers gradually snapped out of their trance. I surveyed the expressions of each individual, categorizing them into three distinct groups. The noble attendees wore expressions of envy towards Delia, the alphas from different packs displayed a submissive deference to Prince Kral's authority, while the elders' gaze betrayed a complexity that eluded easy interpretation.As the prince's most trusted man, I stood in a corner, one hand firmly resting on the hilt of my sword at my waist. For reasons unknown, I couldn't help but be particularly vigilant during today's ceremo
Delia's POVMelodious music filled the air, transforming the entire temple from its previous solemnity to a lively atmosphere. Outside the windows, brilliant fireworks bloomed in the sky, casting a colorful glow that spilled into the brilliantly lit hall. The noble guests returned to their seats, delighting in the royal banquet.The most crucial part of the engagement ceremony had passed. Servants adorned in pale yellow gowns, under Susanna's guidance, gracefully presented the guests with delectable food and exquisite wine. The ladies maintained their elegant movements, while the gentlemen endeavored to embody the essence of chivalry. It was a grand assembly of nobility, and the air was filled with an ever-increasing sense of joy.Under Prince Kral's guidance, I sat upon the throne, observing as the nobles gradually relinquished their refined decorum amidst the abundance of indulgences, allowing themselves to be consumed by pleasure."Would you like a drink?" Kral's deep voice floated
Delia's pov"Maintain your composure, gentlemen!" Amidst the clamor, Alen's shout cut through everything, becoming clear.Soon after, the burning torches pierced the darkness. Alen's face was illuminated by the candlelight, reflecting his resolute gaze."What on earth is happening? Damn it...""Why would such an incident occur during the prince's engagement ceremony?""Oh, that clumsy fool stepped on my gown."After the momentary chaos subsided, these nobles began to blame the inadequate security measures of the royal family for their earlier misconduct.The complaints from the ladies filled the entire hall with noise once again."Everyone, please remain calm. It was just a minor accident. We will ensure everyone's safety. The maidservants will distribute torches to you. Please be patient," Alen reassured. The maidservants lit the torches and, as instructed by Alen, lit the candles in the hall, dispelling the unsettling darkness.Then, Susanna hurried up the stairs, holding a torch an
The departure of the man in the gray robe plunged the entire hall into silence. Prince Kral's face grew dark, as if a storm was about to unleash. His golden eyes reflected the light, resembling a raging fire about to erupt."He escaped?" Prince Kral muttered in a low but dangerous tone, looking in the direction where the mysterious man had disappeared.The nobles exchanged glances, and everyone could sense the rising anger in Kral's eyes, like a dormant volcano on the verge of awakening. They lowered their heads, not daring to answer his question."Let me try, Your Highness," Alen stepped forward. With a solemn expression, he placed his sword where the mysterious man had stood before. The clash of cold steel against marble produced a crisp and pleasing sound. But the floor showed no trace, almost making one doubt their own eyes and memory."Your Highness," Alen withdrew his sword. His face was filled with guilt as he deeply bowed, "It is my inadequacy, Your Highness. I couldn't find a
Delia's POV"Your Highness, I was just talking to this lady..."I quickly turned my head, only to meet Kral's eyes filled with murderous intent. He stood in the shadow of the corridor pillar, his golden pupils shining in the darkness."Delia, who is that person?""What?"I asked in confusion. I didn't understand why Kral would say that.Wasn't this lady just the wife of an alpha we had met at the banquet?"I'm asking, who is he?" Kral’s entire face emerged from the shadows, his handsome features carrying hostility.His jaw formed a sharp curve as his low voice escaped through his clenched teeth."Your Highness, I don't understand what you mean," I said bewilderedly, until a warm hand suddenly grabbed my waist, pulling me forcefully, and my whole body leaned against the solid chest of Kral."Stay away from him." Kral lowered his gaze and warned in my ear.He took off his cloak and wrapped it directly around me. His movements were forceful and rough, and his dissatisfaction and anger se
