Chapter 50

Chapter 50

HENRIETTA

I lit the candle on the table and settled in front of it, watching the fire dance with the gentle breeze coming from the slightly opened windows. Niana started lighting the other lamps inside my chamber, giving my room proper illumination.

I reached for the comb and started combing my hair. As I did so, I couldn’t help but notice Niana smiling as she prepared for my bath and clothes. With furrowed brows and a smile, I faced her. Only then that she stopped smiling as she looked at me.

“You seem positively radiant tonight,” I remarked, curiosity tinged with amusement. She giggled. Then she stopped and covered her mouth with her hand as if what she did was a crime.

I chuckled. “Did something happen to you today?”

She dropped her hand and bit her lip– an attempt to stop smiling.

“I am overwhelmed with joy, my lady. You have reclaimed everything that was rightfully yours, and now… they can no longer diminish your worth.” Her voice trembled with emotion, tears streaming down her cheeks, and I rose from my seat to envelop her in a comforting embrace.

The moment she felt my arms around her, she jolted.

“Oh no, my lady-”

“Just let me do this just this one time, Niana. You’re the one closest to a friend that I have.”

She stilled and eventually, her hesitant arms wrapped around me. I could not help but smile as I closed my eyes.

I still felt terrible but then as I thought about it, I know I did the right thing. Even as my father is not here

anymore, and even as he loved Myrna and Yvette, I know he would be happy that I did this.

I pulled away, giving her time to wipe her tears. “What of Lady Yvette and Lady Myrna?”

“They have no claims over the properties left by my father. They’re going to do just fine. Philip is Yvette’s husband. I suppose they will be living in the palace.”

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Niana was silent for a beat longer and then she said, “I think the Crown Prince only married Lady Yvette because of the thought that she will inherit everything from your father. That was why he replaced you as his bride, my lady-” she gasped. “Apologies, my lady. I should have not talked that way. My personal opionion-‘

“I agree with you, Niana,” I said, cutting her off. Her wide eyes met mine and I added, “I hated to admit it at first but eventually, I started to understand the broader scheme of things. Philip was after my family’s influence, being the future Alpha King. He chose to marry Yvette for that reason. You’re right.”

She went silent and hesitated for a bit and then she said, “It was a good thing, my lady, that you were able to see what the Crown Prince was after. It would have been worse if you ended

o marrying him.

I chuckled but it did not quite reach my eyes. “It would have been harder.”

We both exchanged smiles, a comforting gesture for both of us. She reached for the hairbrush from my hand, and I turned to face the mirror. Gently, Niana started brushing my hair and we settled in a companionable

silence.

“What of Sir Andreas?” she asked, making me still. I met Niana’s gaze from the mirror and she gave me a knowing smile, making me flustered.

“What about him?”

“Is he going to live here or are you going to live with him?”

I have not thought about it. However, since Niana brought it up, I figured I should start discussing it with

Andreas.

“I am glad that you did it, my lady. And you married a good man, despite his reputation, I believe Sir Andreas

noble.”

I smiled, thinking about Andreas and the things he had done to help me so far.

“He was a great help and I wish to do the same should he need my help.”

She gently laid the brush on the table and before could say anything, a knock interrupted us. We both looked at each other and Niana suppressed the smile that threatened to come out–as we both knew who was behind that

door.

“Should I… go to my home-”

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Chapter 50

“There will be no need for that, Niana,” I cut her off.

“But it is your wedding night-

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“Niana,” I warned but the flush on my cheeks could not be hidden, making Niana’s grin wider.

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She bowed slightly before she opened the door. And just as we thought, Andreas stood behind the door, hands inside his pockets as his gaze met mine. Niana bowed and I could clearly see how she hid her grin.

“Pleasant evening, Sir Andreas,” she said, and without waiting for Andreas’ response, she walked away, leaving Andreas giving me a questionable look.

“She seemed… amused,” he remarked, his expression questioning. “She never greeted me that way before.”

My and Niana’s conversation flashed inside my head once again and I cleared my throat, trying to relieve the tension inside of me.

“Come in,” I said, managing not to stutter.

Andreas stepped in and went, still hesitant, and for some reason, the air felt thicker. The tension between us was

undeniable and I don’t know if he feels it too.

“Can I have some tea?”

I jolted from where I was standing and immediately went to the table. “I’m sorry. I was just–” I hissed when the pot fell and shattered. I tried to pick up the shards when Andreas caught my arm.

