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The Regent’s Secret Wife engsub fullepisode🎉
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00:00When he entered my private chamber, he was holding a baby in his arms.
00:04You promised to give me ten heirs, he said.
00:06I feared the burden of motherhood might overwhelm you, so Talia bore one for you first.
00:09The war at the frontier is beyond my control.
00:11He avoided my glaze.
00:13But I swear, once you raise this child into a proper young lord, I will return to marry you.
00:17He pressed the baby into my arms, a boy with crooked features and a vacant stare,
00:22then mounted alongside Talia and rode west.
00:25Four years later, he returned victorious.
00:28I was dining with Leo at a tavern.
00:30He had just recited an ancient elven prophecy, and the nobles at the next table whispered in admiration.
00:36At that moment, the tavern door swung open.
00:39Devon dismounted and strode straight towards me.
00:42Elara, he said.
00:43These years have been hard on you.
00:45This boy inherited my gifts, but I cannot deny your role in raising him.
00:49He paused.
00:50My vow will be fulfilled.
00:52But Talia fought beside me at the frontier for five years and gave birth to my eldest son.
00:56I must grant her the title of duchess.
00:58You, however, will be my paranorme.
01:00I signaled my guards to bring Leo to the carriage, meeting his gaze steadily.
01:05You misunderstand, sir.
01:07I am a lord's daughter.
01:09I will not become any man's mistress.
01:11Besides, the true king in my heart is the one who holds the regency.
01:15Hearing Draven now claim ownership over my son, not even his entire family's bloodline could atone for it.
01:23Surprise flickered across Draven's face before he scowled.
01:27We never swore before the old gods.
01:29You are not the mistress of my house.
01:30Keep such presumptuous words to yourself, or the court will laugh, saying the Duchess Paranur does not know her place.
01:37I smeared.
01:37When he left four years ago, I had sent a raven to inform him that my wedding would proceed as
01:42planned.
01:43On the wedding day, he sent a rusted iron gauntlet with a note.
01:46Since you are so eager for a husband, swear before this gauntlet.
01:50It will save you from endless listening urging me to return.
01:53He never knew I had outsmarted him and taken another husband.
01:56Leo pressed his face against the carriage window, looking at me with worry.
02:00I ignored Draven and ordered my guards.
02:02Take the young lord back to the royal academy.
02:05Had I known we'd run into them, I would never have taken Leo out during the academy's lunch break.
02:11Not so fast!
02:12Before the horses could move, Talia blocked the wheel.
02:15She yanked open the carriage door and dragged Leo out.
02:18Leo struggled in her arms, calling for his mother.
02:20I lunged forward.
02:22Talia! Let go of my son!
02:24She dodged with the child, eyes gleaming with triumph.
02:28Miss Alara, what spell has bewitched you?
02:31Since when is my son yours?
02:34A guard drew his dagger.
02:35Stop! The young lord is not for you to touch!
02:38Before he could speak further, Draven kicked him squarely in the chest, sending him flying.
02:43The nobles and merchants dining nearby scattered.
02:46Draven's voice was cold.
02:48The king is about to confirm me as my, Marshires.
02:51The decree has yet to be issued.
02:53You lowly servant dare call my bloodline, young lord?
02:56Blood spilled from the guard's mouth as he scrambled toward the door to fetch reinforcements.
03:01Draven gripped my wrist.
03:03Alara, I know you crave power and airs and my son has grown remarkable.
03:07He whispered.
03:08For four years you've enjoyed the prestige of our child at court.
03:12Now that we have returned, mother and child should reunite.
03:16What else is there to fight for?
03:17I broke free.
03:18Dream on, I whispered.
03:20The child you bore is a fool, not a fraction of Leo's intellect.
03:24If you want any dignity left, let go immediately.
03:27Deren's face darkened, and he gripped my wrist with sudden force.
03:30How dare you insult your lord with such words?
03:33He growled.
03:34Pain radiated up my arm, but I straightened my back, refusing to show weakness.
03:38Leo, seeing me being attacked, rushed forward, eyes blazing.
03:42Let her go!
03:43Don't touch my mother!
03:44Tala trembled with fury as she watched her own child defend me.
