Chapter 54
Rachel’s POV
Several days had passed since my first real argument with Nathan.
I was no longer confined to the Luna Suite, but the trade–off was having four warriors accompanying me everywhere.
Still, it felt like a victory.
As I pinned a loose strand of hair behind my ear, Victoria breezed into my room with her usual energy.
“Ready to go, little mama?” she asked, her eyes twinkling,
I instinctively placed my hand over my still–fat stomach. “Let’s go,” replied, smoothing down my simple purple dress.
Though I smiled, I couldn’t completely silence the nagging voice in my head reminding me of what I’d overheard–Nathan’s plan to “release” me after I gave birth.”
How could I forget that my days were numbered?
As we moved through the castle corridors, I nodded politely to the warriors following us at a respectful distance.
“Victoria, where are we going? This isn’t the way to the gardens…” I whispered, noticing we were heading down an unfamiliar hallway.
She pulled me closer. “Shh! Don’t you want to visit the courtyard market?” Her eyes sparkled mischievously.
“The what?” My wolf perked up instantly, practically pricking her ears.
“It’s an open area inside the castle walls. Once a month, locals come to sell their goods to the nobility. And…” she lowered her voice
to a conspiratorial whisper, “they have the most amazing food for pregnant she–wolves!”
She tugged on my arm. “Coming or not? If you chicken out, I’m going anyway. Gina’s already waiting for us.”
“Let’s go!” My eyes flashed green with excitement.
Victoria’s eyebrows shot up. “Wow… I didn’t even have to twist your arm. You know Nathan’s going to have a fit about this, right? All golden eyes and growling.”
“Well… he said I just need to let him know where I am,” I reasoned.
“Better to ask forgiveness than permission. That’s my motto!” Victoria laughed. “Goddess above, I’m such a bad influence!”
As we approached the main staircase, Victoria suddenly pulled me toward a smaller, servant stairwell..
We hurried down, slipping into the busy kitchen where staff bustled about carrying trays of food.
“We’re in big trouble,” Victoria giggled as one of the warriors escorting us broke away. “Mia just contacted Alpha.”
The thought should have terrified me, but the moment we stepped through another doorway into the open courtyard, all I could think about was the feeling of sunlight on my skin.
‘I’ve missed being outdoors so much, I sighed, breathing deeply.
1/3
Chapter 54
“Let’s shop!” Victoria suggestel, pointing to a collection of stalls where Gina was. They have some handmade items I think you’ll love. And look, Gina’s already waiting,”
My wolf practically danced insieme. For a few precious moments, could pretend I was free.
The market was a feast for the senses. Colorful stalls lined the courtyard, selling everything from intricately carved wooden figurines to exotic herbs and spices.
The air was filled with delicious scents that made my mouth water
“Rachel!” Gina called out, tossing something my way.
I caught it reflexively–a gollen–red apple that seemed to shimmer in the sunlight.
“Oh Goddess, it’s beautiful,” I gasped, turning the fruit in my hands.
Gina grinned. “Bought it for you. It’s specially grown for pregnant women. Try it!”
I bit into the apple, and a burst of sweetness flooded my mouth. “This is amazing,” I moaned. “Apples can actually be this delicious. It’s amazing. I didn’t like eating apples before.”
“I’ll get you more,” Gina promised, handing me a small basket filled with various fruits and herbs. “These will be good for-
The market suddenly fell silent. A cold pine scent swept through the courtyard like a winter wind. Nathan had arrived, his eyes blazing gold as he spotted us.
“Gina!” he growled, his Alpha aura making everyone shrink back.
“Busted,” Gina shrugged, utterly unafraid. “Hey, brother.”
“Do you have no sense of responsibility?” Nathan snarled. “She’s carrying my heir!” The low growl that accompanied his words sent shivers down my spine.
I couldn’t let Gina take the blame. Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward.
“Nathan, I convinced Gina and Victoria to bring me here,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite my racing heart.
His golden eyes shifted to me. Before he could speak, I held out a bunch of deep purple grapes.
“Would you try one of these? They say they’re good for you.” I offered them hopefully.
He stared at me, momentarily stunned by my boldness. After a tense moment, he took a single grape.
“It’s good, isn’t it?” I asked, watching him carefully.
“Rachel.” My name was a warning on his lips.
“I’m sorry for worrying you again, Alpha,” I lowered my eyes respectfully, though not truly submitting.
