CHAPTER 170: CHAPTER 170: BREAKFAST WITH HER DAD

It is already late; you should get ready. We’re having breakfast with Uncle Maximus today."

Serena blinked and smiled. "Oh! Really? With him?"

"Yes," Vaelen nodded, folding his arms with that familiar brotherly look. "And it’s already late. You spent half the morning laughing with these idiots."

Serena laughed softly. "I know, I had too much fun. Okay! I will get ready quickly."

She waved to him and started heading toward her room.

But behind her, the warriors who were still hanging around the training ground began to protest loudly.

"Aww, don’t go yet!" one of them shouted.

"Yeah! We were just starting to have fun again!"

"Stay a little longer, Lady Serena!"

They all made pitiful faces, like a group of puppies being left behind.

Serena couldn’t help it; she burst into laughter. "You all are so dramatic," she said with a shake of her head. "I’ll see you later, okay?"

"Promise?" someone called.

"Promise!" she said, smiling brightly and waving her hand.

The warriors sighed in fake sadness, clutching their chests like she had broken their hearts. "Ah, she abandoned us!" one groaned. "My heart can’t take it!"

Serena just laughed again before finally turning away.

And soon, she disappeared down the corridor.

The moment she was out of sight, Vaelen’s expression changed. His smile faded, replaced by a sharp glare.

He turned toward the warriors, his voice dropping low.

"You all are getting bold," he said, eyes narrowing. "Flirting with her right in front of me, huh?"

The warriors froze.

"W-what?" one of them stammered.

Vaelen took a step forward. "If any of you dare to have bad thoughts about her," he growled, "I’ll break your bones one by one. Got it?"

They all started laughing nervously. "Come on, Alpha Vaelen! Don’t be like that!"

"We were just having fun!"

"She’s like our little sister now! We wouldn’t dare think badly of her!"

One of them even added with a grin, "She’s too cute for us to think anything else! We’ll protect her like she’s our own!"

That made everyone laugh again, though this time it was lighthearted.

And soon, they were pushing and shoving each other playfully, pretending to fight.

Vaelen sighed but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at his lips. "Idiots," he muttered before walking away. But he trusted them with his heart; after all, they are all like his brothers.

***

Meanwhile, Serena had already reached her room inside the palace.

She went straight to her bath, humming softly as the warm water washed away the dust from training.

When she came out, she wrapped herself in a towel and looked at the wardrobe and gasped softly.

There were so many dresses. She didn’t even know who had prepared all this for her. But strangely... every single dress looked like it was made just for her. The sizes were perfect.

She smiled to herself and picked a simple silver one.

It wasn’t too fancy, just a plain one, but it was soft and elegant. When she put it on, she felt... comfortable.

Then she turned toward the mirror.

Her reflection made her blink.

Her long silver-white hair now reached all the way to her waist, shimmering softly in the light. Her pale skin glowed against the silver dress, and her soft eyes made her look gentle, almost like a girl from a story.

She tilted her head left, then right. "Hmm... not bad," she murmured.

And then a small smile spread across her lips. "I actually look... nice."

It was strange. For the first time in a long time, she didn’t feel lonely.

Here, everything felt bright. Everyone was kind. She didn’t have to hide anymore.

She whispered to herself, "Maybe... I can really be happy here."

Just then, a knock came on the door.

A maid peeked inside. "Miss Serena! You’re already dressed, I see."

Serena turned. "Yes, I’m done."

But the maid smiled sweetly. "Let me comb your hair, please. It will look even prettier."

"Oh, no, that’s fine," Serena said quickly, embarrassed. "It’s already okay."

But the maid pouted, eyes wide and pleading. "Please, Miss. Just this once. I promise it’ll only take a moment. Your hair is so beautiful; I’d love to fix it properly!"

Serena hesitated, then laughed softly. "Alright, alright. You win."

The maid quickly began working.

Her fingers were gentle, brushing through Serena’s long, silky hair with care. She twisted, braided, and pinned, humming softly as she worked.

When she finished, Serena looked in the mirror again, and her breath caught.

Her hair was now styled beautifully, with a small braid running across the top like a crown. She looked almost like a princess.

"Oh..." she whispered. "It’s so pretty."

The maid smiled proudly. "You are already beautiful, Miss Serena. I only helped a little."

Serena’s cheeks turned pink. "Thank you... really."

For a moment, she couldn’t stop looking at her reflection.

That girl in the mirror...smiling, glowing, free. She almost didn’t recognize her.

But she liked her. She wanted to be her.

The maid curtsied softly. "Lord Maximus and Prince Vaelen are waiting in the dining hall. Shall I take you there?"

Serena nodded, smiling brightly. "Yes, let’s go."

As they walked down the bright hall, Serena’s steps were light.

When Serena finally reached the dining hall, she slowed her steps.

The big double doors were open, and inside, the long table was already set with breakfast... plates of fruit, warm bread, and silver cups shining in the light.

At the end of the table, she saw Vaelen and her father, Lord Maximus, already sitting there.

The moment Vaelen looked up and saw her, his eyes brightened.

He waved at her with a wide smile. "Hey, you’re finally here!"

Serena smiled back. Then her eyes moved to her father.

Lord Maximus was sitting calmly at the far end. His expression was serious as always, but his gaze softened when he saw her.

Her heart started beating fast. She didn’t know why she suddenly felt nervous. Maybe because... she still wasn’t used to being near him like this.

For a moment, she hesitated at the doorway.

Then, slowly, she walked toward him.

When she reached his side, Lord Maximus stood up. For a second, he just looked at her, and then he reached out his hand, gently patting her head.

"My daughter is looking beautiful."