03:47Her nails dug into Leo's arm, her face twisted with rage.
03:50My darling, look at me!
03:51I gave you your bloodline!
03:52That woman only stole your mother's love!
03:54She's a thief!
03:55Leo struggled and landed a punch on her temple.
03:57No!
03:57You're a lying witch!
03:58You're the one hurting my mother!
03:59No!
04:00Talia screamed and released him.
04:02Leo tried to dash back to me, but Deren seized him by the collar, lifting him into the air.
04:06The battlefield general who had struck down enemies without mercy now shouted at a five-year-old.
04:10You insolent boy!
04:12How dare you strike your mother!
04:14Seeing Leo's pale little face, my fury erupted.
04:17Draven, are you blind?
04:19If she hadn't grabbed him first, he wouldn't have fought back!
04:22Draven's gaze fell on the bruises along Leo's arm.
04:25He wavered, about to set him down, when Talia suddenly collapsed to her knees, wiping tears from her face.
04:30Allura, I bore this child.
04:32Do you think I don't care for him?
04:34But for the past four years, you've filled him with hatred towards me, making him reject his birth mother.
04:39How could I have?
04:40I know you still hate me.
04:41When I gave Draen an heir, I wronged you.
04:44But the child is innocent.
04:45If you need to vent your anger, punish me, even take my life.
04:48Just don't turn us mother and son against each other again.
04:52She raised her hand to strike herself.
04:54Stop!
04:54Draen intervened, then turned to me.
04:56Allura, four years ago, I wondered why you accepted the child so quietly.
04:59Now I see.
05:00You planned from the start to separate my son from his mother.
05:03Father, if I had known you were this malicious, I would never have entrusted the Draen family bloodline to you.
05:08He said, placing Leo into Talia's arms.
05:11From this moment, you lose all rights to interfere with this child.
05:14Seeing his vile expression, the humiliation from four years ago is rudged back.
05:17When Talia suddenly became pregnant, I had my doubts about Draen.
05:20But every time I tried to ask, he cut me off.
05:22Tara and I are like siblings.
05:23The child she carries is from one of the guards.
05:25If I had an affair with her, would I have arranged our marriage?
05:28If you don't believe me.
05:29He even forced Talia to drink an abortfitive in front of me, and then sent her to St. Catherine Manor
05:34to recover.
05:35I thought I had misjudged them and felt guilty, sending her remedies from my lands continuously.
05:40A year later, when I visited with gifts, I saw Draen holding the newborn-reformed baby, teaching him to say
05:45father.
05:46At that moment, his smile frozen.
05:48The next day, he tore away all pre-tent, claiming the child with Talia was only meant to let me
05:53practice how to be a duchess in advance.
05:55I clenched my fists, looking at the pair before me, and let out a cold laugh.
05:59Draen, do you really think I would raise your intimate child with your mistress?
06:03Draen stared at me with a dark expression.
06:05I was about to reveal the truth when I noticed Leo in Talus's arms, pale and clutching his chest, struggling
06:12to breathe.
06:13I rushed forward, pushed Talia aside, and pulled a pill from a hidden pouch, pressing it between my son's lips.
06:19Leo, swallow it!
06:22Since birth, Leo had suffered from a severe lung condition.
06:25That first winter, he had nearly been claimed by death itself.
06:28Since then, I always carried a life-saving pill close to him.
06:31Under my care, he hadn't had an attack in two years.
06:34This must have been Talus's violent scare triggering a suffocating episode.
06:37As I was about to pat his back to help him swallow,
06:40Talia suddenly screamed, lunged, and yanked my hair, slapping me hard.
06:46Alara!
06:47Why would you poison my child?
06:49She shrieked, tears streaming.
06:51He is my life!
06:52How can you be so cruel?
06:55She reached for the pill in Leo's mouth.
06:57Quick, my darling, spit out the poison!
06:59I tried to stop her, but a heavy blow struck my back,
07:03sending me flying across the floor.
07:05Draen yanked me upright.
07:07Alara, what did you feed my son?
07:09Tara had prayed half the pill from between Liko's teeth and flung it onto the stone floor.
07:13I yelled at her, furious.
