Although Father disapproved of my decision, when he saw the resolve on my face, he didn’t press further.
He simply sighed and tried to console me. “If your life in the serpent clan becomes too difficult… perhaps Bella can help you out.”
But when Bella found out I had chosen to marry into the serpent clan, she couldn’t resist mocking me to my face.
“Clarice, even if you couldn’t marry Jacob, surely you didn’t have to stoop to the declining serpent clan? Don’t end up starving to death before you even manage to bear a child. I heard they’re struggling just to stay fed these days.
“The wolf clan is wealthy beyond measure. Even their bathwater is infused with precious divine herbs. If your life gets too miserable, I can pack up some leftovers and send them your way!”
She covered her mouth and burst out laughing, ignoring the awkward glances from the servants around us.
In Bella’s eyes, the wolf clan had vast resources, and Jacob’s devotion would guarantee a swift pregnancy. She was certain I’d miss my chance at bearing the first half-beast child.
But she had no idea how difficult it was for humans and beastfolk to conceive. Nor did she know how obsessed Jacob was with having an heir.
When I didn’t show signs of pregnancy after six months, he began taking out his frustration on me, tormenting me day and night.
Only after I used a secret technique to conceive and gave birth to Tristan, securing the wolf clan’s claim to power, did Jacob finally relent.
I offered Bella a calm smile. “You needn’t worry about me, dear sister. Since I’ve chosen my husband, I’ll live with my decision without regret.”
“What’s there to be proud of? You’re marrying a penniless nobody!” Infuriated by my composure, Bella slammed the table, scattering the pastries across the floor. “I’ll be the first one to get pregnant. My child will definitely be the next ruler of the alliance!”
I ignored her tantrum and went off to prepare for my wedding in three days.
In one thing, she wasn’t wrong—the serpent clan was indeed very poor. I worried they might not even have the money for a proper gown, so I planned to prepare one myself.
To my surprise, that very evening, Draco came in person to deliver my wedding dress.
