Chapter 17 17
Amelia's POV:
A lot was going through my head, far too much for me to sort through. My emotions twisted in so many directions and I could hardly breathe, but I forced myself to keep quiet, and let Lady Evelyn have her way. If Denary’s mother wanted to speak of fiancees and ceremonies, then I would sit, fold my hands over my lap, and pretend the ache in my chest was nothing.
Only when Denary turned to me and said. “Leave. I need to speak to my mother alone.” did I allow myself to move.
I stood, curtsied slightly, and excused myself without lifting my gaze. The moment I stepped into the hallway, my legs had started trembling but I forced myself to continue walking.
The days that followed were… normal, with me acting like nothing was wrong. As all the maids rushed about, hanging decorations, polishing the floors, arranging flowers, and adjusting banners, I smiled softly when they bowed, thanked them when they greeted me and pretended my heart wasn't aching.
Every morning when I woke up and heard footsteps rushing around outside my room, I would rise, dress, and tell myself not to think.
And every morning, Mei watched me with worry in her eyes.
But what was I supposed to say? Who was I supposed to be angry at? When I didn’t know who I was, when I couldn't remember anything of my life before this Pack and when I had nowhere else to go.
Knowing that acting out or demanding answers could cost me the only roof I had, I just accepted my fate. But when the day of the welcoming ceremony arrived and Mei and I were seated in my room, a maid entered carrying a box wrapped in red silk.
She bowed and said. “Alpha Denary, requests that you wear this dress for the ceremony tonight.”
I stared at the box for a while because I didn't know if Denary was making sure I didn’t look dull or if he wanted to stand out. And since I couldn’t tell what he was thinking, I forced myself to not think about it either. So, I simply nodded and took the box and opened it to see a chiffon gown, embroidered gold.
It didn't quite fit my style, but when night fell and carriages began arriving at the hall, I wore it anyway. Mei helped me into dress, styled my hair, and when the time came for me to leavez she pressed my hands softly and said. “You look lovely, my lady.”
“Thank you ” I whispered, trying not to sound as heartbroken as I felt.
Then I stepped out of the room, and made my way toward the hall. As I crossed the courtyard, I noticed the sheer number of carriages belonging to nobles, pack leaders, and officials. It felt as though the whole realm had come to welcome Lady Jasmine, which made me wonder who she actually was.
Inside the hall, music played softly, as people chatted with wine glasses in hand, but Denary was nowhere to be seen. Suddenly feeling overwhelmed, and terribly out of place, I reached for a glass of wine from a passing attendant, and drank it all in one go, hoping it would drown out my nerves, but it didn't.
So, I set the empty glass down and decided then and there to return to my room because I had no business being here. But just as I turned to leave, I heard a voice ask from behind me. “Are you Amelia?”
I stopped and turned around to see a young man that looked unfamiliar yet strikingly familiar. Probably because his features were almost identical to Denary’s.
I offered a smile, knowing that he must be Xander, Denary's brother. “Yes… I’m Amelia.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you.” He extended his hand. I took it lightly, and he lifted it to his lips in a courtly gesture.
I retracted my hand almost immediately and he chuckled softly. “Do not be shy, I was merely welcoming you.” He said. “How have you found the Pack so far?”
“It has been… pleasant ” I said, glancing again around the hall, in search of Denary.
Xander noticed. “If you are looking for my brother, he is probably off working somewhere.”
“Oh, no.” I said quickly. “I was only wondering if Lady Jasmine would arrive in time if she was coming from a far place.’
He smiled faintly. “Jasmine actually arrived at the capital yesterday, so she will be coming here with my mother.”
“Oh, then why didn't you come with them?” I asked, curious.
“Women take forever to dress.” He said lightly. “And I did not want to be late, so I went on my own.”
“Ah…” I drawled, smiled then I said. “Excuse me,” I murmured, preparing to leave again, still intent on escaping to my room.
“I heard you lost your memory.” He said casually.
I froze, turned back around and replied. “Yes, I did.”
“So you remember nothing of who you are?”
“Unfortunately… nothing.”
He opened his mouth again, but before he could speak Denary's voice rang out from behind me. “Alexander?”
My head whipped to see him standing directly behind me. Then he walked straight to my side, and asked calmly but with a cold tone. “What were you telling her?”
Xander raised both brows, smirking. “Nothing. I was welcoming her, and offering condolences for her… condition.”
Denary pointed a finger at him. “I do not know what you are playing at, but keep your distance from my woman.”
I felt heat flush through my cheeks at his words. And I didn’t understand why it made my heart flutter when nothing about this situation should.
Xander only smirked deeper. “You are being insecure, brother. I am not stealing your woman, I was merely offering to be her friend.”
Denary opened his mouth to say something, but suddenly gasps rippled across the hall and murmurs rose as everyone turned toward the entrance. I followed the same and saw Luna Evelyn standing by the door and beside her, was a brown-haired woman with a stern face, and red lips, wearing a red ball gown with her hands placed firmly at her front.
Denary turned to me. “Come.” And I followed him toward the entrance, heart racing as he greeted his mother first, bowing slightly as he kissed her hand.
Then he turned to Jasmine. “Welcome.” He said politely.
I followed suit, dipping my head. “Welcome, Luna Evelyn.” Then, after a second, I looked up, kept my eyes fixed on Jasmine and said.
“Welcome, Lady Jasmine.”
Lady Jasmine’s eyes swept over me from head to toe, then she smirked and asked. “Are you Amelia?”
I nodded, trying not to shrink.
“Then you should bow lower and greet me again.” She added coldly. “Because you are below me.” Gasps echoed through the hall while stood there utterly confused and embarrassed.