h4Chapter 779: 779-Our Kingdom/h4

    strongHnie:/strong

    I had walked back to my room—Norman’s room—and sat down to rest a bit when I received a call from an unknown number. I scrunched my eyebrows before picking up, and just hearing the voice on the other side already brightened my mood.

    "Hnie, how are you?" My mother sounded so cheerful, so full of glee, I knew she was fine. She had told me once that once she went to Arthendel and managed everything, she would call me.

    "I’m fine. Oh my god, I can’t believe I’m speaking to you again," I said, happily excited.

    "I know I have missed you so much, my daughter. You were the only one on my mind, and it had been so hard for me to focus on anything, so I decided, you know what, screw waiting for everything to get normal. I just want to speak to my daughter," she said happily, making me smile on the phone and holding it tightly.

    "I have missed you too, mother. So much has happened since I returned," I said in a soft tone.

    "Are you okay? Did anyone try to hurt you?" My mother asked, anxiety audible in her voice.

    "No, Mom, everything was fine," I said. "They weed me with so much love. All the council members, everyone, really. They told me mermaids are not hated and that they would respect us and make us feel at home."

    "It sounds like aplete surprise," my mom said, a little relieved.

    "It really was," I replied, recalling the events. "And I was happy to see Vonstan redeem himself by making the right decisions. He even made better rules for the she-wolves. The rules and regtions that once bound them are now giving them freedom, and I love that. I’m also d I was able to bring some change for the better."

    "I’m so happy," my mommented.

    "I got a message from Vonstan," she continued. "He apologized for making me feel like I couldn’t reveal my true identity and said he wants to shake hands with us for future projects."

    "Did he by any chance try to find out what Darcy did to you?" she asked anxiously.

    "I was curious about that too," I admitted. "I wanted to know how everyone would react if she was seen as a criminal, since this time the crime was against a mermaid and not a werewolf. I didn’t say anything yet because I wanted to get a heads-up from you first."

    "It’s alright," she reassured me. "You did the right thing."

    "We’re slowly uncovering a lot of truth. My mates are really supportive," I mumbled, biting my bottom lip as I prepared her for more news.

    "Hnie, what is it? Are you hiding something from me?" she asked, and just as I expected, she immediately knew there was something I wasn’t telling her.

    "Mom," I said, pausing to steady my breath, "there’s good news."

    There was a sharp gasp from the other side as if she already knew what I was going to tell her.

    "Yes, Mom, I’m pregnant," I said, my voice shaking slightly. "And this time, I’m pretty sure it’s from all the mates."

    My mom went silent.

    "You don’t have to worry," I continued. "My mates are making sure everything is fine. They even kicked Darcy out so she can’t y any tricks."

    I hurried to reassure her. "I’ll be fine. I know you’re scared for my future."

    "It’s just that Hnie— her other daughters-inws are staying with you. And if she picked them, they must be evil, just like her. And the idea of you carrying a baby with all their DNAs—it’s a lot to take in," my mother’s voice carried a hint of worry and for all the right reasons.

    "I know," I said softly. "We’ve discussed it, me and my mates. We know this is the end goal, but we’re already one step ahead. You don’t need to worry, just pray for me."

    I tried to smile weakly. I wanted Mom close this time, but I knew she needed to prepare Arthendel as a kingdom.

    "Now, tell me," I teased, "what are you hiding?" I wanted to speak freely with her and make herfortable.

    "How is he?" she asked, and I didn’t need to ask who she meant.

    "He’s not well. He misses you a lot," I said, hearing theforting sigh on the other end.

    "He doesn’t hate me for not telling him the truth, does he?" she asked.

    "No, Mom, he doesn’t. He never once mentioned that. He was only concerned that you felt unsafe and couldn’t tell him," I said, getting up from the bed and walking toward the exit.

    "Please take care of him. He’s a very nice man," my mom said. I smiled. I knew in the end they’d end up together. I really hope they do.

    "Mom, why don’t you speak with him yourself?" I asked, already walking downstairs.

    "Do you think that’s the right choice?" she asked.

    "Of course it is. I’m headed to his room. I’ll hand him the phone. Just please speak with him," I insisted, knocking on Lord McQuoid’s bedroom door.

    "Come in," he said from inside, sounding tired and unhappy.

    I opened the door with the phone pressed to my ear and walked in. He was lying in bed, reading a book, but when he noticed me holding the phone for him, he frowned. Then, realizing who I was speaking with, he snatched the phone from my hand and ced it next to his ear.

    I started to walk out, but I could hear him cry and tell my mom how much he missed her.

    However, the minute I stepped outside Lord McQuoid’s bedroom, I bumped into someone I didn’t want to see for the rest of the day.

    "Azura," I hissed under my breath, my fists clenching at the sight of her, because of how she had reacted to my pregnancy and how she always sounded so negative around me.

    "You should note between us," she said first, and I realized it wasn’t an ident that we had bumped into each other. She had seen me walk into Lord McQuoid’s room and decided to confront me.

    "Come between who?" I asked, folding my arms over my chest.

    "Isn’t it obvious who I’m talking about?" she grunted, clenching her jaw. "You should note between me and Emmet. You already have too many mates; go be with them," she added, giving me a warning look that made it clear if I didn’t listen, I’d be in huge trouble.