Ch. 841..850

Chapter 841

Chapter 841

Aurelia sat there stiffly, her back straightening as she stared at Neil.

The man did not move after that and was dead asleep like a log.

Aurelia shoved him several times until she confirmed that everything was just a coincidence the last time-the man was really soundly asleep.

Hence, she stealthily went closer to try to remove the ring... only for Neil to flip himself to face his back against her! The hand with the ring was lodged under him!

With wasted effort, Aurelia glared at his back with the impulse to hit someone.

She did not know that her "uncle," who had his back against her, was wearing a Cheshire grin.

Alexander stood nearby the RV, where his attendant persuaded him to go back.

"Your Highness, Mr. Harris has a chauffeur and guards here. He'll be fine. You don't have to worry! It's... going to be the palace's curfew soon..."

"Remus, how many years have you been with me?" Alexander asked suddenly.

The attendant named Remus was perplexed. It was not that he could not answer it. He was just curious why Alexander asked. He had always been serving the prince since he learned how to walk!

He did not dare claim that he was the closest to Alexander in this world, but he was confident that he was one of the top three.

"Your Highness, what's the matter?"

"Nothing." Alexander smiled. "I remember your name wasn't Remus. I gave you this name. Because you don't just run fast, you're quick with news. You're always the first to know whether it's official or gossip!"

Remus scratched his head in embarrassment.

"Your Highness, are you calling me a tattler? Is this a compliment or a jab..."

"I just want to consult you." Alexander turned with a slightly dim gaze. "I have something I'd like to hear from you."

"Please don't use the word 'consult', Your Highness. Do ask what you wish to know!"

There was a pause before Alexander asked in a low tone, "That year when my uncle took me to Melorian, was he there to meet someone?"

Remus' expression changed as soon as he heard that.

Alexander caught the subtle change and squinted. "So you do know more!"

"Your Highness!" Remus said, troubled, "No one's brought it up after that, so I kept it to myself... If you want to know, Your Highness, I'll tell you, but please, you can't spread the word!"

"I know. Go on!"

"His Majesty... was there to look for someone."

Alexander frowned. "Who?"

"It's said that he was looking for a girl," Remus told him everything he knew. "The girl isn't old, probably 18-19 years old now, so she was even younger back then!"

"Why was my uncle looking for her?"

"Your Highness, I don't know this." Remus chuckled wryly. "But it's true that His Majesty was looking for a young girl! It's said that the girl was with nomads and frequently danced at the square wearing the long dresses of nomads!"

The more Alexander listened to it, the more confused he was, but that was all Remus knew.

Alexander could not figure out why he was so concerned about something he had almost forgotten. Was it because he had talked about Melorian with Aurelia tonight?

His brows were knitted into a frown. In his impression, his uncle was the king-the pride of the royal family and was honest and virtuous. He must not be looking for the girl over an affair!

This meant that there could be another possibility...

Alexander licked his dry lips, his heart suddenly thumping wildly.

Zephyr and Cordelia's wedding was held as scheduled. It coincided with Rowan being conferred as a Count, so the Irwins celebrated two happy events simultaneously.

The king had gifted a special present-allowing the couple to hold their wedding in the palace. This was an immense honor and made the other major families in Southeast Aciatic jealous.

Zephyr and Cordelia wore traditional Southeast Aciatic clothing and sat on a decorated pavilion to receive congratulations and well wishes from everyone.

The palace was exceptionally jolly-people dolled up and looked their best. Whether they were there to genuinely give their blessings or to curry favor with the Irwins and the Hamertons, they were all wearing happy smiles like it was New Year's.

Rowan booked three planes to send the Hamerton friends and family over for the ceremony. It was just that Liam was old, and it was a risk for him to move around. Henry stayed to care for him, so he could also not come. Janine was also absent, busy with her venture into the Eropah market.

Zephyr felt apologetic, but Cordelia smiled. "It's okay! This is the wedding with my family. When we return to Centrolis, you can give me another wedding, and it'll be fine with your family there!"

"How many times do you want to get married, huh?" Zephyr swiped her nose.

"Even if I get married a hundred times, you'll always be the groom!"

"Okay!" He smiled indulgently. "I'll hold a hundred weddings for you and let our son be the flower child each time!"

Cordelia's eyes turned into crescents as she smiled and leaned on his shoulder.

Farther away, Zuko was carried by the nanny with eyes trained on his parents.

"Happy marriage!"

Cordelia suddenly heard a delighted burst of voices. She turned around and nearly screeched.

Linda walked over arm in arm with Nicholas. Both of them were decked out in jewelry like two walking jewelry cases, attracting lots of attention.

Josiah smiled kindly while Kelly, next to him, was no longer in a wheelchair!

