Chapter 35

Chapter 35

HENRIETTA

The shack looked livelier than the last time I visited. The aroma of tea immediately enveloped me, urging me to close my eyes and relish the calming scent that eased my frayed nerves.

My encounter with Myrna earlier had left me emotionally drained. Pretending not to be affected by the news of Philip and Yvette’s impending wedding, feigning indifference when they claimed my wedding dowry-it all weighed heavily. Everything I’ve been doing was exhausting and extremely lonely. Is this how it’s supposed to feel? Is this how revenge is supposed to feel?

see me. Recognition flashed across her features and she motioned for me to come in and take a seat. The tantalizing fragrance of freshly brewed tea lingered in the air as I settled into a chair.

The door chimed as I opened it and the old woman turned to

Within minutes, a cup of tea appeared in front of me.

“It’s pleasant to see you again, Henrietta.”

I looked up at her, her kind smile as warm as the cup of tea she served.

“Ifind solace in this shack,” I replied, the truth evident in my words. “Perhaps it’s because of the tea.”

She smiled. “Perhaps.”

She turned to leave and started doing her business. I was thankful for the solace she gave as I was able to think. My mind went to the news Myrna delivered earlier.

Yvette and Philip are about to marry. It was to be expected since they were the ones who were arranged.

I waited for the same pain I felt before. I realized it did not hurt as much as before. I took a sip from the cup and sighed as the warmth seeped into every nerve endings.

When Philip announced Yvette as his bride in front of the whole kingdom, I felt my soul shatter into pieces. The shards prickling my bareness. It seemed like it all happened yesterday and yet… the pain this time is bearable.

A smile curved my mouth and I did not notice the tear trailing my cheek until it fell on the wooden table. I was

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thankful I did not cry in front of them that time. I was thankful I was able to preserve my dignity–the only thing that was left in me that night they stripped me vulnerable.

I hastily wiped it off, clearing my throat as I did so. It was then that I heard the sound of chair scraping and a man sat in front of me, handing me a piece of kerchief.

I looked up to see Andreas, raising his brows at my tearful state. “I asked Niana where you went but your maidservant you went on a walk. It is rather unexpected to see you here.”

I was still looking at him in wide eyes as he turned to Nadia and said, “It seems my visit came earlier than expected, Nadia. Can I have a cup of what she’s having?”

Nadia smiled and shook her head before she brewed another cup

“You know each other?” I asked and he nodded.

for him.

“I’ve known her since I was in my rebellious young self. Nadia is s witch, if you still don’t know.”

I blinked and looked at Nadia who just smiled, confirming Andreas’ statement.

“Aren’t you going to accept this kerchief?” he asked and I was pulled from my reverie and took the piece of cloth

he handed me.

“The tea must be extraordinary for you to shed a tear over it.”

I scowled at him and he grinned. “It’s not about the tea, is it?”

I said nothing and cleared my throat again, sipping on my tea. He faced me fully and rested his chin on his hands. and smiled–teasing, “Seeing you cry after what happened between us last night makes me feel insulted. Was it

that terrible?”

I almost choked on my cup of tea as stood and covered his mouth, glaring at him with all my might. It seemed like what I was feeling earlier disappeared and is being replaced by embarrassment.

I could feel him smiling before he shook his head as if telling me he was not going to say anything. Reluctantly, I removed my hand from his mouth and sat back down.

Nadia came just in time and placed the cup of tea in front of Andreas.

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“It seems that you two are getting along the people believe,” she said, smiling at both me and Andreas. But I looked at her with furrowed brows.

“The people believe me and Andreas don’t get along?”

Of course, Nadia would hear about it. She must have heard a lot about everything, including my engagement with Andreas. However, I don’t want them to believe we don’t get along. I want them to think that me and Andreas are perfectly fine with each other.

“If we strut down the street outside, parade our unwavering affection toward each other, then people would start thinking we’re madly in love.” He grinned and I gave I scowled.

Nadia chimed in, “It doesn’t matter what the people believe in,” Nadia said. “It won’t change a thing if what you have is real.”” And then she walked out the back, leaving me and Andreas alone.

As Nadia left, the weight of yesterday’s events descended upon me, completely replacing the news of marriage inside my head. The air grew thick, and I wanted to escape the confines of my dress.

How could the presence of one man ignite such fire? An drea s’s presence seemed to intensify everything. I’ve met many men, yet none made my heart race like this. Not even Philip. Perhaps this has something to do with Andreas’ commanding presence being a warrior.

“How are you, Henrietta?” he asked, looking at me as though he could see through my soul. “I could not sleep. last night.”

I scowled at him and he chuckled.

“Can we please not talk about it?”

He leaned back on his seat and raised his hands as if in surrender. “Alright, my apologies. I figured butterflies in your stomach is a much better emotion than sadness.”

My forehead creased as I looked at him. The corner of his mouth rose. “I know what made you wallow in this small shack drinking tea all by yourself. I heard the news from the Alpha King himself. That’s why I went straight to your residence.”

My fingers fidgeted. “Why come to me?”

“Because, despite your efforts to conceal it, I can see and feel it. The burning rage stems from a love that still

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Chapter 35

lingers, despite everything.”

“How would you know–”

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“I may be a warrior, Henrietta, and you may think all I think about is bloodshed, but I am not naive when it comes to the complexities of emotion such as love. Beneath your fury is a tamed lion, waiting to be comforted by

the same person who hurt you. Ironically.”

“That’s not–”

“And I want to tell you that it is fine to feel that way. I understand healing from that kind of pain does not take overnight.”

I closed my mouth, afraid that if I speak, I might start sobbing in front of about love? How could he understand how I’m feeling?

him. How could he know anything

My hands wrapped around the warm cup and before I knew it, I was finishing the contents of the whole cup

before I stood and walked outside.

Behind me, I heard Andreas following until he was walking next to me.

“Where are you going?” I asked, giving him a side glance.

“I’am accompanying my fiance. With the murder that happened a few days ago, I believe this is the safest way for you to roam around.” He smiled and gestured to our surroundings. “You can take your time admiring this dull street and I’ll be standing a few steps behind you.”

Before he could step back, I found myself.

curiosity in his eyes.

the hem of his clothes, stopping him. He looked at me,

“You’re right,” I began, meeting his curious gaze. “As much as I hate to admit it, I still have feelings for Philip, but it doesn’t feel like my heart is breaking anymore. It’s not as painful. However, it might have taken a toll on me, and…” I trailed off, and he smiled, his eyes locked on mine.

“So why were you crying?”

“Because I was sad and happy at the same time. Sad because I still have lingering feelings for him. Happy because I’m not so affected unlike before. I don’t feel my soul shattering. It feels liberating.”

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He looked at me for a beat longer and sighed. Much to my surprise, he took a step forward and caressed my face. I was about to step back, to step away, but he held my wrist and pulled me closer.

“I’m asking you to lower your guard this time as well,” he said, making me look at him in confusion. His fingers, remarkably gentle, started to wipe the tears off my face.

“This might create a negative impression, just so you’re aware. People might think I’m the one causing your

tears.”

It was then that I became well aware of the people around us, stealing glances. I tried to wipe my tears away but Andreas stopped me.

“Let me do this for you,” he said and before I could figure out what he was to do, he leaned closer and kissed my tear-stained cheeks, then delicately kissed my eye. The kiss, light as a feather, heightened my senses. Pulling back, he offered a smile.

“You can curse me all you want next time. For now…” he trailed off and held my hand. “Hold my hand and and let’s show these people we get along just fine.”

Stunned, I struggled to find words. Before I could comprehend his intentions, he began walking, leaving me with no choice but to follow.

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