07:15Don't remove it!
07:15Let him swallow!
07:16That's the antidote for his lung disease!
07:18He's had this hidden condition since birth!
07:20Draen's grip on my wrist stiffened for a moment.
07:22But the next second, Talara dropped to her knees, begging me.
07:26Alara, I beg you, give me the antidote!
07:28I know you can't bear it!
07:29I buhi fight you!
07:30The Marchkiss title!
07:31The birth mother's recognition!
07:33I give it all to you!
07:34Just let my child live!
07:35Even if it costs my life, I'm willing!
07:37Seeing Leo corrupting on the ground, I slammed Draen's arm with all my strength.
07:41Draen, let go!
07:43Leo isn't poisoned, it's a lung attack!
07:44If he swallows that half pill, he'll be fine!
07:46Draen was silent for a moment, then finally released me and moved toward the half pill.
07:53The next instant, he lifted his boot and crushed the pill into powder.
07:58He sneered at my ashen face.
08:00Alara, do you think I'm stupid?
08:02Poison or chronic illness, do you think I can't tell the difference?
08:06My son's lips are already purple, and you still dare lie, since you refuse to reveal the truth.
08:11Don't blame me for having the knights search you!
08:13At his signal, two guards held me down while three knights reached for the hidden pouch in my skirt.
08:18I lifted my chin, voice low and dangerous.
08:21How dare you?
08:22I am the lawful wife sworn to marry His Excellency the Lord Regent.
08:26How dare you touch me, you lowborn scum!
08:29The knights froze mid-motion.
08:31I took a deep breath, glanced at the unconscious Leo, and fixed my gaze on Draen.
08:36Draen?
08:37Leo is the sole bloodline of the Lord Regent Caelan and me.
08:41If he takes his last breath today, everyone present will be burned at the stake.
08:47If you value your lives, take him to a healer immediately.
08:52Talia sobs, abruptly stopped.
08:55The Lord Regent did marry a bride, four years ago.
08:59But that wedding day was, in any case, the same day you swore before that iron gauntlet.
09:05She stared at me in shock.
09:06I've heard you once rejected His Excellency at the Palace Ball.
09:10Are you so consumed by jealousy that you now imagine yourself as the Princess Consort claiming my own child as
09:15his blood?
09:17Draen's eyes darkened with malice.
09:21Elara, what the Lord Regent said to you back then was nothing but drunken words.
09:25I didn't expect you to still dwell on them.
09:28Considering you're the daughter of the Chief Minister,
09:30such shameless delusions are no different than the prostitutes of the Lower District!
09:34He roared at the knights.
09:36What are you waiting for? Search her!
09:38When Kayin confessed his feelings and I rejected him,
09:41he claimed it was a slip of drunkness to protect my reputation.
09:44I had buried every secret to protect Derek.
09:47Yet in his eyes, it became nothing but self-indulgent fantasy.
09:51The knights tore at my skirts, hands rising over me.
09:55Humiliation washed over me, and I bent over, raging.
09:58Sir, there's nothing on her.
10:00One knight reported.
10:02At that moment, Talia screamed.
10:05Draen!
10:05Our child, he's not breathing!
10:08I looked up.
10:09Leo, who had been convulsing moments ago, lay still.
10:13Leo!
10:14I cried, rushing to him.
10:16Draen finally panicked, grabbing a guard.
10:19Go!
10:19Take the fastest horse.
10:21Fetch the healer.
10:22It's too late!
10:23Talia pulled a dagger from her skirts.
10:25Draen, I've heard of a folk technique to cut open the abdomen and remove toxins.
10:29Slice our baby's stomach and extract the poison.
10:32By the time the healer arrives, you can stitch him up!
10:34I shivered at the madness before me.
10:36Talia, are you insane?
10:38Draen threw me to the ground, taking the dagger.
10:41The one who's insane is you!
10:43Talia is his mother by blood.
10:45She wouldn't harm him.
10:46If he suffers, it's because of your jealous poisoning.
10:50Pull this madwoman away!
10:52He grabbed a jug of strong liquor and poured it over the blade, seemingly ready to carve
10:55into his own child.
10:56I broke free from the knight's hold, shielding Leo with all my strength.
