Chapter 213

Chapter 213

CA SSANDRA

Given my experience with Kaleb and his intensity, I’d half-expected Ronald to force me into an answer before letting me leave the greenhouse.

But much to my surprise, after he’d made his statement, he offered me a smile and a small, polite bow.

“You have plenty of time to consider my offer,” he said, his kind blue eyes earnest as they stared into mine.

I was relieved that I wasn’t being forced right away, but in the back of my mind, I knew I would have to face this again later. He didn’t say when he’d ask again for my answer, and instead, asked me some questions about Wegalla. They were small questions about Southern culture and how it compared to the cold North of Yurene. Had it not been for the deal he’d proposed, it would have been a comfortable chat between new acquaintances.

When we finally left the greenhouse, the party had nearly come to an end. I searched the expansive banquet hall, but I couldn’t find Roxy, Raven, or Kaleb, Guests were leaving all around us, and I was honestly relieved that it was over. I wasn’t looking forward to rejoining the party and potentially being made a spectacle again. The dance with Kaleb had been more than enough. Anything else and I may have died from embarrassment.

Despite my relief. Ronald seemed disappointed by the emptying room.

“I’m sorry for taking you away for so long.” he apologized to me sincerely. “I didn’t mean to rob you of your.evening.

It’s alright. I assured him. “I enjoyed speaking with you.”

He seemed relieved by this answer and glanced at the door.

“May I escort you to your room?” he asked politely. “It’s the least I could do.”

With Kaleb gone, I had no one else to lead me back, and though some alone time sounded nice, I had no reason to decline. So, I nodded in agreement, and the king’s cousin offered me his arm. I didn’t want to accept, but the shoes Kaleb had forced me into wearing had impossibly high heels, so I could use all of the assistance 1 could get.

He helped me keep steady as we left the banquet hall and covered my bare shoulders with his suit jacket once we got outside. I was appreciative of the gesture since Yurene was so much colder than Wegalla. Kaleb certainly hadn’t been considerate when he’d chosen such a revealing and ridiculous dress for me. I couldn’t wait to sl*p into comfier clothing and take my hair down. Though my updo had been pretty, my scalp had started to ache from the weight of my heavy hair.

Finnick and Erika were waiting for me at the door, and once Finnick caught sight of me, he ran into my arms.

“Mommy!” he exclaimed, and when I felt Ronald’s gaze upon me, I turned to face him. The king’s cousin had a confused look on his face.

“Ronald, this is my son, Finnick,” I explained, and his expression softened but remained surprised.

“I didn’t know you were married,” he remarked.

“I was,” I said as Finnick loosened his grip around me. “It’s a long story though. I would prefer not to talk about it.”

“Of course, Ronald said with a smile. “I understand completely. I know there are plenty of complicated marriages, but I still believe that they bring something wonderful into one’s life regardless of their outcomes.”

He then waved at Finnick “Hello there, Finnick My name is Ronald. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Hello!” Finnick spoke up kindly, his gray eyes regarding Ronald with curiosity. “It’s nice to meet you as well”

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Chapter 213

“If there’s an opportunity for it, I would love to have you meet my fiancee, Helene,” Ronald addressed me, and his blue eyes glinted. “She loves children and would surely be a great friend to Finnick.”

Fiancee

I was surprised by this. I didn’t expect Ronald to be engaged, as he had appeared to be rather flirtatious at the party, but then again, that was normal for most werewolves. Especially those from prestigious families. Oftentimes, marriages were consummated for mutual benefits rather than love.

“That would be lovely,” I said. “I would love to meet her.”

Ronald said goodnight to us soon after, and once he left, I closed the door, and Erika let out a sigh. She’d been silent for the duration of Ronald’s visit, but now that we were alone, she rushed to my side.

“Oh Ca ssandra,” she uttered, and she swept me into a hug. “I was so worried about you. Who was that man?”

“Kaleb’s cousin,” I explained, and then I gave her a brief recount of the night. Once I was finished, the maid seemed cautious.

“He doesn’t seem to be a simple man,” she said. “I think you need to proceed carefully and watch out for him.”

I nodded in agreement. Ronald obviously wanted to use me to know more about Kaleb and I didn’t know if it was wise to collaborate with him. If Ronald could rein in Kaleb’s power, he could be a useful ally, but it was too early to know how things. would work out.

Ronald had been right in his assessment. Without Kaleb’s permission, I was quite literally grounded. No one was able to tell me anything more than a few pieces of unimportant anecdotes about Yurene.

For the next few days, Kaleb seemed to forget about my existence. I thought he would inquire about what Ronald had said to me in the greenhouse, but his absence told me he didn’t seem too worried about our conversations.

I spent most of my time in the room with Finnick and Erika. Food was sent directly to our room by Ms. Benn. Small walks

very limited. were permitted only with the accompaniment of guards, and the space I could walk in the castle was Unsurprisingly, I wasn’t allowed to go to the greenhouse again, as the guards informed me that the space belonged to Lord Ronald.

Surprisingly, Ronald didn’t pay me another visit after his proposal, and I began to wonder if he had forgotten about it or decided it wasn’t worth it.

I started to think everyone had forgotten about me.

But that wasn’t the case.

The day after the party, our belongings had been collected and sent out somewhere for an “inspection. According to the guards, my clothes, books, and everything else I’d brought from Anemond needed to be checked. I wasn’t told what they were looking for exactly, and although they told me everything would be sent back after their investigation, it was a great insult to us.

Erika had protested against it, but it was no use. The guards didn’t give her a second glance when she tried to stop them. They were well-trained and had impressive poker faces. It was as if we didn’t matter or exist to them. They didn’t care about us. They were just there to carry out their duties.

As strange as it was, I didn’t fight them and simply allowed it to happen.

My belongings would be returned to me on what would be my fifth day in Vlokwell.

I wasn’t sure what would happen when they came back.

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