Betrayed By My Mate, Claimed By His Lycan King Uncle-Chapter 179: Ashen and Seraphina.

Meanwhile, back at Mellisa’s chamber, she was now dressed in an exquisite gown, seated regally on her golden feathered chair. A warm smile graced her lips as she gently cradled the little prince in her arms, feeding him the bottle tenderly.

"My prince," Mellisa whispered softly, her gaze locked on the infant’s face. "You’ll grow up to be strong and handsome. Mother will make sure you’re always safe and sound." She leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss on his tiny forehead. "Mother loves you very much."

From a corner of the chamber, the soft, persistent cries of the girl child echoed faintly, slicing through the otherwise serene atmosphere. The sound caused a subtle shift among those present....the servants exchanged quiet glances, and a shadow of sadness fell across Nyla’s expression as she continued to hold the crying girl close.

"Have you sent a message to my father and brother?" Mellisa asked suddenly, raising her gaze toward Nyla. Her warm expression faded into one of quiet concern. "What’s taking them so long to get here?"

"Yes, Your Highness. I have already sent word," Nyla responded, bowing deeply. "They will be here soon." After a slight pause, she hesitated, then added carefully, "Your Highness... what about the princess?"

Mellisa’s eyes darkened, her smile vanishing completely. "What about her?" she asked coldly, her tone void of any warmth.

"She hasn’t eaten," Nyla replied, worry evident in her voice as she held the crying baby girl closer to her chest. "She’s only a baby, Your Highness. She might not survive without food. And... you even refused the wet nurse permission to breastfeed her."

Nyla’s voice trembled as she glanced at the infant’s scrunched-up face, still damp with tears. "These children... they are twins, Your Highness. You cannot possibly love only the prince and abandon the princess."

"Please, Nyla," Mellisa said firmly, her tone clipped and resolute. "I told you....I have nothing to do with the girl. You were the one who insisted we take her. I allowed it, yes, but only as a gesture of kindness, not because I desire to be her mother. Do not mistake this for affection. It was an act of mercy.....nothing more."

She shifted her gaze back to the baby boy in her arms and added pointedly, "If you want to take care of the girl, you may. I will not stop you from feeding her. But do not bring her near me. I do not wish to see her."

Nyla swallowed hard, her lips parting as if to argue, but no words came out. She bowed again, her expression heavy with unspoken protest. Despite the ache in her chest, she obeyed, for Mellisa’s permission had finally been granted and that was what she had been waiting for all along. Without her approval, she dared not act.

Gently, Nyla took the baby and moved to a corner where she had earlier prepared a feeding bottle. She filled it with warm milk and, with trembling hands, brought it to the baby’s lips.

The moment the nipple touched her mouth, the baby girl’s cries ceased instantly. She latched on and began to suck eagerly.

"It’s okay, darling," Nyla murmured, a soft smile breaking through her worried expression as she rocked the baby slightly while feeding her. "You’re safe now."

"The Gamma Lord is here!"

A deep, masculine voice echoed from outside the chamber, prompting a radiant smile to spread across Mellisa’s face. She rose from her seat at once, her posture elegant and composed, as the heavy doors were opened to reveal her father....the Gamma Lord and her elder brother, both just arriving.

"Bring me my grandson....quickly!" the Gamma Lord boomed with uncontainable joy, his eyes bright with excitement as he stepped forward.

Mellisa carefully handed over the baby, who was fast asleep in her arms. "He’s right here, Father," she said softly, her heart swelling with pride. "Your little grandson."

"Oh, my goodness..." the Gamma Lord murmured, holding the baby boy close to his chest. "He’s so beautiful....so cute. That useless Emperor wouldn’t even allow us to visit until you woke up! Do you know how worried and frustrated I’ve been?" he exclaimed, a mix of irritation and relief in his voice.

"I’m so sorry father that I got you worried. This was why I requested that you come immediately after I woke up. And yes, your grandson is handsome," Mellisa replied with a warm smile as her gaze shifted toward her brother, who stood tall and proud beside their father. "He looks just like Brother did when he was a baby."

