Chapter 64 Men For Survival
Althea had slept well and woke later than usual. Normally, she rose before sunrise, but today the warm rays of the sun touched her face and pulled her awake.
She slowly opened her eyes and turned to the other side of the bed. Empty. A small sting hit her chest, knowing Gavriel didn’t return.
“I wonder where he slept,” she murmured as she got up from Gavriel’s bed.
Last night, she had managed to sneak a quick look around the oak tree, but she found nothing. Fear struck her at the thought of Gavriel catching her out of his chamber, so she had hurried back and stayed in his bed until sleep claimed her.
“It would be nice if I could find a place to practice my magic,” she thought. Her mother had taught her the four elements when she was ten, and she wanted to master them again. But she needed space and secrecy.
After what happened with Elsa, and even last night, she knew her enemies would use any excuse against her. They had already branded her a witch for healing Elsa.
She yawned and stretched as the door opened. Melva came in carrying a tray.
“Ah, you’re finally awake, My Lady. How are you feeling?” Melva asked brightly as she set the breakfast on the table.
“I don’t know what happened, but Amy and Mila didn’t come today, so I prepared the food myself,” she added with a cheerful smile.
Althea tilted her head, curious about her friend’s good mood. She reached out with her gift and brushed against Melva’s thoughts.
‘Thanks to Simon, no one in the kitchen bullies me anymore. They finally let me cook in peace,’ Melva was thinking.
Althea smiled to herself. She was glad Melva seemed happy. She only hoped Simon would protect her as a true mate should.
“Come now, My Lady. I made all your favorites! Let’s feast—these dishes are definitely not poisoned!” Melva joked.
Althea chuckled and joined her at the table.
“The Alpha King didn’t return,” Althea said quietly as she ate.
“Indeed. I heard he left the estate in his wolf form,” Melva replied. “Also, Elsa was thrown into the dungeon.”
Althea nodded and sipped her hot milk. Ava was the true mastermind, but proving it would be another matter.
“How about the princess? Did you hear anything?” she asked, her voice full of worry.
“I heard she’s stable,” Melva said, forcing a smile. “But please, eat first and enjoy the meal.”
Althea, sensing the hesitation, skimmed Melva’s thoughts again.
‘Should I tell her about the rumors? It’s so unfair! My Lady saved the princess and others, yet they’re spreading lies that she tried to harm her.’
Althea’s chest tightened. She took a deep breath and chewed her bread in silence. She had no doubt this was Ava’s work. But for now, she would endure.
“For now, we’ll stay in the nearest guest chamber since they’re still rebuilding the adjacent bedchamber of the Alpha King. It’s a complete wreck after last night,” Melva said between bites, eating as if she hadn’t had a proper meal in days.
“Eat slowly, Melva. You’ll get indigestion,” Althea reminded gently.
Melva waved her spoon and huffed. “Well, we don’t know when Amy and Mila will be back. For all we know, they might poison the food again if they return.”
Althea reached for her cup of milk, her voice calm. “Don’t worry. I’ll make a protection charm for you soon. And an elixir too—one that can cure any poison.”
Melva gave her a look and let out an exasperated hum. “Oh, My Lady. Don’t fuss over me. You should focus on yourself from now on. Let’s make a goal, alright? For now, we have no choice but to rely on the Alpha King if we want to survive.”
Althea caught the opening in her words and quickly added, “It would be nice if you also got along with Simon. I hope he protects you and that you find happiness with him. Don’t worry too much about me. Focus on yourself too—maybe try winning your mate over?”
Melva’s face turned red, and she pouted as she muttered, “I’ll do that once you win the Alpha King over.”
Althea chuckled, shaking her head. “Look at us, depending on men for survival.”
“It can’t be helped,” Melva sighed, her shoulders slumping. “Here, we’re treated as enemies no matter what.”
“That’s true,” Althea admitted softly. Still, her lips curved into a hopeful smile. “But wouldn’t it be nice if they saw us differently one day? For who we truly are.”
Her voice lingered in the air, carrying both longing and quiet determination.
She wanted to be more, even while living as a captive. Not just the traitor’s daughter, not just the Alpha King’s mate or breeder but herself, seen and valued for who she truly was.
“I wonder if we can go out today?” Althea muttered before taking a bite of her last piece of bread.
“We can. That way we can keep exploring,” Melva replied excitedly.
Once they finished eating, Althea took a quick bath, dressed, and soon stepped outside. As usual, Rudy, Trudis, and Ben followed closely behind as her escorts.
“Can we enter that place?” Althea asked, pointing toward what looked like an atelier.
“Yes,” Rudy replied at once, even taking the lead. Walking beside her, he added politely, “I haven’t thanked you yet, Lady Althea, for what you did last night. Thank you.”
Althea’s lips curved into a gentle smile, recognizing the sincerity in his words. Among the three, Rudy was the one who seemed to truly believe she could be different from her father, Cain.
“You’re welcome, Rudy,” she answered warmly.
Inside the atelier, her eyes widened. Rudy began to introduce each masterpiece on display.
“All of these were created by the Alpha King,” Rudy said with pride. “He spends his free time working here, sculpting, woodworking or painting.”
Althea walked slowly through the chamber, her gaze drawn to every detail. She couldn’t help but admire the passion behind the art—the strength, precision, and depth in each piece.
They revealed a side of Gavriel she had never imagined.
“Who gave you permission to enter here?!” a sharp voice suddenly snapped from behind.