Sister-in-law

*Chapter 20*
I clenched my hands as to what he addressed to me. "Are you being serious, Your Royal Highness?" I squinted my eyes at him.
There was a mischievous grin plastered on his lips. "Oh! You were my sister-in-law," he said meaningfully and shrugged.
"You..." I said through gritted teeth and shot him a glare. I snapped back and looked around if someone was watching us. For now, the people here in this party were busy conversing with one another. Some of them were dancing on the dance floor with the soft melody music. I returned my gaze back to Prince Alucard who chuckled. "I have no time to ponder with you," I barked as I went out from the dance hall to go to the balcony after I managed to have a drink in my hand.
I heard his chuckle. "Did I offend Viscountess Westervelt about it? Does this mean you haven't moved on? You really detest my brother, do you?"
"Can you not?" I barked in a low harsh tone when we were alone on the balcony. "And mind you I never changed my surname to Westervelt!" I was starting to get annoyed with this crown prince of bullshit.
This was the reason why I never wanted to speak with him because he was so annoying I could have a heart attack.
Alucard chuckled and shrugged. "My apologies. I wasn't informed that you never changed your surname." His tone sounded like he was innocent. But I knew better that he was just playing on how I was becoming furious with his presence.
I snorted bitterly and sharply before I distanced myself away from him. I never wanted to converse with him so I needed to get away from this asshole as soon as possible.
"Atticus hasn't found his mate."
I snapped my head at him. "Why the hell are you even following me, Alucard? Can you not know when a lady is feeling uncomfortable with a man?"
I didn't care about not addressing him as Your Royal Highness. This wasn't even the first time I called him by his name. Alucard didn't seem to mind it.
"I don't." He shrugged, grinning. He leaned to the railings while crossing his arms over his chest. "Anyway, Atticus hasn't found his mate yet."
I scoffed. "Perhaps, His Highness, Prince Atticus has no luck to meet his mate. What a good karma." I rolled my eyes while drinking on my champagne.
Even though I never saw Prince Atticus, Alucard's youngest brother who was nine years older than me, I was actually surprised when Alucard told me that the bastard prince hadn't found his mate yet.
"Wow... You really detest my brother." He laughed. "Oh, dearest sister-in-law, you have no idea the karma he experienced." He smiled sheepishly.
I bestowed him a frigid gaze. "I don't care about your brother," I said in my icy tone. Then I frowned. "And can you stop calling me sister-in-law?! I am not married to any of your brothers!" I gritted my teeth in annoyance.
"Is it?" He hummed and thought about it. "But I would like it if you become my sister-in-law." He tsked and slumped his shoulders. "Sadly, you didn't become one."
"You..." This man... He was purposely trying to infuriate me by mentioning his youngest brother that I never wanted to talk about. "Why don't you just find your mate? Instead, you are trying to mess up with my life every time we come across each other." I squinted my eyes at him.
He heaved out a loud sigh and looked up in the sky, ignoring me.
"Oi! Are you even listening to me?" I gripped my glass in annoyance. I really hate conversing with this Crown Prince.
He thought that he was being funny to act like this even though I suffered enough blows because of the royal lycan family. My high reputation before dropped dramatically because of them which was why I had been avoiding them.
Alucard sighed one more time while he was pouting, still looking up in the sky. "I am looking for Atticus. Have you seen him?"
"Huh?" I creased my forehead. What the hell is he talking about?
He glanced at me. "Have you seen Atticus somewhere or... I don't know."
I huffed, looking at him in disbelief. "Are you kidding me? Why are you even asking that to me? It is not as if I have seen him in public." I rolled my eyes. He never even attended some parties commenced by the nobles. I wanted to add but it was already understandable from the part I said the word, public. "Why did I even waste my time speaking about some nonsensical topics with you? I do hope when you find your mate, you are not being an awkward mate." I smiled wryly and was about to leave when Alucard spoke again.
