Ch. 851..860

Chapter 851

Chapter 851

After Zephyr went upstairs, he realized no one was in the master bedroom. He paused before turning to the baby's room.

Back when they set up the baby room, there was another bed aside from Zuko's baby bed. It was intended for the nanny who took care of him at night.

As for now, he saw Cordelia sleeping on that small bed with their son...

Zephyr pursed his lips, and his gaze darkened as he stormed in. This was what he was thinking.

'As expected, can't spoil a woman!'

She was stepping over the line and sleeping in a separate room from him now once she was given her ways! Later, he had to pull out his masculinity as a husband to show her how a wife should follow her husband!

In spite of this, this was what he did.

The closer he got to the bed, the lighter his steps were. He then carefully got into it and squeezed himself on his side in the tiny gap left by the edge of the bed.

He said with a chortle, "Darling, I'll sleep with you and Zuko!"

Cordelia was soundly asleep and did not hear him, merely shuffling closer in her subconscious.

Zephyr, who had his way, put a hand on her waist and held her gently.

With his wife in his arms and their son by the side-the family of three crammed in the small bed... it was like he had gotten a world's worth of bliss. Zephyr grinned.

However, Zuko picked this time to open his eyes...

Eh? Was this not his stinky daddy who frequently turned, landed on him, and liked tossing him up the sky?

In the night, Zephyr met his son's bright eyes. After a moment of big eyes staring into small ones, Zuko wailed.

"Zuko, good boy, shush!"

Zephyr fumbled and actually put a hand over Zuko's mother directly. Cordelia woke up, startled. She first felt someone next to her and was frightened before her expression changed when she saw that it was Zephyr.

Zephyr's hand was still on their son's face...

When the butlers and servants were done with their chores downstairs and were going to rest, they heard the commotion coming from upstairs.

"Is that Mr. Zephyr's voice?"

"What's going on? Is Ms. Cordelia beating Mr. Zephyr up!?"

"Gosh, will Mr. Zephyr get the shorter end of the stick?"

"Let him be, so long as our Ms. Cordelia doesn't!"

"Alright, come on, be off!" The senior butler frowned. "It's their wedding night today... What do you all know!?"

...

The palace was still brightly lit despite the late hours.

Martin Charles stood in the center of the main hall. Age and years of hard work left their marks on his face, but his eyes shone with exceptional determination.

During the 20 years of his reign, he cared about the people's hardships, participated in current international affairs, and showed the unique flavor of Southeast Aciatic to the world with his excellent diplomatic abilities.

He considered himself a qualified king.

However, there had always been a hurdle in his heart that he could not get over. It often hurt him and made it difficult for him to sleep and eat peacefully.

When Helene ran out from the west palace today, especially... the hurdle in his heart turned into a sharp blade that cut him open.

"Your Majesty, you should rest." The queen padded over and draped a thin jacket over him. "It's chilly at night. You should take care of your body."

Martin turned around slowly. It took some time before he asked with a grim face, "Who did it?"

The queen paused and stayed silent with a lowered head.

"You don't have to hide it for her!" Martin was angry. "No one aside from her dares to do it!"

"But Your Majesty..." The queen said softly, "The west palace people have been questioned, and they found it strange that Helene ran out all of a sudden too because they didn't see anyone suspicious before this.

"This means that there's no proof that shows this has to do with Victoria!"

Martin scowled.

There was no proof. Even when he was king, he could not simply judge whether a person had done it.

If he insisted on pinning this on Victoria, it might cause dissatisfaction within the royal family. When everyone was anxious and wary, it would be even harder to find out the truth of the matter.

The queen said weakly, "Your Majesty, this can't be blown out of proportion. Let it slide! Helene's identity has to be kept confidential from the outside world!"

Martin took a deep breath and looked at the queen, Carmella Jean.

She was his legal wife. Although they were not in a relationship before the marriage, they had gotten along well all these years. Moreover, Carmella was a virtuous wife and could take care of things for him in order. She was also always graceful and carried the poise of a royal when they went for visits abroad.

However, this matter and what she said just now stirred apprehension in him.

Martin was quiet for a moment before he asked, "I heard that Mr. Irwin could treat Helene?"

"Your Majesty!" Carmella was alarmed. "How could the Irwins be allowed to get involved in this? They're outsiders, after all..."

"But Rowan Irwin can heal her!"

"Don't let your emotions take over you!" Carmella's expression changed. "If Rowan Irwin can heal her, this throne might..."

"This throne belongs to my sister, to begin with!"

Martin's shout seemed to alleviate some emotions that were stuck in his chest. For 20 years, this matter had suffocated him like a huge rock. Women had higher status than men in Southeast Aciatic. Before Martin, the past rulers in the country had been women.

If that incident had not happened, Helene would have become queen too.

Carmella looked at Martin quietly, unable to control the tremors that ran through her. Martin was great-just too much conscience and too emotional. How could he not understand that the fight for the throne was never about conscience and feelings but plots and tricks?

"She's my younger sister!" Martin blamed himself. "Yet, I caused her to lose her child and forced her into what she has become now... I've ruined her!"