11:00Draen, if that blade cuts him, Kaelin will make your entire family pay with their lives!
11:06Draen sneered, choking me with one hand.
11:09And yet you still refuse to see reason.
11:12The king is young, and all life and death power rests with the lord regent.
11:15You cling to his drunken words, calling him by name repeatedly.
11:18Do you expect to drag my entire family to hell with you?
11:20My vision blurred.
11:21Once I save my son, you'll spend three years in the Tower of Penance, so you won't use
11:24vile schemes to drive a wedge between Talia and him again.
11:26He flung me aside, raising the dagger towards Leo's abdomen.
11:30When I opened my eyes, I saw him bring the blade down.
11:33No!
11:34At that moment, a guard's voice shouted from outside.
11:37Your Excellency, the Princess Comfort and the young lord are inside!
11:40The door splintered under a kick, and countless royal knights in black armor poured in.
11:47Just as the dagger was about to strike, a stone shot through the air, deflecting it.
11:51Draen froze.
11:52Dozens of swords were now pressed to his neck.
11:56When he saw the figure entering the hall, his face went pale with shock.
12:01The lord regent?
12:02The era of authority around Kaelin made Draen tremble, and Talia didn't dare raise her head.
12:08My tears finally broke through.
12:11Seeing Kaelin, I pointed frantically at the child on the floor.
12:15My king!
12:18Leo has stopped breathing!
12:19Save him first!
12:20Kaelin immediately removed a small porcelain vial from his neck,
12:25dripping a single drop of alchemical elixir into Leo's mouth.
12:29Moments later, Leo's fingers twilled.
12:33Dreven cried out.
12:34Hilara, what did you just call him?
12:37His eyes were red as he tried to rise and question Kaelin,
12:41only to be knocked back to the ground by a guard's sword halt.
12:44Kaelin handed the child into my arms,
12:46glancing at my swoded cheeks while his sword remained pointed at Drever.
12:50Are you deaf?
12:52My wife calls only me.
12:55Who else would she call?
12:57Draven's face went pale.
12:59Impossible!
13:01Alara married into my family four years ago.
13:03How could you be her husband?
13:06I rushed forward, slapping him hard across the face.
13:09Draven, the moment you shoved Talia's child into my arms four years ago,
13:13my loyalty to you died.
13:14The letter I sent was to tell you I would marry Kaelin,
13:17and you had someone deliver a rusted gauntlet for me to swear before.
13:21Draven's face twisted in disbelief.
13:24Kaelin snorted coldly,
13:25thrusting his sword forward and piercing Draven's right hand.
13:29As he gripped his own blade,
13:31Draven wailed and rolled on the ground.
13:34Draven!
13:35Talia crawled forward, terrified.
13:38Kaelin looked down at them.
13:40So it was this hand that harmed my wife and child?
13:43Then it serves no purpose anymore.
13:45He glanced at the marks on my face.
13:49Alara, these injuries, he caused them too?
13:52Talia scrambled to me, clutching my skirts.
13:55Your Highness, I am ignorant and lowly,
13:58unaware of your nobility.
14:00But I am still Leo's birth mother.
14:02Please, for the sake of mother and child,
14:05forgive me and return him to me.
14:07Her gaze locked on Leo, greedy and demanding.
14:11Although Leo had regained his breath,
14:13his eyes remained closed.
14:15Remembering her madness moments ago,
14:17I slapped her several times.
14:21Talia, Leo is the legitimate heir conceived after my marriage to the Lord Regent
14:25and born the following year.
14:27Our wedding had taken place in the palace private hall.
14:31To the outside world, it was said that the Lord Regent married a noble-born lady,
14:35but her name was never revealed.
14:37Kaelin insisted on this secrecy to prevent the Draken family from using it against me at the frontier.
14:43After Leo's birth, he was raised at the Royal Academy under the title,
14:48the Lord Regent's secretly nurtured legitimate heir.
14:51As for the child you claim, I paused.
14:53Four years ago, after you abandoned that malformed infant on my estate,
14:57I had him sent to an orphanage.
14:59If you want a family reunion, go there and find your true bloodline.
15:04Draven's family bloodline was thin.