“You’ve already cut yourself,” he observed, and it was then that I realized a sliver of glass had grazed my skin. The wound swiftly healed, and he released his grip.

“Are you feeling alright?” he asked, angling his head. I immediately stood and cleared my throat. Of course, I was fine. My hands were just trembling earlier for some reason.

He started taking the shards from the floor and before I could warn him about it, he was already putting the broken pieces into a piece of rug that lay close to it.

“I’m sorry–”

“What are you sorry for?”

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I fell silent. “I… I can get you another tea.” Before I could walk away, he grabbed my arm and for a humiliating

second, it made me gasp.

I faced him and his brows furrowed. Without any warning, he stepped closer and gently laid his hand on my

forehead.

“Your face is red,” he noted and I wanted to tell him that it was because he was holding me and he was too close

to me. “Do you feel unwell?”

I shook my head. “No. It’s just…it’s hot.”

His brows raised and then his gaze fell to the open window. “Should I open the window more?”

“It’s…” Realizing it was nonsense to keep making excuses, I sighed. “Nevermind. I will get you another tea.”

However, his grip tightened on my arm, although not too tight to be painful.

“There will be no need for that. I merely stopped by to ensure your well-being before heading to the manor

tonight.”

His announcement sent a wave of dread through me, prompting an involuntary outburst. “This house feels so empty now,” I confessed before I could stop myself.

His gaze lingered on me for a moment longer before a playful grin spread across his lips, contrasting sharply with my own discomfort. Inwardly, I wished I could disappear into the floor.

“Is Lady Henrietta suggesting I spend the night?” he inquired, his tone laced with curiosity.

“Not just tonight,” I confessed, cursing my lack of composure. Andrea s’s expression grew more-intrigued, prompting me to continue. “I… I believe it would enhance the authenticity of our charade if we shared a residence. Wouldn’t you agree?”

He toyed with his tongue in his mouth before letting out a chuckle. Despite my efforts, I couldn’t suppress the blush creeping across my cheeks.

He let go of my wrist and stuffed his hands inside his pockets before looking at me. “Of course. It wouldn’t make sense for them if a husband can stand being away from his wife. Especially on their wedding night.”

My thoughts ceased altogether as he drew nearer, causing me to instinctively retreat. “Speaking of which, I

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Chapter 50

believe I made a promise about something on our wedding night.”

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His words triggered a flood of memories, causing a delightful shiver to run down my spine. His presence seemed to fill every cornes of the chamber, enveloping me in his warmth. I found myself unable to resist, nor did I want

to.

“Is that what you’re implying?” I managed to stammer out, my heart racing.

My head nodded almost of its own accord, betraying my desires. Andreas chuckled softly, his eyes alight with anticipation.

“Are y you certain about that?” His words were laden with promise, causing me to swallow hard. Despite the intensity of my emotions, I couldn’

deny the exhilarating feeling Andreas stirred within me. It was why I

remained rooted in place as he closed the distance between us once more.

His hand went to caress my face and I took a shuddering breath as I watched him watch me intently, looking at

my reaction to his touch.

“No man would ever resist you, Henrietta.” He leaned closer and I couldn’t help but bite my lip as I felt his breath

against my neck, sending shivers down my spine. “Even the blind would clamor for a whisp of your scent.”

His hands snaked around my waist and his lips were featherlight against my skin. “Men would fight to get a glimpse of you,” he murmured, his words like a hypnotic melody drawing me deeper into his embrace-a

seductive yet perilous dance.

Despite the warning bells ringing in my mind, my body seemed oblivious to the danger, responding eagerly to his touch. All I could focus on was the sensation of his lips tracing along my neck and the reassuring pressure of

his hands around me.

“But they wouldn’t dare,” he continued, his voice low and possessive. “You’re mine now. And attempt to entice the wife of the most formidable warrior.”

My eyes opened at his last statement when I remembered something. “A-Andreas–”

a fool would

He pulled away and stared at me, as though he knew it was a sign that I needed him to stop what he was doing.

“I have to tell you something–”

Before I could even finish my sentence, another knock disrupted our moment, and I hastily stepped back.

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adjusting the folds of my robe to compose myself.

As the door swung open, revealing Niana’s concerned countenance, my heart sank. Aiden stood behind her, his solemn expression casting a shadow over the room.

“What’s the matter?” Andreas inquired, his tone laced with concern.

Aiden’s gaze met mine briefly, a silent acknowledgment passing between us, before he turned to address his Alpha.

“Another dead body has been discovered.”

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