Chapter 33: Outed By The Maid

Jasper paces back and forth, his shoulders hunched over, his gaze never leaving the spot where Eliana was standing.
Alma is still near the tub, watching him. Her heart warms at the emotion Jasper feels for Eliana. The love he has, even for someone who could not possibly be his soul bond. It gives her hope, that even though her lover in Pyrion is not her mate, that they can still be happy and in love. She presses her lips together to hide a smile at the thought of the young man. His short, pale hair and his beady eyes that linger on her. An image of him forms in her mind, smiling at her.
“Oh come on,” Evyn growls snapping her out of her reverie, “Why are we even still here?” He throws his hands up into the air, exasperated. “She obviously is not in any real danger. She can simply just go home with them.”
Weighing whether or not she should respond, Alma covertly follows Evyn’s movements. He is close to her, his scent twisting around her heart and blocking most of her senses. She inhales in an icy breath.
Why is it that he is her mate? They are from different clans, and he does not even want her. He is making it blatantly obvious. Maybe it is because she is useless. A Pivurlion who cannot shift, or one that allowed herself to be captured. Alma forces away the anguish in her heart.
“Evyn, if we do not take her home as soon as possible, there is a chance that the rebels will attack before we get there, and her family could perish.”
The werebear pauses his rant to eye the werebird. “Even if that is true, why do you want to go there? What if the rebels are there. Do you really want to run into the monsters that enslaved you?”
Alma swallows softly as the pressure of Evyn’s gaze weighs down on her. She glances at Olisnia, but she is waiting near Jasper, trying to talk to him.
“Do you actually care how I feel,” she decides to say.
Evyn’s eyes widen, “What do you mean?”
“You have rejected me. Why are you so concerned?” Alma clenches her hands, standing her ground.
He does not say anything at first, his expression shifting between warring emotions that Alma cannot catch.
“Is it so wrong for me to care for and want to protect a friend,” he ends up asking.
Alma remains silent, trying to control her emotions. Her heart is twisted and torn in half; nausea builds up into her chest and throat. She blinks away tears, holding herself together.
“I do not need your protection,” she bites out, her gaze harsh.
Evyn opens his mouth to respond, but Alma swiftly moves past him, going to Olisnia’s side. The Drulian now stands silently, watching as Jasper has his arms folded, seething, as he glowers into the cluster of tents.

>><<

“You are saying that the Pivurlions you were traveling with are outside camp?” Drake stands completely still, his brow furrowing. “They want to take you back to Zaline. I can easily be the one to do that.”
“I am sorry. We must move quickly before the rebels, backed by the Climont army, reach the castle. They will demolish everything in sight.” Eliana stands just within the tent, fiddling with her shirt as she speaks.
“Will these Pivurlions remain peaceful, or will they attack if they do not get their way?” He eyes his sword that leans against his bed.
Fear itches at Eliana’s neck, “No, Prince. They will remain quiet. I have traveled with them for quite some time. They only want to see me home safely.”
Drake sighs, “As do I. Unfortunately, my camp is too large to pack up and move so quickly.”
“I know, and I will not force you to do so. I only ask that you will allow me to go with them now, and once you are able to, meet us in Zaline. There, we can complete the marriage.” Anxiety builds in her throat as she thinks about being married to a complete stranger.
Pausing to think, Drake stares off at the camp. “That will work, but you must be careful. My father will do everything in his power to stop this marriage.”
Eliana releases the tension in her shoulders and sighs. She was not expecting for the conversation to move so easily. He did not argue with her at all.
“I only insist that you all stay for the rest of the day. Allow my men to gather provisions for you and a change of clothes. Your friends are welcome, but they must remain outside camp, for the safety of my people.” His lips harden into a line as he clasps his hands behind his back.
“Yes, of course,” she nods eagerly.
“Milord,” Junet bows, stepping forward.
Eliana had almost forgotten that she was even there.
“I must say this is a mistake.”
The Princess furrows her brow. Does a maid in Climont always speak their mind?
“I do not want to see you hurt, or come in between either for you, but the Princess has a secret she is not mentioning, that I feel you must know.”
What is it?
Drake remains silent as he waits for her to explain.
Junet glances at Eliana only briefly before saying, “She is in love with one of the Pivurlions.”