Chapter 27 Chapter 26
Evelyn.
The other miners, their faces smeared with dirt and sweat, shot me envious glances. I ignored their jealousy and gently put the precious stone in my hands into my bag where I collected it. This gem alone would be enough to secure my early release from the mines, a privilege earned by those who found such treasures.
But it wasn't just this gem. Over the past few days, I had stumbled upon thin veins of silver and orichalum, metals that were deemed worthless in our world but held a deadly reputation among shifters. The raw materials I needed, the components for my secret plan. Usually we throw these things away in heaps before destroying them but lately I've been collecting them. I was gathering the means to craft a weapon—a weapon I would use to bring an end to the tyrannical rule of the Alpha King Kieran. It was a suicidal mission, and I knew it. That's why I was taking my time, ensuring that every step was flawless.
"I have to go now. I need to turn this in immediately" I told Amaris as I stood to my feet, gathering my tools. She looked up at me and nodded, a small smile on her face. "I'll see you later." I said, giving her a small wave as I turned around.
"See you soon!" She called after me. I smiled, and with my bag filled with treasures, I made my way to the surface, making sure to keep those little stones that contained silver and orichalum safe so I wouldn't be caught. The Mine keeper was outside, inspecting the gems people brought to him before placing them in a bag that stayed beside him. I quickly handed him the jewels and looked at it for a while before giving a satisfied snort and letting me go. I gave a quick bow before walking out of the mines, heading to the little stream nearby but before I reached there, I mad e a quick diversion to a corner I had found, hiding the stones that I had gathered to a growing pile of similar looking ones.
I observed them, my brows furrowed in thought. This should be enough to make the blade that would deal the final to the king. Now I just need to find a way to smelt it, extract the ore and shape it into the blade. That is going to take a ridiculously long time since I had no free days. I took a deep breath, calming myself. One step at a time, no need to rush things. Covering it up securely, I went to the stream and washed myself of all the sweat and grime that has accumulated on my body.
While I washed, I thought about the things I still needed to do. There were herbs to gather as extracting silver from the ores was a very dangerous job, not to mention highly toxic for shifters. I needed to take the herbs that would allow me to be immune to the effects for a while and also look for the specific plant that I would extract the poison needed to do the job. A trip to the woods sounded appealing but it wasn't feasible at the moment.
All the while I'll be keeping this away from the Mistress prying eyes. She's been on my case for reasons best known to herself, spying on me everywhere and going out of her way to check what I do. I couldn't afford anyone discovering what I was up to, especially not Morticia. She was dangerous, cunning, and held a fierce rivalry with me. Her position as the Alpha King's mistress granted her certain privileges and access that I couldn't match. She was a threat, and she must never find out about my intentions.
I finished cleaning up at the stream and headed back to the palace. On my way back, I enjoyed afternoon's ambience, taking my time to revel in the silence in this special time where it was just me and my thoughts. As I neared the palace, I saw the Alpha King crossing the courtyard, his guards surrounding him. He looked like he'd just finished from his training as his face shone with sweat, his long hair wet and sticking to his face, his clothes also wet and outlining the hard planes of his muscled chest and build. Towering over everyone in the courtyard, his aura and authority leaving those who gazed upon him speechless, their eyes filled with equal measure of awe, fear and admiration.
I paused in my steps, unable to tear my gaze of his impeccable build, a light flush staining my cheeks. Despite the monster he is, I had to admit, he was a breathtaking man. As if he noticed my presence, he stopped walking, turning in my direction, his eyes locking on to mine. I froze where I stood, all the blood rushing away from my face as I stared into his silvery eyes that seemed to flicker under the sunlight. Time seemed to stand still as I stared at him and it felt like it was just the two of us in the courtyard. I was supposed to pay my respects but I just stared at him, transfixed before I remembered who he was. A frown hit my lips and I looked away, rubbing my hands in nervousness.
He didn't do anything, just gazed at me for a longer period of time before walking away like the moment we just shared didn't happen. I let out the breath I didn't know I was holding, running a hand through my hair. Once was sure he was out of sight, I ran to the maid's quarters where I spent most of my time working and secretly waiting for Amaris.
Amaris arrived in the evening, while the sun was setting. She quickly went to wash herself before we settled for dinner, enjoying our simple of simple rations. Our voices were hushed as we spoke of trivial matters, but I couldn't help the way I thought drifted, my mind occupied with the plans I had in mind. No one else knew about it, not even Amaris and I resolved to keep it that way. I couldn't imagine what would happen if anyone found out about it.
After we had our meal when discussed for a bit longer before retiring to our quarters. I laid on my tiny bed, preparing to go to sleep when a guard came to my door, knocking it. My eyes flying open, I answered it and sure enough, I had been called upon by the Alpha king. Letting out a sigh, I quickly fixed my appearance before trudging to the king's chambers, my heart pounding in my chest. I hadn't seen him days yet going to meet him was never easy.
Once I reached his door, I hesitated for a while before knocking on it tentatively. I waited for his approval before pushing the door open and walked inside. As usual, he was in his study, hard at work.
"You summoned me, Master." I called out solemnly, fiddling with the hem of my clothes as I waited him out.