Chapter 852

Chapter 852

"Martin!"

Carmella looked at him in horror as she clutched his hand. She scanned around-there were only a handful of guards in the main hall, and the two attendants were close to her.

She asked for everyone else to be dismissed, leaving her and Martin in the hall.

Carmella took a deep breath and told him softly, "I know that you feel guilty toward Helene, but the reality is as such. We have no other choice! Keeping her in the west palace for a peaceful rest and using the best medicine on her all these years are the best we can do for her!

"Besides, with what happened back then... she won't ascend to this throne."

Martin jolted, the past vaguely replaying in his mind.

Among the royal family siblings, he was the closest to Helene. He remembered that Helene had been intelligent, beautiful, and capable growing up. She was a noble and elegant princess to the others, but she turned into a cute and playful girl in front of her brother.

There was a stretch of beach outside the palace. It was Martin and Helene's secret place.

The siblings would go there every day after school, taking off their shoes and chasing after waves barefoot. The seagulls would roam free in the sunset, and their laughter would echo throughout the beach. Sometimes, Helene would hop onto Martin when tired and ask him to walk carrying her.

"Helene, when you find a boyfriend next time, you have to find someone who can carry you like I do, you hear me?"

"Hmm... And if I can't find one?"

"That's impossible! My sister has both the looks and the talent and the wealth of the whole of Southeast Aciatic. Which man wouldn't like you?" "Martin, if I can't find one, I'll stay in the palace forever, and you'll carry me forever, okay?"

Martin laughed and nodded. "Okay!"

It was just unexpected that their joke at that time became a prophecy.

Helene had ended up really staying in the palace forever, but her brother, who had promised to carry her forever, never did carry her again... "Martin? Martin!" Carmella could not help but worry when she saw him in a daze and gave him a shove. "Did you hear what I said!?"

"I know." Martin snapped back to reality and turned to leave.

"Where are you going?"

"I..." Martin bit his lips and uttered with much difficulty. "I want my tickets booked. I want to go to Melorian!"

"You..." Carmella could not believe that he was saying this again.

A few years ago, he had visited Melorian, but the trip had been in vain. She had been under the impression that he had given up, and neither of them had brought it up again.

Now...

"Your Majesty, think this through! That child might not even be in Melorian anymore. Besides, if you do find her, can she reunite with Helene? What help does it do to Helene's state? "Doing this will only destroy everything... Your throne will be ruined, and Helene might not get better either. As for the child, she might be living a good life now. Why would you disrupt her peace?" Martin halted in his steps. His slightly hunched back was stiff and tensed while his facial muscles twitched slightly.

Carmella lowered her tone. "Martin, don't be blinded by your emotions. Even if we didn't do that back then, your mother wouldn't have forgiven Helene! That child could never be kept in the palace! "It's already a huge taboo of the royal family for her to give birth out of wedlock. We sent the child away to protect the royal family! We didn't do anything wrong!"

Martin was silent for a beat before he suddenly snickered. "Yeah, when have you ever thought you're wrong?"

"Martin..."

"That child couldn't be kept in the palace, but where did you send her to?" Martin's eyes were bloodshot as he stared at Carmella. "You left her in a slum in Melorian!" Carmella choked on her breaths as her hands and feet went cold.

Martin said through his gritted teeth, "And you kept it from me for so many years! You said that you gave the child to a pair of lawyers! You lied to me!"

As Martin took step after step closer, Carmella abruptly found her back against the cold palace wall. Her knees gave out, and she fell to the floor kneeling.

The incident was a knot in their hearts, but Martin could only keep it buried deep within him all these years for the benefit of the bigger picture.

Today, however, the scene where Helene ran out with disheveled hair frightened him and awakened the conscience hidden deep in his heart. His emotions blew up like an erupting volcano.

He remembered that the day the child was born, it was a brilliant sunny day. Helene had said that her name meant shining light and was a moon of Saturn, so she named her child something that represented the sun.

The shining moon and golden sun together were as if their mother and daughter bond, never to be separated.

Yet, Carmella had left the little bundle of sun across the ocean, and Martin as Helene's elder brother had sadly agreed to such a decision...

Chapter 853

Chapter 853

"I was obsessed with the throne back then, but I can't keep being wrong now." Martin looked up, his gaze glowing with forbearance and determination. "No matter the price, I must ask Rowan Irwin to heal

Helene!

"I'll find that child and reunite them!"

After the attack in the palace, Cordelia took Aurelia home to rest and heal her wound.

Aurelia felt embarrassed as she felt it was only a light injury. However, in Cordelia's eyes, if Aurelia had not stepped forth, that fork would have ended up on her son. This made Aurelia their savior.

"Just stay here and relax!" Cordelia said, "Aren't you preparing for university? It's spacious and quiet here. We have lots of books at home. You can revise in peace!

"As for your job at the tailor's, the chauffeur can send you to work if you want to keep working there. If you don't want to work there anymore and feel bad about staying here, then..."

Cordelia chuckled. "Then help around the garden and make clothes for Zuko. What do you think?"

