Chapter 19He stood there, his presence commanding and powerful as ever. Dressed in attire that bespoke his regal status, he looked every bit the formidable figure I remembered. Damn it... What the hell was he doing here? Was he here the whole time? In that very carriage?"Greetings, grand duchess," he greeted, his lips curving into a smile that held a hint of warmth, but his eyes were unreadable."You..." I said, this time with a stronger resolve, rising from my knees. "What are you doing here?" An instinct, I stepped forward to hide them with my heart pounding so fast.His gaze shifted to my children, his expression softening as he observed them with a mix of curiosity and something else that I couldn't quite decipher. "I am the one who fetched them to the Cloveshire Citadel and brought them back here in the Bellwood estate." The way he admitted it had brought chills down my spine. And did I hear that properly? He was the one who..."Mommy." I felt a gentle tug in my dress only to

Chapter 21 "Uncle Romir! Grandpapu!" My triplets exclaimed as they ran towards them as soon as they arrived in front of the Bellwood estate. Edison did not hesitate to kneel and opened his arms. "Come to grandpapu!" His eyes were getting teary-eyed when they giggled and hugged him. I smiled before turning at Jaromir with Evelina. "Jaromir... Evelina..." I hugged them both and expressed how much I missed them. Before I left the Moon Oriental pack, it was then I learned Lady Evelina, the one I met at the banquet party six years ago, was Jaromir's mate, she rejected him, but they managed to reconcile with each other when Jaromir knew that Evelina, who was supposed to be engaged with someone, had called off her engagement. "I missed you both..." They both chuckled and hugged me back. "We missed you, too, Faustina." "Don't forget your nephews, sister-in-law," Evelina said before she gently tapped my back to make me look at Reiner and Heinfrey. I almost squealed upon seeing Reiner, fo

Chapter 23I tried to struggle against his hold, but Alucard was so strong that he even pinned my hands on each side of me. His closed eyes spoke of his intense focus, his intention clear as his lips sought an entry into my mouth. In a desperate bid for freedom, I sank my teeth into his lower lip, hoping to force him to release me. Yet, his determination prevailed, and as his ardor intensified, I found myself reluctantly closing my eyes, the heat of the moment overwhelming my defenses. I was trapped, caught in the whirlwind of his insistent and consuming kiss.That was when I dropped my guard, returning the equal fervor of his kiss. When Alucard thought that he already coaxed me, he placed my arms to cling to his neck, earning a moan from me as my fingers were clutching the strands of his hair when our kiss deepened. I could feel the longing he was pouring into our kiss with a mix of dominating each other, neither of us was backing down. His hands had started to wander around my body

Chapter 25My heart clenched, a mixture of emotions overwhelming me. Anger, fear, and a fierce protectiveness surged within me. I couldn't let Alucard manipulate my triplets, couldn't let him invade their lives or claim any influence over them.As I stared at him, my gaze locked onto his, determination blazed in my eyes. Alucard's eyes were shimmering with triumphantness. This was a battle I was determined to win, a challenge I would rise to face. I wouldn't let Alucard's tactics defeat me. My triplets deserved a life free from his manipulation, and I would do whatever it took to ensure that."Stay away from them!" I marched in their direction to instill my authority. I even had to step forward and use my body to block Alucard's vision, who was eyeing our triplets. "Lulu, Lumie, Richie, go inside." I turned at them when they were not moving. Frustration began to arise in me. "Now!" "But Mommy..." they paused and saw how earnest I was, Lumiere hastily took the hands of his brother and

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. "