Kral's povThis private garden within the palace was meticulously maintained by professional florists. I had instructed them to adorn it with exquisite and scarce flowers and trees, ensuring that its beauty and elegance were ever-present. Especially on moonlit evenings like this, the moon's gentle rays bestowed a nourishing touch upon the garden's blossoms, each one captivating in its own right.For those fortunate enough to witness such a spectacle, the moonlit garden became an indelible memory, worth cherishing for a lifetime. However, I was not amazed, because you couldn't expect a person who had grown up here to constantly marvel at its beauty.Nevertheless, tonight was an exception."Prince Kral..." Delia's body softened, akin to a white cloud. I doubted she was aware of just how alluring she appeared at that moment, yet I had no intention of disclosing that fact. Just as a dragon safeguards its precious gems, so does a werewolf. I held her waist, finding Delia more enchanting th
Sibyl’s POVBefore I know it, time is running out like a river. My two children, who began as finger-sucking babies in cradles, can now run around the palace. Perhaps they inherited Nuri's strong physique, and even the quiet little princess Terese was full of energy. The wet nurses had run to follow her but she was not tired at all.Today, after breakfast, I caught them trying to sneak out again."Sit your asses down!" I said sternly.The two little ones made faces and sat back in their chairs.Unexpectedly, the child's father suddenly protested. "Children are young. They are at an active age now. Why should you restrain them?""Have you forgotten what day it is?""What day?" asked Nuri, doubtfully, putting down her cup.I knew it! I took a plate of peeled grapes from him and said, "Selene and Lowa are coming to visit us today. Lowa is bringing her little girl!"Shortly after my children were born, Lowa returned to Werebird kingdom with Manolo. Within two months of their return, I rec
Sibyl’s POVSince the birth of the little prince and Princess, the whole palace has become lively. Nuri's excitement is hard to describe. He immediately declared the young prince, Baron, a crown prince and gave him an estate. However, he is still young and currently lives with his sister in a bedroom in my palace.In order to take care of the two children, Nuri arranged for each of them to have three wet nurses and eight maids. He had even begun to think about their playmates.Carol was even more excited to see them every day. She came in the morning as soon as the sun rose, and left reluctantly after dinner.Now all eyes are on the two children."Our Baron and Terese are very popular. Whose credit is that?"Nuri rocked the cradle and looked at me like a big dog with a face full of praise! I couldn't bear to watch. I picked up Terese, who was munching her fingers, and kissed her soft, white, meaty face."Little Terese, who is your mommy?"The little guy looked at me in a daze and sudd
Roth’s POV"Sibyl... my baby..."Blayze's voice travels in Nuri's ears. His hands were tugging at Nuri's, blood gushing from his mouth, but he did not stop, calling the Queen's name again and again.Beowulf pounced. His broken arm was flailing feebly in the air, and Nuri dropped Blayze to avoid his attack. I climbed over and pulled Blayze aside to sit against the wall."How could she be Azariah? Didn't she die in prison?"Blayze didn't answer my question. He didn't even look at me. He just stubbornly called out the Queen's name. Does this really work? Can we wake the king?"Nuri, wake up! Sibyl is unconscious because of you. She is pregnant with your child! She almost died because of you!" Bellowed Beowulf as he dodged Nuri's attack, shouting Sibyl's name along with Blayze. Tears blurred my vision. I wiped my face and joined them loudly.May the gods protect us. The love between the King and Queen could be the antidote to this disaster.For a moment, the council chamber was filled wit
Selene’s POVThe whole palace was in disarray. The doctors were all called in, and the maids went in and out like ants on a hot pan. Everyone was scrambling to do something, but they didn't know which way to go, because the only hostess was still lying in bed, unconscious."Stay calm. You are all trained. Follow the rules." Nuri's grandmother's voice rose into the night, suppressing the panic. She took the maid's hand and got down from the carriage. She glanced at the maids and the doctors, and everyone she saw lowered their heads."We don't need so many doctors. Those who are not good at delivering babies can go home."When she had finished, some of the doctors, after a moment's hesitation, came forward, saluted, and hurried off.“Amy, divide the maids into three groups. One group will prepare hot water, the other will clean up the delivery room, and the last group will serve the empress at any time. If anything goes wrong, the person-in-charge will be punished!”Amy hurried to assig
