The space of the castle was even more spacious than I had imagined.When we pushed open the heavy doors and entered the castle's grand hall, I couldn't help but cover my mouth. because the furnishings inside are so opulent.Various precious oil paintings, porcelain, ancient artifacts, and suits of armor were everywhere. The crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling was the largest I had ever seen. Not to mention the sculptures and coral crystals covered in white cloth.It was like a museum curated by a seasoned collector!"My father enjoyed collecting these ancient items from all over the world," Louis explained as we walked, a hint of nostalgia in his expression, "Some were gifts from other packs, while others he acquired at auctions. Of course, most of the treasures here were left by our ancestors.""I left this castle when I was sixteen because my father passed away," he continued, "According to royal protocol, both Liam and I had to leave until one of us was ready to inherit the
On the first day of staying in the castle, I had thought it would be hard for me to fall asleep.To my surprise, I fell asleep quickly and slept soundly.The last time I fell asleep so quickly was because I was exhausted after leaving the banquet, but this time, I guessed it might be because I had Louis by my side.The morning sunlight filtered through the gaps in the curtains, casting patches of light onto the bedsheets. I lay on the bed, lazily stretching my hand out into the sunlight. The golden spots danced on my fingertips, and I couldn't help but curve my lips into a smile as I snuggled closer to Louis.Unusually, he didn't wake up earlier than me today.Quietly, I turned my head and gazed at his sharply handsome face, feeling a serene sense of contentment.Since childhood, I had a thought: when I clenched my fist, it felt like I could catch a ray of sunlight in my palm. Later, I realized it was just a fantasy. But now, looking at him lying next to me, asleep with his golden hai
Mr. Teacher?I had never imagined that one day I would address Prince Louis in this manner. My face turned red instantly, and I finally understood why he had been emphasizing that he was fully capable of being a home tutor.He had planned this!But by the time I realized it, Louis was already in the car leaving the castle. He needed to deal with an unexpected event within the company. He promised to solve it as soon as possible and come back for lunch.So, I could only sulk and watch the departing vehicle.On the first day of moving in, the castle's servants were busy packing and cleaning. Not being accustomed to idleness, I proactively asked Alfred, "Is there anything I can help with?""No need, Claire," Alfred tactfully suggested, "You can take a stroll around the surroundings or explore the castle. We'll take care of these tasks.""But…"I attempted to negotiate, but I failed in the end. Alfred had his own convictions about this. He firmly believed that these were responsibilities
After returning to the castle in the evening, I was utterly exhausted.Due to excessive physical exertion, I was so tired that I ate twice as much dinner as usual. I soaked myself in the bathtub, resembling a soft and squishy rice cake.The hot water eased the soreness in my muscles. Leaning against the edge of the tub, I let out a groan, finally feeling a sense of rejuvenation.The bathtub was circular, spacious enough for two or three people. I lit scented candles by the edge of the tub, immersed myself in the hot water, pretending to be a fish blowing bubbles."What are you doing?"Louis pushed the door open.He had just returned, dressed in a white shirt with his arms crossed, leaning against the doorway, looking at me somewhat amused. His black suit pants made his figure appear even taller.I blushed for no apparent reason.Submerging the lower half of my face into the bubbly bath, only my eyes peeked out. I said to him with a straight face, "I'm trying to recapture the feeling o
Claire's POVSunlight streamed in through the window as I rolled over, yawning groggily and reaching out towards the empty space beside me."Morning, Lou—"My voice trailed off abruptly as I realized the bed was empty. Sitting up, I scanned the room but found no sign of Louis.Where could he be?Just as I pondered, a knock sounded at my door."Awake, Claire?" Alfred's voice came through.I quickly straightened my pajamas and replied, "Yes, come in.""Were you wondering about Prince Louis's whereabouts?"Alfred smiled faintly, already directing the servants to bring in breakfast as he answered my unspoken question."The prince left early for work. He didn't want to disturb your rest, so he instructed me to wait until you woke up to deliver the news along with your breakfast.""Oh." I nodded, somewhat taken aback by the news. "Does he have any other messages for me?""Yes, Claire. Prince Louis mentioned that a family tutor would be arriving today.""Really? When?""Around ten in the mor
Claire's POVAs I realized Evans was deliberately provoking me, I calmed down."So what?" I reined in my emotions, glaring coldly at Evans. "She willingly left Louis for Liam. Even if she's exceptional and possesses Luna's qualities, do you expect your future king to marry his brother's wife?""I've never entertained such a thought," Evans immediately denied my accusation. Even as he bowed slightly to me, there was still a hint of amusement on his face."I don't have the authority to make decisions for His Highness. But... aren't you curious why Maria, after breaking Louis's heart, could smoothly become Liam's mate, even giving birth to Chris, the only heir at the time?"Evans's counter-question instantly grabbed my attention.Indeed, I harbored great curiosity about Maria. What kind of charm did she possess to captivate two princes, risking the scandal of being with her brother-in-law?My hesitation signaled an opportunity for Evans. Standing there, he seemed pleased, continuing his
