<h4>Chapter 197: Secret Unveiled</h4>


    For a moment, Fiona’s mind went nk. She couldn’tprehend what the king had just said. Her thoughts raced: "He specifically told us not to worry about the Gerymooreint. I’ve never heard of Eleanor doing anything that would justify stripping her title. Then why...?"


    Before she could collect her thoughts further, King Erevan continued, "Don’t misunderstand me. I hold no grudge against your n. In fact, I’m grateful for all you’ve done for Eleanor. You’ll understand everything once you see this."


    He ced a sketch on the desk. "Do you remember, thirty years ago... just after I seeded the throne following my father’s disappearance, I issued a worldwide search for a certain woman?"


    Fiona nodded slowly. "Yes, I remember. But... you never found her."


    The king gestured to the paper. "Look closely at the sketch."


    Fiona leaned forward. The moment her eyes fell on the image, she froze. Her eyes widened as she murmured, "Eleanor..."


    Erevan replied in a sombre tone, "No. That was her mother. I’ve already conducted a DNA test. Eleanor is my daughter."


    Fiona opened her mouth to speak, but no words came. She closed it again, stunned, staring at the king in silence.


    Erevan continued, seemingly unbothered by her speechlessness, "Sarika was the one who first uncovered the truth. When she brought Eleanor to the temple for her ancestral blessing, she noticed that both the Raynor and Lychos n ancestors gave their blessings. She recalled the sketch I circted years ago and suspected a connection. A DNA test confirmed it."


    He took a deep breath.


    "Right now, only Sarika, you, and I know the truth. We cannot reveal Eleanor’s identity just yet. You understand how some in my n are eyeing the throne. With no known heir, they’ve been biding their time... waiting for my passing. But if word gets out that I have a daughter, and even a granddaughter, they won’t stay passive. Eleanor’s life, and her child’s... could be in danger."


    This time, Fiona nodded in understanding. But before she could reply, Erevan continued, "I’ve had a long discussion with Sarika. We both agreed that Eleanor will be introduced to the world at my coronation ceremony. That way, I can publicly dere her as my heir in my very first decree. Until then, her identity must remain secret... even from her. As much as I long to speak to her, to see my granddaughter, I must prioritise their safety. She grew up without a father. She’s already be a mother herself. A few more months won’t change the past."


    He paused, then added, "I also have to consider the other council members. If the Raynor n’s young miss suddenly turns out to be my daughter, I’m unsure how well it will be received. For everyone’s sake, we must keep this quiet. While she’s under your care as a Raynor, she’s protected. And now that she’s awakened her Elizabeth bloodline... As a father, I can only ask that you continue looking after her."


    Fiona suddenlyughed. Then she asked, "How long have you known?"


    Erevan answered frankly, "Since Eleanor returned from India."


    Fiona raised an eyebrow. "So, when you visited Kvernheim, you already knew. You bought this armour for Eleanor, didn’t you? I was bidding for her too," she chuckled. "I spent half the night wondering who you were buying it for. I never guessed."


    Erevan smiled. "What could I do? I have to protect my daughter."


    Fiona asked more seriously, "Then... all these npetitions, and the decree for young n heads to take part in the Trial... was that your doing?"


    Erevan nodded. "Yes and no. While I had a hand in it, the order came from Yggdrasil itself. All races were asked to send their younger generation to prepare for what’sing. There’s a war brewing in Molgrath. Reinforcements may soon be needed."


    "I’ve heard as much," Fiona said. "Isn’t it too risky to send ascendants into a war zone?"


    "It was always risky," Erevan replied. "But we must prepare them for the worst. I need Eleanor to at least reach ascendance before I can dere her as my heir."


    Fiona nodded slowly. "That makes sense now. But she awakened the Elizabeth bloodline, not Brontes. Isn’t it required to awaken the Brontes bloodline to be heir?"


    "Yes," Erevan agreed, "but Sarika assured me not to worry. With the ancestor’s blessing, Eleanor will awaken her Brontes bloodline as well. She will be the first werewolf in history to wield a dual bloodline."


    Fiona was so stunned she fell silent.


