Chapter 73
Iris
The soreness between my thighs couldn't beat the pangs of hunger gnawing in my stomach. Gradel fulfilled his promise by grilling me so hard I thought I'd faint, I was so sure that I wouldn't be able to walk this morning but when my stomach continued to grumble with hunger, I had no choice but to leave.
Breakfast had already been prepared and if I hadn't gotten used to the mannerisms of feeding in the pack house, I'd have thought we were having a feast.
Before me were different kinds of dishes, bordering towards the end of the table. I'd have loved Gradel to have breakfast with me, but I woke up to an empty bed as usual and a note informing me of how busy he'd be today.
I might have pushed him to focus his attention on other important matters, but that didn't mean I wouldn't miss him. I just didn't want the pack to perceive me to be a distraction.
A servant came forward and helped serve me. I requested bread toast and a large serving of scrambled eggs. She stared at me like I had two heads and I was surprised myself.
I barely ate this much, however, my survival depended on how much food I'd consumed.
Deeply engrossed in the well-prepared meal, I was oblivious to having a visitor until I felt a light touch on my shoulder.
I lifted my face and dabbed the sides of my mouth with a towel and a smile came on my face when I saw who the uninvited visitor was.
"Elda," I beamed at him. "You're here. Where have you been?"
He ducked his head and came closer. "I've been around, My lady. Just waiting for the right time to come and appreciate you properly..."
I cut him short, shaking my head and I stood up.
"No, Elda, you don't need to do that. Please sit down and have breakfast with me, I want you to tell me how you're doing since the prince freed you." I implored.
"I'm sorry, but I'm not permitted to do that. I should be watching over you just as the Prince commanded," He responded.
I squinted my eyes in confusion, trying to make sense of what was said but I was further confounded.
"Watch over me? I'm not sick," A snort escaped my lips as I wondered why Gradel would ask him to watch over me. "I don't even understand you,"
He bit his lips, his eyes shimmering with discomfort. I could see the conflict in his eyes as if he was scared of talking to me and that was the last thing I wanted.
"You can talk to me, Elda, I don't bite!" I pressed for an answer when I saw that none was coming forth.
He finally sat on a chair beside me after so much reluctance and he drew in a deep breath.
"After the Prince gave his verdict, he told me that the only way to pay for my freedom was to do whatever he asked. I agreed, thankful that he wanted me to do something so simple in exchange for my life. It wasn't until this morning that he said I would be your bodyguard and I'm not to allow you to leave the premises alone." He explained and my chest tightened with fury.
When did Gradel begin to make decisions without my consent, especially when it had to do with me? Why did men think that they knew what a woman wanted without having the right information?
I forced on a smile and chuckled drily. "That's not a bad idea, just enjoy your meal. I'll be right back," I said to him and got to my feet.
"Where are you going?" He stood up as well and I stopped him immediately.
"Will you follow me into the bathroom as well?" I lied.
Embarrassment crossed his features and he returned to his seat while I stalked off, in search of Gradel.
I found him in the courtyard, speaking with some men I couldn't identify though I was sure that they were part of council or elders. Whoever they were.
As if he knew I was standing behind him, he spared me a backward glance and passed me a smug look. Within a fleeting second, he had called off the meeting and advanced towards me.
"Hey, mate," He called.
I stayed mute, propping my arms against my waist.
He stopped when he noticed the tension on my face. "What's the matter, Princess?" He asked sweetly.
"You made a very important decision without me. That's the matter," I spat, "How could you assign a bodyguard to me without my permission? What on earth do I need him for?"
"Well, I had no choice but to get you one seeing how unsafe this pack has suddenly become." He sighed.
"What do you mean?" I grimaced.
"You suspected that my father didn't die normally and that is true. After you left, Silas came in and ran some check-up on him and that was when we discovered that he was poisoned again." He admitted.
My jaw dropped and cold chills ran down my spine. "Who could have the audacity to do that? Your father's room was properly guided and I was the only one who entered, so how could anyone apart from me have gotten the access without the guards' knowledge?"
"That's what we are bent on finding out, but for now I have to ensure your safety. Elda assured me of his fighting skills and I know it will come in handy whenever I'm not around to protect you. Do you understand me?" He added on a soft note.
Though I didn't want to agree, he was right. My wolf was still latent and my fighting skills were nothing to write home about as it has been proved time and time again.
"I understand now, but don't make decisions on my behalf like that again. Please inform me first,"
He placed his arm on the small of my neck and tilted my chin upward.
"Yes, boss," He threw a mock salute and pecked my forehead. "So how do I appease the woman after my heart," He teased me.
I held back a coy smile and maintained the stoic expression on my face. "Join me for breakfast, Gradel, it's been a long time since we ate together," I suggested.