Chapter 43 A dinner request
"Are you okay?" Mom asked when she noticed I was still staring at the door even after Kael entered.
"Yes, Mom, I'm fine," I replied briefly. But the look Mom gave showed she wasn't convinced.
"You are not okay, Lyra. You have no reason to lie to me. I'm your mom after all," she told me.
How do I convince the old lady I was telling the truth? I was fine; I was just a bit scared staying next to him, and that I couldn't admit to Mom.
"I swear, I'm fine. It's just that I feel a little uneasy having to stay opposite him. I mean, he doesn't like me; I just pray he doesn't do anything to hurt me," I finally opened up. I didn't want to tell Mom about it, but at this point, I guess she's the one who can keep me safe now that Elias is out of town. I just hope Kael doesn't kill me before Elias returns. The look he gave today was way too terrifying. The wound, the insult, the embarrassment, and the fact that the alpha chased away his supposed Luna; I know he will be mad at me and will definitely find a way to get back at me.
"You see, Lyra, Kael isn't the type that forgives. I'm sure you might have noticed it by now; you see how he goes out of his way to make sure he hurts anyone he despises. Yeah, that's him for you. The only way you can keep yourself safe in this castle is by staying far away from him. If you see him coming, left turn; right, and if it turns right, turn left. I know it sounds awkward, but it's for the best. That's the only way you won't get into his trap. You know the alpha is also mad; he's mad he had to do that to his own son because of you. You know he did everything he did just so the council wouldn't say he is being partial. He had to punish him because he was scared of what they would say. So it will be better if you can stay far, far away from him. I'm your mom, but there are still aspects where I cannot save you. I cannot challenge the alpha; you know that too well. So the least you can do is avoid getting on the prince's nerves," Mom added, petting my shoulders.
Even before she said those words, I knew Kael would do everything possible to make life miserable for me; his gaze from earlier says it all. Just like Mom said, I will do everything possible to stay away from him.
"I will, Mom. I will try my best not to get on his nerves, trust me," I assured her.
I know it won't be easy to do so, not when the mate bond has been acting crazy lately. But I'll try my best; I know what I suffered before I came here. I'm not willing to trade it for anything, not now, not ever.
"That's my girl. Let's go in. The alpha invited you over for dinner; you are well, right?" Mom asked, and I nodded.
Not long ago, a maid came to inform me that the alpha had invited me to dine with him. I was scared at first because I knew what happened the last time he invited me over. I didn't want that to repeat itself, but there was no way I could say no to his offer. It would look like I was being desperate.
"Yeah, Mom, I'm away."
"Okay then, I'll tell the maid to prepare a dress for you. They will come help you get ready," Mom said and turned to leave but quickly stopped herself. I remembered something and needed to tell her about it.
"Mom, I've been meaning to ask you if I could bring my friend over..." Mom didn’t say a word at first; she just paused and stared at me, making me wonder if what I said was bad.
"Don't worry; I will assign her as your personal maid and then send one of the others away." I ran into her arms happily. I was thrilled I was finally going to reunite with my friend; at least she wouldn't have to suffer. She's done a lot for me, and this is the only way I could pay her back.
As much as I knew the moment wouldn’t last, I still wished it wouldn’t come to an end.
"What about the alpha? Won't you complain about it?" I asked Mom to make sure I wasn't putting her in a tight spot.
"No, not at all. I'm the Luna; I have every right to assign a maid to whomever I want. You have nothing to worry about. Go back to your chambers now; I'll see you in the evening." She smiled, poked my cheeks, and walked out.
Now I should go back and worry about dinner. I just hope it doesn't go wrong like the last time.