"Mama!"The door swung open revealing Sander who had a worried expression on his cute, handsome face. He immediately jumped into the bed and buried his face in my stomach."What's wrong?" I asked softly and looked up to see Desmond bringing a tray of hot soup."Papa said that we cannot leave today. He said that you are sick," Sander said as he climbed to the bed and cupped my face. "Are you alright, Mama?"I nodded my head and caressed his wavy hair. "Yes, I am actually alright. But your Papa said that I must stay here." I glared at Desmond who just snorted and shook his head."Don't believe your Mama, Sander. Mama is definitely not alright," he said and sat on the edge. "Come here. Don't sit on your Mama's lap." He immediately took Sander away from my lap and brought it to him."I am perfectly fine." I squinted my eyes at him. "You are overreacting." I meant he only hit me with the riding crop and the ointment he used on my buttocks already healed the pain searing in my skin yet Desm
"Mama, it is unusual that Papa retired so early."Sander looked dejected because Desmond only kissed him a good night and left to retire to his chamber. He was expecting that they would have fun tonight but Desmond didn't seem to be in the mood right now.I gently combed his hair after I tucked him into his blanket. "Papa is tired, little man. He will be alright tomorrow."Desmond didn't say a word after I retorted a harsh truth to him earlier.I was not a fool. He knew that I had warned him in the past that if that case should happen again, there would be no second chances.I forgave Desmond for what happened the first time he slept with the courtesan. Indeed, someone used an aphrodisiac incense by that time. He was not in his sanity when he committed such an act.But... the part where he committed that act towards Hazel... That was something I could not ever forgive.No matter what actions he would do in the near future to coax me, my heart wouldn't be swayed on Desmond anymore. My
His lips were inviting me to respond back when I did it. I was really a hypocrite to even answer his invitation.But this was way better than allowing him to listen to his words.Seven years had already passed yet that scene made me remember how Desmond kissed her. How he pleased her was the same thing he usually did to Hazel.That made me irk and halted kissing Desmond. He had a look of confusion when our eyes met. Hearing our labor breaths, he knew that he wanted the hungry kiss we exchanged but as soon as he saw my expression, he had a look of horrifying right now.It was a cold facade. The same expression when I felt disgusted with him."Seraphina—" He was about to raise his hand to brush his chuckles against my cheek when I spoke."You killed me." Desmond's eyes widened. I couldn't help myself from shedding tears the moment I saw him with Hazel in his study room. "The moment you had been with Hazel... The moment you did not consult that matter to me... The moment you agreed with
"Mama, aren't you going to dine with us?"Taking a toll breath, I shook my head. "Unfortunately, you can dine with your Papa..." My tone was smeared with a dejected tone.I knew that was enough to worry my son."Oh..." Sander lowered his head."You can go ahead." I urged him. "If you wish to go out to roam around the pack, you can go with your Papa. I am not feeling well right now." There was a melancholy expression written on his face.Sander knew I was lying. He knew that something happened between Desmond and me back in Elian. Since we returned, Sander was not at ease especially since Desmond and I were not on good terms again.Neither of us was talking since that happened as we became aloof to each other.But I knew my son was being affected by this behavior we were showing. I must do something to avoid tarnishing this family I wanted for Sander.I watched how Sander's shoulders slumped as he left my chamber. I went to the balcony and summoned my hand. I beckoned it, telling them
"Alright, alright, Sander. Halt," I said, sighing exasperatedly when Sander was tugging my hand as we were near the location of the boot camp.The boot camp was set up near the river of Tana Forest to the north. That vast area was enough to have mandatorily gruesome training for the rookies and the pack warriors. Their mentors were the Gammas. Sometimes, Desmond and the two Betas, Oakley and Harvey, participated in teaching the privates.I was not certain if they were still doing it.I was also expecting that I would be able to see Niscia there since she was one of the Gammas."Mama, hurry!" Sander said impatiently, frowning.Chuckling, I hastened my steps. "Alright, little man." I almost shook my head. He really had the same temper as Desmond. It shouldn't be a surprise already since Sander has Desmond and I's blood running in his veins.When we arrived there, all of their eyes were on us. All the training had been halted before they all bowed to me."Greetings, Luna Seraphina, Young
Desmond didn't say a word after that. As always.He just kept tapping his finger on the table to kill the silence that suddenly enveloped us. Neither of us was speaking after this."How's your lesson for today, son?" Desmond asked after a long moment of silence.Right... Desmond already provided some mentors that came from noble households to teach Sander. His lessons included how to be a proper noble in an aristocratic society."I am doing good, Papa. Count Geney said that I could easily pick up the lessons in economics. Then later, Lady Cecy from the House of Noe will teach me about etiquette, ethics, and personality development tomorrow," Sander said in his enthusiastic tone.He gently caressed our son's hair. "That is good to hear, son. Those lessons are helpful once we attend some parties hosted by the noble families or we are the ones hosting a party," he said proudly. "You will be able to use it more when you reach adulthood and in your coming-of-age."Sander looked pleased tha
A week before the celebration of Sander's seventh birthday, Desmond had finally revealed his plan for it.He showed me the dress that I had to wear which made my jaw drop upon seeing it. "This... This is the one Niscia and I made..." I said, shocked.The dress was an ash grey ball gown suitable for a party. It has a U-shaped neckline with sleeves that reach the elbow. They were made with ash grey satin while the front was made of laces and some intricate designs.And this was partnered with a fancy ash grey hat with a see-through brim.I was certain that this was the dress Niscia and I made."Indeed. This is why I asked your former boss that I wished to make a dress which is suitable for someone." He nodded. Then his eyes settled on me with so much longing. "That someone is you, Seraphina."I felt my stomach somersault at his statement. My wolf was even squirming at that moment, especially since I got to know that the catering service that would serve the guests was the establishment
As soon as Sander made a wish and blew the candle again, people around here clapped their hands. I cherished this moment that Sander had to experience having these many guests for his seventh birthday.While the party continued, Desmond and I had to entertain and talk with our guests. A lot of them asked where I had been. I only answered them with a smile.I retired to my chamber when I felt my legs and feet being sore after the party was finished and we escorted our guests. I removed my heel shoes while minding the maids and butlers were cleaning up downstairs.I cleaned up and went to Desmond's chamber wearing only a nightgown with nothing underneath. I had to halt for a moment because I had been having some dizzy spells these past few days.I thought that this was just some stress because of the events that happened.I knocked before Desmond opened the door. I came in and went to sit in the bed, groaning softly when I felt my feet still sore."Sander is already asleep.""Tired?" he