Chapter 280
Isn’t Over
Althea couldn’t believe how Gavriel was overreacting. Ever since he found out about her pregnancy, he had become unbearably protective.
Yes, he allowed her to spend time with Melva and Tristan, but she was never truly alone.
There were always eyes on her… two royal physicians, four maidservants, and even royal guards trailing nearby.
And for what?
She was only walking along the seashore, planning a simple picnic with Melva, Tristan, and the twins.
“Seriously, His Majesty couldn’t even let you have a day to yourself, huh?” Melva teased as she started picking fruits from the basket. “But I understand where he’s coming from. It’s better to be safe than sorry. After all, you are the queen of our kingdom.”
“This feels nice,” Tristan said, taking a deep breath of the cool, fresh air. “It reminds me of the days we used to sneak off to the river, having picnics like this… dreaming about being together by the beach, swimming and enjoying ourselves freely.”
“It would be nice if we could swim now,” Melva added with a pout, “but we’d probably just catch a chill with these fragile human bodies.”
Althea only smiled as she watched the twins playing by the shore, laughing as the waves chased after
their bare feet.
“Didn’t you always love winter? Especially now that you have someone to cuddle with during the cold?” Tristan teased, earning a soft chuckle from her.
“Aren’t you the jealous one?” Melva shot back, then pointed in another direction. “How about I set you up with her?”
Tristan followed her gaze. Not far from them, Trudis stood with Ben and Rudy, occasionally glancing their way as if checking on Althea.
“She’s Trudis, one of Her Majesty’s personal guards,” Melva continued eagerly. “Still single and very much ready to mingle,”
Althea joined in the teasing, her smile widening. “Yes, and since you’re already here, why not talk to her? Get to know her a little. I can even ask Gavriel to let you stay a few more days in the capital. It’s peaceful in the kingdom right now, so I doubt you’re needed back at the pack immediately.”
Althea turned to him, then gently took Tristan’s hands in hers, giving them a reassuring squeeze,
“You don’t have to worry about me anymore,” she said softly. “Like I told you, I’m happy. I love Gavriel, and he loves me. We may not have had the best beginning, but everything turned out the way it was
meant to.”
1/3
280/282. Isn’t Over
852
+25 Bonus
She smiled, her gaze steady and sincere.
“Everything happens for a reason. I truly believe our paths were always meant to cross. And now… I’m going to be a mother.”
Her voice softened even more as she continued, “I’m grateful for everything that happened in the past, because it led me to who I am today. If I were given the chance to go back, I wouldn’t change a single thing… especially not the moment I met Gavriel.”
Tristan let out a heavy sigh before giving a small nod. “I understand, Your Majesty.”
Both of them were startled when one of the twins, Seth, suddenly ran toward them and practically pulled Althea’s hands away from Tristan.
Althea and the others stared at the boy in disbelief.
“No touching,” Seth declared with a pout, narrowing his eyes at Tristan. “His Majesty told us to make sure there’s no skinship between Big Brother Tristan and Big Sister.”
He crossed his arms, looking very serious for his age. “You know how His Majesty is. He’s a possessive husband. He’s the only one allowed to touch Her Majesty… well, except for me, of course. Other men aren’t allowed, especially those who aren’t related by blood.”
Melva chuckled and ruffled Seth’s hair. “Seriously? Aren’t you being a little biased? Tristan practically takes care of you, so give him some slack.”
“But His Majesty’s orders must not be broken,” Seth insisted.
Althea laughed softly, then gently cupped Seth’s cheek. “I understand. Now go on, play with your sister.”
Seth nodded and quickly ran back to Liah, resuming their game by the shore.
“So… I should start playing cupid, I feel like I will succeed in this one,” Melva commented with a grin.
Althea smiled faintly as she watched Melva and Tristan fall back into their usual teasing and banter. She reached for an orange, peeling it slowly as her gaze drifted around their surroundings,
To others, it was a peaceful scene by the shore. But to her, it was something else entirely.
Unclean spirits lingered in the distance, hovering quietly as they watched and waited. They searched for openings, for hearts weighed down by grief, bitterness, or unrepentant sins… souls they could influence and slowly pull into darkness. Those who had not fully surrendered themselves to God remained the most vulnerable.
Her expression softened, but her eyes sharpened as she turned slightly, looking at the presence beside her… Aurus.
Her guardian angel stood watch, shielding her from the unseen threats. Again and again, he struck down the lurking spirits that tried to come near her, never once faltering in his duty..
Althea lowered her gaze, her fingers tightening slightly around the fruit in her hand.
2/3
283/282 isn’t Over
+25 Bonus
‘Looks like the battle isn’t over…’ It’s just being fought in a different realm now.
“You suddenly went quiet. Is something bothering you?” Melva asked, snapping her out of her thoughts.
Althea blinked and looked around, only then realizing Tristan was no longer with them.
“Where’s Tristan?” she asked.
Melva grinned and tilted her head toward a direction. “Over there. Trying to talk to Trudis. You were zoning out, so you missed it. I teased him, called him a coward if he didn’t approach her today. He stood up right away and insisted he wasn’t, so… there he is.”
Althea followed her gaze and smiled softly. “That’s good. I hope Tristan finds someone too… someone he can spend a lifetime with, just like us.”
Melva glanced at her, her expression turning more serious. “So… what’s really bothering you?”
Althea let out a quiet sigh. There was no point hiding it. Melva had always been like a sister to her, someone she trusted with all her heart.
And so, she told her everything.
“What?!” Melva’s eyes widened in alarm. “Shouldn’t we be worried? What if another possession happens, like what occurred with Lord Midas? It could cause chaos all over again.”
Althea shook her head gently, her voice calm. “Don’t worry. Gavriel and I are already working on it. We’re planning to form a group that will specifically handle situations like this… to keep everything under control and maintain peace.”