Trinity had a camera in hand, focused on capturing the occasion, with Fredric always trying to be in the photos and being glared at.

"Our Cordelia's the main star today! Move to the side!"

Fredric huffed in a grievance. "So, your true love's really her!"

"Fredric, why don't you get cats like me?" Robert chuckled. "Get a whole house full of cats, and you won't have time to consider who's whose true love when you have to serve these masters!" "F*ck you!"

"Hahaha..."

Cordelia picked up her skirt to run to them while Zephyr followed closely, afraid she would fall.

"Hey, hold on!" A sweet smile suddenly popped up in front of them. "May the bride and groom please answer my question? How's little Zuko's top student study plan going?"

"Has he memorized the vocab?"

"Does he listen to classical music?"

"How much literature does he know now?"

Cordelia and Zephyr's stomachs hurt from laughing so much before they yelled, "Zennie, Seth! Enough!"

Chapter 842

Chapter 842

Zennie grinned mischievously with Seth wrapping an arm around her shoulders. Together, they flashed the engagement rings on their hands. Everyone crowded over for a look.

Josiah cried, "Whoa! You two kept it down, huh? When did you get engaged?"

Nicholas kept up his new money ways as always. "Seth, I think this ring doesn't cut it! You want to take Zennie away with this mere carat—" Before he finished his sentence, Linda's fist greeted his head. "Shut up if you don't know what to say!"

Nicholas' handsome face scrunched up in grievance.

"I think the ring is beautiful." Kelly smiled. "The carat doesn't matter. What matters is the intention to stay by each other's side forever!"

"Yeap, that's it! The intention!"

As the group gave their wishes and blessings, Cordelia passed her flowers directly to Zennie.

There was only one person who did not look too happy.

Zephyr quietly watched Zennie, who was engulfed in happiness.

It was strange. He was angry when Seth was clueless in the past. Now that Seth and Zennie were together and engaged, he was feeling upset... His baby sister, whom he had pampered all this while, was getting married...

When they each had a family, they would not be siblings but relatives now. Thinking of this felt like a sour pill in Zephyr's throat.

"Darling, what's wrong?" Cordelia held his arm gently.

Zephyr smiled, his gaze growing more indulging as he looked at the person in front of him.

"Are you upset that Zennie's getting married?"

"Of course I'm happy," he said barely above a whisper. "It's just... If Seth dares to mistreat her in the future, I won't let him off easy!"

"Mm, that's right!" Carter's gleeful voice suddenly came from the back. "Zephyr, if you dare to mistreat my sister, I won't let you off easy either!"

"What is it? What?" The group came over here for the drama. "Who's mistreating who?"

"Oh yeah!" Trinity suddenly spoke up. "I heard that there's a special ceremony in Southeast Aciatic weddings where the bride has to step on the groom's foot!"

"You're right, Trinity!" Carter replied with a grin. "Women have higher status in Southeast Aciatic, so according to the tradition, this ceremony acts as a warning to the groom that he mustn't mistreat his wife as his wife is always above him!"

"Oh, always above him?" Nicholas cackled. "Then it shouldn't be the foot she's stepping on. It should be the head!"

Zephyr shot him a sharp look in disdain. This was completely useless against Nicholas as he continued to ask, "Have you two completed the ceremony?"

"I think so..." Trinity browsed her camera. "See, they did it just now!"

The video only showed Cordelia lifting her foot to tap on the back of Zephyr's foot lightly. It was just a ceremony, a rite, so there was no need to really step with force.

Nicholas was happy to stir up chaos and yelled, "No way! Cordelia, if a woman ain't tough, her status ain't enough! Are you going to let him step all over you when you stepped on him so lightly?" Zephyr exploded. "Nicholas!"

"You know what? Let me suggest!" Josiah put a hand up with a raise of the brow, smirking alongside Nicholas as they met eyes.

"Cough, cough, I think all of us here are on Cordelia's side! As the bride's guests, we have to help her fortify her status! Right? "Sorry, Z!

"Hahaha..."

Before Zephyr could react to what was happening, Josiah and Nicholas pounced him to the lawn. One of them pinned his shoulders, and the other pinned his legs, trapping him down. Veins popped on Zephyr's forehead.

"What are you doing? What are you trying to do!?"

Nicholas smirked. "Mr. Z, you weren't stepped on hard enough during the ceremony, so we're helping Cordelia to step on you!"

Chapter 843

Chapter 843

"You..."

Zephyr was in the traditional Southeast Aciatic long robe that was heavy with embroidery. He could not do much being clad in such garments and could only glare at them. He wanted to seek assistance, but to his surprise, Robert had turned his back on him too!

Zephyr's effort to escape was futile no matter his skill level when the three men rushed to him together.

