Chapter 578 : THE COMPANION
“Jasmine?” I heard Xaden say.
But my mind wasn’t there.
I was still watching King Edward leave.
“Jasmine.” He said a bit louder.
He caught my attention and then his eyes darted down to his sleeve.
I realized I was still holding unto it fervently.
I quickly let go “I’m sorry.”
He said nothing and looked at me with disappointed eyes.
“Jasmine why did you dye your hair?” He asked me.
I felt the insecurities within me burn up
“I wanted a change.” I shot back. “Since when did whatever I did concern you?”
He shook his head. “You’re right it doesn’t.”
The way he had very quickly resigned to fate.
Xaden never took someone snapping back at him, especially me.
And yet here he was saying nothing.
Everyone pointing at my hair and making remarks.
Finding the King and his sister in law once again having sex in secret.
It was all too much for me.
I was overwhelmed.
At that instant, Cherry descended the stairs, her perfect black hair in a high ponytail.
She no longer looked like the disorganized woman having sex with the Queen.
In fact any show or indicator that something was out of place was done.
Rather she looked perfect as always.
Not a hair out of place and her usual cold smile stuck on her face.
“Well well well.” She said and my heart began racing ultimately. “If it isn’t the Alpha Xaden himself and his….. pet.”
I felt my stomach churn.
“Cherry.” He said coldly.
Something told me Cherry and Xaden didn’t like each other.
“I see you have accustomed yourself to my home.” She said once she came to the final floor.
I looked at her in disbelief.
How could she do this to her own sister?
Especially after everything Queen Rose had gone through.
Men I had learned were terrible and seeing the King cheat on the Queen despite being a shock didn’t really affect me as bad as seeing her own sister do it.
How could she?!
She was her sister.
And Queen Rose trusted her with everything.
I began to fear and worry.
If Cherry could do something as heinous as this, what couldn’t she do?
My mind flashed to what the Queen had said about being poisoned.
I looked at Cherry with careful eyes.
Had she been the one to do that to her?
She smiled down at me and I became terrified.
“New change of hair slave.” She said in the nicest and yet coldest way. “Like mine.”
I said nothing and I felt a wave of protection when Xaden walked a step in front of me.
“She isn’t a slave.” He said to her.
Cherry smiled. “Of course I forgot. I’m sorry. Instead she is the girl you married who is the daughter of the man who killed your entire family. Next time I’ll make sure to keep that in check.”
Xaden gritted his teeth.
“I’m sure there are things I would like to discuss with Jasmine here.” Cherry said. “But I don’t think it’s relevant if she would be leaving tomorrow.”
She was indirectly talking about what I had seen.
There was no need to confront me if I was leaving.
“And I think it’s best we let things be. We don’t want anyone hurt do we?” She said to Xaden but I knew she was speaking to me.
“Is that a threat?” Xaden walked up to her.
They were inches apart and I could smell Xaden’s anger.
“Depends on how you take it my dear.” She informed.
I found myself holding Xaden’s arm and pulling him back gently.
He looked at me and I shook my head before glaring back at Cherry.
Cherry was smiling as though testing him to make a move.
In that moment Princess Auburn appeared.
My face went flushed red.
“Your majesty.” I greeted with a curtsy.
She smiled at me. “Hello.”
Then she turned to Xaden who was still inches away from Cherry.
She gently pulled her aunt back.
I chewed my lip at their interaction.
Auburn was still best new to the pack and yet, she and Cherry’s body language seemed to tell a different story.
“Alpha Xaden.” Auburn said. “I came to inform you that tonight is my debut as the princess.”
“I’m aware.” Xaden said dryly.
She gave an uneasy laugh. “Well I had wanted to ask if you would do me the honors of coming with me. I need a male companion. I was hoping you would do.”
My throat felt dry and I felt very out of place in the conversation.
Before I could leave, Xaden said a . “I appreciate the invitation but I’ll have to turn it down.”
She seemed taken aback. “Oh? Is there a specific reason?”
He smiled. “Ceremonies aren’t really my style.”
Auburn’s face went ashen white.
“Oh… uh… I see.” She stuttered
“Oh come on Xaden.” Cherry said. “You should take the honor up.
Xaden turned to face Cherry once again.
“Not my style. If you would excuse me.”
He said and the he caught my arm and started to lead me away.
But Auburn hurried back up to him. “Please. I don’t know anyone here who would be of a much better honor than you my lord.”
Xaden sighed. “Even if I do go, I already have a companion.”
I frowned.
Auburn wasn’t pleased. “I see. Who?”
“Jasmine.” He said.
All eyes turned to me and if my throat was once dry, it was now empty.
“It’s her first time to such events so I offered.” He said.
I was lost for words.
Auburn wasn’t pleased.
In fact her eyes were angry.
I shifted uncomfortably.
Since when had this happened?
“Slaves aren’t invited.” Auburn said quickly.
I felt a punch in my stomach.
“Well If Slaves aren’t invited.” Xaden said.”Then i won’t be able to make it.”
Auburn’s mouth dropped own while Cherry glared from afar
And with that he led me out of the hall.