Chapter 13: Lingering Sins

DAZE

Eve entered after a while, holding a tray of green herb tea like she was carrying the crown jewels. “I'm sorry I was late, I've to wait for the doctor to arrive. He went somewhere quickly,” she rushed her words like we were going to toss her into the dungeon for being five minutes late.

Prince Finnian didn’t even look her way. His eyes were glued on the Queen. Queen Isolde.

“It's okay, Eve. Thank you all for your help, for being there for me…I really appreciate what you all are doing…” the Queen said with a soft voice that cracked slightly like she was still recovering.

But she looked fine to me now.

Wait…

Are we going to stop coming here every day now?

No. No way.

What other job did we have?

I didn’t mind, honestly. As long as I get to see my beautiful, headache-giving girlfriend every day.

My wolf Wane hissed in my head, all bitter:

'She is not even our mate.'

“I love her, Wane. I've told you times without numbers,” I replied through the mind link.

'She doesn't love you back. Stop wasting your time.'

I frowned, looking down like someone who just got dumped in the middle of the market. Was Wane trying to ruin my morning? Because he was doing a great job.

Queen Isolde coughed, snapping me out of my mental domestic fight. I pushed Wane to the back of my mind before he could say something else stupid.

My eyes found Prince Finnian.

The hot gist of the week suddenly popped into my head like street gossip: he was looking for his mate again.

After years of acting like he didn’t care, now he wanted to find her.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Only the goddess knew what had sparked the sudden interest. Arianna had once told me she’d replace her before he could even smell her.

“There’s no need to talk too much, you’re just getting better,” Prince Finnian said to Queen Isolde, like a strict older brother who nodded at him.

“Marie, please help me with the tea. I think I need it now,” Queen Isolde said gently.

“Okay, my queen. I will do that now,” Marie replied quickly, bowing. But then...

“No, Marie. Continue with what you're doing. Arianna, you go,” Prince Finnian cut in, just like that.

You could practically hear the gasps in the room. But Arianna adjusted herself fast, swallowing the slap of surprise that just hit her.

“Don’t make it too hot or cold because of her throat,” he added like he was writing a prescription.

“But…” she looked at Marie, and I almost screamed "Don't say it!”

Please, goddess. Don’t let her say what’s on her mind.

“But what?” Prince Finnian asked sharply.

I could see her biting her bottom lip, trying to hold in a sarcastic retort. Her fists clenched behind her back. Oh, this was war.

“Nothing. I’ll get it done the way you want it,” she said quickly, bowing so fast she almost kissed the floor.

I sighed.

Thank goddess.

She grabbed the tea and the cups from Marie, who gave her a smug little look like Enjoy your punishment, and walked out.

I bowed and followed her. Didn’t even get the chance to ask about the Queen’s health and thank goodness Prince Finnian didn’t ask me anything either.

Outside, I caught up with Arianna who was walking like she wanted to set the floor on fire with her footsteps.

“You’ll get used to it soon, baby,” I said, trying to calm her.

She turned to me like a volcano about to erupt. “The kitchen is far from here, Daze, remember!” she snapped.

I couldn’t help it. I laughed.

“It’s not funny.”

“It is. I mean...I know. Sorry. It’s just…your angry face is adorable.”

She scowled harder. “Get back to your post and leave me alone.”

“I won’t.”

“Fine. Do as you wish.”

We walked in silence for a bit. Then suddenly...Queen Felda appeared like an unexpected test in the middle of vacation.

Her maids trailed behind her, matching her royal steps. We both bowed at the same time.

I hadn’t seen her since…that night.

Yeah. That one.

She cleared her throat and gave us a long stare. Was she looking at me…or Arianna?

“I’d like to see you when you’re done with that,” she said finally. Her voice was smooth and sly, eyes on the tea tray.

I opened my mouth to say something...

“Yes, your grace. I’ll come once I’m done,” Arianna jumped in.

Wait.

What?

She was talking to Arianna before?

What business did they have with each other? Was there some girl-code arrangement I didn’t know about?

Felda brushed past me, her royal cream dress sweeping across my leg like it was flirting. Her scent lingered. Oh, she did that on purpose.

Nah. Whatever game she was playing wasn’t going to work. Not again.

She should stick to the king.

I’ll stick to Arianna.

We’re all trying to live long out here.

“Daze,” Arianna said beside me, but I didn’t hear. I was still looking at Queen Felda’s back like she held all my unresolved trauma.

“DAZE!”

Her elbow jabbed me to life.

“Ahh,” I winced.

“What’s wrong with you? Why were you looking at her like that? Do you know her from somewhere?” she asked, eyes sharp.

I panicked. “No. Not really. Her aura was different, that’s all.”

She narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean?”

“I mean..." I paused for a second, not knowing what to say, "Maybe because she’s wolfless and trained to be a witch or something…” I finally lied.

Why was I like this?

She nodded slowly, still watching me. “Yeah… but I found her lovely,” she said, smiling.

“Me too…” I replied, without thinking.

She stopped in her tracks like I just admitted I was in love with a carrot.

My brain glitched.

Oh crap.

Why did I say that?

Why?!

I ran my hand through my hair, my nervous habit activated. The one I do whenever I say something I know will put me in a grave.

“Come on, I only mean she’s lovely… among the King’s queens,” I said quickly.

She studied my face like a lie detector.

Good thing I adjusted my emotions fast.

She sighed and walked again.

Thank the goddess.

Inside my head, I screamed, I need to stop thinking about Queen Felda!

I needed to stop remembering what happened between us. Because if Arianna ever found out…

Wane chuckled darkly from behind me. I could feel him shaking his imaginary head at me.

And honestly, I deserved it.