When A Ghoul Falls In Love

Nilora married Duke Sanguine, but her health was not good. After fifty years of their marriage, they couldn't have any children. Nilora had three miscarriages before Duke Sanguine told her that he didn't need any children. But Nilora convinced the Duke to marry for the second time. Duke Sanguine was hesitant, but he knew that he needed an heir. The king would force a woman on him if he didn't get married and have a child. 

Judith was the daughter of the butler who used to serve Duke Sanguine. She might have been a commoner, but she still had dormant magic. She didn't have any skill in magic and her core wasn't strong either. A woman like her wasn't popular. 

But Duke Sanguine chose her because he trusted the butler who had served him for years and the second reason was that Judith didn't wield any social or political power. He needed someone who didn't have even a slightest bit of power in the noble society. 

The third reason was that Judith's core was weak. 

Children of two species are either born with both magic or single magic. It also depends who was more dominant during the s.e.x. Usually, the children take after their father, especially if their mother's core is weak. 

Everyone from the royal bloodline is closer to the pure demonic side than other species. 

For these reasons, the Duke chose Judith. 

Judith already knew what was waiting for her after their marriage. The duke had made it clear to her that she couldn't have his love. They would be married and he would take care of her and her children, but she must never ever seek his love. Back then, she thought that it was fine. A commoner like her would never be able to marry a duke. So, she agreed to the marriage.

Alas! The boy was a hybrid. It was better if the boy was a wendigo instead of a hybrid. Hybrids are usually infertile. Duke Sanguine cherished the boy. Ark was his first son. Nilora also loved the boy. 

Eoin and Ephraim were born after ten years. Duke Sanguine was relieved since both boys were ghouls.

Judith gained a special status at the dukedom, despite being someone from lowly origins. Because Nilora was sickly, Judith practically managed the mansion. Nilora was the duchess only in name. 

Then, Nilora became pregnant. 

Judith was driven mad. Even though she had all the powers of the duchess, Nilora had the Duke's heart. Duke Sanguine had stopped visiting Judith after Eoin and Ephraim were born. 

Duke Sanguine gave all of his attention to Nilora. Judith was anxious. She started to wish that Nilora would have another miscarriage.

Often, she would hear them argue. Duke Sanguine didn't want Nilora to have the child since Nilora's body might not be able to endure childbirth. But Nilora wouldn't kill the baby. In the end, Nilora gave birth to a son and she survived childbirth.

Judith felt that it was over. Her children would be ignored by the Duke. Their power would slip from her hands.

After a few days, Eli started having fevers. The best healers were called. 

'The child's magic is too strong for his body,' The healer had informed them.

Her anxiety disappeared when she found out that Eli might not survive infancy. 

Nilora wasn't from the main royal family. Still, her son inherited dual dark elemental magic. In fact, the royal family are the descendants of a demonic god. But it was shocking that Eli would be born with a pure darkness element. 

His innate talent was so powerful that Judith was unable to get closer to the child without feeling pressure on her core. She felt like the boy would raise his hand and snatch out her core.

He was like a devil.

That day, she was waiting to hear the news of Eli's death. It was best if the boy died. She didn't want any competition. The Duke would rather see Nilora live. 

The person who was found dead was Nilora. 

The Duke wouldn't let anyone see Nilora's body. Her funeral was held and her body was cremated. The Duke rarely spoke of Nilora after that day. Eli was also ignored by the Duke. Judith decided that it was better that way. 

The Duke resumed visiting her again. However, her happiness didn't last long. He married Tamara and Victoire. Both of them were from a ghoul noble family. He married them because they looked similar to Nilora. 

***

Even after Nilora is gone, her son is making her life hell. Duke Sanguine's favouritism is clear to her. Just like how the Duke only saw Nilora, he only notices Eli. What is so good about that boy? Even if he is born with the element of darkness, Eli is not the right person to become the next head of the dukedom.

Why does her husband not notice her sons? 

"Duchess, they are waiting for you," Her attendant informs her.

Judith goes to the sitting room. Her three sons are waiting for her. Nicholai and Talon are seated on the couch. Eoin is seated in the chair with his eyes closed. 

Nicholai's complexion is still bad. He is glaring at the bluish bowl of medicinal soup for internal injuries.

She lets out a sigh. "Why haven't you drank the soup yet, Nicholai?"

Her third son flinches. "Mother, I don't feel good."

"Do I have to feed you?" Judith grimaces at Nicholai. "Isn't calling you here to make you drink this soup enough? When will you start acting like an a.d.u.l.t? Eli has received the title of a prince. None of you has been able to surpass him. Useless!"