Garfield's POVLiam's pleading echoed in my ears as I tightly shut my eyes.The once proud and valiant warrior was now begging me to kill an innocent woman and child. The stark contrast made it almost unbearable to look into Liam's eyes, fearing I might lose my respect and love for him forever.With a heavy heart, I responded to Liam with a solemn tone. "I will fulfill your request, Liam.""Thank you, Garfield."A hint of surprise flashed through Liam's eyes. He breathed a sigh of relief, about to embrace me, but I dodged away. Liam's hands hung in the darkness."You don't need to thank me, Liam. I promised because you're my prince, and my loyalty to you will never change, no matter what.""Don't do this, Garfield. We shouldn't—"Liam attempted to approach me again, but once more, I evaded him."Allow me to take my leave, my dear prince."I stood outside of Liam's embrace and performed a standard salute.As I lifted my head, Liam's hands had already dropped, making him seem even more
Garfield's POVAfter giving orders to my subordinates, I turned my attention to the baby in front of me.Strangely, as our eyes met, the baby immediately stopped crying. He stood up again, swaying, and reached out his arms to me, as if wanting to be back in my embrace."No, you can't. You just wet my clothes," I coldly rejected the baby's request, "And you're still wet."The baby tilted his head, seeming to struggle to understand my words.When I shook my head at him again, the baby turned his gaze to a cabinet.On top of the cabinet was a stack of neatly folded diapers."So, you want me to change this for you?" I withdrew my gaze, feeling a ridiculous sensation rising in my heart, "No way.""Wail—"At the moment I uttered the refusal, the baby in front of me burst into tears again, even more heart-wrenching than before. Concerned voices came from outside the room once again."I said I could handle this!"I shouted angrily at the door, then stared at the crying baby, my face darkening
Claire's POVPushing open the door of the cabin, I saw Louis sitting by the fireplace with his back turned to me.I took a deep breath and called out his name in as light-hearted a tone as possible. "I knew I'd find you here! Alfred asked me to bring your favorite sandwich and wine. Want to give it a try?"Louis remained motionless, as if an invisible barrier separated us and my voice was completely shut out by this barrier.Sighing, I cautiously entered the cabin and placed the carefully prepared food on the small table next to the fireplace. Then, I walked around the armchair and crouched down in front of Louis, placing my hand on his knee, warmed by the fire."Louis, please talk to me. Please," I pleaded.My plea finally caused Louis to tear his gaze away from the flickering flames. He looked at me, his expression hollow and helpless, like a lost wolf in a snowstorm."Claire..."Louis's vulnerability saddened me, and I stood up, enveloping him in my embrace."I know you're hurting,
Claire's POV"What do you mean by that, Louis?"Not only my body trembled, but also my voice. I looked at the handsome man in front of me in disbelief. Just yesterday, he held my hands firmly, calling me his only fated mate, but now he wanted to give up on me!"You want to give up on me?""What!"Louis widened his eyes at me, realizing instantly that I misunderstood him. "Of course not, my dear. I'm just..."Louis didn't continue but let out a deep sigh."Just what?!" I immediately pressed."I'm just thinking, perhaps being a member of the royal family isn't something worth longing for."Louis wiped away the tears from my cheeks with his fingers, and his tone finally softened."You see, my brother had to give up his true fated mate for his reputation and then married Maria at my father's request to become a proper heir. Now, almost the same thing is about to happen to me. This d.amn royal status is like a curse, preventing everyone in it from being with their beloved for a lifetime."
Claire's POVOh my god.In the moment of my distraction, Louis pulled me into the armchair near the fireplace. He lifted my hips, letting me straddle his lap.Wearing only a dress, I had to spread my legs. My skin pressed against Louis's trousers, and his hard erection pressed against my panties. I could even feel its hot temperature and burgeoning desire."You look beautiful, my dear mate," Louis said as he paused the heated kisses, his deep blue eyes like oceans, luring me in. I couldn't help but wrap my arms around his neck and press my body against his.Louis gladly accepted my initiative. His fingers tangled in my thick curls.Then, when I least expected it, he suddenly wrapped his large hand around the back of my head, pulling my hair harshly."Ah!"My head jerked backward, exposing my neck almost entirely to Louis.His hot kisses quickly followed. His lips trailed from my jawline to my neck, finally landing on my swollen breasts.With the sound of fabric tearing, Louis took my
Garfield's POVRevealing Kitty's true identity barely saved both mine and Kitty's lives, but it didn't grant us our freedom.Louis ordered us to stay within the castle. Despite being given guest rooms, several armed guards were stationed outside our doors. To me, it felt more like confinement than anything else.However, that wasn't my biggest concern at the moment.I lay on the bed with my injured leg, which had been treated by a doctor and wrapped in thick bandages. I couldn't even get out of bed, let alone approach Kitty who sat curled up in the corner."Come back here, Kitty. That corner won't be as comfortable for you to sleep in."I patted the empty space beside me and called out to Kitty in a hoarse voice, but she completely ignored my plea. At that moment, her blue eyes widened, scrutinizing me like a cautious little wolf.I could feel the anger, sadness, and confusion emanating from her gaze, making me sigh deeply."My dear daughter, no matter how much you hate me right now,
Claire's POVWatching Louis return, I helped him take off his thick coat and hung it on the nearby rack before handing him the hot tea I had prepared."How did it go? Did Evans confess anything to you?""He swore it had nothing to do with him and hinted that it might be related to Maria.""Maria?" Hearing that name, I furrowed my brows, a hint of confusion creeping into my mind. "But before this, Evans always seemed to defend Maria fiercely. It looked like they had some sort of alliance...""That was my thought too. But it seems there's obviously a rift between them now. But maybe it's a good thing for us, after all, one is as cunning as a fox, and the other as venomous as a snake."Louis finished speaking and closed his eyes, leaning back in his chair.I moved behind him, starting to gently massage his temples with my fingers. Under my ministrations, Louis's furrowed brow gradually relaxed, and he raised his arm, grabbing my hand."I want to hear your thoughts, Claire. What do you th
Maria's POVAfter admiring my beauty in the mirror, I glanced sideways at Andy, who was leaning against the door.At the moment, he was idly kicking the carpet by the door, looking utterly bored, which annoyed me to no end."Have you remembered everything I told you to do?""Of course, my queen."Andy impatiently rolled his eyes, but upon noticing my icy gaze, he quickly approached me, trying to sweet-talk his way back into my favor."Didn't I remember every word you said? Come on, stop frowning, give me a kiss, my beauty.""Get lost!"I pushed Andy away with disgust, glaring at him as he stumbled a few steps before regaining his balance."You almost ruined my carefully prepared makeup.""Hah, carefully prepared?" My rejection made Andy embarrassed and angry. "You only dress up like this when you go to see Louis, right? Too bad, he only has eyes for—""Shut up!"I snapped at Andy angrily, slamming the wooden comb on the vanity.The comb broke with a sound."Never, ever mention that wo