All Chapters of Claimed By The Lycan King: Chapter 161 - Chapter 170

We made our way through the palace corridors, nodding to staff who pretended not to notice Emma's pallor or the protective way my hand rested at the small of her back. News of the pregnancy hadn't been officially announced beyond family and a few key staff members, but palace gossip moved faster than official statements. The way servants discreetly removed dishes with strong scents from our presence, the fresh ginger tea that appeared without request each morning—small kindnesses that spoke of knowledge shared in whispers.The royal medical wing occupied the eastern section of the palace, bathed in morning light that streamed through tall windows. Midwife Jeffries waited for us in a comfortable examination room, her silver-streaked auburn hair pulled into its usual severe bun, her formal posture softening slightly as she bowed."Your Majesties," she greeted, her hazel eyes warm despite her rigid adherence to protocol. "How are we feeling this morning, my queen?"

I stood at the window, watching the royal motorcade wind its way up the palace drive, one hand resting protectively over my still-flat stomach. The twins had decided that afternoons were an excellent time for making their presence known, and a wave of nausea rolled through me as I spotted Christian and Lola in the back seat of the leading vehicle. Artemis stirred within me, excited to see our pack members returning, her joy momentarily overriding my physical discomfort. Two weeks had transformed Christian's mate—even from this distance, I could see the easy way Lola leaned toward him, her body language open and relaxed in a way it hadn't been since before the explosion. Whatever healing they'd found at Moonstone Cove had clearly worked wonders."They're here," I called to Theo, who emerged from his office with papers still clutched in one hand. He'd been working ceaselessly on security plans for the expedited trial, his shoulders carrying the tension of a man trying to prot

The two weeks between Christian and Lola’s return and the trial of Lord and Lady Humphreys both flew past and lasted an eternity.I pressed my hand against my mouth, fighting another wave of nausea as the car approached the courthouse. The twins were particularly active this morning, making their presence known through rolling queasiness that had become my constant companion. Beside me, Theo's fingers tightened around mine, his thumb tracing soothing circles on my skin. Through the tinted windows, I could see the imposing stone facade of the courthouse, its cold grandeur a fitting backdrop for what should have been justice finally served. Artemis stirred restlessly within me, her protective instincts on high alert both for our unborn children and for Lola, whose pale face reflected in the opposite window showed the strain of facing her parents' betrayal once more."Are you alright?" Theo murmured, his voice low enough that only I could hear.I nodded, not

I adjusted my collar for the fifth time, amber cufflinks catching the light as I turned before the mirror. Tonight, we would tell the world. The secret Emma and I had carried for weeks would become real, official, incontrovertible. My children—our children—would no longer exist only in hushed conversations and medical appointments but would become part of the kingdom's consciousness, its future made tangible. Aeson paced restlessly within me, his protective instincts flaring at the thought of so many eyes on our pregnant mate. *Must protect,* he insisted, though we both knew the real threats wouldn't come from tonight's carefully vetted guest list.The past week had been a blur of rage and strategy sessions since the mockery of justice at the Humphreys' trial. I'd spent hours with Simpson reviewing jury members' backgrounds, financial records, personal connections—anything that might explain the inexplicable verdict. So far, we'd found nothing concrete, though two jurors ha

I sank onto the edge of our bed, relief washing through me as I finally slipped off the elegant heels that had been pinching my toes all evening. The emerald dress, chosen specifically to highlight rather than hide my growing pregnancy, now felt constricting after hours of diplomatic smiles and careful conversations. Artemis stirred within me, her golden presence warm and satisfied at having our news officially acknowledged, but even she felt the bone-deep exhaustion that came from carrying twins while navigating a political minefield. Through the bathroom door, I heard water running as Theo showered, his low humming carrying over the sound. It was these quiet moments I treasured most; away from judging eyes and whispered comments, away from the politics that had transformed what should have been purely joyous news into something more complicated.My lady's maid had helped me out of the elaborate gown before discreetly withdrawing, leaving me to my own devices. I pulled on