Chapter 21 21
Amelia's POV:
The sound of a door being shut, startled me so much that my eyes flew open. For a second, I couldn’t remember where I was… until I inhaled quietly, turning onto my side, only to see Denary sitting beside me, staring intently at my stomach.
My eyes widened. “Why are you looking at
my… at that?”
He didn’t answer. Instead, he lifted one hand and gave the slightest gesture on the second. I followed his gaze… and realized I had been lying directly on top of his hand.
My entire body tensed. “Oh! Oh, I, I’m so sorry if I caused you any discomfort.” I pushed myself upright immediately, mortified. “Truly, I didn’t mean to…”
He tugged his hand back calmly, flexing his fingers. “You’re very light, so I hardly felt any discomfort.”
I clutched the front of my nightdress, tightening it between my fingers. “Didn’t anyone teach you that you’re not supposed to comment on a woman’s body?”
His brows lifted. “I thought women liked being told they were light.”
“No,” I huffed under my breath. “Women do not like anybody commenting on their body.”
I stood up quickly, my face burning, and began making my way toward the door. But halfway there, I felt guilty, turned back to face him, and said. “Thank you… for last night.” Then I rushed out before he could say anything else.
The moment I reached my room, I shut the door behind me and leaned my back against it, breathing out in one long exhale. But then I froze, because I heard the click of the bathroom door. My head snapped toward it just in time to see Mei stepping out, her brows pulled together in worry.
“My lady!” She hurried to me. “Where were you? I was prepared to tear the house down after I didn't see you in the bathroom.”
I swallowed. “Actually… I slept in Denary’s room last night.”
Her eyes widened instantly, and a smile began forming.
“No, no, Mei, not like that! Nothing happened.” I waved my hands quickly. “I had a nightmare and got scared, so I stayed with him last night. That’s all.”
“You had a nightmare again?” She asked softly. “What was it about this time?”
“Like always… I forgot.” I pressed my fingers to my temples, trying to reach for the fading scraps of memory but a sharp pain spiked through my head. “Ow…”
Mei immediately took my hands away from my face. “My lady, do not force it. When you remember a dream, you can tell me. Until then, let it rest.”
I nodded, and she guided me toward the bed.
“I already informed the maids to begin preparing your breakfast.” She said. “Let me draw your bath so you may wash up.”
“No, no, wait.” I grabbed her arm.
She blinked. “Do you need something?”
“I want to tell you something.”
Her expression changed instantly. “Is there a problem?”
“No.” I replied. “Actually… I feel like I’m making progress with Denary. And I want to do things that will make him notice me, especially now that Jasmine is here. I want to be the one he favors, not her.”
“Very well.” Mei’s lips curved into an approving smile. “What is your plan?”
“First” I said, “I want to make breakfast for him.”
Mei blinked. “Ah. Well… it is already quite late. The maids have almost finished his breakfast by now.”
“Then I can start preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner for him everyday, starting tomorrow.” I deflated slightly. “I don’t do anything in the packhouse anyway.”
“Is there anything else, my lady?” Mei asked, leaning in with interest.
“I want to know more about him… what he likes eating, what he enjoys doing.” I looked at her hopefully. “Do you know what kind of foods he prefers?”
Mei tapped her lip thoughtfully, then took my hand and pulled me to the dressing table. She sat me down, pulled out parchment and ink, and said. “I don’t know his favorites precisely, but from what the maids usually prepare, these are what he seems to eat the most.” She began writing with quick strokes. “Like venison stew… smoked fish… oat bread… and he enjoys his meat well-seasoned.”
I watched every word form on the parchment.
“Other than food.” I asked. “What kind of activities does he like?”
Mei nodded. “Recently he has been too occupied since returning from the last battle. But usually, he rides horses with Beta Jasper, he hunts with him, he trains with his Blood Rage Army, and he sparrs with Jasper often.”
“I don’t know how to do any of that.” I admitted. “But… I’ll make him teach me. That’s how I’ll get close to him.”
“That is a good plan.” Mei said. “But you do not have the clothes for such activities.”
I groaned and Mei suddenly brightened. “Then ask Alpha Denary for some money. We can go to the Pack Square and buy everything you need. We can enjoy the festivities, listen to the songs and watch people dance while browsing the shops.”
My eyes widened, excitement blooming. “Mei, that is an excellent idea.”
“Yes, my lady. ” She smiled. “But first, you must gain Alpha Denary’s approval.”
And with that, she went to draw my bath. I washed up, got dressed, and began eating breakfast. Halfway through my meal, impatience got the better of me. “Mei, can you find out where Denary is?”
She hurried off and returned moments later.
“My lady, according to the maids, Alpha Denary is in his room having breakfast.”
I didn’t finish chewing, I stood instantly, left my plate half-eaten, and rushed to his room.
Without knocking, I simply turned the knob, stepped inside and froze.
The sight of both him and Jasmine eating pricked something inside me but I forced out a smile and said. “Oh, I’m so sorry.” Stepping back. “I didn’t mean to intrude.”
“Amelia.” Denary’s voice stopped me instantly. “Why did you come?”
I swallowed hard. “I do not wish to distract you, so, I should just go.”
“You’re not a distraction.” His gaze was on me. “Tell me what you want?”
I forced another smile, my hands clasped tightly. “Actually… I wanted to ask for your permission to go to the Pack Square with Mei.”
His eyes narrowed faintly. “Why do you suddenly want to go to the Square?”
“I wanted to buy some things.” I murmured. “And I’ve never really left the packhouse before, so…”
He looked at me longer than necessary. “If it’s something you don’t want me to do.” I added softly. “I won’t do it.”
“Fine.” He exhaled. “But you will go with guards.”
“That’s alright.” I said quickly. “I don’t mind guards.”
“Have your maid call the accountant.” He said simply. “Tell them the amount you need, and it will be given to you.” Then he added. “Also have her inform the stableman to prepare a carriage and horses with a coachman. And have her tell any two guards not assigned to my private army to accompany you.”
“I, thank you.” I said, relief washing through me. Smiling, I turned to leave when Jasmine called out.
“Hold on, Amelia.” She said. “Before you came, I was telling Alpha Denary that I wanted us to go horse-riding tomorrow.” She smiled sweetly. “It would be lovely if you could join us.”