Chapter 97 Chapter 96
Amaris.
I bustled about, handling my normal duties as a maid. Yesterday's conversation with Evelyn was still on my mind, and I couldn't fathom why Morticia would do something like that to the kingdom, the Alpha King and most especially, Evelyn. But then, she must have always coveted the position. As I walked through the corridors, I noticed a familiar figure approaching, but something was off about her. It was Evelyn, and she seemed lost in thought, her eyes distant and unaware of her surroundings. A sense of worry knotted in my stomach as I quickened my pace to meet her.
"Evelyn," I called out as I approached, touching her arm gently to draw her attention. She blinked and focused on me, a faint smile playing on her lips.
"Oh, Amaris," she said, "I didn't see you there. How are you?"
I studied her carefully, concern still gnawing at my insides. "I'm well, Evelyn. But what about you? You seem... lost in your thoughts."
Evelyn sighed, her expression shifting from the vague smile to something more somber. " Well, it's just.." she began but trailed off, biting her lips. "It's confusing, Amaris."
"What's troubling you, my dear friend?" I asked, my voice soft and reassuring.
At first, she simply said she was okay, but I could see the unease in her eyes, the weight on her shoulders. I waited for her to speak, knowing that eventually, the words would come.
"It's just... everything. The prophecy, the Alpha King, and now..." She hesitated, and her gaze seemed to pierce through me, seeking solace. "And now, morticia. And what all of this implies. I'm so confused I don't what to think. Or even do."
I took a moment to absorb her words, understanding the complexity of her situation. While I was happy she was at least progressing with the Alpha King, I could tell their newfound relationship was taking a toll on her. I reached out to her, cupping her face in her hands, smiling reassuringly to her. "I know I've said this a million times but, I just want you to know you can pull through this and everything will be alright. So, don't fret, Okay?" I said and she let out a sad smile, gazing gratefully at me.
With a sigh, I leaned closer to her, my voice soft and comforting. "I know it's a confusing time. But you have to remember that whatever path you choose, you're strong and capable. Everything will be alright."
"Thank you for your words, Amaris." She muttered, her voice coated with emotion. "You don't know how much I needed to hear that right now."
"I'm always here for you, Evelyn. Anytime you need me." I told her, before pulling her in for a hug, patting her back reassuringly. Slowly, I felt the tension drain away from her and she pulled away, her eyes glistening with tears. She managed a faint smile, her eyes filled with gratitude. But then, her next question caught me off guard, and I found myself at a loss for words.
"Amaris, now that you have been marked by Duke Ethan, would you be leaving for his Dukedom?"
Her question hung in the air, and it felt like a bittersweet melody, reminding me of the depth of our friendship. I hadn't truly considered the possibility of my departure, and now that she had raised it, I felt an unexpected surge of emotion.
My heart ached at the thought of me leaving Evelyn behind, but I couldn't express that to her. Instead, I swallowed the lump in my throat and replied honestly, "I really don't know, Evelyn. We haven't discussed that yet. Though it is plausible. I also, don't want to leave you here like this."
Evelyn nodded, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. We stood there for a moment, wrapped in a silence filled with unspoken emotions. I knew that our lives were intertwined with the ever-shifting sands of the palace, and sometimes, paths had to diverge.
Thank you, Amaris," she finally said, her voice a whisper. "I don't know what the future holds, but I'm grateful to have a friend like you."
Tears welled in my eyes as I smiled at her. "The feeling is mutual, Evelyn. Our friendship is a treasure I'll always cherish."
In that moment I resolved to ask Duke Ethan about it. But first, I needed to take care of my friend. Once she was catered for, I began to hunt for Ethan. I found him busy training the soldiers and immediately ran up to him, my heart racing in my chest. He immediately spotted me and taking an excuse, caught up to me immediately, a concerned look on his face.
"What's the matter? Is everything alright?" He asked as he tucked a few tendrils of my hair behind my ears.
"Nothing. Can we go somewhere more private?" I asked, glancing around me. He nodded, grabbing my hands and leading me to the palace courtyard. I took a deep breath when we stopped talking and proceeded to speak. "I just wanted to ask. Now that we are mated, does that mean I'll be accompanying you to your Dukedom soon?"
He raised a brow at me, looking bewildered. "Of course, Amaris. Or... Don't you want to come with me?" He asked, sounding apprehensive. I immediately shook my head, doing my best appease him.
"Of course not. I would love to come with you to your Dukedom. It's just... I'm unwilling to leave the palace yet. And I don't want to leave anytime soon." I revealed, dropping my gaze to the ground, my cheeks flushing with heat.
He tilted my chin up so I was facing him again, his eyes boring into mine. "And why is that?" He asked, his voice somber. I rubbed my arm with my hands, blinking rapidly.
"Well, it's because I don't want to leave Evelyn alone here at all. At least not now. She spoke to me today and she seemed so sad that I'll be leaving now that I've mated with you." I told him, unable to hide the sadness in my heart.
A part of his lip quirked up as he placed a kiss on my forehead, temporary quelling the fears that had swelled inside of me. "I have no plans of living the Alpha King's palace, at least not now. There are too many things that require my attention." He said as he pressed his forehead to mine, staring deep into my eyes. He then brought up his hands to hold my cheeks. "But if that's what making you so worried, I assure you. I'm not taking you to my Dukedom just yet. You still have time to spend with the your friend, The princess."
"Really?" I asked, and he nodded, a small smile on his face.
Ecstatic, I stood on my tiptoes, reaching up to hug him tightly. He immediately wrapped his hands around my waist, twirling me around as he peppered kisses all over my face, necks and lips. I let out a soft chuckle, smiling as he set me down to the ground.
"Happy now?"