Claire's POVThe sudden turn of events not only shocked me, but even Evans wore a look of astonishment on his face. But just a second later, Evans' expression turned cold, and his gaze toward me became even more intense and menacing. "You...""She already told you, get out of the castle," Hawk interrupted, suddenly brandishing a sharp dagger against Evans' neck from seemingly nowhere."Your Highness actually assigned you to Claire," Evans remarked, surprised at Hawk's intervention."I'm not an object," Hawk replied expressionlessly, but the grip on the dagger tightened instinctively. "I'm giving you five seconds. After that, I'll personally carry your body out of this castle.""Fine," Evans responded, fully aware of Hawk's reputation and determination.After Hawk released him, Evans picked up his fallen hat from the ground, then turned to bow in my direction. "Well then, our lesson ends here for today. See you next time, Claire." Evans spoke as if taunting me.But before I could retal
Claire's POVAs Hawk finished speaking, he rose to his feet alone and vanished before my eyes as if performing a magic trick. It was only then that I belatedly realized that this long day had finally come to an end. I slapped my head in frustration. "Claire, oh Claire, you're still not strong enough to handle these things."Although Hawk had once again resumed his usual invisible state, I felt much safer on the way back to the castle...."Claire, you're finally back. I was just about to send someone out to look for you!" Louis, who had returned to the castle ahead of me, rushed towards me with a look of surprise in his eyes."How was your day? I've informed Alfred that you..."Louis grabbed my hands, but inadvertently pressed on the area where I was injured, causing me to instinctively cry out in pain."What's wrong? Claire?" Louis pulled my hand, pulling up my sleeve in the process.The red marks left on my wrist from the blow of the wooden stick looked particularly alarming."Who d
Maria's POV“What happened? What’s going on?!”The sudden explosion of cheers woke me from my drowsiness. I looked around in panic, and only after confirming that there was no danger did I finally relax. I grabbed Mandy, who was leaning on a broom and watching TV with great interest.“Mandy, what’s going on? Why is it suddenly so noisy outside?”“That’s not noise, Maria,” Mandy said, revealing an ugly smile with a mouth full of crooked teeth. “Alpha Louis just announced his heir!”Hearing the name that hadn’t appeared in my life for so long, it took me a few seconds to finally react. “Louis? Prince Louis?! He’s become the Alpha King now?!”“You really are a country bumpkin.” Mandy rolled her eyes dramatically at me and disdainfully pushed my arm away. “That happened last month. Haven’t you heard? Our Alpha even has an heir now.”“Heir?”The moment of confusion was quickly replaced by a surge of joy.Yes, the heir—it must be my Chris! My Chris has become the heir of the kingdom. That m
Louis's POV"Your Majesty, here is your speech."Kyle's voice pulled me from my thoughts, and I quickly turned off my phone, hiding Claire's refusal from the screen."Sure." I took the paper Kyle handed me and scanned it quickly, frowning. "Isn't this a bit too formal?"Kyle shrugged. "Well, Your Majesty, tonight is an official ceremony. After all, every werewolf will witness Claire becoming our Luna.""Alright."I nodded in agreement, folded the paper, and tucked it into my suit pocket. Then, I checked my watch. "How long until the wedding starts?""About twenty minutes. Perhaps you would like to wait outside? The media is ready."Glancing out at the castle lawn, I saw the sea of people and cameras aimed at the wedding venue. Surrounding the crowd were countless armed guards maintaining order.I withdrew my gaze and chuckled. "This might be the grandest ceremony of the year, don't you think?""Well, perhaps the grandest ceremony of the century."Kyle responded with a smile. "Shall we
Claire's POV"Are you sure this dress looks okay, Olivia?"I anxiously tugged at the wedding gown and stared nervously at my reflection in the mirror. Damn, my waist still looks a bit bulky."Am I the only one who thinks this dress makes me look fat?""Yes, my dear Luna."Olivia, who had already helped me change into the third wedding dress, rolled her eyes at me. "You look absolutely stunning, Claire. You're just experiencing a common condition called pre-wedding anxiety."As she spoke, Olivia lifted the large train of my dress to prevent Kitty from stepping on it."Don't believe me? Ask Kitty! Kitty, do you think Claire looks beautiful?"Caught off guard, Kitty turned around, holding a flower basket slung over her shoulder. It was empty of petals, but she already looked as cute as a doll.Oh, how I wished my first child would be a girl as adorable as her! I silently prayed to the Moon Goddess.But the sweet Kitty couldn't hear my thoughts. She tilted her head and carefully examined
