Chapter 297
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Priscilla wasn’t adept at comforting others and didn’t want to upset Adelaide by mentioning Sidney.
She casually remarked, “With the New Year upon us, who doesn’t miss their loved ones? Adelaide’s just feeling homesick.”
Hearing this, Cedric’s smile faded.
Adelaide lifted her spirits–she couldn’t afford to lose composure at the royal banquet.
She buried her sorrow deep within, as always, hiding it so well that no one could detect her pain.
She couldn’t let Priscilla’s attempts at comfort continue; they were like salt on a wound.
Adelaide squeezed Cedric’s hand and said cheerfully, “I’m fine. I was just a bit down, but the thought of all the delicious food at tonight’s royal court banquet cheers me up right away.”
Her lighthearted tone successfully deceived Zelda and Cedric, and even Priscilla was convinced.
Though burdened by Sidney’s death, Priscilla couldn’t help but look forward to the royal court banquet. Such grand gatherings were always delightful.
The palace was indeed brimming with festive cheer. Colorful lights adorned every corner, and strings of lanterns lined the corridors, illuminating the palace as if it were daytime.
Germain was presenting his family to Lycan Clarissa, Lycan Erasmus, and Folsom.
Clarissa had never held much regard for this brother of the old Lycan King, known for his reputation of “doting on the breeder and neglecting his mate.”
Noticing Sidney’s absence, Clarissa surmised she must be unwell–her condition had been unstable over the past two years, relying on Doctor Digby’s team for care.
If left to Germain and Maya, Sidney might not have made it.
Following protocol, Clarissa inquired about Sidney’s health, not expecting an honest answer. She anticipated excuses like needing to recuperate or being too frail to travel.
But Germain hesitated.
Before Adelaide revealed Sidney’s death, he could have claimed she was too ill to endure the cold. However, with the Blackthorn Pack now aware of her passing, Adelaide might well bring it up at the banquet. If not tonight, then sooner or later the truth would surface.
Germain felt no sorrow for Sidney’s death and could only feign grief, “Lycan Clarissa, I received of Sidney passing shortly after arriving in the capital.”
news
Clarissa’s coffee cup clattered to the floor, “What?”
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Lycan Erasmus and Camilla also looked over in surprise. How could someone suddenly pass away during the holidays?
Moreover, if Sidney had died, why was Germain still in the capital with his family?
Surely attending a mate’s funeral should take precedence over a court banquet.
“Why haven’t you returned to Blue Ridge State immediately?” Lycan Erasmus urged.
Lycan Erasmus said quickly, sadness welling up as he thought of Sidney’s kindness in his youth.
Germain explained fearfully, “She was fine before coming to the capital. I don’t know why the news came as soon as we arrived. I planned to greet you and Clarissa first and leave right after the dinner.”
“Yes, since we’re already here,” Maya agreed. “We’ll just stay a day and leave early tomorrow.”
Though reasonable, the family had braved the cold for a reunion dinner.
Yet, with his mate deceased, Germain still attended the feast.
Wouldn’t the joyous scene pain him?
Lycan Erasmus soon realized Germain, long attached to Maya and indifferent to Sidney, likely deemed Sidney’s death insignificant.
Despite his misgivings, all guests had arrived. Making them leave immediately was unwise.
Lycan Erasmus, though upset by the news, didn’t want to dwell on it. He said, “You haven’t seen your mother in two or three years. Go greet her.”
Germain’s mother was Pandora Winteringham, one of the old Lycan King’s high priestesses. Like the other high priestesses from the old Lycan King’s era, she now resided in a palace set aside for them.
Their numbers were few, and they were content to keep each other company.
Pandora was also Madison’s foster mother–Madison’s birth mother had been the royal full moon priestess during the old Lycan King’s reign. When she fell ill, she placed Madison in Pandora’s care. After her death, Madison remained with Pandora.
The old Lycan King had doted on Madison’s birth mother, and by extension, Madison as well.
Especially when Madison stayed in the royal palace, it was filled with precious gifts.
Now, compared to other high priestesses from the old Lycan King’s time, Pandora had little influence. Simply being alive was an achievement.
In terms of seniority, Pandora was a respected elder in the palace. However, the royal family placed little value on seniority.
The old Lycan King had deliberately left Germain in the capital to establish his wolf pack while keeping Pandora in the palace to keep him in check.
Over the years, Germain seemed incompetent, stupid, and lecherous. The wolf pack was constantly scandalized by his “doting on lovers while neglecting spouses. ”
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Initially, Lycan Erasmus intended to grant Germain and his family a favor. He would allow Germain to bring Pandora to the Blue Abyss Pack to live out her days. He also planned to issue an edict after the holiday.
But upon learning of Sidney’s death, Lycan Erasmus was displeased and put the matter on hold.
Since Madison was also Pandora’s foster daughter, he decided to have Madison take care of her instead.
Germain left with his family to visit his mother in the palace, where he happened to meet Madison.
Pandora, with her silver hair, was delighted to see her son return.
*…