"Nicholas, are we stepping on his head?"

"No, no, don't. He's the groom today. It's not auspicious to step on his head!"

"Then we step on his feet as hard as we can!"

"Cordelia will feel bad if we hurt him."

"Why don't..."

Josiah cackled and took off Zephyr's shoes. "Robert, tickle him!"

Zephyr struggled as he roared, "You guys are too much!"

Merry peals of laughter sounded under the sun. It had been a long time since the palace was this lively.

Aurelia stood in a corner quietly holding a champagne flute. She was envious of the lively and playful crowd there but dared not go closer.

She was able to come to the palace all because of Neil. It was Neil who had told Alexander that he wanted to bring her, so Alexander had sent an invitation to her. However... Aurelia lowered her head timidly.

Those who attended the wedding here were either affluent or noble. She could not blend in with them, and she saw the disdain and contempt in their eyes on her.

It was understandable. All of them were dressed in luxury brands and haute couture, but she wore a dress she had embroidered.

Aurelia bit her lips and sighed softly.

"Young lady, if you sigh at someone's wedding in Southeast Aciatic, guests like you will be thrown out!"

Aurelia was startled hearing the voice but turned around to meet a pair of gentle eyes.

"Oh, Your Highness!" She froze before she fumbled to bow. She was supposed to pull her left leg back but pulled her right, so she quickly corrected herself. As her legs crisscrossed back and forth, she looked like a cute clumsy duck.

Alexander chuckled and dismissed her bow of respect.

"Your Highness." Aurelia blushed. "I... I didn't sigh on purpose! This is Cordelia's wedding. I'm happy for her from the bottom of my heart!"

"I know," Alexander replied softly. "But why are you hiding in this corner if you're sincerely happy for her? You should go over to congratulate her!"

Aurelia smiled bitterly. "Of course, I'd love to go, but I know I'm unworthy. Cordelia doesn't look down on me, but that might not be the case for her friends.

"If I go over and say or do something wrong and get laughed at by her friends, it'll embarrass her.

"I don't want her to be embarrassed!" Aurelia blinked. "So I'll wait here until there's no one after this and go over privately to congratulate her!"

Alexander was upset by what Aurelia said.

"You actually don't have to feel so inferior." He looked at her. "You're also an amazing girl."

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

"Right, where's Neil?" Alexander frowned. "He's the one who brought you here. Why isn't he keeping you company?"

Aurelia pouted at the mention of Neil.

Alexander looked around and found Neil among the crowd, as expected. The award-winning actor was surrounded by celebrities like stars around the moon. It was so star-studded where they were that it almost looked like a show set.

Alexander chuckled dryly. "Mr. Irwin's generous. Even celebrities from Centrolis came to join in the celebration!"

Chapter 844

Chapter 844

Aurelia pouted as she yanked on the tassels on her clothes with both hands like she was venting a tantrum.

The celebrities who came were under Imperial Media and Sol Entertainment. All of them were A-list artists. There was also no doubt that the award-winning actress was at this occasion. Aurelia's eyes had been on her.

Millie wore a low-cut sapphire mermaid dress with a slightly androgynous makeup look. Her presence was accentuated, and she gave off the vibe of a queen.

It was no wonder people called her the red carpet killer. Which female celebrity would want to be in the same photo as her with how she looked?

The more Aurelia thought about it, the angrier she was. Neil had been talking to Millie. Had he forgotten that she was also there? She could also hear their conversation clearly.

Just earlier, Neil had given Millie a big hug when he saw her. Millie was all smiles and even gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Why are you still so dashing, Mr. Harris!?"

"Gorgeous as you are, Ms. Hill!"

"I heard that you're back to inherit your family business?"

"Hah, my family has no business." Neil smirked. "My family only has military troops!"

Millie giggled from his humblebrag, but her laugh sounded piercing to Aurelia.

"Hey, stop pulling at them!" Alexander winced. "Look at your clothes..."

Aurelia snapped out of her trance. Damn it! Her tassels were bare now! She stomped her foot in frustration, feeling sorry and anxious.

Alexander could not stand to see how she obviously liked Neil but refused to admit it. He held his laugh back and consoled her, "It's fine. There are embroidery artists in the palace. Wait in the dressing room. I'l arrange it."

"But..." Aurelia felt bad. "It'd be troublesome..."

"If you think so, you can come to the palace and make me chilled rose-flavored jelly for me next time?" Alexander said with a chuckle, "I need to correct Neil's pettiness. How could he be petty with me over a bowl of jelly!?"

Aurelia giggled and bowed to part with Alexander. A servant then led her to the dressing room.

After Alexander asked for the embroidery artist, he suddenly heard a shrill voice behind him.

"Brother, what's the meaning of this?"

