Chapter 27
Iris
We arrived at his house and my eyes ran over the brick walls that formed a bungalow. It was simple and beautiful, just like other houses that belonged to the elite and middle-class members of our pack.
Hazel went ahead of me, claiming to be my escort. Though she was scared, I was happy that she didn't turn her back on me. I would face Gradel later, but seeing that Hegar was in good shape was of utmost priority to me.
I slanted a stare at my sides and found people inclining their heads in my direction, throwing me into confusion. Then I remembered that Gradel's scent was still on me even though we hadn't gotten intimate recently.
Just like he promised, the protection and prestige he offered were already materializing as no one dared speak rudely to me for fear of Gradel's wrath against them.
"Are you ready to see him?"
"Sure. Let's do this," I encouraged her and then she knocked.
A young girl opened the door slightly, thrusting her head forward and she stared at us with questioning eyes, then her eyes lit up with recognition when she saw me and just like the others, she bowed.
"Greetings, ma'am. I'm sorry for the delay, please come in." She said politely, opening the door wider.
I trotted in, scrutinizing the interior part of the house. It was homely with the warm beige and cream colors that complemented each other. I'd have loved to take a seat, but then I was focused on the reason for my presence so I kept standing.
"You must be surprised to find me here," My voice came out light and warm which I preferred.
It wouldn't be nice to sound harsh to a stranger.
She tucked her hair behind her ears and lowered her lashes, nodding her head in agreement. "I didn't know that the Prince's mate would be interested in coming here. Since my brother returned from the rescue mission, no one has come to check up on him yet, aside from the pack's healer."
My heart sank at her words and I wondered how lonely they might be feeling.
"And that's why we are here. My name is Iris Damine. What's yours?" My lips stretched in a smile.
"I'm Maria," She replied quietly.
"Alright, Please, can you lead me to your brother? I came here to know how he's faring, I mean, he risked his life together with the Prince just to save me so this is the last thing I can do to show my appreciation."
Her eyes widened in astonishment. "Are you serious?"
"Yes, that's why I'm here. Or is he against having strangers visiting him?"
She shook her head vigorously. "No, my lady. I'm just amazed, I'll lead you to his room even though the pack healer is still around," She informed me, motioning towards his room.
Hazel trailed behind me and then stopped abruptly.
"I'd like to stay back just to ensure that no one suspects anything." She uttered firmly.
Seeing that she left no room for argument, I shrugged, patted her shoulder then followed Hegar's sister to his room. My body thumped with anxiety as we proceeded to his room.
We had never been in close contact before and even though he'd show some respect because of his master, I wanted him to be more comfortable with me.
She knocked, informing him immediately that he had a visitor, and then she pushed the door ajar and we stepped in.
Both eyes, belonging to the healer and Hegar swept towards in startlement. The healer quickly inclined his head and so did Hegar who straightened and forced himself to do the same.
I quickly stretched out my hand to stop him. "Please don't stress yourself for a mere greeting. What you need to focus on is your recovery."
The healer packed his leather bag and sauntered out of the room.
"The Prince will have my head if he discovers that I don't treat you with more than half of the respect I give to him. Besides, honoring you can't be compared to the battle we fought just to keep you safe." His gait exuded pride and a sense of accomplishment.
I bit my lip, unsure of what to say but then he continued.
"What brings you here, my lady?" He asked, leaning on the headboard.
"Simply to know how you're doing. Grad-Prince Gradel told me that you had to hold back the attackers while we escaped even though some of them followed us."
"They did?" Fear rang in his voice as he flattened, pulling away from the headboard. "How's he doing?" Before I could respond, he was already on his feet, staggering towards his wardrobe.
I got up in confusion. "What's the matter? What are you doing?"
"If the prince was injured then I have to take care of him," He tossed on a black robe and raked through his disheveled hair. "I wonder why he tuned me out, maybe he didn't want me to notice that he wasn't strong." He muttered loud enough for me to hear.
"Look, the prince is fine. I'm sure he'll be busy with his father right now," I tried to dissuade him but he was just as obstinate as Gradel.
Why did they have to share such an annoying trait?
He had almost gotten to the door when Hazel dashed into the room, gasping for air as she plopped her hands on her knees to catch her breath.
"Prince Gradel is here. He found out," She announced and my heart skipped a beat.
Cold chills ran down my spine and I evaded Hegar's questioning gaze.
"You didn't tell him you were coming?" He probed, rhetorically.
The answer was rather obvious so I let his question hang in the air and then I headed for the sitting room to find Gradel seated on one of the upholsters.
He crossed his leg over the other, his eyes devoid of warmth but in all, I felt his weariness, sitting over his body like a cloak. My tongue became parched as I thought of the best response to give him, and then his eyes flitted towards Hegar who was behind me.
"How are you, Hegar?" He asked calmly.