Chapter 20 20
Jasmine's POV:
I woke up to the sound of a knock against my door, and before I could fully register the sound, Luna Evelyn slipped into my room.
“Good morning, Jasmine dear.” She sang as she stepped in.
Now, why the hell was she in my room at this hour?
I forced out a sleepy smile. “Good morning…”
“I hope I didn’t wake you.” She hovered at the foot of my bed, hands clasped.
“Oh, not at all,” I lied, pushing myself up and smoothing my hair like a trained little dove. “I was just about to get up.”
She chuckled. “You’re always so responsible, I knew I chose well for my Denary.”
She stepped closer and brushed a wrinkle from my sleeve. “I’m so happy Denary will have a woman like you by his side, you’re exactly what our family needs.”
I’m exactly what makes you feel in control, I corrected silently, though my smile only brightened. Because she adored and had no idea how much I counted the minutes until I could escape her hovering presence.
“I hope to make you proud.” I said, giggling.
“Oh, you already do.” She beamed.
I had forced my way into her life so that I could get Denary, but everyday, my patience for her overbearing and perfectionist attitude was slowly thinning. Yet, I had to continue smiling sheepishly because until that ring was fully on my finger, until her precious Denary said the word wife loud enough for the whole Kingdom to hear, I had to keep up this act.
“Come here.” She said warmly, make her way to the edge of my bed.
I shuffled closer, sitting beside her.
“I’m leaving for the capital at noon.” She said gently, brushing a stray braid away from my face. “Do you remember everything I told you about him?”
I nodded, forcing out a smile and she continued, lifting her brows. “Un-womanly or not, do everything you can to get his attention. You hear me? Get your dress muddy if you must.”
I nodded, absorbing every word.
“Now, go to him.” She continued, eyes softening. “If he’s awake, ask him if he’d like breakfast, and offer to help arrange his morning plans. Just… be around him and stand where he can’t help but look.”
A blush crawled up my neck. “Can’t you stay?” I asked, forcing myself to sound sad at the thought of her leaving.
“You know I can’t, Jasmine.” Her face softened and she cupped my cheek. “I’m the queen and I have duties waiting. But if I could stay and help you navigate my stubborn son, I would.”
I leaned in as she pulled me into a hug and after a short while, I asked. “About that girl called Amelia…”
“She's nobody.” Luna Evelyn cut me off before I could complete my question. “Denary found a way to convince his father that keeping her around would be useful, but I believe that she shouldn't be here. You should do whatever it takes to eliminate her, I believe in you.”
When she finally pulled back, she squeezed my hand. “Now, go and see if he needs anything.”
Nodding, I stood, and, because appearances mattered, I tied my hair up, sprayed a little perfume over my throat and wrists. Then I rushed out before I could lose my nerve, making my way down the corridor toward his room. By the time I reached his door, my palms were sweating and my heart thudded so loudly I felt it in my teeth.
I inhaled deeply a few times before pushing the door open only to see Denary, my fiance, lying in bed with Amelia curled against his chest, and his arm wrapped around her. His eyes snapped open at the sound of the door and he sat up instantly, pressing a finger to his lips, silently telling me not to make a sound.
I froze.
Not only was he holding another woman in the bed that was supposed to be mine, he was asking me to keep quiet about it? How dare you?
Yes, he was an Alpha. Yes, concubines were normal. But something about Amelia, the way she slithered into this place and the way he had looked at her the previous night like she was made of moonlight made my blood boil.
Hissing under my breath, I stormed out, slamming the door so hard the walls trembled.
I marched down the hall, ready to find Luna Evelyn and tell her everything I had just seen because she had to know what kind of disrespect her son was capable of.
But halfway down the corridor, I stopped as her words replayed in my head. ‘I believe in you.’
She believed I could get Denary. So why was I running to her now, like a child, expecting her to fix this? Why should I rely on her?
Amelia was nothing but a stray with no name, support or standing, I would definitely be able to handle her myself. I would make Amelia’s life so unbearable she’d run from this place long before Denary could grow attached.
And besides, Luna Evelyn… she might not approve of what I had in mind. So I straightened my shoulders and made my way to the room with a wide smile. When I returned to my room, Luna Evelyn had already gone, but in her place was a maid arranging my bed. I recognized her as the maid that was introduced to me last night as my personal maid, her name was Suzanne.
On sensing my presence, she looked up and greeted her, bowing her head. Then Suzanne added. “What would you like to have for breakfast, my lady.”
“Anything light would be fine.” I replied and Suzanne immediately moved towards the door.
“But, first of all.” I began. “I would like to have my bath, breakfast can come after.”
“Anything for you, my lady.”
Her words brought a smile to my face because
I knew that she would be very useful in achieving my plan.