Sibyl’s POV"Your Majesty..." Amy hesitated."Are you asking me why I didn't kill her?" I stopped and looked up at the Black Sky, where the moon was shining brightly. The stars twinkled in the sky like jewels on a dress."Maybe the moon is too beautiful tonight. I don't want to spoil my mood."Many innocent souls stayed in the palace. Every brick and tile was soaked in blood, and I did not want to add to it any more.The maid thought she was going to die, too. She closed her eyes and waited for the poison to attack, only to find that the pain she had imagined for a long time had not come. She slowly opened her eyes tentatively and looked at me hesitantly."Ah..." when she opened her mouth to speak, she found herself unable to make a sound."I took your voice," I motioned to Amy with my eyes. Amy handed her a bag of gold coins. "This is my compensation to you. I will still keep my promise to you. You can leave the palace tonight. I will let you continue your life as a commoner."With t
Sibyl’s POVThe evening party went on as planned. On the rows of brass candlesticks, carefully carved candles burned brightly, illuminating the faces of each visitor. The scent of ladies' perfumes filled the air, and expensive jewelry glowed in the owner's hair, earlobes, and neck. Everyone smiled and complimented each other."What an elegant crowd." I stood in the shade outside the door and looked at the nobles in the ballroom. "If I hadn't seen the fierce faces of the jealous ladies and the greed of the men in calculating the wealth of the common people, if I hadn't seen the despicable ways in which ministers use their power to do evil," I paused, i turned to Amy. "This is heaven, isn't it?"Amy looked at me in silence, and I knew the question frightened her. How can the nobles be so easily judged? Most people would think so. Nuri still had a long way to go. If he did not change the concept that everyone feared the nobles as much as the gods, the new nobles that he supported now wou
Sibyl’s POVLowa shifts into a giant bird. I sat on her back and soon saw Aphrodite's palace. With no intention of slowing down, she dived straight for the palace door, causing the maids at the door to scream. I walked to the door with a sullen face. Lowa shaved her feathers and shifted back to being a sexy lady.Not surprisingly, there was another shriek from the maids, and several of them had collapsed to the ground. I saw a familiar face among the maids, whose name I can't quite remember, Anna or something. On Aphrodite's first day at court, I met the maid.She's not doing very well. No, rather badly. She was not a pretty girl, but she was impressive, and now her hair was as yellow as a weed, and her figure was unusually dry. The once beautiful eyes also lost their love of life like a pool of stagnant water.She felt my gaze and looked up at me quickly. Her eyes sparkled, but soon became dull. She changed in an instant. When I blinked and looked at her again, she was still lifeless
Sibyl’s POV"Nuri is exaggerating." Selene looked at the room full of clothes and sighed. "So many clothes. Even if there were a few more of you, you would never wear them all!"I looked at the rows of clothes, heart half sweet half trouble. Nuri is in love with me, but, as my sister said, I really do not have time to wear every piece of clothing again. Looking at so many beautiful clothes that I have no chance to wear them, it makes me feel very wasteful."These are all new. Do you like any of them? If you don't mind, just take the ones you like!" I said to Selene. When Lowa heard this, her face darkened and she looked at me angrily. "You have a real sister, and have you forgotten about me? You are so biased!"Selene looked at me awkwardly, worried that something might happen between me and Lowa, and I patted her hand. I smiled at her and said, "She's just kidding!" I turned to Lowa and rolled my eyes at her. "Why are you teasing her? Come on, I'll give you all the clothes in this ro
Nuri’s POV"What's all this?" Beowulf asked as he casually flipped through the notes on my desk. He gave me a smirk. I looked down and coughed."How come I don't remember us getting so close?" His tone was too casual and intimate, as if we had known each other for more than a decade, which made me very uncomfortable. He is the king of the land of the Bears. While I respect him as a hero, that doesn't mean my social distance from him can become intimate. But he didn't seem to feel that way at all."My wife is your wife's sister, and we are brothers, a family! We know each other like the back of my hand!" He took another book from the shelf, he exclaimed, "I always thought that you were an ambitious hero. You spent all your energy on running the country. I can't imagine that you're actually a nanny!"My bookshelf is lined with books on children, medical and educational, from infants to teenagers. On the desk are several thick notes that I have made. These are all the questions I ask doc