Chapter 31
Iris
A light tap on my shoulder jolted me back to reality and I spun around to find Gradel peering down at me with a questioning gaze.
"What's the matter? You seemed quite lost. Did anyone try to harass you?" He inquired, passing a cursory glance around the hall.
I should have told him what I discovered, but when I glanced at the spot where I'd found the man, it was empty. Subconsciously, I rubbed my eyes to be sure that it wasn't a dream but he was gone with the wind.
Gradel would certainly feel hurt if I told him that I'd found his bracelet and there was no way to ascertain that it belonged to him.
"I'm good," Relief coursed through me as my reply came out strongly.
If he sensed my unease, he'd probably try to dig into the matter.
"Alright, then. Are you ready to check out the jewelry?" He asked softly, his tone filled with concern.
"Never been more ready." I tried to sound eager, entwining our arms while he led me to the jewelry section.
My eyes nearly popped out of their sockets when we stopped at the showroom. Different pieces including; rings, necklaces, earrings, and waist chains fought for my attention.
"They are all beautiful," I mused.
"That's why you should pick the one you want. Don't be scared, baby, I'll pay." He used the endearing name to the hearing of one of the sales attendants.
A blush crept to my cheeks and I didn't bother to fight it off. Gradel could be cold and strict, but he was a charmer in every sense of the word, as everything he said made my heart flutter. I couldn't even think without having his images flash in.
Finally giving heed to his request, I settled for a gold necklace with a butterfly-shaped emerald pendant and matching emerald earrings.
"You chose well, Iris, but you surprise me sometimes." He noted.
"How?" I asked, scanning the desk for other beautiful pieces.
"Looking at you, one would think that you have no taste but with those dresses you picked, you further convinced me that sophistication is in the mind."
Silence ensued afterward, and later on, I decided to spill the question that had plagued my mind during the entire shopping.
"There's something I'd like to ask and I hope you don't get mad,"
He stared at me doubtfully then shrugged. "I'm all ears."
"How can you identify your missing bracelet," I asked in a rush.
His brows furrowed in a way I couldn't explain and it was hard for me to anticipate a response, knowing that he might decide to walk away without answering but he surprised me and stayed back.
"Well, her initials are crested behind the stones so I can tell if it's mine or not. Why do you ask?"
Shit! That's the question I'd been avoiding. How could I tell him that I found someone wearing the exact piece we'd been looking for here in this market without getting an are-you-insane stare from him?
"Ummm, you don't have to read any meaning to my question. You gave me a task and I'm bent on fulfilling it, I just don't want to take another person's property, thinking it's yours."
He gazed at me for a minute, with his lips pursed as if he thought and then he lifted a silver necklace and swung it at me.
"This would look beautiful on you."
*********
We'd barely returned from the market when a sentinel informed us that the Alpha wanted to see us.
My body went taut with apprehension as I imagined what mean words he would have to say to me. I didn't doubt Gradel's promise to protect me, but I wondered if he would keep doing that until he completely accepted me.
I'd thought that we would be heading to his room until we swerved and found ourselves in a very massive dining room, having bright incandescent bulbs fixed at different corners and a chandelier in the middle.
The sturdy brown wooden table which was surrounded with several chairs held a lot of dishes, most of them covered but the lids did nothing to hold back the aroma that emanated from the food.
And then my eyes darted to the gigantic chair opposite us which was empty and I marveled at how enormous and well-decorated it was.
Without being told, I knew it belonged to the Alpha who took a turn in despising me with the rest of his sons.
"I feel so nervous,"
"You don't have to be. I'm here," He grabbed my hand and led me to the empty row of seats, pulling out a single chair for me to sit on before he did the same.
His word of assurance helped to calm the storm of anxiety that raged within me and somehow, I believed that I'd pull through it.
Unsure of what to do to alleviate the tension that had permeated the room, I decided to start a conversation. "What are your father's likes and dislikes?" I asked, trying to sound enthusiastic.
He snorted with a less buoyant expression, squaring his shoulders. "We aren't here to please my father. Just focus on the dinner, give brief responses and when it's time I'll get us out of here." He intoned curtly and the restlessness I thought had vanquished suddenly reappeared.
Slow but regal steps made their way into the room and my unease leaped to the sky. The first time I had a direct encounter with the Alpha was when he tried to sentence me, who knows he might send me to the cell after feeding me.
I just hoped that wouldn't be the case or I might as well eat to my satisfaction.
"Greetings, Alpha. You sent for us," Gradel continued in the same bored tone.
"Yes, I did. Is it a crime to invite my son for a royal dinner?" He gave a sardonic smile and settled down, ignoring me like I didn't exist.
Well, if he thought ignorance was a way to belittle me then I'd prove him wrong. "Greetings, Your Highness. It's an honor to be invited to such a magnificent dinner, I'm really grateful."
He said nothing and nudged the male servant to serve the food. We ate in silence and the only thing I could confidently agree to have enjoyed was the variety of dishes.
While Gradel picked at the plate of rice in front of him, I dug into the tasty lamb roast. My stomach got bloated some minutes later, causing me to pause the feast.
After a while, the Alpha cleared his throat and stared at us.
"Do you truly accept this woman as your mate?" He questioned, gazing at me condescendingly.
"Yes, I do." Gradel dropped his fork, replying with a constrained voice.
I gauged the Alpha's reaction as he acted like he had accepted his son's choice, if only he knew what our plan was.
"Alright then. You should bring her as a plus one to my birthday party next week. She needs to be formally introduced to the pack as your mate, don't you think?" He snickered.
Gradel banged his fist on the table as his breathing became uneven. "What is this father? We haven't attacked the people who kidnapped my mate and you're throwing a party? What if they ambush us and launch an attack? Don't you care about the safety of your people?"
Alpha Cronus chuckled lightly. "You're not more concerned than I am for my people. I've been their ruler for many years and I sure know how to take care of them. Just get your father a birthday gift before you leave for the human world and make sure your girl looks the part. I don't want her to look and eat like a fugitive in my party," He huffed and strolled out, leaving me dejected.
Even the chunk of lamb roast I'd eaten suddenly became bitter in my mouth. Confused about what to do, I pushed the chair backward and ran out of the room with tears in my eyes.