"Congratulations, Sister," her brother said, bowing deeply. "You’ve given birth to the future Emperor. I’m now an uncle." He grinned as he gently touched the baby boy’s soft head. "He’s perfect."

"Please, Father," Mellisa said, her voice filled with gentle anticipation, "I want you to name him. He’s a miracle baby, after all. I would have died in that terrible fire accident at the praying ground if not for him. I purposely didn’t allow the emperor to name them."

The Gamma Lord’s expression softened as he turned his attention back to Mellisa. "I’m just grateful you survived, my daughter. You brought not only my grandson into this world but also a granddaughter," he said. Then his gaze shifted to Nyla, who still cradled the baby girl with care.

"Bring the girl over to me," he commanded, his tone gentler now.

Without hesitation, Nyla stepped forward and carefully handed the baby girl to the Gamma Lord, who now held both infants in his strong arms.

He looked at them with deep affection before speaking with authority, "The prince shall be named Ashen, and the princess shall be called Seraphina."

He paused, allowing the names to settle in the air before explaining, "Seraphina means ’burning one’.....a name that symbolizes her survival through the flames, her inner strength, and a radiant, noble spirit. And Ashen... it comes from ’ash’, representing rebirth, the quiet poetry of tragedy and resilience. A strong, mysterious name for a child destined for greatness."

"They are children who will rise and shine," he continued, a look of pride lighting his features. "My precious grandchildren." With that, he placed a gentle kiss on each of their cheeks.

"Thank you so much, Father. I love the names," Mellisa said, her voice trembling slightly with emotion. "They’re beautiful... truly beautiful."

"Bring in the gifts!" Mellisa’s brother suddenly shouted, turning toward the doors.

Almost immediately, the doors swung open, revealing a procession of burly men carrying large, ornate boxes wrapped in luxurious red silk. They moved in one by one, stacking the boxes carefully inside the chamber.

"Oh, my goodness, Father!" Mellisa exclaimed in awe as she hurried over to one of the boxes. She unfastened the clasps and opened it, gasping at the sight inside.

It was filled with rows of tiny, exquisitely crafted garments....made from the finest fabrics for both Ashen and Seraphina. There were clothes for every stage of their early years, from infancy until they turned five. Nestled beneath the layers were dazzling pieces of jewelry....gold, rubies, sapphires, and diamonds....each piece custom-made for royalty.

"These are for my grandchildren," the Gamma Lord announced proudly. "And that’s not all. The provincial governors will also be sending their gifts during the naming ceremony. The other boxes contains medicinal herbs for you...jewelries, perfumes all while there are also alot of toys for my grandchildren and many more. They have to know that they’re grandfather loves them."

"Thank you so much father." Mellisa replied with a warm smile on her face.

He turned back to Mellisa with a booming laugh. "You are now the mother of the future Alpha Emperor, Mellisa. It’s only a matter of time before Ashen ascends. You’re already the Empress Mother in all but title!"

"Thank you, Father," Mellisa said with a satisfied smile. "Now I can finally return to the harem and teach those lowlife concubines some manners. I’ve been too quiet lately. No meetings, no scolding....but all that ends now."

She narrowed her eyes, her expression hardening with vengeance. "Especially that Sorayah," she hissed, followed by a chilling, triumphant laugh. "That slut has been parading herself as the Emperor’s favorite while I was in confinement. She’s tasted power long enough. It’s time for her to choke on it."

"You are the Empress Luna and the prince’s mother," the Gamma Lord said firmly. "Crushing those concubines will be like crushing ants beneath your heel."

He then straightened his shoulders, his tone heavy with command. "Dimitri has no choice but to name Prince Ashen as Crown Prince. Once the boy turns one, the official announcement must be made. After that, Dimitri will have no choice but to abdicate....and you, Mellisa, will become the Empress Dowager. You will rule in your son’s stead until he comes of age."

Another hearty laugh erupted from the Gamma Lord. "You’ve done me proud, daughter. Now, sit back and watch how your father handles the rest."

Mellisa nodded slowly, her smile returning. "I trust you father."