"Think nothing!" A deep voice suddenly came from the door.

Neil entered with both hands in his pants pockets. He came against the light like a god of war from a mythical story.

"Think nothing?" Cordelia glanced at him. "Is Aurelia going to stay with you?"

Neil's eyes sparkled as he agreed seriously, "This is a great idea!"

"You..."

"I'm not going anywhere." Aurelia pouted.

She was a little touched seeing Neil fussing over her these few days due to her injuries, but she kept thinking back to him flirting with Millie in the palace that day... and jealousy washed over her. She did not want to be bothered with him now.

"Not going anywhere?" Neil frowned. "Then what are you going to do? Continue staying with that shabby tailor?"

"That's not a shabby tailor!" Aurelia glared at him. "That's my workplace. Please have some respect!"

Neil was taken aback.

Aurelia continued to speak seriously as she stared at him, "And I'm not staying at the tailor's. I've rented a place. Cordelia's helped me rent it when I just came here. I have some savings now, and I can pay the rent myself, so I'm going to keep living there!"

Neil was astonished by her retorts. How dare the girl talk to him like this!?

"I'm working and studying, and I can totally arrange my time well. You don't need to worry!" Aurelia glanced at him. "Uncle, if you have too much energy, you can ask about the award-winning actress and stuff. Why bother with me?

"Also, you've asked me not to hope for you to be bothered with me once I'm in Southeast Aciatic! I hope you keep your word!"

Neil's eyes were bulging, and his face was turning red. He pointed a finger at her. "You brat..."

"Oh, right, this one too!" Aurelia caught his wrist and slid the silver ring off his ring finger smoothly before he could react.

"This is mine. You should return it to its rightful owner!"

"You"

"Alright, we're done now!" Aurelia jutted her chin and grinned mischievously. "Bye, uncle!"

After that, she ran off like a swoop of wind, leaving Neil baffled. Cordelia was giggling hard.

"Goodness, how did you offend her?" Cordelia asked Neil after she was done laughing. "I heard her say something about an actress? She didn't catch you flirting with Millie, did she?"

"When have I flirted with Millie!?" Neil wanted to hit someone.

A hug and a handshake were normal courtesy gestures! Aurelia had grown up in Chaiseland. Had she never seen it!?

"You really don't know women." Cordelia shook her head. "Forget a hug and a handshake. She'd be upset even if you so much as glanced at someone one more time!"

"So... she must've reacted like this because I'm in her heart, right?"

Cordelia was rendered speechless. "What do you think?"

Neil was in glee again.

"But this brat doesn't want to say a thing! Don't you think she's infuriating?

Chapter 854

Chapter 854

"Take the initiative since she doesn't!" Cordelia was impatient for them.

"Am I not taking enough initiative?" Neil frowned and put on his prideful front again. "I've already confessed once... and she was playing with a frog when I did it! I won't do this a second time. How bruised would my ego be otherwise!?"

"

"Never mind, I'll take my time with her." Neil smirked. "We'll see who lasts till the end!"

Cordelia fled, covering her face. These two people were not easy to handle they were a persistent pair who loved irritating each other.

"Hey, Cordelia, why are you leaving? I haven't finished telling you my plan!"

"Not gonna hear it!" Cordelia fled. "Zuko's asking for me!"

"There's one more thing!" Neil shouted from the back, "Didn't Aurelia get a checkup after she got hurt? What does the report say? Is it with Uncle Rowan?"

Victoria arrived at the side hall, where Carmella had been waiting for her. Even though she was anxious, she kept her cool on the outside.

"Auntie "

Before she could say a sentence, Carmella slapped her.

Victoria's face throbbed in pain as she looked in disbelief at her aunt, who had always loved her.

Carmella was no longer kind and loving like she used to be, glaring at Victoria with rage burning in her eyes.

"Well done!"

"Auntie, "

"Why did you let Helene out? Do you know how dangerous that is!? Do you want to ruin your uncle!?"

Victoria did her best to deny it. "Auntie, it wasn't me!"

"You really think your uncle and I are fools?" Carmella snickered. "Victoria, you don't have your mother. Your uncle and I took you and your brother into the palace and raised you! I'm very well aware of what you're like!

"Alexander wouldn't do something like this. Only you'd be so brainless!"

Victoria's lips twitched as she gasped. She was both angry and scared facing the queen, whose presence was intimidating. Her voice shook as she spoke without thinking. "Auntie, do you think I don't know why Aunt Helene's locked up in the west palace? She's gone crazy because you left her daughter in another country!"

"Victoria Charles!" Carmella growled.

The intimidation weakened Victoria's legs, and she could only support herself by sticking her back against the wall and looking at her timidly.

"Victoria, do you think I can't do anything to you?"

"Auntie "

There was a cold glint in Carmella's eyes as she stepped close to Victoria and abruptly pinched her jaw with an icy smirk.

"I can raise you, and I can end you! No one will care why the royal family has another missing person. Those people will only be glad that one less person is fighting for the throne with them!" Victoria looked at her in terror, shaking.

