Chapter 80
I looked at him. How could he still remember? It was so long ago. And it was so inconsequential. I didn't think someone like him would remember someone like me.
"You remember me."
He laughed, a rich, warm sound. "How could I forget? It's been what—almost a year? You left quite an impression. I remember you coming in here all the time getting herbs for your master. You were always so worried about him. Tell me, how does he fare now?"
I lowered my voice. "Keep your voice down. I need your discretion."
He tilted his head, studying me. "Still running from something, are you?"
I shook my head. "It's not important. Can you promise to keep this quiet? No one can know I was here. No one can know that you once knew me. No one at all."
His smile faded, replaced by a more serious expression. "You have my word. Now, what brings you back to my humble shop, Amber Eyes?"
I hesitated before pulling the scarf off my head just enough to show the roots of my hair. "I need a specific kind of dye. It's very rare, but you're the only one I think would have it. It changes the hair into a very light color."
His eyes flicked to my hair, then back to my face. He nodded. "I can get it for you. It's rare, but not impossible."
"How long will it take?" I asked.
"A day or two," he said. "But don't worry—I'll make sure no one knows it's for you."
I exhaled, some of the tension leaving my shoulders. "Thank you."
He leaned against the counter, crossing his arms. "You seem different than last time. More cautious. More... desperate."
"I've had to be," I said quietly. "But you can't tell anyone. Not even a hint. If anyone finds out—"
"Relax, Amber Eyes," he said, holding up his hands. "Your secret is safe with me. Always has been."
I studied him, trying to decide if I could trust his words. He had never betrayed me before, but people could change. Still, I had no choice.
"Good," I said finally. "I'll come back in two days."
He gave me a reassuring smile. "I'll have it ready. And if you need anything else, you know where to find me."
I nodded, pulling my scarf back into place and heading for the door.
As I stepped back into the busy streets, a gnawing doubt crept into my mind. Could I really trust him to keep my secret? Or would this be the mistake that unraveled everything?
........
I was barely in my chambers when a court attendant came to remind me of the ceremony of the new princess. Prince Reagan and Princess Blanca would be presenting their new daughter to the moon goddess.
I went in to change into something more presentable, looking for a veil to match.
The hall shimmered under the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the stained glass. As I entered, I adjusted the veil covering my hair, hoping it would hold. The court ladies were notorious for their sharp eyes and sharper tongues. I couldn't let them notice what I was hiding.
A royal servant led me into the temple, where the noble families and high-ranking wolves gathered to honor Princess Blanca and her newborn, Princess Layla. I hesitated, taking a deep breath. The last thing I wanted was to be dragged into polite conversation, but my absence would have caused more talk than my presence. Besides, everyone wanted to catch a glimpse of me after the whole ruckus that Delilah had pulled a few days ago. Everyone wanted to see the new would be Princess of Zaire.
I took a seat at the back, keeping my distance. My eyes scanned the room and landed on Queen Isabelle kneeling at the altar. She was deep in prayer, her hands clasped tightly together.
"She must be asking for a blessing," a voice whispered from behind me.
"She has no child, after all," another replied. "It's only a matter of time before the wolf clans demands an answer. They fought so hard to reinstate the Crown Prince and make him king after his miraculous healing. The least he can do is to provide an heir to secure the bloodline."
My lips tightened as I turned my attention to the ceremony. Yet, the whispers didn't stop.
"I hear the wolf clans are restless," one lady said. "There is talk of rebellion from the east...The Alpha King Rowan has to do a lot to reunite the clans. If he at least wanted to pick a bride, he could have picked one of the eastern wolf clan's daughters. That would have quelled all this talk of rebellion against the crown."
"They've already started grumbling about her, haven't they? The daughter of a disgraced and exiled beta. How could they make her Queen?"
"They have." A heavy pause followed before she added, "Poor thing. I almost pity her."
The pity in their tone was enough to make me glance at Isabelle again. If she heard their whispers, she gave no indication. Her head remained bowed, her expression serene.
A sharp voice beside me interrupted my thoughts.
"Well, if it isn't the new Princess," Royal Concubine Elana drawled, stepping into my view.
"Elana," I greeted, forcing a polite smile. "It's... lovely to see you."
"Is it?" she asked, her smile sharp. "Tell me, Princess Arin, how are you finding court life?"
"I'm settling in well, thank you," I replied evenly.
Her eyes narrowed as she stepped closer. "Really? It must be so much more different from your hometown Braam. I hear things are a lot harsher over there, especially for the women."
"You must have misheard. Braam is not harsh towards its women. We are allowed to live and work freely as we would like."
It was true. The time I had spent in Braam, I was free. Women were warriors. Women were free, they lived freely and did as they wanted. It was an interesting way of life.
"Oh really? No wonder you have been so bold lately. Because I've heard some interesting things about you. Forcing your way into a small council meeting, for one. How dare you do something so foolish?!"
I tilted my head, feigning indifference. "I was following my husband's orders. He asked me to represent him in his absence."
"Did he?" Elana's voice dripped with disbelief. "Or are you overstepping your bounds already? You should be careful, Princess. Ambition can be dangerous."
I stiffened, her thinly veiled threat making my temper rise. "And I should take advice from you?"
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