I didn’t flinch as I held Draven’s gaze. The air between us crackled with tension, his towering fra casting a long, silent challenge I refused to acknowledge.
His broad shoulders, now tightly drawn beneath his coat and his hair tied back in a bun, only made his expression more intolerable.
Azul must have sensed the brewing storm because her voice ca softly from beside . "My lady."
I blinked, finally pulling my gaze from his steel eyes and lowering it to Xamira. The poor girl looked utterly confused by my words. She didn’t understand the little verbal jab I had just delivered—good, because no child needed to.
I offered her a warm, calm smile.
"See you," I said in a light tone. But the words were pointed, and they weren’t only ant for her.
Just then, a sharp knock echoed through the door.
Kira moved to answer it. A quiet exchange followed, and then the door opened wider to reveal Jeffery.
His steps slowed upon seeing Draven in the room, but he bowed respectfully. "Alpha." Then he turned to . "My lady."
"How can I help you?" I asked, brow arched.
"I forgot to collect your photo earlier when I ca for the form. We will need it to complete your ID," he revealed.
My brow pinched slightly. "I didn’t bring any physical photos from Stormveil."
"That’s alright," he said quickly. "I will take one now with my phone."
"Oh..." I nodded slowly.
Before anything else could be said, Draven looked to Jeffery. "et in my office when you are done."
Jeffery bowed slightly again. "Yes, Alpha."
With that, Draven turned and left the room with Xamira in tow. My shoulders dropped the second the door clicked shut. Relief surged like a wave.
Once the tension cleared, Jeffery gave Kira instructions. She placed the stool beneath one of the brighter sconces in the room and flicked the last light switch. Outside, the sky had dimd into early dusk.
I sat down on the stool, posture straight. Jeffery stepped back, phone in hand.
"Look forward. Keep your back straight. Don’t blink."
I tried. I really did. But the flash went off, and I flinched, my eyes shutting on reflex.
Jeffery sighed, lifting his gaze from his phone. "We will have to do it again, my lady. This ti, with the light off."
We managed a decent photo after that. He glanced at his phone once more and nodded, satisfied. "All done."
Then he left.
Azul stepped forward. "My lady, it’s ti for your bath. You will feel much better later."
I let her and the others take over. For once, I didn’t argue. They helped into the tub, warm water lapping at my skin, gentle hands working soap across my back.
By the ti I was dressed again, I didn’t even dawdle. I headed straight for the dining hall, escorted by Azul.
And for once, I was early.
Only Wanda was seated before . Her sharp eyes tracked my every move as I walked past her, but I didn’t give her the dignity of a glance. She was nothing but air.
I took my seat and ignored her.
Xamira arrived next. Her nanny helped her into the chair and disappeared behind her.
Then ca Dennis. He greeted with a simple, "Hi, redith."
I offered him a subtle nod. He had earned that much, for now, simply because he wasn’t that bad, and I didn’t want to insult him by ignoring him.
I noticed he didn’t acknowledge Wanda at all, which was interesting. Maybe they weren’t exactly the best of friends. I liked that more than I should have—having soone who saw through Wanda’s facade and refused to play along.
Finally, Draven arrived with Jeffery behind him, taking the head seat after Jeffery pulled it out for him. We all sat once he did.
His face was a scowl. My heart lifted instantly, a smirk on my lips.
The dinner began—the usual quietness, broken only by the occasional clink of silverware and glasses.
I requested the grilled pork among the various proteins available. It arrived, seasoned to perfection. I took a bite and smiled. It was heavenly.
For the first ti in days, I enjoyed eating.
I finished my glass of juice. Another was poured. I didn’t protest.
By the ti I was full, I leaned back and delicately wiped my mouth. Then, without a word, I stood and excused myself, feeling the weight of several gazes on my back.
---
**~Draven~**
redith smirked.
Of course she did.
And it didn’t even stop there—she ate like soone who hadn’t been nearly trampled by a warhorse just hours ago. She savoured every bite, like she didn’t have a care in the world. Like she had won.
My jaw clenched. She had even eaten more than usual tonight, though she still left half her plate, which was, apparently, normal for her.
There was nothing good about this evening, with redith’s provoking three sentences still ringing in my ears.
’I forgive you.’
Forgive ?
Even though I had wronged her yesterday, how dare her try to make my apology for Xamira’s mistake today, all about it?
As if I had apologized for that.
She wanted to stew in rage, and she had nearly succeeded.
I rembered how she gasped when she tried to bend down to Xamira’s level earlier. She was hurt. Obviously. And I wish the pain continues. That insolent woman deserves a painful lesson.
After dinner, I patted Xamira’s head softly. "Goodnight, Pumpkin."
"Can you read to tonight?" she asked.
I smiled faintly. "Tomorrow. I’m tired."
She pouted, but nodded. I didn’t like that look. So, I offered sothing else.
"Co. I will put you to bed myself."
That got a smile. I led her by the hand while Dorothy followed.
Xamira had already bathed before dinner, so it was just a matter of pulling the covers over her and tucking her in.
"Goodnight, Daddy," she whispered as I kissed her forehead.
"Sleep well."
I left the room quietly, and went up to the third floor only to find Dennis leaning casually against my bedroom door.
I gave him a look and unlocked the door. "Make it quick. I’m exhausted," I said, stepping into my bedroom.
He quickly followed in and shut the door. "Did you apologize to redith?"
I scowled. "Don’t push ."
"She seems to be taking all her irritation for you out on now," Dennis said. "And I’m not going to join you on that path."
I ignored him.
"I’m getting on her good side," he added with a wink, backing toward the door.
I didn’t say a word, but the knot that suddenly twisted in my chest made want to punch a wall after he left.
And then, of course, Rhovan appeared in my head.
"You are slowly losing your cool," he purred.
"And you are quickly starting to get on my nerves," I fired back.
He huffed and went silent.
Although I have already done that, why is everyone asking to apologize to redith.
Just who was she?
But that damn smirk of her lips still wouldn’t leave my mind.
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