Claire's POV
I stood up, looking at the servant standing outside the study, and asked, "Who is it?"
"It's, it's Maria, and Prince Chris."
I couldn't help but frown, "Her again?"
Alfred, sensing that the conversation was coming to an end, stood up and gave me a slight nod, "Since the guests have arrived, please allow me to go and greet them."
Alfred didn't mention Maria's name, which eased my mind slightly. Perhaps it meant Maria wasn't on Louis's list.
"I'll go with you," I quickly walked to Alfred's side, "Now that Louis isn't here, the castle needs a host."
Alfred looked at me appreciatively, "That would be great."
"Oh, Alfred, it's been a while."
As soon as we entered the castle's foyer, Maria stood up immediately, warmly greeting Alfred. But she didn't even glance at me, as if I were just a maid following Alfred.
"I noticed you've replaced the lilies in the foyer with hydrangeas. That's a combination I hadn't thought of before."
"Oh, actually, that was Louis's idea."
I wasn't going to let Maria continue to assert dominance, so I stepped out from behind Alfred.
"Really? But if I remember correctly, Louis was very fond of white lilies."
Maria flashed her insincere smile again, "A person's preferences don't change easily."
"Well, that depends on whether he really likes it or not. Because I'm allergic to lilies, Louis ordered that lilies should never be allowed in the castle again. I wanted to convince him not to go to such extremes, but Louis said, to him, it's just a bunch of flowers."
As Maria's expression darkened, I shrugged, adding fuel to the fire, "It never matters to him."Maria's smile completely disappeared, and she stared at me, speaking each word deliberately,
"We will see."
"Whatever."
Seeing her drop the facade, I stopped being polite, "Louis has ordered that no one is allowed in the castle until his return. Now, please leave."
"Are you out of your mind?"
Maria clearly didn't expect me to order her to leave. She squinted, seemingly suppressing her inner rage, "Since when does an insignificant person like you have the authority to drive me away?! This used to be my and my husband's home!"
"Not anymore."
I countered Maria fearlessly, "Now, it belongs to Louis and me. And you are no longer welcome."Maria didn't respond. Her gaze fixed on me, even making me feel as though I was being entwined by a venomous snake.
"Tell me, Alfred."
After a moment of tension, Maria suddenly turned her head, directing her gaze to the steward beside her.
"Has Louis ever said that Chris, his nephew and a member of the royal family, is forbidden to enter the castle?"
"His Highness Louis has always cherished Chris."
Alfred lowered his gaze and didn't directly answer Maria's question.
"So, the answer is no."
Maria's gaze swept over everyone present, finally settling on my face."Don't get too cocky, little girl."
With that, Maria stepped forward, approaching me. I restrained my discomfort, maintaining eye contact with her cold gaze.
"You may be living in the castle for now, but I am destined to be the mistress of this castle. Past, present, and future. Luna's position will eventually belong to me, and I will win Louis's heart again."
Maria whispered in my ear.
However, Maria's provocation didn't anger me; instead, it made me unable to control a mocking smile.
"If that's what you think, then you don't understand Louis at all. He will never accept a woman who is disloyal in love."
My words seemed to hit a nerve with Maria. The usually affable and gentle woman became flustered and angry.
"What the hell are you talking about?! I'll tear you apart—"
"What are you doing—"
"Mommy!"
Seeing Maria's threatening gaze, just as she was about to pounce on me, a piercing cry suddenly sounded from nearby, causing Maria's raised hand to freeze in midair.
"Chris!"
The cry of her son made Maria forget everything else. She quickly turned around and ran towards the direction of the sound.
Alfred immediately came to my side, asking urgently, "Are you okay, Claire?"
"I'm fine." I breathed calmly, while keeping an eye on the commotion in the distance, "Was that Chris crying just now?"
"It sounded like it."
Alfred's expression turned grave. Although Louis didn't care for Maria, he was very kind and loving towards the only child left by Prince Liam. If anything happened to Chris in the castle, no one would be spared.
"I'll go and check the situation. Do you need someone to escort you back to your room, Claire?""No need,"
I looked out at the grassy lawn in front of the castle, speaking firmly, "I'll go with you to see what's going on."
YOU ARE READING
Submitting to My Lycan Prince Mate
Người sóiAt a party, everyone sees Claire's joke. His fiance, chosen mate, walks past her with the ring and gets down on one knee in front of her stepsister. What the hell is going on here? "Joe and I are together now. Because we are each other's fated mates...
