76 Chapter 76 Meeting the Cousin
This was the same daughter who knew exactly how to charm her parents, who could coat her words with honey whenever she wanted forgiveness or something special. The familiar sight stirred warm memories of Addison’s younger years, and before she knew it, the Queen burst out laughing–genuine and unrestrained–as her daughter’s presence brought those cherished moments rushing back.
After the Queen burst into laughter, she reached out and gently ruffled Addison’s hair, her eyes soft with affection.
“My baby will always be my baby,” she said fondly. “You still know how to act all coy and cute whenever you want something, don’t you?”
She chuckled, enjoying Addison’s playful charm. For a brief moment, it felt as though
and time had rewound–back to the days when their family of three lived in p happiness. But now, their world had expanded. There were two more children in the
and picture–adorable twins who shared similar features, though with different eye hair colors.
The Queen glanced toward the little ones as they ran around the room, full of energy and curiosity, opening doors and exploring every corner. Though still young, they moved with the agility of five–year–olds, and their height matched as well, making it hard to believe they were any younger.
Just watching them filled the Queen’s heart with warmth–and pride. There was no doubt in her mind that these two would grow into strong warriors one day, just like their mother.
Both the Alpha King and Queen looked at their family of five with eyes full of love. Addison was seated on the plush, cream–colored sofa in her room, basking in the warmth of the moment. The soft laughter of her twins echoed throughout the space, wrapping them all in a blanket of joy–until it was suddenly interrupted.
“Ah!” A small cry rang out.
One of the twins had collided with something–or someone–and tumbled hard to the floor. In an instant, his brother, the one with midnight–black hair and striking golden eyes, darted in front of him, standing protectively like a little wolf pup ready to fight. Though young, he radiated fierceness and loyalty. This was Aiden.
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The twin who had fallen–Kyle, with golden hair and brilliant emerald eyes–didn’t cry. As Aiden shielded him, Kyle calmly looked up at the person he had bumped into, then slowly pushed himself to his feet and patted the dust off his clothes. His posture was steady, his expression composed.
By now, Addison had already rushed to her children, her motherly instincts kicking in at full force. Her heart raced as she checked them over with quick but gentle hands. As a mother, her first instinct was always to protect her pups. She followed their gaze, lifting her eyes toward the person who had unexpectedly entered the room.
“I’m sorry for bumping into you, Auntie,” Kyle said politely, his voice soft and clear. Despite his youth, there was no trace of fear or arrogance in his tone–only the calm confidence of a well–mannered little gentleman.
“I–I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to bump into you, little one.”
The woman who had just entered the room crouched down gently, her gaze softening as she looked at Aiden, then Kyle. Her eyes crinkled kindly before settling on Kyle.
“Can you forgive Auntie?” she asked warmly, her tone gentle and soothing. Her calm presence and polished way of speaking eased the tension in the room.
Seeing this, Aiden relaxed slightly. He realized that if he continued being overly defensive, he might come off as aggressive rather than protective. Still, he didn’t let his guard down entirely and turned to check on his brother.
“Kyle, are you okay?” Aiden asked, watching his little brother’s expression carefully. When Kyle nodded, unfazed by the incident, Aiden smiled in relief.
Addison also turned her attention to the woman.
“And
you are?” she asked, eyes narrowing slightly in curiosity. From the woman’s attire alone, Addison could tell she wasn’t just another omega sent to tidy up. She wore an exquisite silk dress, adorned with fine jewelry, and carried herself like a delicate flower -graceful, kind, and composed.
Just then, the Alpha King and Queen stepped forward, both smiling warmly at Addison.
“Addison, sweetheart,” the Queen began gently, “you might not remember her, but this is your cousin—she’s a year older than you. She’s your uncle’s only legitimate daughter, and she’s been staying here in the palace with us for the past six years. She came to accompany your father and me while we searched for you and waited for your
76 Chapter 76 Meeting the Cousin
return.”
As she spoke, the Queen took Addison’s hands in her own, her gaze soft and affectionate. Yet, behind her smile, there was a flicker of nervousness in her eyes. She was worried–worried that Addison might misunderstand, might think her cousin had been brought in to replace her as the princess, or worse, that the Queen had shifted her affection to someone else while Addison had been suffering in the hands of the enemy. That was the last thing she wanted.
But to everyone’s surprise, Addison didn’t look angry. Instead, she offered a gentle smile to the woman standing before her–so delicate in appearance, she looked like someone who wouldn’t harm even an ant.
“Hello, cousin,” Addison greeted warmly.
She had been quietly observing this cousin of hers for a while now. A strange sense of familiarity washed over her, and then–suddenly–her
again. Her chest tightened unexpectedly, and her art thudded hard. Once. Then
moment.
twitched for the briefest
She wasn’t jealous–not in the way others might expect. She wasn’t bitter that her cousin had stayed beside her family while she had been away. In truth, she was grateful that someone had been there, filling the void she’d left behind, watching over those she loved.
But then… why did her heart ache like this?
The sudden intensity confused her. Perhaps, she thought, it was because this cousin had become like a sister in her absence, and now, seeing her standing here–so close, so familiar–stirred something painful in her.
Addison recalled what Elric had told her during their time in the Sacred Land. Her younger uncle, the woman’s father, was still chasing beauty like a man possessed–his harem ever–growing, filled with fleeting affairs and women treated like pastimes. He changed them as quickly as he changed clothes, and his illegitimate children were multiplying by the day.
In contrast, this cousin–his only legitimate daughter–had stood alone against the tide of siblings born from scandal. One after another, they challenged her, driven by jealousy and resentment. They hated her for being the only one accepted by the royal family, the only one allowed to stay close to the Alpha King.
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And now, Addison realized, this woman had lived a different kind of battle all her life. Perhaps that was the weight she felt pressing against her heart.,
With a warm smile, Addison extended her hand to reintroduce herself. The woman mirrored her gesture at first, returning the smile sweetly–welcoming and gentle. But instead of taking Addison’s hand, she suddenly threw her arms around her in an enthusiastic hug.
“Welcome back, Addison! I missed you so much!” she exclaimed, her voice bright with emotion. “I heard you’ve had a hard time remembering people and events, but that’s okay. Let me reintroduce myself properly.”
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