Louis's POV"This will likely be our last meeting, Prince Louis."In a small tavern near the Southern Forest, Garfield Evans, clad in black and wearing a hood, sat across from me. The arrogance and ambition once evident in his demeanor were replaced with a bitter smile and an unhidden hatred towards his enemies."I suppose so," I replied, ignoring Garfield's raised glass and instead downing my drink in one gulp. "After all, the Southern Forest is a terrifying place. Even my brother met his end there.""Well, dying in the same place as Liam would be a kind of luck," Garfield responded with a resigned smile, but I could see the sincerity mixed with sorrow in his moist eyes."Don't forget, this time you'll face not only the horrors of the Southern Forest but also the secret organization hiding within it, which opposes the royal family. They are your real enemies.""I'll never forget that, Your Highness. Rest assured, I will avenge Liam before I breathe my last!"The rekindled murderous i
Claire's POV“So… you really plan to exile Evans?” I asked cautiously after listening to Louis recount the events in the dungeon the previous night. “What about the Black Mountain pack? They’re already stirring, trying to overthrow the royal family. Won’t this only fuel their ambitions?”“On the contrary. I plan to convene the Council of Elders and hold a public trial for Garfield Evans. Once his crimes are exposed to all the werewolves, everyone will understand why I imprisoned him. By then, the Black Mountain pack will have no justification for opposing the royal family.”Louis calmly analyzed the situation while peeling a grape and placing it in my mouth. I nodded thoughtfully, but then immediately spat it out, wrinkling my nose.Louis looked at me in concern, “What’s wrong?”“The grape tastes bad,” I said, my mouth puckering from the sourness.“Really?” Louis glanced at the grapes on the table and immediately summoned Alfred.“Your Highness.”“Claire says the grapes are bad.”“Bad
Garfield's POV“Say it again—what did you do to him?!” I tightened my grip on Maria’s throat, feeling an overwhelming urge to snap it right there and then.“Tell me, Maria, what else did you do to him?!!”“Let go of me! Garfield!”Maria's face had turned purple, her flailing legs now dancing on the edge of the abyss. Even this couldn’t quench the burning hatred I felt for this woman.Blood debts must be paid in blood!Anger surged within me. Just as I resolved to end her wretched life, a figure crashed into me. My injured leg gave out, and I fell into a puddle, releasing my hold on Maria."Seize them all!"Prince Louis’s commanding voice echoed in the dank, hollow dungeon. Within moments, torches illuminated the damp darkness. A squad of armed guards swarmed the small cell, capturing Maria, Rick, and me, dragging us before Louis.“Prince Louis, Evans... Evans tried to kill me!”Louis’s appearance was Maria’s salvation. She cried out, reaching for Louis’s robe, but he recoiled in disgu
Garfield's POV"Alpha!"Just as I was coaxing Kitty to finish her broccoli, a figure once again climbed through the window."Rick?" I narrowed my eyes at my beta, my tone growing stern. "I don't recall ordering you to enter the castle again.""I'm very sorry, Alpha."Rick's expression was serious under my rebuke. "I followed your instructions that night, intending to take Chris from Maria's villa. But I discovered something important that I felt I had to report to you immediately."I scrutinized Rick. Though he wasn’t particularly sharp, he had always been loyal. If he claimed to have made a significant discovery, then…I set down the bowl in my hand and said, "Go ahead. What did you find out?""Last night, Chris suddenly fell ill and was rushed to the hospital.""What?!" My voice involuntarily showed my anxiety. "How is he now? Is he alright?!""No. In fact, I overheard the doctor and Maria talking. The doctor said Chris's illness is congenital and very difficult to cure—unless Maria
Maria's POVThings were progressing smoothly.I walked quickly through the castle’s corridors, followed by three or four guards. They were accompanying me to retrieve Prince Liam’s portraits and belongings on Louis’s orders. However, these items were useless in saving my son’s life. The only person who could save Chris now was someone else entirely.“Ouch!” I exclaimed in pain, clutching my stomach and suddenly squatting down.“What happened?!”“I... my stomach hurts.” I faced the approaching guards, looking distressed and speaking weakly, “I’ve been too stressed about Chris’s illness, and my stomach problems have flared up again.”“What should we do?!” One of the guards scratched his head, looking worried. “Should I notify Prince Louis…”“No, there’s no time to waste!” I bit my lip, feigning great pain, and interrupted the guard’s suggestion. “The most important thing now is to get Prince Liam’s portraits and belongings! If Chris wakes up, he will surely want to see his father first…
Claire's POV“What? Chris is in the hospital?! What happened?!”“Calm down, my dear.”Louis gently pushed me back onto the couch, but his brows remained furrowed. He turned to the guard who brought the news and asked, “Could this be another one of Maria’s schemes? Is she trying to gain sympathy using Chris?”“No.” The guard lowered his head and relayed the information he received from the doctor about Chris’s condition.“Moreover, I inquired with the emergency team that responded that night. They all confirmed that Chris nearly suffocated to death.”The words “nearly suffocated” left Louis in silence, and I couldn’t help but feel a surge of worry for the innocent boy. No matter what Maria had done, Chris was just a child. Besides, he was Liam’s only son.Thinking this, I turned to the guard and asked, “Which hospital is Chris in now?”“Saint Richard’s Hospital, but Chris is still unconscious. The doctors have recommended no visitors.”It seemed Chris was gravely ill this time. Both Lo