15:07Four years ago, after he abandoned that child to me,
15:10he and Talia had ridden off to the frontier.
15:13The malformed infant had been declared unlikely to survive more than three months.
15:17No servant dared touch him in the manor.
15:20I was no saint, raising my former fiancé's illidimate child with his mistress.
15:25But I couldn't stand by and watch a small life die on my estate.
15:31So I secretly sent him to St. Mary Orphanage, Lower District.
15:35I never imagined that child would survive with sheer determination until today.
15:40When Talia heard the truth, she froze.
15:44Seeing me carrying Leo to leave, she lunged forward.
15:50Allura, you lying witch!
15:52Don't think you can deceive me!
15:54Leo is my child!
15:55You only want his gifts for yourself!
15:57Before she could reach me, two royal knights pilled her to the ground.
16:02Caelan drew me under his cloak, eyes sweeping over Talia.
16:06Since your tongue is so venomous,
16:08you'll be taken back to the palace to face royal justice.
16:12He held both me and Leo, turning toward the door.
16:16Behind us, two royal knights caffed Dreric and Talia with their arms crossed behind their backs.
16:20Tara screamed, hair disroveled.
16:22How dare you!
16:23I am about to become a duchess!
16:25The king is about to grant me a title, and you dare touch me!
16:29Drevon struggled to rise from the pool of blood, standing in front of Talia.
16:36Are you blind?
16:37Step back, or I'll personally chop off your heads.
16:41The surrounding knights laughed, mocking the blood-beast state of Drevon's right hand.
16:46Sir General, I think you jesk.
16:49Your Excellency's sword has disabled your hand.
16:51You'll never wield a blade again.
16:53Pray tell, what will you use to cut off our heads?
16:57laughter erupted again in the hall.
17:00Drevon trembled with rage.
17:01Do not be so insolent!
17:04I'll appeal to his majesty for justice!
17:08The knights laughed, even louder.
17:11Appeal to the king?
17:12Perhaps you forget, the young king has not yet assumed the throne.
17:15The Lord Regent now holds all authority in the kingdom.
17:19You want his Excellency to deliver justice for you?
17:22You!
17:23Deren was speechless.
17:27Back at the fortress, under the care of the chief heather,
17:32Leo finally emerged from danger, fully conscious.
17:39My tensed nerves relaxed, and I nearly collapsed.
17:47Elara!
17:50Kaelin called softly, catching me before I fell.
17:55Mother.
17:56Leo murmured weakly from the bed.
17:59It's okay.
18:00Before I could finish, Kaelin pressed me onto the bed.
18:04Your organs are injured in multiple places, yet you claim to be fine?
18:07He whispered.
18:09If you hadn't insisted on seeing Leo awake with your own eyes,
18:12I wouldn't have let you step out the door.
18:14Though his words were stern,
18:16there was worry and fear in his eyes.
18:20The healer packed away the elixirs, giving strict instructions.
18:24The young Lord experienced extreme fright, aggravating his old condition.
18:28Over the next several years, no further mistakes may occur.
18:33Guilt welled up in me as I looked at Leo.
18:35I'm sorry, my darling.
18:37It's my fault.
18:40If I hadn't taken you to that tavern.
18:44Leo pressed his small body against my neck.
18:47I don't blame you, mother.
18:49It was your fault.
18:51It was those two villains.
18:54He looked up at Kaelin.
18:56Father, you must avenge me and mother.
19:00They do not deserve to live under your light.
19:03Kaelin drew us both into his arms.
19:06Leo, rest assured.
19:08Anyone who dares to harm you will answer to me.
19:12Meanwhile, Draven and Talia searched far and wide,
19:16only to have the truth shatter their delusions.
19:19Leo was indeed the legitimate heir,
19:22born the year after the Lord Regent's marriage,
19:25and the princess consort was Elara herself.
19:29Talia had no choice but to face the truth.
19:33Her face twisted in rage and envy.
19:36Brother Draven, that witch is so cruel.
19:39To punish us, she actually threw our child into an orphanage.
19:46Our precious child, who should have been a noble heir,
19:50survived five years in that place, longing for our salvation.