Alexander stiffened and turned around, meeting Victoria's enraged eyes.

"Why is the barbaric girl here? How did she manage to come in with Neil!?

"And..." Victoria was shaking in anger as she said through her gritted teeth, "Why are you here too? Shouldn't you be 'ill'?"

Alexander held his head up with a smile.

Victoria could not help stepping back. She rarely saw a gaze like this from him—indifferent, determined, and untouchable loftiness.

In her impression, her younger brother had always lived timidly and inferiorly...

Victoria recomposed herself, thinking that her eyes must have played a trick on her.

"Why? Unable to answer my question?" Her gaze was vicious. "You must have forgotten our deal, haven't you?"

There was a pause before Alexander replied calmly, "I didn't forget it."

Chapter 845

Chapter 845

"Patience, sister. I'll answer your questions one by one. Firstly, my 'illness' was healed quickly." Alexander smirked cryptically. "So fast that it's unexpected!"

"You..."

"Secondly, that girl is not barbaric. Her name's Aurelia Chilton. We have learned palace etiquette since we were children. Have the teachers taught you to disrespect others? How's a qualified ruler to take the throne when she has no tolerance and can't show respect as well as self-respect?"

Victoria gritted her teeth with quivering lips.

"Thirdly, I gave Aurelia the invitation. She's my guest today." Alexander's words were authoritative. "If you want to do anything to her on this occasion, Victoria, you'll be fighting me...

"Before our uncle completely takes your side, it's unwise to do so. You're basically destroying your own future! Is that not true?"

Victoria screamed, "Alexander!"

Alexander's smile only grew wider as he looked at her quietly.

His gaze was not challenging. Instead, it was telling her, "Come at me. I'm not scared of you!"

Victoria sucked in a cold breath. She was frightened. This Alexander felt foreign to her and sent chills down her spine.

"Oh, I forgot the last thing." Alexander smiled. "Our deal?

"That's not exactly a deal, Victoria."

"What are you saying?"

"I like Zephyr, or perhaps, the fact I like men isn't something to be kept a secret."

Victoria widened her eyes in disbelief.

"I like him, but I didn't come in between his family," Alexander reeled his smile in and said seriously, "I like men. I don't deny it. My sexual orientation is an issue, but I've never done anything abominable. I've never harmed a person or committed any heinous crime!"

It was true that Alexander had never harmed anyone. Quite the opposite, he was born with a sympathetic heart. Lots of welfare homes, charities, and stray animal centers in Southeast Aciatic were built and sponsored anonymously by him.

He had also personally supervised many school building renovation projects, disallowing any recklessness. Thanks to his suggestion and determination, the cabinet of Southeast Aciatic had passed numerous acts to protect the rights of women and children.

He spoke for the vulnerable and marginalized wholeheartedly, and everything he had done was not to gain support but out of sincerity...

Alexander took a deep breath and said, looking into Victoria's eyes, "If society can't tolerate me, I have nothing to say. But your biggest obstacle has never been me, Victoria. It's you, yourself! You've never thought about what to do to let your people live better!

"How can you wish for people's sincerity when you aren't genuine yourself?"

"What do you mean?" Victoria felt threatened. "You're not scared of me exposing your secret anymore? You want to fight for the throne?"

Alexander smiled weakly. "I've said so much, but it's in vain!"

"You..."

As Alexander was leaving, he said coldly when he brushed past her, "Sister, I don't have to fight for the throne. Even if I were to fight for it, you aren't my rival!"

Victoria stared at Alexander's back until he vanished from her sight. She shook, her hands and feet running cold, yet she could hear the laughter and giggles from the wedding.

With a scream, she stomped her foot, feeling like she was erupting.

"Your Highness, calm down," her servant advised her. "His Majesty's the witness of this wedding. You can't ruin it..."

"Shut up!" Victoria slapped the servant. "Since when do you get a say about what I do!?"

The servant lowered her head frantically.

"Yes, I shouldn't be kicking up a fuss..." Victoria took a few deep breaths. "I should be adding joy to this wedding!"

She snickered and looked at the servant beside her. "The one in the palace on the west's been locked in there for too long... Hah, let her out for some air!"

Chapter 846

Chapter 846

"Your Highness..." The servant's expression underwent an abrupt change. "Your Highness, calm down. His Majesty's given orders that no one could-" "Why, are my words useless to you now?" Victoria scowled. "Do as I say!"

Left with no option, the servant could only go toward the palace on the west.

Victoria stood on the balcony, looking at the merry wedding farther away coldly. A vicious smirk tugged the corner of her lips.

...

After Aurelia thanked the two embroidery artists, she left the dressing room.