    Erevan’s voice softened. "You did a remarkable job hiding Eleanor’s past. I couldn’t uncover anything. But I’d like to know about her mother. I didn’t even know her name."


    Fiona replied quietly, "Her name was Esmeralda Langford. She died shortly after giving birth to Eleanor. If you are the father, it’s no surprise. Giving birth to a mixed-blood child could have been too much. In that light, Eleanor’s survival, as she was born as a human... is nothing short of a miracle."


    She paused, then added, "I heard Esmeralda came from the Langford family of Birmingham. Her tomb is in the Langford Castle grounds. The family once held significant prestige in the kingdom. Her father was an Earl, a high-ranking official under the king. If you’d like, I can arrange information for you. But I would advise against visiting now... your movements are always under watch. If you wish to keep this hidden, it’s better to wait until the coronation. Then, perhaps, you can visit with Eleanor."


    Erevan nodded. "That’s wise. Still, I wish I could’ve known about her earlier. I feel so guilty. She must have suffered without a father."


    Fiona said, "Eleanor doesn’t speak much about her childhood. I only know what she and Ethan told me. She went through deep trauma. In fact, when she was turned, she had just suffered a terrible ident. Ethan turned her out of desperation... to save her life."


    Erevan leaned forward. "Can you tell me everything you know? Please."


    And so, Fiona told him. Everything. How Eleanor was raised in the Whitmore family. How she was used, betrayed, plotted against. How Ethan found her. How she was turned. How she rebuilt herself. How she rose to be a business powerhouse. What she was doing now.


    She then sent several photos of Freya to Erevan and exined who she was.


    After more than twenty minutes, Erevan and Fiona walked out of the study. Both of them hadposed themselves, their expressions t and unreadable. No one could guess just how emotional the two of them had been moments ago.


    By the time they returned to the stadium, the feast had already concluded, and everyone was waiting for the king’s departure. King Erevan bid farewell to the gathered n heads and other werewolves in attendance. Then, together with the council members, he boarded the helicopter. Fiona apanied them, intending to see them off at the airport.


    After the helicopter departed, George Gerymoore stepped forward and approached Eleanor. "Young Miss Raynor, I am George Gerymoore, the current n Head of the Gerymoore n."


    Eleanor ced her palm over her chest and gave a slight bow. "Good afternoon, Mr Gerymoore. I hope you enjoyed our hospitality."


    George smiled. "Thank you. I’ve been hoping to speak with you for some time. I’ve asked Fiona several times, but she always said you were busy."


    Eleanor replied, "There’s a lot going on in my business. As you saw today, I even missed the celebratory feast with His Majesty."


    George chuckled. "No, no, I’m not ming you. I just wanted to resolve any misunderstanding that may exist between us."


    Eleanor looked directly into the elder’s eyes. Without betraying a hint of emotion, she replied, "I wasn’t aware that there were any misunderstandings between us. In fact, I’ve never had any contact with your n before. You’re the first person from the Gerymoore n I’ve spoken to. But rest assured... as my elder, you will always have my utmost respect."


    George smiled again. "That’s good. That’s very good. In that case, allow me to formally invite you to our n. If you’re ever in London, we’d be honoured to host you."


    Eleanor responded with grace, "Thank you. I will certainly visit when time permits."


    Several werewolves nearby were quietly trying to listen in on the conversation. Given the recent tension between the two ns, their curiosity was understandable... they suspected something significant might be brewing.


    At that moment, Ethan approached and greeted George politely. He then turned to Eleanor and said, "You need to head back. Aunt Be just arrived at your vi."


    Eleanor nodded. "Let’s go, then."


    She turned and called out to Isadora, who was standing nearby. "Isadora, prepare the car. We’re leaving now."


    Then she turned to George once more and said, "Something urgent hase up. I have to go now, but I’ll definitely visit your n in the future."


    She and Ethan then bid farewell to the remaining guests one by one. Momentster, her convoy rolled out from the parking area, nine sleek ck Range Rovers filled with armed guards forming a coordinated line. In full view of the crowd, the vehicles glided away from the estate in dignified formation.