"Auntie, I didn't do it on purpose... I never thought of harming my uncle! I-I was just angry when I saw Neil take the girl in and wanted to ruin his cousin's wedding. I—"

"When can you stop being such a simp!?"

Victoria was terrified and stayed quiet as she looked at Carmella in despairing tears.

"Auntie... Auntie, forgive me this once! Aunt Helene ran out but didn't cause any damage..."

"That's the Irwin heiress' wedding, and you say there's no damage when you embarrass them? The Irwins are powerful in Southeast Aciatic. Without their support, will your uncle be able to secure his throne!?"

Carmella had a bad headache over Victoria.

Some people were stupid but were kind. Some people were bad but were smart. These two types of people were not scary.

The scariest type of people was like her-stupid and bad!

Carmella breathed a long sigh and looked at Victoria in indignation.

"I've personally raised you. You're no different from my daughter to me," she said sternly. "But you should know how important your uncle is to me! I forbid anyone from hurting him or doing anything unbeneficial to him!"

There was a pause before she added, "Including you!"

Victoria just kept nodding.

"You can't be hasty with Neil. General Harris shows no intention of promising a marriage. The royal family can't possibly lower ourselves to beg him, can we?"

"No, of course not!" Victoria seemed to actually be scared as she promised swiftly, "I'll listen to you!"

Chapter 855

Chapter 855

"As for Aurelia Chilton..." Carmella looked at Victoria in annoyance.

She honestly had yet to figure out what to do with Aurelia.

For the time being, it looked like she was who Neil cared about. Based on how Noah doted on Neil, in addition to Noah not having a preference for status and family background, it was highly possible that he would allow Neil to marry Aurelia.

Instead of letting Victoria throw her tantrum and kick up a fuss, offending the Harrises, she might as well be of help and use Aurelia to gain the Harrises' support.

Her ultimate goal was to keep the reign for Martin anyway.

Carmella loved Martin. As long as it was beneficial to him, she did not care about the price she had to pay. Whether it was the Irwins or the Harrises, they would be sources of strength Martin could use if she managed to pull them to her side.

She would resort to any measure to eliminate anyone who dared stop her!

"Auntie..." Victoria looked at her cautiously. "What will you do about Aurelia?"

Carmella's face fell. "We'll talk about it later!"

"Victoria..." She reminded her again before they left the side hall, "You'd better know your place and behave. I might still be able to keep you."

"Auntie?" Victoria jolted.

"I know what Alexander's like." Carmella sighed. "Society won't tolerate a ruler like this. He might as well stay a prince this life. With the title and wealth, he'll have a great life."

Victoria perked up in glee when she heard that.

"Don't be so happy too soon!" Carmella threw her a frosty glance. "If you dare do anything that threatens your uncle's position, I won't let you go easily!"

She left the side hall after that.

Victoria wore a vicious smirk looking at Carmella's back.

"Your Highness, are you alright?" Her maid walked in looking anxious. "Did the queen make it difficult for you?"

"Of course not." Victoria scoffed. "And she said that Alexander won't ever be king. The throne will certainly be mine!"

Her servant was delighted and congratulated her profusely.

"But..." Victoria gritted her teeth. "Aurelia has to be eliminated!"

Zuko grew up day by day, growing up from the ugly little duckling when he was first born to a stumbling handsome little guy learning to walk. He sometimes made sounds like "papa" and "mama" too.

Cordelia often took him to visit Xyla. Maybe it was because Xyla was happy meeting her grandson that she recovered very fast. Her medication dosage was gradually decreased, and she went home to rest, enjoying family time with her children.

Rowan was basically pseudo-retired as he left the company to Carter and Zephyr. He kept grumbling about this son-in-law of his, but the employees in Irwin Pharmaceuticals had seen the old man and his son- in-law drinking and chattering in pubs more than once. The two men were all bros and stuff when they had too much to drink too...

Unknowingly, it had been almost a year since they came to Southeast Aciatic.

Aurelia had passed Southeast Aciatic University's preliminary exam and became a preparatory student. She only had to take the exam again in the coming year, and she would be able to officially study in the world-famous university.

As for her and Neil, it seemed they had not clarified things yet...

Victoria had been surprisingly well-behaved during this period. Other than lingering where Aurelia worked occasionally, she did not do anything too much.

Everyone thought that they would carry on living in peace like this... until Zuko's first birthday party.

The Irwins had begun preparing for it a month ago, and the royal family sent gifts. Alexander was apologetic about the wedding last time, so the gift this time was incredibly lavish.

It was still the same this time-Victoria and Alexander sent the present to Irwin Manor on behalf of the king. Rowan had received them personally and bowed formally.

"Count Irwin, you don't have to be so courteous," Victoria said with a smile. "My uncle said that the Irwins are the pride of Southeast Aciatic. Your Count title can be passed down, so little Mr. Zuko will carry this glory!"

"His Majesty is too nice to us!" Rowan bowed. "This room is a little messy. Please, Your Highness, have some tea at the tearoom inside!"

Alexander nodded and walked ahead while Victoria paused to scan around.