Her clothes were fixed. The new tassels were made with excellent materials in the palace, and the two embroidery artists who had helped her were skilled and worked swiftly. Aurelia wore a smile as she took the same way to go back, humming a song.

When she passed by the banquet hall, she saw that there were not many people inside. Most of the guests were in the garden. Although there was food in the banquet hall, the rich and noble who wanted to curry favor were not there since the groom and bride were not in there either.

Aurelia looked at the array of dishes spread across tables, and her stomach rumbled. Her hand automatically flew to her stomach as she checked left and right, smiling shyly when she made sure that no one noticed her embarrassing state.

Since no one was exactly around, she might as well head in for some food! It would be a disservice to these well-made dishes otherwise!

With the thought in mind, she walked in and feasted. Not too long into her meal, she heard a baby's cries.

The nanny came over carrying little Zuko, and a few servants followed behind. The sun was too bright in the garden, while the banquet hall was airy and cooling, a good place for some rest.

Zuko probably did not have a good sleep and fussed after waking up, so he cried just after some milk.

Aurelia went over to play with him, removing the tassels on her clothes to let him play with them.

The baby was quiet for a while, beady eyes staring at her, before suddenly flailing his chubby hands for her to carry him.

Aurelia picked him up with a grin. The baby, who was just a little over three months old, was chubby and looked endearing with his big eyes. She felt her heart melt.

"Ms. Chilton, it's like you have magic!" the nanny said with a chuckle. "Little Mr. Zuko stops crying as soon as you carry him! Looks like he likes you a lot!"

"Of course!" Aurelia felt a little triumphant. "I carried him when he was just born! I made his baby clothes too.

"Isn't that right, little baby?"

"Mm, ooh!" It was like little Zuko could understand as he made little noises with pursed lips.

It made everyone giggle.

"Ms. Chilton, please, continue with your meal. Leave little Mr. Zuko to me," the nanny said politely.

Aurelia nodded with a smile.

The moment she passed Zuko to the nanny, there was suddenly a commotion at the door of the banquet hall!

A woman was screaming hysterically, her voice sharp like a pair of scissors that ripped the peace there to shreds.

The footsteps of the guards then followed it.

The nanny hugged Zuko tightly in instinct while a few servants put her behind them.

Aurelia stared at the door in a daze...

Suddenly, a white figure barged in! Aurelia could not help retreating as she cried, "Ah!"

If it were not broad daylight out here, she would have thought that she had met a ghost!

The woman wore all white with disheveled hair. There was no hint of color on her face. Even her lips were pale... She was bony and thin, like a walking statue!

Aurelia blanked from being so shocked and could not react, given how stiff she was. She watched as the woman barged into the banquet hall and ran around like she had gone crazy. The few guests in the hall were also frightened, screaming as they fled.

The woman looked around with a shrill cackle.

The laughter was so unsettling that it was the first time Aurelia had goosebumps in the warm Southeast Aciatic.

"Your Highness, Your Highness..." Guards and maids all ran in.

Two maids tried going forward, but the woman somehow got a hold of a fork and was scanning her surroundings with a vicious gaze like she was a trapped beast.

The maids pleaded with her, "Your Highness, please go back with us..."

"Your Highness, let's drop the fork first, okay?"

The guards surrounded the place but dared not go forward due to the woman's status. They could only do their best to protect the guests.

Aurelia's heart thumped, and her throat went dry while her body was shaking.

Your Highness? Where did she come from, and why did she look like that!?

She observed the woman. She did not look young, and time had left its mark on her face, but it was not hard to see from her features that she used to be a gorgeous beauty, especially her long chestnut hair... Aurelia touched her hair and frowned slightly.

"Your Highness, come back with us!"

The woman could only scream hysterically as she waved the fork in her hand around. Her muddled eyes were filled with fear and hatred for the world.

Zuko suddenly broke out crying.

As if something struck the woman, she raised the fork and dashed toward where the baby was.

The nanny was terrified, frozen solid, while the servants could not react in time.

During this critical juncture, Aurelia sprang up and hugged the woman as hard as she could-God knew where she plucked her courage from.

"Leave with Zuko now!"

It was only then the nanny and servants broke out of their daze.

The woman was angered and growled with flailing arms. Aurelia dared not let go from hugging her, but a pang came from her arm the next second-the woman had stabbed the fork into her wrist! Blood flowed instantly, and the excruciation caused Aurelia to let go on instinct, falling to the floor with the woman.

The maids rushed forward with the chance to grab the woman's shoulders and legs. An older attendant pulled a syringe of sedative out of her pocket and aimed for the vein to inject it.

Aurelia was pale as she held a hand over her wound, but blood was still dripping from the gaps between her fingers.

Noises came from the outside again. Those in the garden for the wedding came rushing over when they heard the commotion here.

