Elias stalked back to the castle, knowing his Grandmother most likely wished he fell down the staircase and cracked his skull open. He entered his castle and walked down the hallways, only to see a familiar person standing by his study doors. Weston had a file in hand and a confused look on his face.magic

"Should I be worried that you sired a child, Your Majesty?" Weston asked, handing the folder to Elias.

A paternity test that needed a quick result… Weston debated the idea of badgering the King for an answer.

"That was quick, as expected of your efficiency." Elias wordlessly took the folder and slipped out the paper. He raised a brow at the results. Without another glance, he placed the paper back into the folder and headed for the door.

"Your Majesty!" Weston hissed, chasing up to the irritating King.

"It's late. Head home."

"Why did you need a paternity test? Did Princess Adeline request it for herself? You requested me to take a vial of blood from Viscount Marden that sits in our torture chambers, Your Majesty."

Instantly, Elias raised a brow. He pressed his lips together. "You ask too many questions."

"Of course I have to ask, Your Majesty!" Weston ran a tired hand through his hair.

"You ordered us to capture the Princess's closest bodyguard, and now, it's her family. Do you have plans of isolating her from everyone she loves? If so, you must tell me, so I can carry out your wishes."

Elias paused. He glanced back at Weston, a sardonic smirk resting on his sharp features. He crossed his arms. "I haven't taken Lydia Claymore from her, have I?"

"Well no but—"

"Then I'm not isolating her."

Elias continued walking down the corridor, with Weston a step behind him. Elias held back an irked sigh, wishing to retrieve to his bedroom in peace.

Weston's footsteps were loud and urgent whereas Elias took his sweet time, knowing the former had a lot more questions than hoped. "What if the Princess finds out about this? Then, what will you do, Your Majesty?"

Elias simply shrugged in response.

Weston groaned. Eventually, he quieted down a bit and continued to ponder his next questions. "Your Majesty, seeing as you had me collect blood samples from Viscount Marden in the torture chambers, I can safely assume the child in question is Princess Adeline?"

Elias didn't even blink. He quietly turned to his friend and smiled. "You have a brain. Splendid!"

Weston brooded towards the ground. He pressed his lips together and held back another complaint. "What will you do with the results?"

"What else am I supposed to do with it?"Elias turned the corner and stopped. Weston nearly bumped into him, but caught himself before so.

"I have a woman in my bed to entertain. Unless you'd like to watch, I suggest you go home." Elias forced a sickeningly sweet smile, gesturing for the twin to leave.

Weston wryly glanced at the King. "Are you going to consummate the marriage prior to the ceremony, Your Majesty?"

"Do I seem like that kind of man?"

"Yes."

"You didn't even hesitate, I'm hurt," Elias sarcastically bit out. When he was met with silence, Elias chuckled. "Don't you have a younger brother to take care of?"

Weston scowled. "Do I look like his mother to you, Your Majesty?"

Elias snickered. "You nag like one."

Weston scoffed. He crossed his arms and decided to not quarrel with the petty King. Lord knows they were stubborn enough to argue until the next sunrise.

"Have a good night, Your Majesty," Weston finally said.

The King laughed in response. He turned his back to him and walked off, leaving Weston standing in the middle of the hallway.

Weston watched as the King's tall figure disappeared from the darkness. He waited until the echoing of the powerful footsteps wasn't in sight. Only when he knew the King had truly left his bedroom and nowhere else, did Weston finally head home.

He preferred if the King could stay out of trouble.

- - - - -

Elias walked into his bedroom with a slight smile. He quietly closed the doors behind him, his eyes focused heavily on the bed.

The curtains were still drawn shut, with a woman waiting for him in bed. Or so, he liked to believe.The thought of her tiny body wrapped in his arms humored him. She slept with him as if she was hugging a teddy bear.

He stalked towards the bed, a devious smile on his sinful features. He knew he had the appearance of a man who could tempt even the most innocent of women. He thought about how he should scare her.

Perhaps he could tease her until she was writhing in pleasure, or maybe he could yank the blankets off of her. With the naughty plans in mind, he held the curtains open.

Instantly, his smile died off.

She was gone.

"What a sneaky little thing." Elias let out a cold laughter as he touched the bed. It was icy cold.

The little human escaped from his trap. He straightened up, a dark look crossing over his features.

Elias heard the ruffle of something and spun around. His eyes were fixated on the couch in the room. A tiny thing bundled in white could be seen. His lips curled into a deep scowl."Why am I not surprised?" Elias headed for the couch.

Sure enough, Adeline was deep asleep. She was huddled in the blanket as if she was a caterpillar getting ready to transform. The only thing he saw was her head that faced into the couch.

Elias shook his head. He stopped directly in front of her and debated the idea of tugging the blankets off of her. Seeing her peacefully asleep, breathing in softly and slowly, like he had asked, he wondered if he should disturb her.

Without a second thought, he yanked the blanket off of her in one fell swoop.

She shrieked in surprise, instantly sitting upright and curling into a slight ball. She covered her breast, her legs pressed tightly together.

Seeing her trembling and defenseless, Elias gently placed the blankets back onto her. "Good morning, darling."

Adeline glared at him. She pulled the blanket closer to her body. If looks could kill, he'd probably drop dead.

"Oh dear, did I wake you?"

She narrowed her eyes at him and hugged the blankets. "No, of course not. I just go around screaming bloody murder every time I open my eyes!"

Elias simply laughed. "Now, now, how can you be so rude to someone who's trying to help you? Where are your manners?"

Adeline warily looked at him. What help was he talking about? He pointed a finger towards the table, where a file sat.

"That right there, is the help I was referring to, darling."

Adeline straightened up. She leaned forward, no longer buried near the corners of the couch. Was it the paternal test?

"Would you like to see the results?"

Adeline nodded.

Elias bent down and grabbed the folder. He waved it in front of her face. "My thanks?"

"Thank you," she warmly said with a slight smile.

Elias chuckled. He held out the folder for her. She reached to grab it, her fingers grazing the thin material. Suddenly, he pulled his hand back, causing her to nearly fall over.

"Elias." She rose a bit to take the item from his hand.

"I want a proper thank you." Elias tapped his cheek and leaned down. "Right here."

Adeline sighed. What a child. She gestured for him to come close. He did so, his face directly besides her lips. She tilted forward, her mouth barely grazing his skin when she stole the file from his hand.

He pulled back, his eyes wide with surprise. He glanced at his empty hand. "Such sticky fingers that you have," he deadpanned.

Adeline ignored him and pulled out the results. Her heart quivered with anticipation. Her eyes scanned the document, her fingers shaking when she flipped the page.

Finally, she saw the answer.

Probability of paternity: 0%

Viscount Marden was not her father.