After they finished dinner, Felix was sitting in the common room with his father. Princess Gianna had something to do, so she left right away after dinner and Prince Alonzo went to his room to work. He needs to prepare for his upcoming exhibition.

Princess Gianna's husband died fifteen years ago. Since then, the Princess and his son returned to the palace, residing in the Jewel Palace which was just next to the main one.

​​

"Are you prepared for everything? Once the news is out, the public reaction won't be in our favour but that doesn't mean it's impossible to make it happen." King Lawrence said to his son. He was very serious about this matter.

If Felix was not the Crown Prince, there would be nothing to worried about. But he was and his wife will be the Crown Princess and the future Queen. That's why it's become a huge matter.

Will the soldiers be okay with having a Special Forces officer of Silveren as the Queen of their country? As everyone knows, the two countries could never have a rosy relationship even after the Peace Treaty.

"I am. As soon as Yelena is ready, everything will start. I heard that she told you about her brother. She needs to solve that matter first." Felix understood the pain of the unsolved case of a loved one. So, he had no intention to rush her. He was willing to wait no matter how long it takes.

"Okay. I will trust you. The people admire you and if you give your all, they will trust you too." Glancing at the stairs and the floor which was just above them, the King let out a breath. "What do you think they're talking about?" He asked his son.

Felix looked in the direction where his father was looking. "I don't know. I only hoped that my mother won't make her uncomfortable." He stated and then laughed. Deep inside, he was sure that Yelena would be able to handle it.

Just above the floor where the father and son were sitting, the Queen was having a chat with Yelena in her room. After dinner, the mother asked to have a private chat with her son's fiancee, which surprised everyone.

"I understand how you feel as I was once in your shoes but you don't have to feel nervous. I'm not scary like you think me to be." Queen Nicola slightly smiled and paused before she added, "I'm just a mother who wants to know more about my son's lover."

"My husband told me about your brother and that you need time. We are okay with that. Besides, you're still young." The Queen remarked.

"Did the royal life scared you?" Queen Nicola asked, wondering how Yelena would answer.

"Yes. To be honest, I'm sad to lose my normal life and at the same time, I wonder if I would be able to do a good job." Yelena made a deliberate paused and met the Queen's gaze. "As you know, Mother, I lived my life as a soldier for the past years and it's very contrary to the life of royals."

"Contrary?" The Queen let out a light chuckle. She regarded Yelena amusingly. "You might be wrong in that matter, Yelena. A soldier's life is all about discipline and the royal life is also just that. We are both bound by rules. It's just that... our rules are quite different. For both soldiers and royals, self-control is everything."

Yelena was bewildered by the Queen's statement. She knew that the Queen had a point but she never thought of it that away. "You are right, Mother. I never look that way because before I met Felix, I never thought about royalty, let alone to be royal." She frankly replied.

"Then you should often think of it from now on. So that it will be a little easier for you when you finally become one of us. It will be hard at first but I know that you are a smart woman. You will be able to adjust very soon." The Queen advised her.

"I will remember that." Yelena promptly responded. Hearing the Queen giving her advice, she felt warm. She finally believed that the situation was real. She just took another step forward to become a member of the royal family and the Crown Princess.

Crown Princess? She felt that the word doesn't suit her at all! It's so unfamiliar.

"The people might not be happy with this but you can win over them. You should just be yourself. That's all." The Queen calmly advised her once again.

"Okay." Yelena looked at the Queen and she couldn't suppress her smile. Seeing the Queen's confused face, she promptly said, "I'm sorry but the way you calmly encourage me is so heartwarming. Somehow, you reminded me of my mother. You are so alike."

Queen Nicola laughed at her words. "If that's the case, you can also be my daughter. I always wanted to have one." Staring at her future daughter-in-law, somehow the future excited her. Her son really met his match.

Then the two women left the room and walked downstairs where the King and Felix were sitting. Seeing them, the two men couldn't hide their curiosity. The Queen sat next to the King and Yelena took a seat beside Felix.

"What did you talk about, Mother?" Felix immediately asked. His father also looked at his mother, eagerly waiting for her response.

"That's a secret." Queen Nicola simply replied as she picked up a fork and ate the fruits that were served at the table.

Felix's lips thinned at his mother's response. Didn't she know that both her husband and son were sitting here, curious to death? He then looked at Yelena, hoping for some response. The latter only smiled at him. This was so frustrating!

The King tried to speak up but the Queen saw through him and beat him at that. "You can ask me later. Don't try to pressure your future daughter-in-law." She firmly said, leaving no room for objections. "You too." The two words were directed to Felix.

Felix grunted and glanced at his mother with annoyed written all over his face. "Why, Mother? Did you do something to scare her?" He dryly asked, a menacing smile on his face.

The Queen frowned at her son. "What do you take me for, Felix Valestra?" She snapped. Now, she was truly convinced that it's useless to have a son! She glanced at Yelena and said, "I prepared the best guest room for you. Feel free to say if you need anything." Her tone was much lowered and calm much to her son's annoyance.

"She can just sleep in my room." Felix deadpanned.

The Queen smiled at her son but it was a sarcastic smile. "Dream on, Crown Prince. You're still not married and I don't want the maids to gossip about it." Her words made her husband burst out into laughter. It had been a while since he saw his wife this way!

Felix sighed in defeat yet deep down, he was amazed by the comfortable atmosphere. It had been years since he had a fun interaction with his parents, let alone bickering.

He glanced at Yelena and knew that all these were possible because she was here. It made him think of the future, their future together. When she became a member of this family, will every day be fun like today? He was convinced that it would be and what's more? He couldn't wait for it. A happy family.

Meanwhile, in the Jewel Palace, Prince Alonzo was in his room. Standing in front of a painting which he was currently working on it, the end of his paintbrush was on the white sheet of paper, halted. All at once, he painted all over the sheet and pushed away the sheet, the paints and everything on the table next to him.

Slamming the table, he grunted and gritted his teeth. His cousin had found out about Cayden and his future plan was ruined. "Felix Valestra!" He roared and his eyes resembled a provoked wild beast. "I won't let you get your way this time."

He recalled how his cousin happily smiled for the whole evening, all because of his woman. He let out a dreary laughter that would be able to send a shiver down the spine of anyone who heard it and wiped his face from his lips. The red paint lingered on his face which resembled blood.

"You are happy and I hate that." He stood straight and wiped the paint on his face with a handkerchief but some still remained there.

"Ivan." He was calling the name of the scorpion tattoed man who was quietly standing beside him the whole time. Ivan was the one who reported to him about Cayden's family just before he lost his mind.

"Yes, Your Highness," Ivan responded, both his arms tucked behind his back.

"Shall I take away my dear cousin's happiness this time as well?" Prince Alonzo asked.

"You mean... "

"Yes. I'm talking about her." Alonzo firmly said. His eyes were burning with determination.....