Chapter 42

KARIN POV

“It’s all frivolous in my opinion. There are so many other things I could do with my time…” I say, mocking Ansel. “Like he’s that damn busy. I have stuff going on too. Tomorrow I have two books on the history of fire that I promised myself I would finish.”

Maggie smirked as we worked together to fold Ansel’s clothes for his travels. “Of course, shame on him for not seeing the dangers of unfinished books over battling bearmen.”

“You know sarcasm is said to be the lowest form of wit,” I say, turning up my nose.

She nods. “I’ll make sure to remember that the next time we converse. Instead, how about we discuss the pyromania that swept the land in the 1950s?”

“What really?! I haven’t gotten to that part of the—” Maggie smirks again, and I glare at her. “Rude.”

“Sorry, I couldn’t resist,” she said, giggling. “Anyway, I honestly do not think that Sir Ansel meant any harm. If anything, he missed the disappointment plastered all over your face. You have to remember that this is all new to him.”

“But what about him and Lady Cherry?”

She scoffed. “Please, Lady Cherry ego was so big that there was no room for Sir Ansel to fit in the limo let alone have her escort him to the ball. She spent most of her time flirting with the Alphas of the other packs, hoping to make Sir Ansel jealous.” She covered her mouth. “I shouldn’t have said that. Please don’t tell Sir Ansel.”

“My lips are sealed,” I reply. “Besides, it was pretty funny.”

“Maybe, but I really must mind my tongue. Lately, however, I can’t seem to keep anything in.”

“Because I’m a bad influence on you,” I say, grinning.

She returned my smile. “Yes, but it’s refreshing. You’re the first to treat me as if I’m a person and not just a maid. You have no reason to be helping me right now, and yet you still are. I truly appreciate your friendship.”

“Me too, Mags. We’re best friends. I have your back as much as you have mine, always.” Maggie’s eyes seemed to gleam at me. “Are you okay?” I ask.

“Yes, I was thinking about something, is all. I had a very important decision to make, and you just helped me decide.”

“Want to share?”

She shook her head. “Not yet, but know that it’s something great.”

“Well then, I’m happy that I could help.”

“Me too. I really hope that you decide to attend the Blue Moon ball. Henry’s promotion as second- in-command of the gammas will be announced there.”

“Promotion?! Second-in-command?!” I shouted, causing her to laugh. “Why didn’t you tell me that Henry received a promotion?!”

“Well, you were busy mocking Sir Ansel and discussing your unread fire books. I thought it would be rude to interrupt.”

“This is so exciting,” I say, beaming. “I can’t wait to congratulate him.”

“You can at the ball.”

I groan. “I wasn’t invited, Mags.”

“You could always go with us.”

“No offense, but you and Henry are way too lovey dovey. I would definitely feel like a third wheel.” Maggie pursed her lips but remained silent. As we continue to work together, I can’t help but fidget. “Hey Maggie?”

“Yes?”

I reach into my pocket and pull out something I’d been holding onto for the past few days. Shyly, I handed it to her. “It’s for Ansel.” She studied the simple twine bracelet.

“What’s the white parts?”

“Surazan petals. You should have seen me trying to dry them out. Then I grew nervous about giving it to him and so I haven’t.”

“Why are you nervous?”

I squint my eyes at her. “Um, hello, the man has two lakes, Maggie. TWO. What is he going to do with some twine and dry petals?”

Maggie hands it back to me, wearing a smile. “Sometimes the simplest gifts are the ones that mean the most. Remember how your face lit up when you awoke to the bouquet he’d left? You’d been afforded all the clothes, shoes and jewelry in the world at his expense and yet those flowers left you with a huge blush on your face.”

“You may have a point.”

“Of course, I do. Take it from someone who can’t stop grinning when her husband brings her home a hairpin from his travels. I think I have four of the same kind, but it doesn’t matter because it was the thought behind it. He’s out risking his life, and yet somehow he always finds time to find a shop that sells them. I think you should give it to him.”

I mull over the idea, then quickly shove the bracelet back into my pocket. “I’ll think about it.”

“Good.” She zipped Ansel’s suitcase, then fluffed his pillows. “By the way, I’m not sure if you heard, but there is going to be an election to determine who will be Alpha.”

“What?”

“Yes, apparently it was Sir Edwin’s idea and Alpha David agreed. So now everyone in Blue Moon will cast votes and the winner will be crowned.”

My stomach sinks. “Do you think that Sir Edwin has a chance?”

“Not at all,” Maggie said, shaking her head. “Blue Moon has been in favor of Sir Ansel since the beginning, and our faith in him has only increased. I also believe there is a risk in growing too overly confident. I think Sir Ansel believes that too, which is why I know he will take the election seriously.”

“I agree.” We continue in silence, and my mind travels all over the place. I couldn’t see Ansel as anything but Alpha. He was made for the role even when he was sickly. He had a way with people that made them feel comfortable and safe. Not only that, but he was brave and would lie down his life to protect others.

After finishing up with Maggie, we parted ways so she could speak to the seamstress about Ansel’s new royal robes. I went to my room, climbed into the bed and stared at the tiles of the ceiling as they morphed into different things.

I wonder what his robes for the ball will look like.

I think to myself. Really, it didn’t matter. Somehow Anything Ansel wore left him looking more like a model than the Second Prince. I sighed. He would leave soon for his stay at Moon Shadow and though I was bummed about the ball, I still wanted to say goodbye. I rose from the bed and walked to the door. Opening it, I almost screamed at seeing Ansel on the other side.

“Stop doing that!” I shout, holding my chest.

He chuckled. “It’s not my fault you scare so easily.” He brushed past me. “I am leaving in a few minutes. Did you plan on not saying goodbye?”

I shake my head. “I actually was on my way before you scared the living hell out of me.”

Ansel pulls me in his arms and kisses my cheek. “I would apologize, but your shriek is still as hilarious as it was when we were younger.” He rubs my back, and his hands travels to my jeans. “What’s this?” he asks, tugging at the bracelet in my back pocket.

“Nothing.”

Pulling it from my pocket, he inspects it. “Doesn’t look like nothing.”

I bit the side of my lip. “It’s a bracelet that I made for you from twine and the suzaran you gave me. I know you probably think it’s lame compared to all the things you’ve given me, but I couldn’t think of anything to give you that you didn’t already have.” He peers from the bracelet to me, and I look down at my shoes. “It’s lame. You don’t have to take it to spare my feelings. I’ll throw it away.” There is quiet above me. Lifting my head, my lips part of the red tint of his cheeks. “Are you alright?” I ask.

“Huh? Yes, I’m fine.”

“Your face is red.”

He rubs his chin as if to block me from seeing it. “It is? I’m not sure what that’s about,” he says.

“Yes, it is. I haven’t seen you so red since we were kids.” The red of his face increases when he looks back at the bracelet again. “Whats…oh…” I say as he covers his face with his hand.

He pulls me to him and hugs me tightly. “Thank you. I can’t remember the last time I’ve received a gift. This was a pleasant surprise and very appreciated gesture.”

“Y-you’re welcome.” Ansel releases me and puts the bracelet on, and I watch him stare at it with wanderlust like a child who received the gift they wanted the most.

I smile. “I’m glad that it fits. I was worried. Your men won’t tease you for wearing it?”

“If they wish to keep their life, they won’t.”

His eyes shifted in color and I back away. “Wait, Ansel-because I—” he silences me with a kiss. Picking me up, he tosses me over his shoulder. “Too late, Little Wolf,” he says huskily, and carried me off to bed.