Chapter 26"Mother, did you just forsake me?" I confronted my mother in her chamber. There was no way that I was not going to leave until I knew her answer. I did not think Mother would do such a thing by helping Alucard meet my children. All this time, I thought she understood me and was my ally because of my history with him. But hearing those words from Alucard... I felt like it tore half of my body from the betrayal.Mother relieved a sigh and set aside her embroidery tools. "I did not forsake you, Faya." Her tender gaze pierced in my direction. "I am only helping the man who has been longing to see his children. That is all."Mother's gentle and delicate tone seemed to permeate my senses. I was torn between persisting in confronting her, raising my voice, or simply retreating and facing these matters on my own."I don't understand your logic, Mother. The man you just aided in gaining access to our territory is the same man who rejected our mate bond!" My frustration surged throu
Chapter 27"Your Serene Grace," Palmer reported promptly when I summoned him this morning in my chamber to discuss Alucard's whereabouts, "they've established a camp close to the western borders of the Crimson Cove."I excused my servants and then addressed Palmer directly, saying, "Inform him that I wish to have a conversation, but not here. I'd like to meet in their camp."Palmer bowed his head. "Your wish is my command, Your Serene Grace."When he disappeared from my sight, I could only look at my reflection dressed in a luxurious tunic and trousers. I was really prepared for today to speak with him as I already knew what decision I should make. "Mommy, where are you going?" I looked behind me and saw that it was Lumiere. He just woke up and was yawning. His habit was always going to my chamber to wake me up or see if I was still sleeping."I need to settle some business, sweetie. Mommy will be right back." I carried him into my arms before bestowing him a kiss on his forehead. "
Chapter 28For the next couple of days, I had prepared my triplets for meeting their father. I carefully explained in simple terms why it took me so long for them to tell the truth. I had to tell them that something had happened in the past, so we had to be separated. I became honest that our mate bond was already severed, and their father rejected me.If I wouldn't do that, they would just still ask that question. They would eventually know the truth, so they might as well tell them as soon as possible."Mommy, did Daddy not like you? That is why he rejected you?" Liutrich asked innocently when I was tucking them in my bed. I couldn't help but feel a pang in my heart as Liutrich's innocent question hung in the air. I sat down on the edge of the bed, looking at my three children, all of them waiting for an answer.I brushed a lock of hair away from Liutrich's forehead and gave him a soft smile. "No, sweetie, it's not that Daddy didn't like me," I explained gently. "Sometimes, grown-u
Chapter 29Alucard and my triplets only spent their time the whole morning chitchatting and playing, but it was interrupted when he was summoned to the royal palace because of an emergency meeting conducted by Alpha King Azarius. I could have sworn I watched how the thrill in their faces collapsed upon learning that, but Alucard was quick to manage to mend things."Fret not. Since this is our official meeting, our next meeting would be a blast," Alucard said as he had them in his lap. "You three and our Mommy would stay in the Calbourne Citadel... I promise that I have cleared my schedule for all of you."My eyes widened in horror at his words. What did he mean that I would be staying in his castle, too? We only talked that the triplets would stay with them, but I wouldn't be included in sleeping.When I tried to catch Alucard's gaze, he was not heeding me. That added frustration to what I was feeling.He even ignored me even from the time he was bidding farewell to them. I was in dis
Chapter 30The day my triplets would go to the Calbourne Citadel had finally arrived. They were chirping from left and right as they helped their nannies pack the luggage that they needed for three days. "Look at them. I have already seen them excited, but the energy I feel right now is different," Mother said as she settled beside me as soon as the luggage was in the back of the carriage while my triplets were inside the carriage. "I told you so, Faya." Her expression softened as she looked at my grandkids. I felt bitterness gnawing my whole body at her statement, but I did not reply because it was still hard to accept that my kids were acting like this. I shook that thought away because I could understand their viewpoint that they wanted to have a fatherly presence. There were no males residing in our household; my mother and aunt were the sole female occupants. Our relatives from the main branch of our family still resided within our territory, but our interactions were limited
Chapter 31I looked at him in disbelief. "Did you ever think that I would fool with someone like you?" Since I couldn't just withdraw my distance from him, I only drew closer to Alucard, and his musky perfume wafted in the air. It sent chills down my spine because of its familiarity.It reminded me of when I saw him at the party and rejected our mate bond. That only added fuel to the fire when his scent brought me back to those memories."Not a chance, Alucard. I learned my lesson." I scoffed before looking at him scornfully. "The last time I had done that, I ended up in a messed up situation. So, no." This time, I pushed him away from me when I caught him off guard with my words. Alucard lifted both hands in a playful, nonchalant gesture in response to my comment. "I was just making a suggestion. It came as a surprise to me that you were heading to the brothel for the evening," he remarked, causing me to raise an eyebrow."It's really not your concern whether or not I decide to spen
Chapter 32The supper ended well for my triplets. As for me, I remained silent the whole time, but I joined in their conversation from time to time.For bath time, I taught him what he must do and how to take care of them—the triplet's bath time ended up a little messy, so they teased us and almost soaked us wet. I couldn't believe what had just happened, but seeing them giggling and having Alucard with us felt like it was worth it to be there.When we were finished Alucard and I had to change our sleeping attire because of what happend, I was the one who combed Luciana's hair after Alucard helped her to dress up. "Mommy, Daddy said that we are going to sleep here in his bed. You will sleep beside us, right?" I was silent for a moment, but in my peripheral vision, Alucard, who was busy dressing Lumiere and Liutrich with their sleeping attires, was looking my way, waiting for me to answer my daughter's question. And, of course, I had to lie. I smiled as I gently brushed Luciana's hai
Chapter 33Just as I planned tonight, I went to the brothel for women named Maiden's Lair, where male prostitutes and slaves served us, women. I arrived in disguise but held the medallion of being a VIP here."My, my... It has been a while, my esteemed customer!" I was greeted by Marchioness Carat, one of the owners of the Maiden's Lair, as she eyed me in a different clothing. There was a condescending smile on her lips, and she already had an idea what I came here for. "This way, madam." I did not hesitate to follow her as she ushered me to one of their private chambers that screamed seductiveness and erotic. The chamber was filled with the dim red light that added spiciness to the whole place, making me want to be taken here over and over. "I shall summon Chrisford," she said, curtsying before me, making me smile because she already knew who the man I wanted to spend my night here. On the days when my triplets chose not to sleep in my chamber, I would come here to satisfy one of