Chapter 43
The weather was bright and pleasant, so Althea and Melva decided to take the chance to leave the palace walls while the sun was still high. The Alpha King had already granted them permission, though it came with one clear condition—they could only wander within the grounds of the North Palace.
At the door, three guards stood firmly stationed.
“My Lady and I would like to walk around,” Melva said with a polite smile.
Althea’s curious eyes studied them. “What are your names?” she asked softly.
The guards exchanged glances, unsure if they should speak. Finally, the tallest of the three stepped forward. “I am Rudy, My Lady.” He then gestured to the others. “This is Ben, and this is Trudis. His Majesty ordered us to be assigned to you… to ensure you will not escape p>
Althea’s stomach tightened. So that was it. Gavriel had not stationed them for her safety, but as a chain—subtle, unbreakable, and always watching.
“I see.” She drew a steady breath and gave them a small, courteous nod. “Then I apologize in advance for any inconveniences. It seems I will be troubling you with my presence. Still, it is an honor to meet the three of you p>
Turning to Melva, she added warmly, “This is Melva Ward, my dearest friend. She chose to stand by me even when she had every reason not to p>
Her expression grew solemn as she faced the guards again. Her voice, though gentle, carried a quiet weight.
“Please, let me explain something. Melva has nothing to do with my father’s crimes. She has carried her own burdens simply because she begged the Alpha King to let her stay with me. I humbly beg that you treat her fairly, without judgment. The only tie she ever had to my father Cain was being trapped under the Shadowthorn Pack, like so many others who had no choice.” Get full chapters from.net
Then, in a gesture that startled everyone, Althea bowed slightly, lowering her pride to plead. “This, I beg of you p>
These guards were tasked to monitor her and ensure she never escaped, but since they would always remain close to both her and Melva, Althea truly hoped they could at least build a cordial bond. If not friends, then perhaps companions who could treat Melva with respect rather than hostility, without instantly judging her for sins she never committed.
“My Lady!” Melva burst out, her face flushed with distress. “You don’t have to say that! I can endure it all. Don’t beg for me p>
Althea straightened and gave her a soft smile. “I know you’re strong, but I can’t bear the thought of you being mistreated because of me. Without my name hanging over you, these guards might even become your friends p>
Her eyes returned to the three watchers, searching their faces. She could see the flicker of uncertainty, the conflict they carried between duty and sympathy. Finally, Rudy inclined his head and spoke. “We understand, My Lady p>
A small warmth bloomed in Althea’s chest at his words.
But as she looked away, she could also read the truth in their silence. Yes… they understand. Yet reality is cruel. To most, the Shadowthorn Pack will always be stained.
Innocence will not spare them from suspicion.
They soon stepped outside, and Althea couldn’t help the small lift in her chest. For once, she was allowed to breathe beyond the suffocating walls. The North Palace stretched far and wide, so vast it would take more than a day to explore its grounds.
Today, she chose the front yard, where a carefully kept garden unfolded in full bloom, its colors bright against the summer air.
Her eyes softened when she spotted a swing nestled beneath a great oak tree. It looked peaceful—almost inviting enough to wash away the heaviness pressing on her heart. She had barely taken a step toward it when Trudis abruptly blocked her path.
“Please refrain from using the swing until we have confirmation from the Alpha King,” the guard said flatly. “You are not permitted otherwise p>
“What?! But it’s just a swing,” Melva blurted out, frowning.
Althea stiffened as Trudis’s stray thought reached her. ‘Yes, a swing His Majesty personally built for his one true love, Lady Rizza. The last time a servant dared to use it, she was banished from the capital p>
Althea’s throat tightened as she gulped. ‘Lady Rizza? Who is she?’ The sour taste of jealousy burned her tongue. ‘Was Gavriel entangled with yet another woman, beyond Lady Ava Stone p>
Shaking the thought off before Melva noticed her expression, Althea forced a light tone. She slipped her hand around Melva’s arm and tugged her gently. “Come, let’s walk further. That side looks interesting p>
“My Lady,” Rudy interjected politely, gesturing ahead, “you might enjoy the North Pavilion. It rests at the center of the pond. It is a place of calm, perfect for clear thoughts p>
She gave Rudy a gentle smile, sensing the sincerity behind his offer. “Please, lead the way,” she said, and he bowed lightly before guiding them forward.
As they walked, Althea glanced around and couldn’t help but remark, “The North Palace seems so quiet. There are only a few servants here, aren’t there p>
“That’s true, My Lady,” Rudy replied with calm respect. “The Alpha King values his privacy. Only a select number of servants are allowed to remain here, all of whom he personally trusts. Their roles extend beyond maintaining the palace. They are also skilled in other ways. This ensures that no one can easily breach the grounds… and no one can leave without his permission p>
Trudis added firmly, “Exactly. No one escapes the Alpha King’s hold if you’re his prisoner p>
Althea kept her expression neutral, though she almost laughed when she picked up on Trudis’s thoughts: ‘You better not even think about escaping… or you’re dead p>
Suppressing her amusement, she hummed softly and said, “Well, it’s not as though I would ever try to run from the Alpha King. I’m alive because of him. And besides she lifted her chin with quiet conviction, “I truly believe there’s no safer place for me now than by his side p>
She meant every word.
Trudis frowned, conflict flickering in her eyes though suspicion was still the heaviest in her thoughts. Althea understood. She wasn’t truly welcome here, but at least their hostility wasn’t as sharp as she had feared.
“This is truly beautiful!” Melva gasped, clasping her hands as she stared at the pond. A curved bridge stretched across the water, leading to the pavilion at its center. On either side, smaller pavilions stood like silent guardians over the mirrored surface. The air was calm, the faint ripple of fish breaking through the reflection of the cloudy sky.
Althea’s lips softened into a faint smile. For the first time since arriving, her chest eased, until a sharp voice shattered the stillness.
“Looks like you’re quite cozy, enjoying your stay for a prisoner.” The sneer cut from behind them, feminine yet laced with venom.