The guest lounge was piled up with gifts from everyone, and some rare gems were really uncommonly seen. This did not look like a little heir's birthday it was like the crown prince was throned king! Victoria sneered inwardly. It was no wonder her aunt had always been watchful of these major families.

"Huh? What's that?" Just when Victoria was walking out, she caught a glimpse of a special present with the unique emblem of a certain family.

Rowan jolted but answered with a straight face, "It's a gun from the general's residence. Hah, Noah said that Zuko's a boy, and it's inevitable that he'll play with knives and guns in the future. He'll teach him with this gun by then."

"A present from the general's residence?" Victoria's eyes lit up. "So Neil's here too?"

Chapter 856

Chapter 856

Rowan paused and smiled instead of answering.

Alexander turned around to help him out. "Mr. Irwin, I heard that you have some White Egret Orchids here, which are rare. It's the blooming season now. I wonder if I'd be lucky to have a look?" "Of course!" Rowan quickly replied, "This way, please, Your Highness!"

Alexander and Rowan went off to look at the flowers as they chatted. Victoria, who was left behind, looked enraged.

"Your Highness, no need to get petty with them!" her maid appeased from the side.

"Hah, what's there to be petty about?" Victoria snickered, "I'm the future ruler. They'll regret it for disregarding me like this now!"

"Yes, when the time comes!" Her maid then eyed her discreetly for her to look at the window.

When Victoria came to the window, she heard the laughter outside. There were two people by the pool-Aurelia and Neil...

Irwin Manor was close to the rainforest, and the pool was connected to the pond. Palm trees thrived by the bank, and the air smelled floral.

It was supposed to be a charming scenery, but it felt like a needle in Victoria's heart.

Aurelia caught a frog while Neil, a germaphobe, touched its head, making Aurelia giggle loudly.

"Your Highness..." Victoria's maid observed her look carefully. "Should I invite Mr. Harris over?"

"No need!" Victoria gnashed her teeth. "If he likes a cheap woman like that, let him hang with her!"

"Your Highness, there's no need to give Mr. Harris away over a cheap b*tch. There are plenty of ways to tackle her!"

Victoria was quiet as she took another glance, but the scene that greeted her nearly made her eyes bulge. Aurelia's headband had fallen off, so her lustrous long hair spilled like a chestnut waterfall, shining under the sunlight.

Aurelia wore a white short-sleeved blouse with a long skirt and had her back against the window...

Victoria shuddered as her heart lurched. Why had she never noticed that Aurelia's hair was also chestnut in color?

That instant just now, if she did not know that it was Aurelia, she would have assumed her to be the lunatic in the west palace given her dressing and figure!

Victoria clutched the window frame as she gasped and shook her head.

"Your Highness?" Her maid was worried. "You don't look good. Do you feel ill?"

"No..."

"Let's leave earlier if you don't feel well!"

Victoria nodded. After calming down, she found her suspicion just now to be absurd.

Aurelia was obviously mixed, and she had no immigration status before this. She would never be related to her Aunt Helene!

"But..." Victoria said to herself with a frown, "It's better to be careful with things."

"Your Highness, what are you talking about?"

"Get someone to investigate it for me!" Victoria instructed softly, "Find out about Aurelia's background in Chaiseland and who she interacts with now... Just dig deep into her, understand?"

"Yes."

"Do this in secret. Don't let anyone find out!"

At night, Zephyr pushed the door to the baby room open and saw Cordelia staring at their sleeping son with full attention with a sweet smile. She looked like a fangirl infatuated with a male celebrity.

Zephyr smiled weakly, feeling like his wife was obsessed. She never had enough of looking at their son. Sometimes when Zuko had yet to wake up in the morning and she woke up first, she would stay by the bed to look at him quietly like this too.

Zephyr had been startled awake several times, afraid that she had postpartum depression when she went into a daze like this each time.

Cordelia rolled her eyes at him. She just found their son to be so good-looking that he was adorable even when he was sleeping.

Zephyr asked her grumpily, "Didn't you say that your husband's the most handsome man in this world?"

"Oh, did I?" Cordelia refused to admit it. "You must've misheard!"

Chapter 857

Chapter 857

Zephyr sighed with a hand over his face.

His days before he had a son had been great... Cordelia had been gentle and docile like a bunny and liked to snuggle him the most-she had claimed that it was where she felt the safest in the world...

Now?

Their son had taken over her, her heart, and her entire world!

Zephyr came up with ways to change this. Weaning Zuko was one of his solutions.

When the baby was six months old, Cordelia produced less milk, and the quality was not that great. Zuko was also teething then, and his gum was sore, so Cordelia was often in pain from all the gnawing. Once, when the baby fed and gnawed simultaneously and Zephyr saw how Cordelia bit her lips, refusing to cry out even when she was sweating in pain, his heart squeezed.

She dared not cry out because she feared scaring the baby, but Zephyr was not letting Zuko get his way. He picked up a toy on the side, attracting their son's attention. As expected, Zuko let go, and his eyes followed the toy.

Zephyr smirked. He knew the baby was not hungry but just wanted to teeth at something!