Cordelia felt ill as she had asked the nanny to take Zuko to the banquet hall for food. As soon as she stepped into the hall, she was stupefied by the scene.

"Zuko... Aurelia!"

Cordelia first picked up her son to coax him before hurrying to ask someone to treat Aurelia. She could not help but shake, carrying her son as she sucked in cold breaths.

The commotion eventually died down, but the suddenness of everything that had transpired disorientated her.

Zephyr wrapped an arm around her shoulders with an icy look. After some time, he looked at Alexander, who came in and asked with a deep tone, "Your Highness, what's the matter with this? I need a reasonable explanation!"

Chapter 847

Chapter 847

Alexander's throat constricted, and his gaze was complicated. It took a while for him to squeeze out, "Sorry."

"Sorry?" Zephyr arched a brow and said through gritted teeth, "I don't need your apology. I just want to know the truth!

"It's my wedding today. I wanted to give my wife a warm and pleasant memory to look back on, only for it to turn out like this. My son nearly got hurt!"

"Sorry, I'm really sorry..." Alexander was crestfallen but could only apologize anxiously now. He did not know how to mention the royal family's secret, but he did not want Zephyr to be unhappy.

Even though he was not the one standing next to Zephyr, he still wanted to do his all to make him happy.

Remus told him softly, "Your Highness, Princess Lene got a sedative shot and has gone to sleep. The guards have sent her back to the west palace."

"Alright." Alexander's reply was weak.

"Your Highness!" Remus was anxious. "Aren't you going to ask who let her out?"

Alexander's eyes flickered before he took a deep breath and clenched his hands into fists. He knew as much. Who else could it be other than his arrogant sister, who had no regard for consequences?

Despite that, all he could think of now was how to explain it to Zephyr when a proper wedding turned into this disaster.

"Your Highness, Aurelia's hurt!" Neil walked to him with anger simmering in his eyes. "Like Zephyr, I'd like an explanation from you!"

Cordelia was still feeling the scare, although Zuko had stopped crying, feeling enough security in his mother's arms.

Aurelia was still being treated in another room.

Rowan took a step forward to ask with furrowed brows, "Your Highness, pardon my straightforwardness... The lady just now isn't doing well mentally, is she?

"I saw the sedative the servant used on her. It's a huge dose... It's obvious that it's already caused by drug dependency!"

Alexander licked his dry lips. "Mr. Irwin, do you have any solution?"

Rowan narrowed his eyes. "I can try acupuncture, but I've never seen her and don't know how she's related in the palace... Your Highness, can you detail it to me so I can treat her accordingly?" Alexander contemplated and nodded with much difficulty.

He asked for the guests to be placated and taken to the garden to continue enjoying the banquet while he took Cordelia, Zephyr, Rowan, and Neil to a secret chamber. "Aurelia's still being treated, so I won't ask her over." Alexander turned to them. "I know you want an answer, but even I'm lost. I can only tell you what I know."

Cordelia carried Zuko in her arms and nodded lightly after exchanging a glance with Zephyr.

"That woman just now..." Alexander paused before uttering softly, "Is my paternal aunt."

"What!?"

Everyone was shocked.

"It's no wonder," Zephyr replied softly. "We heard the maids calling her 'Your Highness' when we rushed to the banquet hall just now."

"Yeah, she's my aunt, the king's younger sister. Her name is Helene Charles, a princess. Everyone calls her Princess Lene."

Cordelia frowned. "Then how did she become like this?"

Alexander sighed. "I don't know either... Since I was conferred as a prince and entered the palace, I know that the west palace is prohibited, and no one can get close."

Chapter 848

Chapter 848

"I was still young, and all the more I wanted to check out places where the more I'm prohibited from. One day, I went over the wall and found that there were guards all over the west palace. There were even metal bars on the windows... It didn't look like the west palace but more like a prison. And it's eerie everywhere. I felt chills the moment I went over.

"Later, I discovered that the person locked in there is actually my aunt, Princess Helene."

The others were in disbelief. "Why's she locked in there?"

"I'm not sure about this." Alexander shook his head. "It's said that she's locked up there because she's committed a severe mistake. She's delirious, and His Majesty spends a large sum of medical fees on her each year, but this is a secret within the palace. No one's allowed to say a word."

"Spend on medical fees?" Rowan chuckled. "There are so many medicines and famous doctors in Irwin Pharmaceuticals. Why spend the money outside?"

He looked at Alexander and kept what he was going to say after that. As an experienced member of society, he knew very well that the royal family was on guard about the Irwins as they did not want too much leverage in the hands of outsiders.

The royal family utilized the Irwins, but the royal family was also cautious about them.

Alexander made a slight bow. "Mr. Irwin, my uncle forbids us from mentioning this to the outsiders, but if you can heal my aunt, I think it'll be a credit."

