Mated To The Hybrid Prince - Chapter 96: Chapter 96

(Lily’s POV)
We had barely finished talking about Lamia’s giftings when Lucien came through the school’s building exit, striding towards us with a determined look.
His suit jacket flapped lightly with each step, and his eyes were locked on mine. I scoffed before turning to walk away.
Dev and Tobe stepped toward Lucien immediately, their stance barricading me from him.
I reached for the car door handle, ready to leave with the kids when Lucien's voice cut through the tension.
“Please, Lily” he called out, breathless. "Just hear me out. Please… if not for me, then for Aria."
That stopped me.
The moment he mentioned Aria, I hesitated. I glanced at Dev and Tobe who reluctantly stepped aside, allowing me to pass. After all, Aria was dear to us..
We turned and walked with Lucien to a quieter corner of the school’s parking lot. The cool breeze brushed my cheeks as I crossed my arms. Tobe and Dev stood behind us.
Lucien began immediately. “I’m sorry,” he told me softly. “… about how you found out about Aria and me. I didn’t plan for it to happen like that. I saw you during the party… you were watching us from the shadows while Aria and I argued. I saw her run after you…”
As he talked, I couldn't help but size him up. He sighed, “I just want you guys to know that I’m serious about her. I know our families don’t exactly have the best history, but I want to do better. I want to be with her. I love her.”
That was when I heard Dev mutter behind me. "You remember?"
That was true. Why didn't I think of that? Lucien, or anyone in the realm shouldn't remember my friends and I.
Lucien ought not to remember a thing about Aria. Unless…
Lucien turned to Dev with a frown, "I don't understand. Am I supposed to forget all we went through while in school?" he asked.
Squinting my eyes, I asked, “When exactly did you leave the realm, Lucien?”
“I left after our graduation. Why do you ask?"
“When exactly?” I retorted.
His frown deepened “A few days after our graduation… I had to, because as much as I liked you Lily. You didn’t feel the same, and the pull toward my mate was strong. I needed clarity. Timely, some kingdom duties came and I accepted it.”
“Fuck! No wonder.” Tobe swore under his breath.
I bit my lips. “Is it the same reason Zion is here? Kingdom duties?” I asked, and he hesitatingly nodded.
“Somewhat close.” he sighed, ruffling his hair “But still, I don't get what happened between you both while I was gone? What made him marry Celeste and then you two acting like strangers after not seeing yourselves for so long?… I heard Celeste's announcement at our graduation party, but still, he loved you.. How is it that you two parted ways and just moved on? You both were perfect for each other.”
My heart thumped rapidly. Oh goddess, this was it.
Lucien needs to know, or he’ll ruin everything.
I looked around, before spilling everything in details about the confrontation in the palace… the meetingwith Celeste and her parents, the king's judgment, and the sacrifice Aunt Lamia made to save me…
Lucien’s expression shifted to shock, anger and grief. “So, you're saying… he doesn’t remember you at all?”
I nodded slowly.
He rubbed his jaw. “And those kids, your kids… are his, right?”
“Yes.” I affirmed without hesitation. There was no point.
Lucien exhaled sharply and shook his head. “Oh, my… this can’t keep going on like this. Zion has a right to know. We need to help restore his memory about you.”
I growled angrily. “No! Weren’t you listening when I spoke about the ambush in the palace, and the inner circle? Zion mustn’t know.”
He looked confused. “But why? You keep forgetting that he is the prince and the future King to the throne. He is able to protect them.”
“Of course!” I snapped. “And he was able to prevent the disaster from happening at the palace right? If he couldn't do it then.. Then I won't be risking putting my children in harm's way”
Lucien took a step back. “Lily, he is my cousin. I love him… but I also care about you and your children. We’re not enemies. I would protect them, even Aria would too.”
I met his gaze, cold and unflinching. “Then think of Aria. Do you really think she’d forgive you if you put her godchildren in danger? You will say no word to him or anybody!
That silenced him. His lips parted as if to speak, but no words came out. Instead, he slowly nodded, disappointment clouding his features.
Then, without another word, he turned and walked away.
I exhaled deeply, willing my heart to steady.
Tobe and Dev stepped beside me. We didn’t say a word as we made our way to the cars. We were in deep thoughts..
I opened the door and climbed into the back seat, finding my children now curled up and fast asleep. Lamia’s tiny arms were wrapped around her twin, and Zeus mumbled something in his dreams.
I gently pulled them closer, brushing a kiss over each of their foreheads. “I promise to be a good mom, and keep you both safe.”
Then Marcus pulled out of the school compound, I stared at the tinted window beside me. The world outside blurred past, but my thoughts were clear.
Lucien had better zip his mouth.