Chapter 31 31
Amelia's POV:
I stood in the shadowed alcove of the hallway, the torchlight flickering across Jasmine’s face as she delivered her apology with the expression of someone who had rehearsed every syllable. Her voice was softer than I had ever heard it, almost gentle, and that alone set my nerves on edge.
“I thought about everything that happened, and I realized that what I did on the day we went horse riding and what I said in the kitchen earlier wasn’t nice so I decided to apologize because I honestly didn't say it to put you down in any way.” She began, clasping her hands in front of her like a penitent schoolgirl then she lowered her gaze for a moment, lashes sweeping against her cheeks.
“I realize now that sometimes the way I talk comes from the way I was brought up. Because of that, I tend to talk in certain ways that might offend people. And since coming here, I have been trying to learn how to actually treat people better. So I was hoping that you weren’t offended.”
Everything about the moment felt wrong because Jasmine had spent the past few days sharpening her tongue like a blade against me, cutting me down in front of servants, in front of Denary, in front of anyone who would listen. And now this sudden remorse and sudden self-awareness?
I didn’t know much about her, but I knew enough to recognize a performance when I saw one or maybe I had misjudged her character, maybe beneath the barbs there really was someone trying to change. But even if that were true, I had no desire to befriend the woman who wanted nothing more than to take my mate from me.
I fixed my expression into something neutral, polite, the same mask I had worn since the day I arrived in this packhouse. “I am not offended.” I said quietly. “Besides you already explained what you meant earlier, so there’s no bad blood between us.”
Then, because I refused to let her think she had rattled me, I allowed the smallest smirk to curve my lips but before I could proceed with my words, she interjected.
“I hope we are able to live peacefully under Denary’s roof because my marriage to him is to mark the alliance between his father’s sect and my father’s sect so our marriage is certain. Which means that we would need to form a healthy relationship because the future Luna of this Pack should be on good terms with her husband’s concubine.”
Her words grated my ears as she delivered them steadily and I watched her eyes flicker. Inside, though, my chest ached because I knew that she was playing with me. She wanted to keep me at arm’s length, toy with my emotions, insult me in veiled ways, apply just enough pressure until I cracked and left Denary of my own volition but that's something that I will never do.
Clearing my throat, I offered her one last polite smile. “If you’re done with your apology, I’d like to go back to the kitchen and check what I’m cooking.”
“Sure.” She replied smoothly. “Thank you for your time.”
Nodding slightly, I turned and walked away without looking back and the moment I rounded the corner and the kitchen came into view, however, my composure faltered when Mei was gone.
The heavy iron pot still sat atop the stove, but the smell had changed and smoke curled lazily from the edges of the lid. I rushed forward, heart lurching, and yanked the pot off the flame with a thick cloth. The bottom was scorched, a thin black crust already forming, but the stew inside hadn’t turned completely inedible.
So, I set the pot down on the stone counter with a heavy thud just as Mei hurried in, cheeks flushed, eyes wide with guilt. “Where were you?” I asked, keeping my voice even despite the frustration bubbling beneath.
“I’m so sorry, Milady.” Mei said, bowing her head. “A young maid came running in and she looked terrified. She said she’d just started her menstrual flow and didn’t know what to do, so she asked for my help and I couldn’t just send her away.”
I exhaled slowly through my nose. “Okay, that’s fine.” Mei glanced nervously at the pot. “Did the food get burnt?”
“Not really.” I said, lifting the lid to inspect the damage. “But it could have been worse.” She cleared her throat, shifting from foot to foot. “Is… everything okay with Lady Jasmine?”
I let out a small, humorless chuckle. “Yes, she actually just called me out to apologize again.” Mei’s brows shot up. “That’s weird.”
“Yes.” I agreed. “I also found it weird because she has only been trying to get on my nerves since she arrived, and she even said some strange things today. But I’ve decided not to dwell on it.”