"Your Highness must have a deep bond with your aunt."

"I don't have much interaction with her," Alexander replied honestly. "But she's my family, and I don't want to see her suffer."

"Princess Lene's condition is treatable." Rowan pulled out his silver needles. "While she's asleep now, I'll first stimulate her nerves and acupoints. We'll decide further after this initial treatment." "Thank you, Mr. Irwin!"

"Don't mention it, Your Highness. Healing the ill and saving lives is my profession."

Alexander bowed politely and asked the guard to take Rowan away.

Neil, who had gotten the answer he wanted, was impatient to go check on Aurelia.

Zephyr was leaving with an arm around Cordelia. When he brushed past Alexander, the latter peeked at him and asked after a moment of hesitation, "Mr. Hamerton... are you happy with this explanation of mine?"

Zephyr paused. Their eyes met, but Alexander looked away after a short instant.

Despite that, Cordelia noticed that Alexander was slightly pink in the face with a small quirk of lips, like he was relieved. Doubts bubbled in her heart.

Before Zephyr replied, Cordelia said with a smile, "There's no need to be so courteous, Your Highness. It's great that you explain it to us. How could we have you ask us if we're happy with it?

"Zephyr's spoken out of place just now, worried for our son. We hope Your Highness understands."

"Oh, no worries." Alexander took a pause and said, "It's a happy occasion for both of you today, but it's my responsibility that something like this happened. Please forgive me!"

The few of them left the secret chamber and came to the fountain outside.

Alexander left, citing some excuse, and Zephyr and Cordelia were the only ones who remained. Cordelia had only calmed down looking at their son, feeling the lingering fear as she recalled the earlier incident. "I won't leave my son even for a second next time..." She placed her cheek against Zuko's. "I'm going to carry him wherever it is!"

"Are you going to carry him too when he grows up and can run and hop around?"

"I... I just won't let him leave my sight!"

Zephyr smiled and pressed a kiss on her forehead.

"It's just an accident today. Don't think too much about it. Besides, Alexander explained it, right?"

"Yeah, an accident..." Cordelia murmured to herself before she looked up judgingly at the man. "Princess Lene's appearance was an accident... Is Alexander's gaze on you an accident too?" "Huh?" Zephyr was confused. "Darling, what are you talking about?"

Chapter 849

Chapter 849

Cordelia looked at him quietly with furrowed brows. Complicated emotions played in her beautiful eyes. She did not hope that it was true, but Alexander's kindness toward them was truly illogical. She bit her lips, not looking too happy.

Zephyr hurried to her with a pandering smile.

She glanced at him and pushed him away lightly to keep a distance between them.

"I think... Alexander feels differently about you."

"What?" Zephyr heard his ears buzzing and was frozen for a long time. "Cordelia, you... Why would you think so?"

"It's not what I think. It's him behaving too abnormally." Cordelia's voice turned deep. "Don't you think he's too nice to us? You thought he liked me initially, but that's not even it! "Honey, I think he... he likes you!"

Cordelia's aggrieved voice was tinged with helplessness.

A woman's sixth sense would never be wrong. She turned away and could not help tightening her hold around Zuko with her heart pounding.

Zephyr stood rooted innocently, feeling like there was a weight in his chest that he could not push down.

What the heck was this!? A voice in his heart began to holler hysterically, 'This woman's gone crazy after becoming a mother, either overreacting or being skeptical all day long!'

She... was even suspecting that a man liked him now! Did she not know how he usually treated her? Would her conscience be clear this way!?

Why did she not become a script writer with how wild her imagination was!? How infuriating!

In spite of it, Mr. Z Hamerton turned right into a docile little lamb after shouting in his own mind. He was all smiles as he approached his wife and wrapped his strong arms around her from her back.

"Darling..." His voice was light and gentle as he indulgently pushed the tip of his nose into her hair. "What's in your little head these days? Don't overthink it. You're tired for the whole day. Let's take a good rest first."

Unexpectedly, Cordelia refused to play along. She shook left and right and struggled free from his hold. Turning around with a stern face, she looked like the cool female cop in films.

Zephyr wondered if he should crouch down now with his hands on his head and shout, "Madam, I'm at fault!

"Cordelia, I'll speak... I'll speak." He licked his lips and came clean. "I went to the same university as Alexander, but he knew me, and I didn't know him then!"

Cordelia jutted her chin. "So, you mean you're so charismatic that there were a bunch of guys and girls crushing on you? And I must've saved the world in my last life to be able to marry you?" "No!" Zephyr denied it without even thinking, breaking out in cold sweat.

"Go on!"

