For a moment, Fiona’s mind went blank. She couldn’t comprehend what the king had just said. Her thoughts raced: "He specifically told us not to worry about the Gerymoore complaint. I’ve never heard of Eleanor doing anything that would justify stripping her title. Then why...?"
Before she could collect her thoughts further, King Erevan continued, "Don’t misunderstand me. I hold no grudge against your clan. In fact, I’m grateful for all you’ve done for Eleanor. You’ll understand everything once you see this."
He placed a sketch on the desk. "Do you remember, thirty years ago... just after I succeeded the throne following my father’s disappearance, I issued a worldwide search for a certain woman?"
Fiona nodded slowly. "Yes, I remember. But... you never found her."
The king gestured to the paper. "Look closely at the sketch."
Fiona leaned forward. The moment her eyes fell on the image, she froze. Her eyes widened as she murmured, "Eleanor..."
Erevan replied in a sombre tone, "No. That was her mother. I’ve already conducted a DNA test. Eleanor is my daughter."
Fiona opened her mouth to speak, but no words came. She closed it again, stunned, staring at the king in silence.
Erevan continued, seemingly unbothered by her speechlessness, "Sarika was the one who first uncovered the truth. When she brought Eleanor to the temple for her ancestral blessing, she noticed that both the Raynor and Lychos clan ancestors gave their blessings. She recalled the sketch I circulated years ago and suspected a connection. A DNA test confirmed it."
He took a deep breath.
"Right now, only Sarika, you, and I know the truth. We cannot reveal Eleanor’s identity just yet. You understand how some in my clan are eyeing the throne. With no known heir, they’ve been biding their time... waiting for my passing. But if word gets out that I have a daughter, and even a granddaughter, they won’t stay passive. Eleanor’s life, and her child’s... could be in danger."
This time, Fiona nodded in understanding. But before she could reply, Erevan continued, "I’ve had a long discussion with Sarika. We both agreed that Eleanor will be introduced to the world at my coronation ceremony. That way, I can publicly declare her as my heir in my very first decree. Until then, her identity must remain secret... even from her. As much as I long to speak to her, to see my granddaughter, I must prioritise their safety. She grew up without a father. She’s already become a mother herself. A few more months won’t change the past."
He paused, then added, "I also have to consider the other council members. If the Raynor Clan’s young miss suddenly turns out to be my daughter, I’m unsure how well it will be received. For everyone’s sake, we must keep this quiet. While she’s under your care as a Raynor, she’s protected. And now that she’s awakened her Elizabeth bloodline... As a father, I can only ask that you continue looking after her."
Fiona suddenly laughed. Then she asked, "How long have you known?"
Erevan answered frankly, "Since Eleanor returned from India."
Fiona raised an eyebrow. "So, when you visited Kvernheim, you already knew. You bought this armour for Eleanor, didn’t you? I was bidding for her too," she chuckled. "I spent half the night wondering who you were buying it for. I never guessed."
Erevan smiled. "What could I do? I have to protect my daughter."
Fiona asked more seriously, "Then... all these clan competitions, and the decree for young clan heads to take part in the Trial... was that your doing?"
Erevan nodded. "Yes and no. While I had a hand in it, the order came from Yggdrasil itself. All races were asked to send their younger generation to prepare for what’s coming. There’s a war brewing in Molgrath. Reinforcements may soon be needed."
"I’ve heard as much," Fiona said. "Isn’t it too risky to send ascendants into a war zone?"
"It was always risky," Erevan replied. "But we must prepare them for the worst. I need Eleanor to at least reach ascendance before I can declare her as my heir."
Fiona nodded slowly. "That makes sense now. But she awakened the Elizabeth bloodline, not Brontes. Isn’t it required to awaken the Brontes bloodline to become heir?"
"Yes," Erevan agreed, "but Sarika assured me not to worry. With the ancestor’s blessing, Eleanor will awaken her Brontes bloodline as well. She will become the first werewolf in history to wield a dual bloodline."
Fiona was so stunned she fell silent.


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