The Devil's Son and His Fated Bride
Chapter 147: Did you know?

Chapter 147: Did you know?

Aunt Everin was the first to rush to Ren, swift and flustered like a bird returning to its long-lost nest. She clasped Ren tightly, inhaling her scent as though trying to memorize it again. "My love, I’ve missed you so much," she breathed, her voice trembling with emotion.

Kai stood still, momentarily taken aback. This was Princess Everin, that regal, poised person, and now undone by affection. He had no idea the woman held such deep love for his wife. His lips twitched into a faint, knowing smile. He was glad. Ren had powerful allies and loyal ones. This woman, second only to the King in influence among the human royals, was proof of that.

Ren wrapped her arms around her beloved aunt’s familiar, comforting figure. "I’ve missed you too, Aunt Eve. How have you been?"

"Well, my knees are aching," she replied with a soft laugh, her eyes glistening.

The King exchanged greetings with Kai. Both men wore polite tones that didn’t quite reach their ears, they looked more smug, composed, and unmistakably strained. It was clear to anyone watching: they were merely tolerating each other.

The King turned to wait for Ren.

Her face remained unreadable as she stepped forward, calm and detached. When she halted before him, she offered a restrained midbow. No warmth softened her features, and no flicker of sentiment crossed her gaze. If he had hoped for a tender reunion, he would be disappointed. After all, he was the one who owed her an apology, and she had no plans to make it easy for him.

"Your Highness," she said, her tone respectful yet distant. "I hope you’ve been well."

The formality in her voice was deliberate, impeccable manners, yet devoid of affection. She would not pretend she was glad to see him.

"Thank you for coming to visit me." A faint glimmer of gratitude surfaced in the King’s eyes, quickly masked by his usual composure. There was excitement beneath the surface, but, as always, he refused to let it show.

"I’m accompanying my husband."

The words struck with cold finality. She was blunt and honest. She had no desire to return here, certainly not for him, despite the storm of questions still swirling in her mind.

"Please, come in. We’d like to speak with you before everyone else arrives," Aunt Eve interjected gently, hoping to ease the tension.

They marched into the grand hall, and Ren’s heart picked up a faster rhythm, an anxious, unsteady beat. A quiet sense of dread unfurled inside her. Whatever this private meeting was about, she doubted it would be something she welcomed.

Did Aunt Eve know? Know that Ren was the King’s daughter? The only legitimate heir to the throne?

The thought alone was enough to ignite rebellion in the court, and Prince Dankin, especially, would not take it well, the male heir.

The King led the way toward his office. Before following, Ren turned to Rail and Gloria. "Follow the servants. They’ll guide you to our chambers."

The two bowed respectfully and disappeared down the adjoining corridor. Ren’s gaze swept the hall, searching.

"Aunt Eve," she called out, brow creasing. "Why don’t I see Lora among the others?"

Lora, her spirited, ever-loyal maiden, was nowhere to be found.

"Your parents haven’t arrived yet," Aunt Eve replied.

Ren tilted her head slightly, suspicion rising. "Did you send her to Zillgaira? As Ara’s maiden?"

The thought tightened something in her chest. Her heart ached for the poor girl. Ara was known for her cruelty toward her servants. Possessive and insatiable bitch. Her tongue was poisonous in the ways she bent others to her will.

"I’m sorry, love! But Rebedina insisted that Lora returns to their mansion," Aunt Eve said with a sigh.

Ren pursed her lips, the urge to protest rising, but she swallowed it down. Lora would come here eventually, and when she did, Ren was determined to take her back. The girl was an orphan. Handing her over to Ara and her mother, Rebedina felt nothing short of cruel.

Aunt Eve glanced at Ren, her eyes soft and searching. "You’ve changed."

Ren’s lips curved into a knowing smile. She had changed, and she embraced it.

"What changes?" she asked, her voice a purr, playful and veiled with meaning.

"You’ve grown up," Aunt Eve replied, her gaze warm. "More stunning than before. I see a strong queen now, bold and brilliant."

Ren’s eyes glistened, catching the light, and perhaps catching the attention of the two men in front of them, likely still deep in conversation. She was certain her words would carry to them, at least her husband would hear it.

"I have a good husband," she said simply, yet the truth in it resonated like their bond.

She had to admit, he had helped her become who she truly was. He saw through her walls, cracked the shell she’d built around herself, and helped her emerge from it.

Aunt Eve gave a satisfied nod. "Then my worries were all nonsense. You adapted to Thegara better than I could’ve imagined! But I’m still mad at you, you never sent me even a single bird."

Ren blushed, guilt coloring her cheeks. The truth was, her life had become a whirlwind, her heart and thoughts consumed by her husband and the mysteries of his world. There’d been little room to think of the past. And now, with the recent revelations about her lineage, everything was shifting again. How could she think about a bird?!

"Please forgive me, Aunt Eve," she murmured. "You can’t imagine how busy I’ve been."

Aunt Eve gently clasped Ren’s arm. "I’ve heard you created a poison that helps our soldiers kill vampires."

Ren blinked, startled. So the news had traveled this far, and this fast. If Aunt Eve knew, then surely the rest of the royal families and noble houses knew as well.

"Gods, Aunt... I had help," Ren replied carefully. "Skilled healers and my uncle aided me."

Aunt Eve’s radiant joy splintered like glass. Her smile faltered. Ren had said it deliberately, watching for that exact reaction, and she got it. Her aunt’s expression betrayed everything.

Ren offered her a bitter smile. "So you knew too." Her voice was soft, but sharp with the weight of unspoken pain. "I wonder how many people know about me."

Aunt Eve’s jaw tightened. She looked away, eyes glossy with unshed tears. "I’m sorry, my love. I had to protect you. I raised you because I was there... when no one else was."

She cleared her throat, blinking rapidly as if to push the moment away, suddenly reminded of the many ears in the palace. Servants flanked the hallway, pretending not to hear, but they were listening. Yet none of it mattered now. Her brother—the King—had already made a monumental decision.

He would announce his heir to the throne of Alvonia. His daughter.

Follow curr𝒆nt nov𝒆ls on freew(𝒆)bnov𝒆l.(c)om

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.