Instead, we turned our attention back to the meal. Together we salvaged what we could, adding a little more broth, stirring in fresh herbs to mask the faint burnt taste. By the time we finished, the dining hall table was set with steaming bowls, fresh bread, roasted root vegetables, and slices of venison glazed with honey.
Once everything was ready, I wiped my hands on my apron and turned to Mei. “Do you know where Denary is?” Mei nodded. “He stepped out with Beta Jasper to the training grounds earlier, but he should be back in no time.”
“The training grounds?” I repeated. “So he’s still within the vicinity of the packhouse, just not in the main building.”
“Yes, miss.” She replied, nodding and I asked. “Okay, how long does it usually take for him to train the packhouse guards?”
“It doesn’t always take very long.” Mei answered. “He’ll be back by evening as per usual.” She hesitated, studying my face. “You should have something to eat, Milady. You haven’t eaten since breakfast, before the horse riding.”
“I’m going to wait until Denary returns.” I said firmly after that, I retreated to my room. The scent of spices and herbs clung to my skin and hair so I bathed quickly, scrubbing until the water ran clear, then dressed in a simple green gown that fell softly to my ankles.
When I returned to the dining hall, Mei and I arranged the final platters on the long oak table. I had barely settled into my chair when Jasmine glided in. She took the seat to the left of the head of the table without asking, folding her hands demurely in her lap.
“Are we waiting for Denary?” She asked lightly, and I answered. “Yes.” Then we sat in brittle silence until the heavy front doors opened and Denary strode in first, sweat still glistening at his temples, his dark hair damp.
Jasper followed close behind, expression thunderous as always. One of the electives trailed them, arms occupied with training gear, swords, leather bracers, and padded shields.
I rose immediately. “Denary, Jasper, come and have dinner with us.” Then I glanced at the elective. “You’re welcome to join too.”
The young man bowed. “Thank you, miss, but I normally have dinner with the other electives in the staff quarters.”
“Of course.” I nodded, watching as the elective disappeared upstairs with the gear while Denary paused at the threshold, sniffing the air. “I would have loved to have my bath first but the food might get cold before I return so I'll have to eat now.”
He took his place at the head of the table. Jasmine sat to his left, I to his right. Jasper remained standing, staring at me with open disgust.
“Sit ” Denary said without looking up and Jasper’s jaw tightened. “I’m not feeling hungry.” Denary turned slowly, one brow arched. “Didn’t you just say you were feeling really hungry a few minutes before we stepped inside? What changed your mind?”
Jasper sighed, long and martyred. “I just… don’t feel hungry anymore.”
“Sit down.” Denary ordered quietly. “You stressed yourself out a lot today.” Jasper rolled his eyes but complied, dropping into the chair beside Jasmine.
Mei stepped forward to help me serve and soon every bowl was filled. We ate in near silence, broken only by the clink of spoons and the occasional crackle of the hearth.
Jasmine, predictably, barely touched her food. She picked at a piece of venison, then set her fork down to ask Denary. “How did training go today?”
“Fine.” He answered shortly. “You usually look so stern.” She continued. “The new recruits must be terrified of you.”
“Hmm.” He grunted and she asked another question, then another. Her voice was light, musical, as though we were all old friends sharing pleasantries yet she ate almost nothing.
After a while she pushed her bowl away. “I’m full.” She announced. “Thank you for the food, Amelia.” She rose gracefully and left the room.
Jasper followed moments later. “I am thankful for the food.” He muttered, already halfway to the stairs and the dining hall suddenly fell into silence so I turned to Denary. “Was the food okay?”
He met my eyes, really looked at me for the first time that evening. “Yes.” He replied, curtly then he stood and I rose too, hurrying after him as he headed for the staircase.
“Wait!” I called softly. “I should call the maids to clear the plates.” He paused on the bottom step, glancing back at me over his shoulder and for a few seconds neither of us spoke. Then he gave the smallest nod so I turned to Mei, telling her to summon the maids to handle the plates, then I followed him up the stairs.