Chapter 234 - Devious Sins
Adeline wasn't sure how she felt about Dorothy being compatible with her. It would be saving her life in exchange for another. She briefly glanced at Elias as he wheeled her out to the garden. Her heart raced when she saw he had been looking at her, instead of ahead of them.
Weston and Easton were pushing the babies' cribs, and the nannies were far in the distance, waiting in the castle to be called upon.
"What are you thinking about?" Elias asked. He felt a squeeze in his c.h.e.s.t when melancholy filled her beautiful eyes. She was upset by something, but what?
"Dorothy is your only remaining relative. Will it really be alright for me to take her blood just to increase my chances?" Adeline mumbled.
Elias hummed at her words. He continued pushing her in the direction of a large tree with splendid shade. The sun was blaring hot today. Spring was reaching its end.
"I've told you already, darling. Dorothy would like to sacrifice herself. I won't stop her. She has lived for centuries and has watched all of her loved ones and closest friends die. It's time for her to reunite with them," Elias said.
Elias wheeled her directly under the tree, in the exact direction that the iris and orchids were blooming. He heard her sharp intake of breath, mesmerized by the flowers.
"No, I can stand on my own," Adeline said when he tried to bend down and carry her. Instead of protesting at her resilience, Elias stopped directly in front of her wheelchair.
Adeline knew Weston and Easton were watching her. She felt their heavy eyes boring a hole, curious to see if she made any progress.
"Here," Elias said, reaching his palms out for hers.
Adeline placed her hand on top of his. With great effort, she pushed herself to her feet. She gritted her teeth, wincing in pain but didn't utter it.
"You're doing very well," Elias softly said, walking back a bit so she could take her first steps.
"It's okay, take your time," Elias directed. She grabbed his hands even more and pushed herself to continue walking. It took an entire five minutes for her to reach the base of the tree where she instantly slumped down.
"We should've brought a fan out here," Elias teased, pulling out a handkerchief to affectionately wipe her sweat away. He took a seat beside her, wrapping one arm around her tired body.
Weston and Easton continued to watch the King and Queen from afar. Easton pitied the Prince and Princess. Their father's love for them would always be outshined by his love for the Queen. The King loved his wife more than he cared for anyone else in this world.
Almost as if the babies recognized that, they began to cry for attention.
"Shh, it's alright," Weston immediately said, instantly pushing the baby carriage towards the tree, so they'd be out of the glaring sunlight.
"They cry for everything. If only they'd grow up quicker," Easton wistfully sighed.
Soon, they stopped by the large tree, but the King didn't even look at them. The Queen did.
"That's Adelia crying," Adeline said, reaching her hands out. "Give her to me."
"Adelia?" Weston repeated the name, his lips curling upwards. "What a beautiful name."
"Well, would you look at that? You have your mother's eyes," Weston cooed, lifting her into his arms. His c.h.e.s.t felt warm and fuzzy. He had an overwhelming urge to protect her from all the darkness in this world.
Adelia responded by crying even louder and he immediately brought her to the Queen.
"Shhh, what are you crying for, my sweet angel?" Adeline murmured, swaying the baby in her arms.
Elias bent over to stroke the tears away from her face, knowing she must've been overwhelmed by the presence of three Pure-Bloods.
"She's intimidated," Elias said, noticing her eyes were beginning to turn a light shade of pink. A Vampire's eyes shift according to how strong their emotions were.
"There are three ancient and powerful Pure-Bloods here," Adeline mumbled, hugging Adelia close to her body. "But they won't hurt you, sweet angel."
Adeline continued to soothe her crying child. Soon, Adelia quieted down and was peering up at Adeline. Her light pink eyes remained. Adeline knew it was because Adelia was looking up at prey.
"Your eyes are gorgeous, like a ripe peach," Adeline complimented even though Adelia didn't understand her. Adelia babbled her lips, suddenly giggling.
"Whilst your brothers' eyes heavily resemble your father," Adeline continued to speak, glancing at Elias. She was pleasantly surprised to see Elias had gotten up to carry Elios.
"Let her through," Weston nonchalantly said to the bodyguards. Though, they were having a difficult time handling Lydia's own squadron of men.
Weston tried to ignore the excitement gnawing at his c.h.e.s.t. He was ecstatic to see her, even though he left her house this morning. He maintained his aloof expression, but it threatened to crack when she approached him.
"You'd think with the number of times I'm seen in this castle, they'd stop fussing at my presence," Lydia scoffed, walking past him.
Weston grabbed her wrist and pulled her back to him, frowning at how she ignored him like air. She smirked up at him, and he realized it was the exact reaction she wanted. He narrowed his eyes. She really was a brat. One that knew how to make him tick.
"Well, if it isn't my boyfriend," Lydia laughed, stepping back to peer up at him. He was already frustrated with her and she was already entertained.
"Who else would it be?" Weston remarked, scoffing when her smirk widened. This arrogant little thing. She loved testing his patience. That was fine. He'd dish her punishment in bed. There was a lot he had planned out for her.
"Lydia, is that you?" Adeline called from behind the tree. She was unable to move her body to see around it, but she'd recognize that voice anywhere.
"Of course!" Lydia chirped, shoving Weston aside to happily skip to her best friend, heels and all.
"What are you doing here?" Adeline asked, her lips tugging into a large grin. "I thought you'd be occupied with the company."
Adeline opened her mouth to say something, but paused at the sight of Weston who's shadow hovered over them. Wordlessly, he plopped down next to Lydia. Adeline instantly put the pieces together.
Adeline loudly gasped, causing Elias's head to snap up and towards her. "You two are officially dating now?!"
Lydia instantly nodded whereas Weston looked away. He tried to hide his slight blush at her words. It had been a while since he heard something like that.
"Oh, I'm so happy for you, though not surprised given the s.e.x.u.a.l tension you two have!" Adeline gushed, glancing from Weston to Lydia. She was excited that her best friend wasn't going to die of singleness.
"Gosh, everyone is here," Easton commented, noticing Minerva in the distance. He saw she was most likely walking to Dorothy's tower. He debated the idea of telling her that Dorothy was gone, but he decided against it. It would be better for her to find out on her own.
"Yes," Adeline softly sighed.
Adeline glanced at her surroundings. Her closest friend was here. Her children were healthy. She was alive. Elias loved their newborns. Everything was at peace in this world. She leaned back into the tree, savoring the spring breeze that drifted past them, carrying the scent of orchids and irises.
"I can die of happiness right now," Adeline commented, her heart at ease with the life she currently lived.
"You better not die on me," Elias scoffed, grabbing her waist and yanking her close. Elios was resting his head on his father's shoulder, his slow breathing indicating he had fallen into a great slumber.
Adeline laughed at his words, shaking her head. "Yes, I know. My freedom began with you and will end with you."
Adeline leaned her head on his shoulders and smiled. "Or perhaps, our life truly began in that hotel room, where I discovered Your Majesty's devious sins."
The End.
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