Page 36 of Abandoned By My Alpha Husband

I didn't speak.

"I was so scared." Her voice softened, dropped low with a tremor. "When the knife came at us, I froze completely. I didn't think he'd go after Liam... I haven't been able to sleep thinking about it. I raised Liam. How could I possibly—"

I cut her off. "Lina, don't."

Lina's mouth closed. Hurt flashed across her face. She swayed like she might collapse from the pain. "Lucifer... why are you being so cold?"

I didn't want to explain. The reason was simple—I'd started questioning how much her feelings really weighed. Yes, she'd taken care of Liam for five years. Yes, it was hard. But Elena had barely arrived, Liam had actively hated her, and yet she'd still thrown herself in front of that knife for him.

I knew I couldn't demand she sacrifice herself for Liam. But still. It left a knot in my chest.

Lina looked at me, eyes reddening. I saw that familiar fragility, the way she stood there wringing her hands like someone awaiting judgment, like I'd wounded her deeply.

I took a breath and changed the subject. "Where's Liam?"

Lina's tone brightened instantly. "In the garden. Let's go see him. I... haven't seen Liam in a while either." Suddenly she looked forlorn again, tears pooling. "Liam's been distant with me."

I didn't want to see her like this. I was tired of consoling her.

"Let's go."

I stood, walked around the desk toward the door. Lina followed, heels clicking on stone. When I pushed open the garden side door, sunlight hit my face, warm and thick. The smell of sun-baked grass filled the air.

"You apologize to Liam right now!"

Even from a distance, I heard Elena's voice.

Elena stood in the middle of the garden, back to me. Three kids in little noble uniforms faced her. I recognized them—children of nobles, probably here because their fathers were paying taxes. They were half a head taller than Liam, huddled together.

The kids exchanged glances. None dared speak. Liam pressed into Elena's side, small hand gripping her skirt, face hidden against her waist. He never hid behind anyone. Except Lina.

Grass stains marked Elena's hem. Her back was rigid, but she bent slightly forward—her wound still hadn't healed.

"What's going on here?"

I walked up beside Elena, steadied her, and barked at the kids.

All three looked up, saw me, and went pale. Elena turned. When she saw me, her eyes lit up for a moment. "They said some things," she said.

"What things?" I stared coldly at the children.

Elena paused, covered Liam's ears reflexively, and lowered her voice. "They said... Liam doesn't have a mother. That he's some kid from nowhere."

Her gesture tugged at something in my chest. Even now, Elena was protecting Liam's feelings. Her words were gentle—I knew what those kids actually said was far worse.

Lina came around from behind me, bent down, and reached for Liam. Her voice dripped with sweetness. "Liam, come to Lina."

Liam didn't move. He clutched Elena's skirt, knuckles white, lips pressed tight, shoulders trembling slightly. He didn't look at Lina. Lina's hand hung in midair before she pulled it back.

I looked at Liam's flushed face, at his fingers refusing to let go of Elena's skirt, at the expressions those three kids hadn't quite wiped clean. I understood everything. Gossip about Liam's origins had never stopped circulating among Silver pine nobles—just not openly. But I hadn't expected these children to be bolder than their parents.

"How dare you?"

The three kids kept their heads down, trembling, silent.

"The Silver pine King's child," my voice stayed level, but carried the natural weight of an Alpha, "is not for you to discuss."

The kids looked ready to cry. Then one lifted his head and pointed at Elena behind me. "It was her! She told us to say it! She taught us those songs!"