Chapter 59 Chapter fifty-nine
~Ellie~
The meeting took longer than I anticipated. Claus frowned at every suggestion and idea presented by the pack's elders.
I was already exhausted and starting to feel drowsy. My hands massaged my temples before moving to my eyes, rubbing them to stave off sleep. I yawned and then straightened my posture, sitting upright in the chair.
My hands rested on my stomach, my baby bump, and for the first time today, I smiled with happiness.
The thought of my baby growing healthy always brings me joy. I can’t wait to bring this child into the world and hold his or her tiny hands.
I imagine seeing them running around the mansion on their tiny feet. I promise to love this child with every ounce of my being.
I sensed a pair of eyes on me and looked up to find it was Claus; when our eyes met, he quickly looked away, as if he were avoiding something.
What’s wrong? I had noticed that for the past hour, he had been avoiding eye contact with me. Is something troubling him? I glanced back at him; he was focused on the document he was reviewing.
I yawned deeply, my eyes feeling heavy. I straightened myself in the chair to fight off sleep. I supported my chin with my palm.
My attention shifted to Sylvia, whose sleeves were rolled up, making him look attractive. I admired him dreamily. When I realized I had been staring for too long, I scolded myself but couldn’t help but look at him again. The way his long eyelashes fluttered as he concentrated on the document captivated me.
I quickly averted my gaze when he turned in my direction. I leaned back in my chair, hiding, and covered my face with my palm, feeling embarrassed.
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I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder and opened my eyes slowly; what greeted me was the emptiness in the room, indicating that I must have dozed off.
I rubbed my eyes and stretched my body, letting out a yawn as I turned to see who had tapped me. It was Sylvia. Realizing this, I sat up straighter and put on a serious face.
"Are you okay? You should get some rest; you look fatigued," he suggested.
I disregarded him, scanning the room, which caused my jaw to tighten. I rubbed my eyes, thinking they were playing tricks on me.
"Where is Claus?" I asked sharply.
"He left. He said he needed to check something in the library," Sylvia replied.
"Okay," I nodded.
I had waited for hours for him to finish the meeting, and he didn’t even bother to wake me when he left. I felt sad—more sad and worried. Many thoughts crossed my mind, but I silenced them.
Perhaps this is a chance to alter the letter. The one Roger mentioned needing a translator; I’ll have to switch that letter before anyone discovers the true context.
I attempted to stand up but fell back into the chair, as my legs had gone numb from sitting for so long. Sylvia noticed my struggle and came over to assist me.
"I don’t need your help; I can stand on my own," I pushed his hands away.
"Take it easy, Ellie; I was just trying to help," he defended himself.
"Why don’t you direct your so-called assistance to your mate, Juliana?" I said, my voice trembling with jealousy.
Before he could utter another word, I forcefully brushed past him. I let out a loud hiss as I walked away.
I was annoyed for no apparent reason. One moment, he’s treating me like I don’t exist, and the next he’s trying to act affectionate— I just don’t understand.
Who does he think he is? That he can simply manipulate my emotions and get away with it. He should go and meet his friend. It doesn’t concern me anymore.
No... no, it really did bother me. I might appear to handle it fine, but inside, I was drowning in jealousy, anger, and frustration.
When I entered the chamber, I was relieved to find there was no maid standing guard, which gave me the freedom to execute my plan.
I slammed the door shut and walked to the book shelves, my fingers tracing the spines of the books until my gaze landed on one with a lotus flower embossed on the cover. I pulled the book, and suddenly the bookshelf shifted to the side, revealing a door in front of me.
It was the entrance to the secret basement. Only Claus and I were aware of this hidden space. I stepped into the darkness, feeling the dry dust assault my nose, which made me sneeze immediately. I walked to the corner and lit the lamp.
The light spread throughout the room, breathing life into the dim space. The surfaces were coated in dust, having not been used in quite some time. The room was filled with scrolls and relics.
I approached the dusty table, where I found a duster, which I used to clear the dust off the surface.
I picked up a parchment from the corner and fortunately found an ink pot nearby. I pulled out a chair and sat down. I unfolded the fresh parchment and placed it before me. I dipped my pen into the ink to start drafting a new letter.
A letter different from the one that could tear this pack apart. I was about to save not just the day, but also the kingdom.
"What are you doing?"
When I heard those words, it felt as if time had stopped in the basement; the walls seemed to spin around me. My hands were shaking— not just my hands, but my lips too. I hadn’t heard the door creak open, which might have spared me from the disaster about to unfold. I turned quickly towards the door.