บททั้งหมดของ Annesa, Vampire King's Mate: บทที่ 111 - บทที่ 120

The crisp autumn air held the sweet, lingering scent of pine and crushed grass as the afternoon sun cast a warm, honey-colored light over the royal estate. Gareth walked along the stone-paved path leading toward the stables, his usual heavy scholar’s cloak replaced by a simple, tailored dark tunic. His long golden hair was tied back casually at the nape of his neck. In his left hand, he carried a small wicker basket filled with sliced apples and sugar cubes; his right hand was firmly wrapped around Liora’s small, energetic fingers. Liora skipped every two steps, her dark hair bouncing as she chatted endlessly about the various insects she had observed near the fountain earlier that morning. "And the green beetle had six legs, Papa, but one was shorter than the rest," Liora explained earnestly, looking up at him with wide, curious eyes. "Do you think it was born that way, or did it lose it in a battle with a spider?" Gareth smiled down at his daughter, his expression relaxed and e

He stood up and walked over to the wide oak workbench set against the wall. Laid out across the surface was a long scroll of heavy parchment he had spent three late nights drawing by hand. Instead of his usual complex astronomical maps detailing lunar phases or arcane ley lines, this chart was painted in soft indigo watercolor, depicting the night sky on the exact date his second daughter was expected to arrive. Tiny gold-leaf stars shimmered across the painted constellations. ​Gareth carefully unrolled the chart, holding it low so Liora could see. ​"Look here," Gareth pointed with a long finger. "This constellation is the Great Bear. And right beside it, this small cluster of stars is called the Little Cub." ​Liora reached out, her finger hovering just above the wet gold paint without touching it. "Is that me? The Little Cub?" ​"That is you," Gareth murmured softly, his golden eyes glowing with a quiet, fierce affection. "And this star right here—the brightest one just below the

The storm that raged outside the castle walls had finally settled into a quiet, misty drizzle as the first pale light of dawn crept through the tall leaded glass windows. Inside the master chamber, the air was warm, smelling of crushed lavender, sweet birch smoke, and clean linen. The heavy oak doors were closed against the rest of the world, keeping the quiet sanctuary safe and serene. Veyra lay propped up against a mountain of plush pillows, her dark hair damp and clinging softly to her temples. Her face was pale from the long, agonizing hours of labor, but her crimson eyes were bright, glowing with a profound, breathless serenity. Curled beside her, wrapped snugly in a blanket of soft white wool, was a tiny newborn babe. The little girl let out a minuscule, snuffling sigh, her small hands—no larger than plum blossoms—twitching beneath the fabric. Gareth sat on the very edge of the mattress, his face etched with the exhaustion of a man who had stayed vigilant through every ag

The morning air in the High Capital was crisp and clear, filled with the aroma of freshly roasted chicory, sweet almond pastries, and the vibrant hum of the bustling artisan quarter. Sunlight danced off the cobblestone streets as a private carriage draped in silk curtains pulled to a gentle stop outside the city's most renowned textile guild. Annesa stepped out first, practically beaming as she extended a hand to help Veyra down. "I have had this entire day mapped out since yesterday," Annesa declared with playful authority, link-ing her arm through Veyra’s as they stepped onto the polished stone pavement. "Gareth and Eryx may be content discussing estate governance and ancient codices, but today belongs strictly to us—and the little princess." Veyra let out a soft, melodious laugh, adjusting the wool shawl over her shoulders. Her baby bump was now prominently round beneath her emerald-green traveling gown, a lovely, undeniable sign of the second daughter growing within her. "I a

The grand southern gardens of the castle were transformed into a sanctuary of sunlight, white silk, and fragrant blooms. Banners of dark velvet embroidered with silver constellation threads hung softly from the ancient stone arches, swaying gently in the warm afternoon breeze. The air was filled with the melodious hum of a harp, the sweet scent of jasmine and crushed lavender, and the happy chatter of the kingdom's noble houses. Yet, despite the presence of dignitaries and old family allies, the true heart of the ceremony remained intimate—centered entirely around the family gathered near the marble dais beneath the great white oak tree. Veyra stood beside Gareth, looking ethereal in a sweeping gown of dark indigo velvet detailed with delicate silver embroidery along the neckline. Her crimson eyes shone with a profound, radiant happiness. Beside her, Gareth looked every bit the High Advisor and proud father. Dressed in a tailored dark coat trimmed with silver weave, his golden h