19:55Draven's heart ached, placing all blame on me.
19:59They rushed to the orphanage.
20:02Just as they stepped through the iron gate,
20:05a figure running across the lawn caught their eyes.
20:09The boy was about five, sturdy for his age,
20:12and bore a faint resemblance to a young Darren.
20:16Devon looked at him, almost in tears,
20:19convinced this was his bloodline.
20:21The orphanage director rushed over,
20:24about to check the adoption records,
20:25but Draven stopped her.
20:27No need to look through those papers.
20:28He said, eyes fixed on the boy.
20:31I can tell at a glance he carries the Draven family blood.
20:34Who else could look this exceptional besides my own seed?
20:39Tala screamed and leapt forward,
20:42clutching the boy to her chest.
20:43My darling!
20:46You've suffered all these years.
20:48Look at your father and mother.
20:50We'll take you to the Markiravit estate.
20:52From now on, you're the sole heir of this land.
20:54The boy looked confused,
20:56but when he heard the title Ducal Heir,
20:58a flicker of greed lit his eyes.
21:00He obediently returned to Talia's arms,
21:02calling out,
21:03Father, Mother.
21:04The pair were lost in the joy of reunion.
21:07However, just as Draven was about to nod,
21:10a frail little hand tugged at his cloak.
21:14Dreven turned, annoyed.
21:15When he saw the child, he gasped.
21:18The child had crooked features and a vacant stare.
21:20Drool slipped from his half-open mouth onto Darren's robe.
21:23This simple-minded child showed no fear,
21:26mumbling,
21:27Father, Mother.
21:29Draven felt sick and yanked the frail hand away.
21:33Where did this beggar come from?
21:35Father, Mother?
21:36You think a sewer rat like you can call that?
21:39Get lost!
21:40The rejected child fell to the ground,
21:43wailing.
21:44Though mentally limited,
21:45he still remembered that I had once visited him.
21:48I had whispered in his ear,
21:49Survive.
21:50Soon your birth parents will come for you.
21:52When you hear someone call my lord.
21:55That is your father.
21:56The woman beside him is your mother.
21:58He had followed my instructions,
22:00yet the child they embraced was someone else.
22:03Tali's eyes were full of disgust.
22:06This is where this wild mongrel came from.
22:09The orphanage now even takes in cursed idiots?
22:12She hugged her fake son tightly.
22:14Thank the old gods my real child grew strong and bright.
22:17If my bloodline had turned out a fool like this,
22:20I'd rather dash my head against a pillar.
22:22As they prepared to leave,
22:24the simple-minded child rose from the ground,
22:26running after Taliya,
22:28calling Mother repeatedly.
22:29Taliya halted.
22:30By the time she realized,
22:32her skirt had been tugged and wrinkled by the dirty little hands.
22:35She shoved him.
22:36Get lost!
22:37You disgusting mongrel,
22:39I am not your mother!
22:39The child fell before Drapen's boots,
22:42looking up helplessly.
22:43Seeing those eyes,
22:44Drapen instinctively reached to lift him.
22:46But mid-reach, reason returned.
22:48Pitying a beggar felt absurd.
22:50As he drew back his hand,
22:52a cold object touched his palm.
22:54He looked down.
22:55The child held a piece of moldy, blackened jerky.
23:00You lowly mongrel,
23:01dare you taunt a noble lord with this trash?
23:04Deren raised his boot and kicked the boy squarely in the chest.
23:07The child flew back, landing on the stone steps.
23:10His body convulsed,
23:12blood spilling from the back of his head.
23:15Taliya screamed,
23:16covering her fake son's eyes.
23:18Don't look, darling.
23:19Don't let this filthy scene scare you.
23:21The simple-minded child lying in a pool of blood still gazed toward Draen,
23:24never understanding what he had done wrong.
23:26Just then the orphanage director finally found the records from five years ago.
23:30She ran over, holding the files.
23:31My lord, your true bloodline,
23:33this simple-minded child you just kicked is yours.
23:35You've mistaken him!
23:37What did you say?
23:39Draven spun,
23:40snatching the parchment.
23:42When he read the words,
23:43he froze.
23:45This is impossible.