"Oh, right. You haven't seen him before," he said, ignoring the latter part I uttered. I glanced at him, catching him shrugging his shoulders. "But Atticus already saw you though."
I smirked. "Is he? Then why does he not even show himself before? What is he a coward?" I said mockingly.
"You bet." Alucard laughed. "But I still want you to be my sister-in-law despite the fact that you were married to Reginald. Being noble sucks..." He smiled wryly and even brushed his arms together like he had goosebumps. "What is the use of having a fated mate when they are going to set you up with a person who isn't your mate after all?"
"You sounded like you have experienced entering an arranged marriage." I rolled my eyes. "Or are you?" I teased when he silenced and didn't say anything. I took that as a chance to tease him back. "Perhaps, shall I welcome you to my club, Alucard?" He just shook his head but he remained that grinning expression and didn't say anything. "I will make a toast for you as a congratulation for your suffering." I emptied my glass while I was teasingly looking at him. "I am glad to know that you are now experiencing what I had experienced, Alucard. Sucks to be a Crown Prince, perhaps?" I grinned.
"Well..." He shrugged. "It is." He laughed it out.
"I shall take my leave. I still need to speak with Father. You suddenly interrupted our conversation earlier," I said earnestly.
"Oh?" Alucard arched his eyebrow. "Marquis Argerich is about to hit you, Lady Novalie. Are you thinking properly?"
I placed my lips to the rim of the glass, smiling. "Do not underestimate me, Your Royal Highness. Father wouldn't dare to hurt me. I swear." I winked.
"How certain are you?"
"Instinct." I looked up at the starry night sky. Then I looked back to the dance hall. I need to find Father and settle the dispute with him. I wouldn't just back down without having a final word from me.
It must be I who must do that, not my father.
Thus, Father wouldn't dare to slap me. He loved his daughter too much to even do that. I wanted to laugh that out. There was pure bitterness every time I would think about my father.
"Hey, sister-in-law. I still have something to tell about Atticus."
I shot him a glare. "Don't address me that!" This Crown Prince was making me infuriated again. Alucard just chuckled at my sudden outburst. I clenched my teeth. "And I have no interest in your brother."
He raised both of his hands as if surrendering. "Alright, alright." He approached me. "I have heard from Lancelot that you bought a male slave that costs a hundred million? Are you not worried that this might trigger my older brother to investigate that brothel?"
I looked at him, tilting my head. "Well, that is not my illegal business after all. I am just a customer who wanted to have fun with some male prostitutes and attend some auctions that will pick my interest." I shrugged like this was a trivial matter after all. "Perhaps, His Majesty, Alpha King Azarius is already aware of the underground business of Marquis and Marchioness Carat. I wonder when he will take action to close them down."
He raised his arms, stretching. "Hmm... I was also wondering when Atticus would show himself. My older brother, Azarius, is starting to get furious." He yawned.
I didn't say anything. I turned my back on him so I could get another drink. I already finished it so I need some more. I left the balcony but Alucard still followed me.
"Why are you even following me?" I asked in a low harsh tone as soon as I got another drink.
"I am lost. I can't find my assistant," Alucard said but he lowered his head to hide from the backs of the nobles here.
"You can't find your assistant?" I looked around and saw Sir Elijah from afar whose head was turning from left to right. It was as if he was looking for someone. Then I realized that and smirked. "Can't find your assistant, huh?" I said teasingly.
He smiled wryly at me and looked up at me. "Ah, shit... If Elijah finds me, he will force me to have a conversation with the other noble ladies again." He sighed in exasperation.
"Good for you. I think I need to summon him here." He shot me a glare. It's retaliation time. I wanted to utter but I grinned as a response.
I finished my drink while looking for Frederick through the crowds. I sniffed his scent to find him and see if he escaped. His scent was lingering here in the dance hall. I wonder where he was right now.
I tried to look for my father but I couldn't see him. Did he already go home? I must check his carriage to find out.
"Where are you going, sister-in-law?"