"What are you doing?" Cordelia widened her eyes.

While she and Zuko were still at a loss, Zephyr scooped the baby up and swiftly handed him to the nanny, ordering, "Take him out and give him formula!"

The nanny and caretaker took Zuko to another room. Cordelia hurried to them before she could even dress properly, not forgetting to glare at Zephyr.

Despite that, Zephyr stopped her and kept her tightly in his arms.

"Let go of me!" Cordelia punched and hit him. "Zuko's not full yet!"

"He has a nanny and formula. He won't go hungry!" Zephyr said sternly, "You instead, stop breastfeeding from now on!"

"What?"

"Look how he has bitten you!"

Cordelia froze and tugged on her clothes embarrassedly, but once her nipples came in contact with her clothes, the pain was excruciating, much like she was skinned. Zephyr did not know how much it hurt, but his heart hurt, just like how it hurt when he recalled her giving her all in the labor room to give him this child. "Darling, Zuko's over six months old now. We can start weaning him and give him less breastmilk.

"Besides, you're not producing as much now, and it's not as good anymore. The formula has all the nutrition he needs. You really don't have to go through this torture! "And..." Zephyr muttered softly, "The brat... I can't even bear to bite you, and he gladly does so!"

"Zephyr!" Cordelia flushed.

She was quite moved by what he said, but his last sentence took that all away and left her in embarrassment.

"What nonsense are you talking about?! I'll teach you a lesson!"

"Honey, I'm just joking..."

"Get those pineapples out!"

"Huh?"

Cordelia glanced at him and went downstairs to the front yard.

Zephyr hurried to follow. "Darling, could you really bear for me to kneel on the pineapples? I just said one thing wrong...

"Darling!"

"Don't touch me!" Cordelia could not help chuckling and looked back at him to whine, "I finally can stop breastfeeding, and I want pineapples, okay?"

"Oh? Of course!" Zephyr hugged her. "I'll eat them with you. We'll have loads!"

Chapter 858

Chapter 858

Alexander invited the Hamerton couple and their child to be his guests at the palace. He also got the best photographer in Southeast Aciatic to take a family photo for them.

Zuko was not quite good at walking and sometimes needed a baby walker, but he liked the royal garden. He flailed his chubby arms on the lawn, gurgling in excitement to greet the butterflies and birds. Zephyr picked him up for a ride on his shoulders, and the baby shrieked out of the fun he had.

Cordelia's heart lurched watching them, and she wanted to stop Zephyr several times but was held back by Alexander.

"Don't worry. Mr. Hamerton must know what he's doing and won't hurt your son!" He smiled.

Cordelia took a pause before she smiled. Despite what Alexander said, he had asked the palace guards and maid to follow the father and son. Even if Zephyr missed, they could absolutely be able to catch the baby.

Cordelia was grateful as she chortled. "Thank you, Your Highness."

"I just like to see him smile." Alexander's voice was soft. "They're having so much fun together!"

"Alexander..." Cordelia wanted to ask, "Do you like Zephyr a lot?", but she did not manage to get it out of her mouth after some hesitation.

What was there to ask? Alexander had already decided to let this be a secret, so she ought to respect his wish.

Alexander turned to ask, "What's the matter?"

Cordelia smiled. "Nothing, I just think... you're a good person. If you were to become king one day, the people of Southeast Aciatic would be happy."

"Hah, I'd like to be king." Alexander smirked in self-depreciation. "But if the people know what kind of person I am, they might chase me out of the country!"

"Will they chase away someone who's genuinely kind to them?" Cordelia looked at him. "Alexander, people aren't as pedantic and childish as you think. They know what's right and wrong, good and bad. They know who's good to them!

"And I think a person's character matters the most! Everything else can be tolerated as long as one's virtuous and righteous."

Alexander blinked. Subconsciously, he felt that Cordelia must already know something...

Cordelia smiled at him before jogging to her husband and son. Both adults played with their baby, and the photographer captured the moment. Alexander watched the family of three from afar, feeling soreness in his heart before bliss replaced that. He was happy to see them in bliss.

This was probably what love meant.

After Zuko got tired, he rested against his father's shoulders.

Cordelia walked back to Alexander to dismiss themselves, but he spoke up first. "Don't leave just yet. There's another program!"

"What?"

"Neil said he wanted to host a coming-of-age ceremony for Aurelia." Alexander chuckled. "He said that he celebrated Aurelia's 18th birthday back in Chaiseland, but he owed her a coming-of-age ceremony, so he's borrowing my place to host one today!"

Cordelia giggled. It was no wonder Neil had harassed her early in the morning today, sending photo after photo of outfits to ask her which one looked nice and which one looked attractive to women. "So don't leave yet. Celebrate Aurelia first!"

Zephyr and Cordelia exchanged a smile and took Zuko to rest first. A while later, they heard merry noises outside.

It was near dusk as the setting sun colored the sky golden and pink. There was an outdoor barbecue in the royal garden. Other than the main characters, Aurelia and Neil, Alexander invited numerous heirs and heiresses from notable families in Southeast Aciactic on their behalf. It quickly turned merry. No one could reject a prince's invitation.

