Mated To The Hybrid Prince - Chapter 97: Chapter 97

(Zion’s POV)
“So, you’ve really forgotten about Lily?” Lucien asked, and I turned to him.
“Who is Lily?” I asked, but he just shook his head.
“Sorry, I meant Lily flowers you know…” he stuttered, “more like I haven't seen you with Lily flowers in a long time. You used to like it when we were younger.” he said, and one look at him. I knew that he was lying.
But why? Why would he lie to me?
The drive back home was quiet.
Lucien just sat beside me in the car, staring out the window, being lost in his own thoughts.
I didn’t bother asking what was wrong. I had enough confusion of my own to deal with. The silence between us stretched like a wall neither of us could climb.
We arrived home and our chauffeur pulled the car into the driveway. But before I could even say a word to Lucien. He has already stepped out and shut the door behind him.
There was no teasing, sarcastic comment or even a smile.. He walked into the house, straight to his room.
It was unlike him. Since I arrived in the city, Lucien has always been with me to share updates about everything; work-related, family routines, and to catch up on a night routine.
It seemed like he just shut down the moment we stepped out of that school.
I made my way to my room to freshen up, and try convincing myself that maybe Lucien was just tired or annoyed. Possibly it was the highschool dance…
When I stepped into the dining hall later, he didn't show up and I was alone. The maid brought my food and set it down quietly.
"Where’s Lucien?" I asked her.
“Sir, Master Lucien said he won’t be having dinner today as he’s got a lot of work to do.” she replied. “He further gave instructions that he shouldn't be disturbed.”
I gave a small nod and waved her off, but the unease inside me grew. Why would Lucien shut himself in like that? This wasn’t like him at all.
My fork scraped against the plate, but I barely tasted anything. Instead, I sat there thinking about Lucien.. The name Lily… and then the woman and her kids whom Ragnar had called pups.
What’s really happening?
Why the hell would Ragnar even call those kids my children?
He has been acting strange lately. It wasn’t just the pull toward the woman… but then her kids.. the territorial, protective instincts, like they all belonged to us.
Pups. The same word he had never used for Alex, but he used for some tiny, cute strangers..
The thought made my stomach knot. I leaned back in my chair and exhaled slowly, the weight of doubt pressing down on me.
I needed answers, and fast. Maybe Lucien would know someone.. A healer, or a witch; someone who could help or explain what was happening to me and Ragnar.
I finished my meal slowly, the silence in the house heavy around me. Then I stood, thanked the staff, and headed back to my room.
Once inside, I sat on the edge of the bed and stared at the floor. My thoughts wandered again to the kids.
Their warm hugs as they called me daddy.
That's it. It seems I'm slowly going mad.
I shook my head and tried to brush the thoughts away. I had a son. A real son; Alex, who’s waiting for me back home.
I picked up my phone and called Celeste. I need to talk to Alex. His voice should help calm me.
It didn’t take long before she picked. But she was already yelling.
“Can you just sit down for once! Stop climbing that!” She was shouting at Alex.
When she finally realized I was on the line, she snapped, “Honey, when are you coming back from your business trips? It's been more than a week, and you wouldn't call or text! Why?”
I closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose. “Celeste, I told you that this is important. I’ll be back soon.”
“Important? Do you think I’m stupid? You’re definitely hiding something from me!”
I rubbed my temple, trying to stay calm. “I’m not hiding anything. I’m just working for the future, for our future.”
She let out a dramatic sigh. “Fine. I need more money. As the future queen, I need to look good for the next meeting with the noblewives. Or do you expect me to repeat clothes? To wear the same thing twice?”
I pulled the phone slightly away from my ear and bit back a groan. “Alright, I’ll send you some money. Can I talk to Alex now?”
There was a pause. Then her voice returned, a little less annoyed. “Hold on.”
A moment later, a small voice came on. “Daddy?”
My lips curved into a smile. “Hey, buddy. How are you?”
“I’m good. Mommy said you’re working. Are you coming home soon?”
“Yes. Very soon. I promise.”
“Okay. I miss you so much.”
My chest tightened. “I miss you too.”
“I love you, Daddy.”
“I love you too, Alex. More than anything.”
The call ended too soon, leaving a strange ache behind. I lingered with the phone in my hand, staring at the dark screen. Alex’s words echoed in my heart. I placed the phone on the bedside table and stared up at the ceiling for a while.
I sighed and was about to transfer the funds Celeste had demanded when another call came through.
My heart skipped a beat when I saw the caller ID.
DAD.
It was the King.
I hesitated for a second, then answered. "Hello, Dad."