I turned my head to Alucard who was crouching right now. I rolled my eyes and left him there. I needed to leave because he couldn't stop addressing me with that goddamn word.
"Freedom!" Alucard said the moment we were outside of the mansion—specifically, the garden where some nobles were gathering here and had some loud chitchats.
"I don't get why you do not want to converse with the noble ladies. They have fallen head over heels for you." I rolled my eyes.
Alucard had almost the same face as Alpha King Azarius, having forest green eyes. They sometimes mistake being twins but they weren't actually twins. Just as Alpha King Azarius was so handsome that could make all the ladies go down on their knees.
However, I am the exception. And it was a good thing.
"Also, it wouldn't change the fact that you are a Crown Prince so expect that the other nobles were not going to waste this opportunity to speak with you." I shrugged.
"Ouch! What a slap!"
"Truth hurts."
"You know... You sounded like Atticus, sister-in-law."
I glared at him. "Why do you have to always bring him up every time you have the chance to speak with me, Alucard? And can you drop calling me that?! You are not even my brother-in-law." I looked at him in disgust.
"It is more suitable to be called you like that instead of addressing you as Lady Novalie." He shrugged, grinning before he crouched again.
I rolled my eyes. "Bastard."
Alucard chuckled at my response. "If you happen to see—"
"I can't hear you." My eyes were glued to the fountain. Then I looked at the mansion. I needed to find Frederick as well. I am very sure he was still there.
"You are really harsh, sister-in-law."
I pretended not to hear anything. If I kept making that a trivial matter, he wouldn't cease teasing me until I exploded.
I looked for the insignia, the orchid and crossed swords, of the House of Argerich when I eyed the carriage parkway. I gasped seeing that the symbol was still there. It could mean Father was still here.
"Well, well..." I muttered, smirking. "Hey, I am heading back," I announced.
"Already?" He stood up. "I haven't gotten a chance to breathe properly." He almost stomped his foot.
I was about to tell Alucard that he must stop acting like a child but I came to a halt when I suddenly came to sniff the familiar musky scent of someone.
"My goddess!"
I immediately spun around to see Frederick who was panting heavily. I creased my forehead seeing his worried expression.
"Where have you been?" I asked and crossed my arms over my chest.
Frederick furrowed his eyebrows. "I'm inside. I stayed there as per your order." He frowned. "Where have you been? I am looking for you and you didn't tell me you are coming here."
I harshly pulled down the collar of his suit when his tone sounded annoyed. "Why do you sound like I have my fault here? Must you blame me for suddenly going out of your sight? You are just—"
"What in Moon Goddess's name..."
Frederick and I turned our heads to Alucard whose eyes were widening. I felt Frederick stiffen and heard a soft gasp and cuss under his breath.
"What?" I arched my eyebrow, asking him.
Alucard's jaw dropped as he exchanged his glance between Frederick and I. Then his eyes landed on my Frederick.
"I-Is that..." he paused, unknowing what to say.
I glanced at Frederick and pulled him closer to me. "What? Is there something wrong?" I asked before I released his collar and cupped Frederick's face who looked a little nervous. "Did Alucard do something with you, darling?"
I caressed his cheek with my thumb. His nervousness gradually dissipated as he leaned more to my touch. "No, my goddess..." He looked at me dreamily.
"Darling? My goddess?" I turned my head back to Alucard who had a look of perplexity. He even exchanged his glance at us again like he couldn't believe what was happening right now.
"Yes." I nodded and gently patted Frederick's hair. "Alucard, meet my new slave. His name is..." I paused for a moment when I realized but dared to continue it. "Frederick." I inhaled softly. "Darling, this is His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Alucard, my... Uh..." How must I introduce him to Frederick? "Annoying acquaintance, perhaps?"
Alucard didn't say anything. I looked at Frederick who remained silent as well.
"Darling, why don't you greet His Royal Highness and pay respect to him?" I placed my chin on his shoulder. "Go on. I'll be watching," I urged him while my fingers were tracing his back before I distanced myself from him.