Moreover, the outdoor barbecue was not cooking meat but ways of life.

As the music played, Aurelia appeared before everyone in an intricately embroidered dress, dazzling all of them. Like a loyal knight, Neil slowly brought the princess to the guests.

Back in the palace, Victoria was having a terrible headache. She felt worse hearing the chatter and peals of laughter outside and abruptly threw the crystal vase on the table.

"What's Alexander trying to do!?" she growled hysterically. "What does he take the royal garden for to bring in these shady people!"

"Your Highness, those are... people from notable families in Southeast Aciatic." Her maid spoke hesitantly, "Other than Mr. and Mrs. Hamerton, there are heirs and heiresses from a few more families and..." "And who!?"

"Mr. Harris." The maid's voice gradually lowered.

Victoria froze before she ran out to see. Neil was at the merry royal garden as expected, but his gaze had only trailed after one person.

Victoria shook in anger as she paled.

"Your Highness, should we go have a look?" the maid asked her. "It's said that Mr. Harris is hosting a coming-of-age ceremony for Aure- That lowly b*tch."

"Hah, a lowly b*tch like her requires such extravagance?" Victoria took a deep breath and suddenly thought of something. "Did you find out what I asked you to investigate?"

"There's a little news but not much, Your Highness."

"Speak now!"

"Aurelia's lived in a slum in Melorian all this while," the maid said softly. "It's said that she's lived in a basement that's dirty and stinky, and she spent her time with the nomads..."

Victoria's heart lurched.

Melorian? If she remembered correctly, her aunt had sent Helene's daughter to a slum of Melorian, too...

"Anything else?"

"Not for now."

Victoria mulled over it and left the matter.

What kind of clue was a slum in Melorian? Which city had no slums of its own? Even if her aunt had abandoned the girl in a slum, it was impossible for it to be the same one... Aside from Aurelia's hair, she did not share other similarities with Helene.

That was right. Victoria thought that she must be thinking too much. How could Aurelia be related to the royal family!?

Even if she was, Victoria could just wipe her out. Why should she go through so much trouble?!

Victoria bit her lips and began displaying her qualities of being stupid and bad...

"Take me back." She spoke slowly. "Change and dress me up! Then find me a present."

"Your Highness, you..."

"It's her coming-of-age ceremony, after all. How could I not congratulate her?"

The maid did as told. A while later, Victoria dolled up and took long strides to the royal garden. Before she arrived at the party, she saw numerous servants walking to the same destination, holding pots of lit coal.

It was an outdoor barbecue party, so it naturally required coal...

An evil thought sparked to life in Victoria's head. She hastened her steps to rush to the party.

Chapter 859

Chapter 859

Neil saw Victoria walking toward them from afar and furrowed his brow. He put an arm around Aurelia and took her to the side.

The others understood it when they saw Neil's reaction. Although they did not want to offend the princess, the Harrises were no pushovers either. Hence, they bowed in courtesy and sought excuses to walk away.

Victoria could not believe it. Everyone just ignored her!

"Victoria." Alexander's voice came from behind her.

She turned around and saw her brother's small smirk.

"I've told you not to regard the royal status so highly." He spoke softly. "People are no fools. They know what's significant and not!"

"What?" Victoria sneered. "I can't join in the fun now too? This is the palace. It's my home. Do you think it's right that you host a party here without the owner's permission!?"

"You're going too far, Victoria. Since when is the palace your home? This is our uncle's home. We are only being allowed to stay here!"

"You..."

"And I've told our uncle about this party."

"Alexander!" Victoria was pale. "You just want to go against me! You'd rather take the side of an outsider than your own sister!"

"I just don't want you to humiliate yourself here, Victoria." Alexander's face dropped. "You talk about the royal family's pride all day long. Don't do something that'll damage the royal family's reputation!" He gave her a cold look and left after speaking.

Victoria clenched her fists, stabbing her nails deep into her palms, as a wash of viciousness flashed across her enraged face.

Coincidentally, a servant was hurrying over with a pot of lit coal.

Victoria thought quickly and discreetly extended her leg. The servant was in a hurry and did not watch the way, so he was tripped!

"Ah!"

As he lost his balance, the pot of burning coal in the servant's hands flew off his grip. Pieces of burning coal rained toward Aurelia like meteorites from the sky!

Everyone was shocked by the suddenness of the incident. Some fled frantically, while others crouched on the ground hugging their heads.

The coals rained, crackling with sparks, and screams resounded in the garden.

Just when the coals were going to land on Aurelia's head, she blanked, and her body stiffened. She did not know where to hide.

During that critical juncture, a pair of strong arms suddenly wrapped around her. As she fell into the warm and familiar embrace, those arms separated her from the coals.

She seemed to feel the burning pieces brush past the tip of her ears and could smell something being burnt, but she was not hurt. When she managed to react, what greeted her was Neil's pale face and the sweat dotting the tip of his nose.

"Uncle!" she cried.

Neil had gotten hurt-both hands had been burned badly.