23:46How could my bloodline be-
23:48Five years ago,
23:49when the Lord Regent's Princess Consate brought this child here,
23:52she explained he was your true offspring.
23:54Cursed by the old gods at birth,
23:55the healer predicted he would not survive three months.
23:57The nun's trembling voice explained.
24:01The records are clear.
24:02Perhaps the child's relentless hope to see his parents kept him alive all these years.
24:06The nun wiped her tears,
24:08glancing at the blood-stained jerky on the stone steps.
24:11Life in the orphanage was harsh.
24:12Children only tasted meat once every two or three years.
24:15That piece of jerky,
24:16this foolish child had secretly kept it for three years.
24:19He said when his father and mother came,
24:20he would share it with them.
24:21Tala let out a wail,
24:23shoving aside the fake air,
24:24staggling towards the stone steps.
24:26My darling,
24:26it's mother's fault.
24:27Mother has come.
24:28She reached the simple-minded child's body,
24:30holding him tightly.
24:31Blood-stained her long dress,
24:32she frantically slapped herself.
24:34Draven also knelt on the cold stone,
24:35his Adam's onion moving with each choking breath.
24:38Just then,
24:38he had called for his father,
24:39offering his most cherished food,
24:41and he had ended that fragile life with his own hands.
24:44Darren spat blood violently.
24:47At the same time,
24:48the orphanage was surrounded by a sudden wave of royal knights.
24:52Caelan stepped forward from the formation,
24:54surveying the bodies on the ground.
24:56Derephan,
24:57I still underestimated your cruelty.
24:58Even beasts in the Hiss do not devour their young,
25:01what you slaughtered your own flesh and blood.
25:02Draven snapped back to reality,
25:04eyes red as blood.
25:06What are you doing here?
25:07Come to mock me?
25:07I have no leisure for that.
25:09Caelan said coldly,
25:10take these two criminals into custody.
25:12Derephan panicked,
25:13screaming hysterically,
25:14Who gave you the right to arrest me?
25:16I am the commander who brought glory to the kingdom.
25:18Because you are guilt.
25:19I stepped forward from behind the armored knights.
25:21Caelan was surprised to see me.
25:23You're here too.
25:24I thought I told you to stay at the estate and rest.
25:26My king,
25:27I said,
25:28looking at the lifeless child.
25:30I just wanted to see the outcome with my own eyes.
25:35I was too late.
25:36Seeing me,
25:37Dreyren whispered,
25:38Alara.
25:38His voice was filled with regret and bitter resentment.
25:41I frowned slightly,
25:42correcting him coldly.
25:43From now on,
25:43you should address me as Princess Consort.
25:45He staggered as if struck.
25:47Caelan took my hand.
25:48Over the past four years at the frontier,
25:50you falsified reports of victories,
25:52hid casualties among your knights,
25:54and indulged with your mistress,
25:56trading soldiers' blood and lives for your personal glory.
25:59These crimes have now been fully investigated.
26:02Every charge is true.
26:04And the evidence is undeniable.
26:07Caelan's voice was like a death sentence.
26:09By royal martial law,
26:11you will be taken to the execution grounds.
26:14Carry out the sentence immediately.
26:16Dreyren went pale.
26:17As the knights moved to escort him,
26:18he tried to resist instinctively.
26:20Within moments,
26:20he collapsed under the pressure of the knight's sword halts,
26:23powerless to shout.
26:24Talia was quickly shackled as well,
26:26her expression vacant,
26:28even forgetting to struggle.
26:30Both were taken to the execution grounds.
26:32Until the very end,
26:33Talia still clutched a blood-stained cloth tightly,
26:36refusing to let go.
26:37This absurd courtly farce finally ended.
26:40I lifted my head,
26:41meeting Caelan's gaze.
26:42Return to the fortress.
26:44Leo must be worried.
26:45Seven days after Draven's execution,
26:47the young king signed a decree.
26:48The Lord Regent Caelan and his secret wife Alara
26:51would hold a formal royal ceremony the next night
26:53in the Grand Hall of the Royal Palace,
26:55witnessed by all officials and the old gods.
26:58Caelan said he owed me a proper wedding.
