Chapter 132
Althea and Melva were getting ready to ride out with the Alpha King. Althea had dressed in a simple, comfortable riding outfit, expecting to have her own horse. She couldn’t deny the flicker of excitement in her chest — she would be traveling with the Alpha King himself to visit the borders.
It was something she’d long wanted to do, to finally see more of the kingdom instead of being confined to the palace where every look was filled with hatred and judgment.
Melva was quietly packing their things when Althea noticed how gloomy her friend looked.
“Melva Althea called softly. When Melva turned to her, Althea instinctively reached out through their link, brushing against her thoughts.
‘What’s wrong with him? Am I not attractive enough? I practically threw myself at him, and he just says he’s not ready? What does that even mean?! Oh heavens, my lady, you’re staring—are you reading my thoughts p>
Althea burst out laughing, covering her mouth. “I’m sorry, Melva,” she said between giggles. “I couldn’t help it! You’ve been frowning since you came in, and you keep zoning out. I got worried p>
“My Lady, you’re invading my privacy!” Melva protested, pouting as she crossed her arms.
Althea chuckled and looped her arm through hers. “Alright then, tell me what’s wrong p>
She gently pulled Melva to sit down, then reached into her purse. From it, she took out a delicate jade bangle that glimmered faintly in the light. Without a word, she slipped it onto Melva’s wrist.
“My Lady! What is this?” Melva gasped, eyes wide as she stared at the cool, smooth jade resting against her skin.
“As I promised,” Althea said softly, “this will keep you safe from any harm. Don’t take it off, not even when you bathe. I cast a protective spell on it myself and sealed it with my own blood p>
She smiled, admiring how perfectly it fit her friend.
Melva’s eyes welled with emotion. “Oh, My Lady… you didn’t have to do this. But thank you,” she whispered before wrapping her arms tightly around Althea.
Althea’s smile softened as she returned the hug. A drop of her blood pulsed faintly within the bangle’s seal, something her mother once told her to never waste.
Her mother’s voice echoed in her mind, reminding her how special her blood was. It could purify even the darkest curse… but if her heart were ever consumed by hatred, that same blood could turn into darkness itself.
“This is the least I can do to make sure you stay safe,” Althea said quietly when they pulled apart. “I haven’t finished the elixir that can cure any poison or sickness yet, but I’ll work on it during our stopovers.” Googlᴇ search
She gave Melva a small, content smile, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Now,” she added teasingly, “tell me the truth. Is Simon giving you a hard time again p>
Melva slumped in her chair, letting out an exasperated sigh before blurting, “He’s practically avoiding me, My Lady! I mean, I’m sure he feels the pull just like I do. I can see it in his eyes but he keeps fighting it. I don’t understand why! I’m trying to make things work, but how can I when he won’t even meet me halfway? It’s not like I have a past lover or anything, so why does he p>
She suddenly stopped, eyes widening as a thought struck her. “My Lady… do you think he has a past lover? Have you ever read his mind before?” Melva leaned forward, eyes wide and desperate for an answer.
Althea hesitated, guilt flickering in her gaze before she reached out and gently held Melva’s hands. “I… did read Simon’s mind once,” she admitted softly. “And from what I saw, he truly treasures Princess Riela. Maybe that’s why he’s holding back. Perhaps he doesn’t want to take advantage of you or bind you unfairly while he’s still sorting out his feelings p>
Melva’s expression fell, and for a moment she didn’t say anything. Then she nodded quickly, trying to mask the sting of disappointment with a determined smile. “So that’s it then. He’s being too noble for his own good p>
Althea squeezed her hands reassuringly. “That’s just what I think, but I could be wrong. If you want, I can talk to him—see if I can find out more and confirm it for you p>
“Yes, please, My Lady,” Melva said eagerly, her eyes shining with a mix of hope and nerves. “I just want to understand what he’s thinking… what he truly wants. If I know that, maybe I can adjust and meet him halfway. I want to feel the bond between us, but it’s weak right now. It won’t grow stronger unless we… well, unless we seal it p>
Althea nodded thoughtfully. “Don’t worry. I’ll try to learn what I can and update you soon,” she promised, her tone gentle yet firm.
Still, as she watched Melva move to continue packing their things with a small, nervous smile, a quiet sigh escaped her lips. She could only hope Gavriel hadn’t ordered Simon to drink any of those potions that blocked his thoughts from being read.
After some time, she went outside to bid Alpha Abner and Luna Ruth farewell. Outside, the men were loading supplies, and everyone began mounting their horses. Althea frowned when she noticed no horse had been arranged for her.
Then Gavriel approached and signaled to his stable boy. His eyes flicked toward her, his expression calm but his tone leaving no room for argument. “You’ll ride with me,” he stated, as the stable boy quickly led his black stallion forward.
Althea crossed her arms, standing her ground as the others pretended not to watch the exchange. “Your Majesty, I’m capable of riding on my own. I’ve ridden since I was little p>
“I said,” Gavriel interrupted, stepping closer until his towering presence made her tilt her head up to meet his eyes, “you’ll ride with me p>
The firm authority in his voice made her chest tighten. He wasn’t just being possessive— he was being protective. She realized that, but still… her pride didn’t like being treated as if she couldn’t handle herself.
She let out a small sigh, trying to reason with him. “If this is about safety, I promise I can handle p>
“It’s not a discussion, Althea,” Gavriel cut in again, his voice low but commanding.
His words silenced her. For a heartbeat, she just stared at him, caught between annoyance and a strange flutter that stirred deep in her chest. Then Gavriel mounted his horse with fluid ease and extended his hand toward her.
“Come,” he said simply, his tone softening just a little. “We’re wasting time p>
Althea pursed her lips before reluctantly placing her hand in his. Gavriel easily pulled her up, settling her in front of him. His arm immediately circled her waist, firm and possessive, while the other held the reins.
“See?” he murmured against her ear, his breath warm. “Much better p>