Alexander, who was nearby, ran over upon hearing the voice. When he brushed past Victoria, he saw her terrified look. He glared at her.

Victoria stumbled back and ran away amidst the chaos. Alexander did not have the time to go after her as he asked for doctors and for the coals on the lawn to be cleaned to prevent a fire.

"Neil, are you okay?" Cordelia and Zephyr rushed over as well, hearing Aurelia's cry. "Bring some ice!"

There was then a fumbled search for ice.

Neil's hands had lost the outer layer of skin, and they could not be simply iced. Fortunately, the doctor arrived soon, and Neil was sent to the hospital after the doctor treated him with professional medicine as emergency care.

Victoria ran back to her palace in a panic and ordered all the doors to be closed and locked once she got inside. She did not want to see anyone for the time being.

Her maid poured her a glass of cold water, but she still felt her throat constrict and the cold sweat after drinking it.

"Your Highness, what happened?"

Victoria took a deep breath and bit her lips, the corners of her lips twitching.

The scene just now made her both furious and scared. She was scared that she had hurt Neil and could not appease the Harrises, and she was furious that the pot of coals was aimed at Aurelia, yet Neil had shielded that b*tch!

Victoria balled up her fist and punched the window sill.

Chapter 860

Chapter 860

The maid could guess that Victoria was most likely angry because of Aurelia again.

The maid said obsequiously, "Your Highness, there's a news update..."

Victoria frowned. "What is it?"

"The investigator says that Aurelia grew up in the Melorian slum and spent her time with the nomads. Her parents are both illegal immigrants. Her father's a drug addict, and her mother's a prostitute. They abandoned her at a young age."

"So, she most probably isn't related to Aunt Helene."

Victoria breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that she was being overly suspicious.

"Of course not, Your Highness!" The maid smiled. "That b*tch has a lowly background. It's her luck that she could come to Southeast Aciatic! Your Highness, what... What's gotten into you today? Did you get into an argument with Mr. Harris again?"

Victoria turned away in frustration.

It would be better if they did argue! She did not know how badly Neil was injured and how she should wrap this matter up...

Carmella had warned her the last time not to go against the Harrises and the Irwins, but not...

Victoria screwed her eyes shut before they flew open in the next second.

"Hah! What am I scared of?" She suddenly cackled. "Neil hanging out with the b*tch is a shame to the Harrises too. I'm just teaching Aurelia a lesson to keep up the Harrises' reputation!"

Yes, this was what she would say if the queen asked! She would shift the blame to Aurelia, and the queen would not pursue her about Neil being injured!

Victoria was pleased with herself and relaxed fully, thinking that she had come up with a great idea.

"Alright, I'm taking a rest. You can leave now."

"Your Highness, there's one more thing..."

"What is it?"

"I saw Mr. Irwin yesterday," the maid said in a lowered volume. "He's gone to the west palace. Looks like Prince Alexander's really asked him to treat Princess Helene!"

"Is that so?" Victoria frowned. "But Aunt Helene's been crazy for so many years. It's not like she'll recover just because they want her to!"

"Your Highness, do you want to follow him to see what he's up to?"

Victoria contemplated and gave a light nod. "That'll work too.

"Send someone to follow him from tomorrow onward. Buy a few people over in the west palace too. It'll be easier to have the latest news with our own people inside!" "Yes, Your Highness."

The maid left with that while Victoria looked up at the sky, seeing an eagle circle above the palace. She smirked, her gaze turning brutal.

"Hah, so what if the lunatic's treated?" She spoke to herself. "She should be the ruler, but would my uncle return her the throne even if she recovered? What a joke!"

A few days later, Cordelia and Zephyr entered the palace together and went to the west palace.

Due to Alexander's protection, both of them could enter and leave freely.

It was just that Cordelia did not quite get it. Her father was there to treat Princess Helene. Why would he call and insist the two of them bring him the medicine? Did a doctor like him not carry his medical kit when treating patients?

This was unlike her father!

"Mr. and Mrs. Hamerton!" Upon seeing them, the palace guard was respectful and led the way to the inner hall of the west palace.

"Mr. Irwin's at the side hall. Are you here to send him the medicine?"

"Yes."

"This way, please!"

They went through a long corridor and arrived at the side hall.

This was Cordelia's first time at the west palace. It was very different from the other palaces in the grand palace. The grand palace was majestic and solemn, but this palace felt a little like an Eropah castle.

It had dome tops and white walls with intricate architecture, like an elegant swan in the middle of the lake. This palace's extravagance did not pale compared to the one Alexander was living in right now. The rare pigeon blood rubies embedded in the walls amplified the grandeur.

It was apparent how much the last king, Helene's father, doted on her.

"Looks like this is the difference between a daughter and a son." Cordelia chuckled. "Even the royal family believes that girls should be raised rich."

"Of course!" Zephyr raised a brow. "If I have a daughter, I'll make her the happiest little princess in this world."

"Really?" Cordelia looked at him. "I don't want another baby in this case. I'd be giving myself a love rival if it's a daughter?"