27:00The palace master of Ascentes struck the floor thrice with his staff,
27:04and the wooden doors slowly opened.
27:06I held Leo's hand as we walked down the hall,
27:10nobles on either side bowing low.
27:12Caelan stood on the elevated douse,
27:16eyes never leaping me from the moment we entered.
27:19I knelt before him.
27:23Rise, he said, palm up.
27:26In this hall, you need never kneel to me.
27:29I placed my hand in his.
27:32The high priest of the old gods
27:34raised the ancient sword.
27:37In the name of the old gods,
27:39by blood and oath,
27:41the Lord Regent Caelan,
27:43do you swear to protect the woman at your side,
27:46guarding her from all harm?
27:48I do, Caelan said,
27:49even at the cost of my life.
27:51Princess Consort Alara,
27:53do you swear to walk beside the Lord Regent,
27:55sharing both storm and calm,
27:58until the old gods call you home?
28:00I looked at Caelan.
28:02I do.
28:02The ancient sword rested across our joined hands.
28:05Its blade cut my fingertips,
28:07blood dripping into Caelan's palm,
28:09our blood mingling upon the steel.
28:10Blood joined, oath sealed.
28:12From this day forth,
28:13the Lord Regent Caelan and Princess Consort Alara
28:16are witnessed by the old gods.
28:17Caelan did not wait for the priest to complete the ritual,
28:20but lifted my bleeding hand
28:21and pressed his lips to the wound.
28:23A suppressed gauss swept through the hall.
28:25My princess.
28:26He whispered.
28:27From this moment,
28:27anyone who harms you will pay in blood.
28:29I hooked my fingertips,
28:31lightly,
28:31around his hand.
28:32Then, Your Excellency,
28:34return my first kiss.
28:35He bent and kissed me.
28:37The nobles bowed their heads,
28:40silent.
28:44This was the Grand Hall of the Lord Regent,
28:47and this ceremony was for his princess.
28:51After the banquet,
28:53Caelan led me to the private chambers,
28:55the heavy door closing behind us.
28:58He removed his cloak and looked at me.
29:01Tired?
29:03No.
29:03He approached, hand brushing my face.
29:05These past four years,
29:07you've endured so much.
29:09Your Excellency, Caelan.
29:10He whispered,
29:11cutting me off.
29:12In this room,
29:13there is no Your Excellency.
29:14His thumb traced a faint scar behind my ear,
29:16cut by Deren's men at the palace four years ago.
29:19He had been present then,
29:20but could not act openly.
29:21That night,
29:22he said,
29:23I vowed I would marry you.
29:24You kept your promise.
29:26I replied.
29:27He leaned down and kissed me.
29:29His hand cradled my waist,
29:30pulling me into his arms as we kissed,
29:32unable to separate.
29:33Alara, say it.
29:34I knew what he wanted.
29:36Caelan.
29:37His breath hitched.
29:38Say it again.
29:39Caelan, my king.
29:40After a long pause,
29:41he released me,
29:42forehead resting against mine.
29:43His voice was hazy.
29:44No rush tonight.
29:46Leo waits in the next room for his good night.
29:48I smiled, softly.
29:50Then let's see our son.
29:52He held my hand
29:53and slipped a ring onto my ring finger.
29:56This time,
29:56he said,
29:57no one can ever take it from you again.
29:58When we opened Leo's bedroom door,
30:01he was leaning against the window,
30:03gazing at the moon.
30:04Hearing our footsteps,
30:05he turned and his eyes lit up.
30:07Father,
30:08mother,
30:08he whispered.
30:09Caelan walked over and picked him up.
30:12Leo's arms wrapped around his neck.
30:14Father,
30:15Leo shouted loudly.
30:17You are a true warrior.
30:18Caelan was silent for a moment,
30:20then hugged him tighter.
30:22My son,
30:23you are my pride.
30:24I stepped beside them,
30:25placing my hand over Caelan's.
30:28Caelan kissed the top of my head.
30:30Welcome home,
30:31my queen.
30:31I closed my eyes.
30:33From tonight,
30:34I am Caelan's wife,
30:36Leo's mother,
30:37and the true mistress of this palace.
30:39And this is only the beginning.
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