I watched them having pure silence enveloped between them and they were just looking at each other. I could have mistaken them that they were mind linking each other.
Also, why does it feel awkward all of a sudden? I don't understand. Or perhaps, Frederick was too intimidated at the presence of Alucard because Alucard was a lycan.
"Frederick," I uttered with a warning tone.
He glared at Alucard before his expression softened. He bowed his head. "Your wish is my command, my goddess," he said politely before he turned his head at Alucard who looked at us in disbelief. Gone was the mischief expression he had earlier. "Greetings, Your Royal Highness, Crown Prince Alucard Forest de Carteret, second Lycan Prince of Icespring."
He made a deep bow and his tone... There was a peevish attitude in it. The way he greeted the Crown Prince was the flared his nose, smothering it with bitterness.
Then he looked at me when Alucard didn't say anything. "My goddess... I did as you told." He fluttered his eyes, looking like a puppy begging to be praised.
I came to him and stroked his hair, trying to fix it. "Good boy," I said with an utter whisper.
Frederick whimpered under my touch when I praised him. I couldn't help a small smile plastered on my lips because of it.
Alucard cleared his throat before he chuckled. "How ironic..." He was shaking his head. Then there was an arrogant smile crept to his lips. "So, sister-in-law, when you say that *man* is your new slave. Is he the rumored slave that you bought for a hundred million from the slave auction?"
"I wonder who leaked that information." I shrugged, not minding how much Frederick costs. "Perhaps, Reginald gossiped about it." I rolled my eyes. "Kneel," I commanded at Frederick which he gladly obliged. Then I hugged his head so he could lean to my stomach. "Frederick is the most expensive slave I have. I am already closed to selling him to my fellow nobles for misbehaving under my watch so many times."
"My goddess!" His voice sounded horrified. He was about to look at me but I didn't allow him.
Alucard smirked. There was a mocking expression when he looked at Frederick. "Poor thing. His master is closed to strangle him." Then he gasped and remembered. "Now, I know where Atticus is. Elijah mind linked me that he has arrived here, mingling in the crowds."
My face darkened upon hearing that. I couldn't help clutching Frederick's hair which he hissed.
"Novalie..."
I looked down at Frederick who had a painful expression. In my peripheral vision, I saw Alucard's shoulders shaking. "We need to leave," I said in my icy tone before I released his hair.
"Why? Already?" Alucard saddened his voice. "Do you hate my brother that much, sister-in-law?"
I glared at him. I could feel the pressure point that was close to its limit right now. He never knew when to stop, did he?
"We are going to leave," I said coldly. My mood suddenly changed. "Also stop calling me sister-in-law, Alucard. Bastard..." I gritted my teeth in annoyance before I turned my back on him. "Frederick, let's go—"
"Oh! Atticus! Did you hear that? Sister-in-law hated you so much she wants to strangle you!" he exclaimed.
My heart suddenly stopped as I immediately spun around to see Prince Atticus. I looked around and only saw Alucard, Frederick, and I here in the garden. I shot Alucard a glare when he chuckled.
"You are expecting him to come, do you?" he teased.
"Shut up!" I growled. "Frederick, let's go!" I couldn't take having this Crown Prince around with me.
"I hope you know what you are playing," Alucard said meaningfully and earnestly.
I scoffed and glanced at him. "I know what I am playing, Alucard." I caught him looking at Frederick who had nothing to do right now but stayed quiet before Alucard looked at me with a smile.
"I know, sister-in-law. But I know someone who is playing a risk-taking gamble." He smiled meaningfully which bewildered me. He bowed his head. "I shall see you again at the next party. Perhaps, next time, I will bring Atticus with me. I do hope your slave will be there to witness it." He exchanged his glances at both of us with a meaningful gaze.
I snorted. "If he will be there, I am not attending that party," I said frigidly before I spun around to leave.