DRAMA NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 77
THE LINGERING SILENCE enveloped the room, the only audible sound was the steady tick-tock of the clock on the wall, accompanied by a distant murmur from outside as the wind rustled the tree branches. Siegren and Helga sat frozen in their seats, neither moving nor speaking as the gravity of his question and her reaction became more apparent. She could feel her heart pounding against her chest, its rapid beats betraying her calm exterior. She had tried to suppress it, but now it raced uncontrollably-how could he have figured it out so quickly, just by knowing about Stella's power? But then again, she reminded herself that he too, carried royal blood in his veins; perhaps it was inevitable that he would see through her that fast.
"T-that's right," Helga took a deep breath and tightened her grip on her fist. She had made a promise to her mother to keep her true identity hidden, and she was determined to uphold it. But now, facing this person who somehow managed to break that promise, she couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt. "I wasn't being completely truthful when I said I didn't know which pack I belonged to..."
"The truth is... I remembered everything about my origin, but I kept a promise to my mother to hide it because I'd be in danger once my identity came to light." Helga closed her eyes and took a deep breath before opening them again to look into Siegren's surprised expression. She could tell he had a lot of questions but didn't ask them as he was letting her continue explaining. "You're probably aware that the previous Lycan King wiped out the entire royal family who had been in power in Narva for over centuries. However, my parents were lucky enough to escape, which is why we have been living on the run and why my mother left me at the border of Verdentia.
"I am Helga Serkia, the only daughter of Alpha and Luna of the Royal Blood Pack of Narva,” she said, her heart thumping harder than ever. She wasn't sure how her revelation would affect their relationship, but she prayed that he wouldn't see her any differently. She also hoped that he didn't know about her mother's powerful abilities as a grand witch, as it was a closely guarded secret within their pack.
“Although I had a feeling that you were different from others, I never would have guessed that you were also a royal," Siegren's voice was filled with a mixture of awe and disbelief as he struggled to process the revelation his mate had just shared. Finally, everything about Helga clicked into place for him.
"I'm sorry for not revealing such a significant secret to you sooner."
As Helga reached for his hand, she could feel the tremors coursing through her fingers. But as soon as Siegren noticed, he gave her a warm smile and gently took her hand in his own, pressing a soft kiss to the back of her fingers. His initial surprise at her actions faded into reassurance and understanding because he knew how difficult it must have been for her to break her promise to her mother and reveal potentially harmful information. But despite that, he trusted her, and that trust was enough for him to accept her wholeheartedly. In that moment, Helga felt a sense of relief wash over her, grateful for Siegren's unwavering love and support.
"You don't need to apologize, I understand," he said, causing tears to well up in Helga's eyes. For some reason, the burden of keeping such a heavy secret was lifted off her shoulders. It was a relief knowing that someone else knew her true identity, and she didn't regret telling him. "I promise to keep your secret safe until you're ready to share it with our pack members. Just let me know when that day comes, and I'll make sure to stand by your side."
Helga nodded, her tears finally breaking free and streaming down her cheeks. Siegren wrapped his strong arms around her in a comforting hug, gently rubbing her back as she cried silently. She then clung to him, her grip tight around his waist, finding solace in his embrace. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined being able to reveal her true identity to anyone. She had always believed that her secret would die with her. But now, in this moment, she was grateful to the Moon Goddess for bringing someone into her life who could change that belief.
"I had heard the news about your pack being eliminated when I was twelve, but that was all I knew. Were you the only survivor?" he questioned as Helga released herself from their embrace. He wiped away her tears, his body radiating warmth and comfort as he looked deeply into her eyes.
“I have no idea if my parents made it out alive after abandoning me at the border. But I hoped they did; my father was a powerful Alpha and warrior, and my mother was just as fierce. There is a chance they survived." Helga replied, "However, given what I've heard about the previous Lycan King's cruelty and greed, I can't say for sure."
"Do o you want me to find them?" Siegren offered which made Helga falter for a moment. She couldn't deny that she wanted to know if her family was still alive or not, but involving Siegren in her family's tragic past would only complicate things further. Besides, he was the King of Narva's rival country, and with the approaching treaty between nations, she didn't want to cause any additional tension.
"No, it's all right. It would be better if I didn't know anything," she said, a faint bitter smile curving her lips. "I'm happy with my life now and I don't want to complicate things by delving into my past."
"Are you sure?" Siegren said as he stared at her intently as if trying to penetrate her thoughts because he knew she was longing for answers and closure.
"Yes," She nodded, giving him a quick kiss on the lips that caught him off guard. She needed to distract him before he convinced her to change her mind. She knew she would struggle with saying no to his offer. "I know I should be there for the upcoming visit from the Narva delegation, but is it okay if I don't attend? I'd rather not be in the presence of their new Lycan King."
"Why? Would he recognize you? Have you two crossed paths before?" Siegren asked and Helga took a deep breath before nodding.
"I remember meeting Riovanni was six and he was twelve. It wasn't until later on that I found out he was the son of an Alpha Lycan. Despite our brief acquaintance, we became fast friends. I'm sure my unique appearance stuck in his memory.” Helga explained as recounted the details of her life before, which she shared with Siegren. She remembered how her parents had always kept her away from public exposure, not only because of her unique abilities but also because of the potential danger she might face as the heir to the throne.
Despite living within the palace walls, Helga resided in a separate wing with other pack members, far from a conventional princess lifestyle.
"In order to conceal my true identity as a princess, I had to live a normal life. While I was respected by the members of the pack, I couldn't attend banquets with my parents. Instead, I spent time with children my age and some adults from the pack." Helga continued her story and Siegren listened intently, interested in how Helga lived her life when she was still a royal. "Despite feeling lonely at times, I knew it was necessary for my safety since our pack was already under threat."
"Besides, my parents weren't neglectful, they would come visit me at my place from time to time. My mother would play games with me, and my father would teach me how to handle weapons. They would even sleep in the same room with me and reassure me of their love. And honestly, I was content with that arrangement."
"Anyway," she continued, returning to her original point, "Riovanni had no idea that I came from a royal family. But I'm sure he would have taken an interest in me once we crossed paths again. After all, we used to be friends."
"I had met him before, and it was clear that he had inherited his father's traits of greed and ambition," Siegren commented, his brows frowning at the mere thought of that bastard being friends with Helga when they were young. "But rest assured, I won't allow you to get involved with him in any way, I promise."