"I... I was the boxing team captain in school back then and once walked into a few kids bullying Alexander, so I helped him. I actually forgot about it a long time ago and didn't come across him anymore. If he didn't mention it when we met previously, I wouldn't have remembered this at all..."

"You two met in private previously?"

Sh*t! The more he explained it, the worse it got!

"Cordelia, let me explain." Zephyr lost his brain-to-mouth filter due to his panic. "I met Alexander back then because I thought he liked you, and I wanted to intimidate and warn him to stay away from you!" "Hah!" Cordelia chuckled, "Surprise, he doesn't even like me! That meeting must be just what he wished for, huh!?"

Cordelia's jealousy bubbled and erupted like a volcano.

"Looks like you've had a good chat and even talked about the old times. You managed to recall what you've forgotten too!"

"Zephyr Hamerton!"

Cordelia was furious.

This time, Zephyr was really panicking. He was regretful, anxious, and worried that Cordelia being angry would be bad for her health... like certain breastfeeding women stopped producing milk once they got emotional! Not only would their son not have breastmilk by then, but she would have to suffer too!

As Cordelia puffed her cheeks with anger evident in her big eyes, she actually looked kind of adorable.

Zephyr looked at her quietly before he smiled and went downstairs.

Cordelia was taken aback and followed him carrying their son, but Zephyr moved fast and soon went to the front yard through the living room.

The butlers and servants were perplexed as they looked at her in confusion.

Chapter 850

Chapter 850

"Ms. Cordelia... do you want fruits?"

"Fruits?" Cordelia paused. "No?"

"Then why's Mr. Zephyr going to the storeroom? That storeroom is basically filled with fruits!"

Cordelia was even more puzzled. Not too long later, though, she saw Zephyr coming out with two big pineapples. He placed them in front of her. "What... are you doing?" Cordelia took a few steps back.

Zephyr wore a straight face as he uttered lightly, "I'll get on my knees."

"You..."

"Darling, we've agreed on the rules, right?" He chuckled. "First, my wife is always right. Second, if my wife is wrong, refer to the first rule!

"So, there's no explanation in this matter. It's my fault!

"Since I'm wrong, I have to be punished. Nicholas kneels down on a washboard? I'll kneel down on pineapples!"

Cordelia widened her eyes to stare at him in disbelief.

She caved instantly. The pineapples were thorny. What if he got hurt? She then began to self-reflect like usual.

Even if Alexander liked her husband, he had not done anything rude. Instead, he had taken their sides and protected them.

Having been by Zephyr's side all these years, she knew what kind of person her husband was. His devotion and loyalty to her were evident.

Why was she throwing a tantrum just now, then? It was unreasonable of her to do so.

Cordelia stood on the spot, regretful, with red-rimmed eyes.

As soon as she wanted to give in, she caught a glimpse of the quirk on the corner of the man's lips!

Cordelia jolted. She was completely in Zephyr's grasp again. He knew that she could not bear for him to kneel on those pineapples!

This time, though... she would let him do it.

Cordelia recomposed herself and glanced at him, clearing her throat without giving anything away. "Good attitude in admitting your fault." The curve of Zephyr's lips deepened.

"Are you really getting your knees on the pineapples?"

"Of course!"

"Okay, do it then."

Wait, what!? Zephyr was befuddled. Why did she act out of script this time?

"What's the matter?" Cordelia smirked. "Didn't you say you'd punish yourself? You've gotten the pineapples out. Why aren't you kneeling yet?" The man stood before her like he was standing on pins and needles. A myriad of expressions flashed through his face, and he grimaced. Cordelia could not help breaking out into a genuine giggle looking at him like this.

"Darling..."

"Zephyr Hamerton, you think I'm a pushover, don't you? Each time you pull the pitiful card, I'll start reflecting on myself, and you get to slide right past!"

11

"Alright, kneel on these pineapples all you want!" Cordelia swiveled away to go upstairs. "I'm tucking Zuko in!"

Zephyr froze. No way, the baby was going to sleep on their bed again?

They had just held their wedding today, so tonight was supposed to be their wedding night! How could he let a baby spoil this pleasant moment?

He stood downstairs in silence until Cordelia completely vanished from his sight.

The butler quickly picked up the pineapples and eyed him to urge him upstairs.

Zephyr straightened up and coughed, maintaining a prideful demeanor as he unhurriedly walked upstairs.

The butlers and servants chuckled discreetly downstairs, exchanging whispers, "Mr. Zephyr's so anxious inwardly, but he's still pretending!"

"I keep feeling like he's like someone..."

"Mr. Rowan, duh!"

"Oh, yes! The father and son-in-law look like they came from the same mold!"

"Hahaha..."

"Shh!" The senior butler shot them a warning look. "No gossiping about your bosses! Go back to your work!"