Chapter 252 We’re Ready

Althea woke up with a dull, throbbing ache pulsing behind her temples. She groaned softly and rolled onto her side, pressing her face into the pillow as if that might somehow chase the pain away. The room was bright, far too bright, and her head felt heavy.

“Never again,” she murmured weakly. She knew that feeling all too well and could only hope she had not embarrassed herself too badly the night before. Her tolerance for alcohol was low, and more often than not, drinking left her acting unlike herself. That was why she rarely drank at all.

The door opened quietly, and soft footsteps crossed the chamber. Melva’s familiar voice followed soon after. “I said that once too,” she teased gently. “You never mean it.”

Althea cracked one eye open and immediately regretted it. “Melva, she croaked. “I think my head is splitting in two.”

Melva laughed and came closer, setting a bowl down on the bedside table. “Sit up slowly. And drink this.” Then she teasingly added, “His Majesty made this with love, including your breakfast.

Althea’s face blushed so hard as she pushed herself upright, blinking as Melva handed her a warm bowl. The scent was savory and comforting, rich with herbs.

“What is this?” Althea asked suspiciously.

“Hangover soup,” Melva replied with continuous tease. “Trust me. It works since it’s made with so much love.”

Althea pouted her lips as she snorted, “Stop that, Melva.” Her friend chuckled as she tried to compose herself and took a tentative sip. Her shoulders relaxed almost instantly. “Oh,” she said, surprised. Then she drank more, slower this time. “This is … really good.”

“Good,” Melva said, satisfied. “Because you were completely out of yourself last night.”

Althea froze mid-sip. “What do you mean?”

Melva tilted her head, eyes gleaming with amusement. “You laughed at a potted plant. Demanded a piggyback ride from the Alpha King. Asked him to run faster like a horse. In the courtyard.”

Althea choked. “I did what?”

“Oh,” Melva continued cheerfully, “and you kept announcing that it was your childhood dream.”

Althea’s face burned. “Please tell me Gavriel wasn’t there for all of that.”

Melva smiled sweetly. “He was there for every second.”

Althea covered her face with both hands in embarrassment. She couldn’t believe she had done that in front of their king. “I want to disappear.”

“If it makes you feel better,” Melva added, “you were adorable. Bu yes, very embarrassing.”

Althea peeked through her fingers. “Why is he not here?” she curiously asked, although a part of her was grateful that he was not around since she was so embarrassed.

“The king had to attend to important matters early this morning,” Melva explained. “Preparations for the journey. He lett before you woke up.”

Althea exhaled in relief. “Thank the heavens.”

Melva laughed and sat beside her. “You really should eat more. On glass and you turned into a menace.”

“I thought it was just some wine since I can handle a glass of that, Althea muttered.

After finishing the soup, Althea felt better. They moved to the small table near the window, where Melva had arranged the simple breakfast Gavriel cooked. Chicken soup, bread, fruit, warm ea. Outside, snow still dusted the rooftops, pale and quiet.

They ate together, the comfortable silence broken only by the clink of cups and the soft crackle of the fire.

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Once finished, they dressed in warm layers. Althea wrapped hersel in a thick cloak, while Melva adjusted her gloves absentmindedly.

It was then that Althea noticed it. Melva’s gaze lingered on nothing in particular. Her hands paused mid-motion, fingers tightening slightly around the fabric.

“Melva,” Althea said gently. “You’re zoning out.”

Melva blinked, then sighed. “Am I that obvious?”

“You are,” Althea replied kindly.

Melva hesitated, then sat down on the edge of the bed. “Simon reassured me before that he’ll wait for me,” she said quietly. ” He said I’m his wife. That I come first. He was sincere. I know he was.”

Althea listened carefully, not interrupting.

“But…” Melva continued, twisting her fingers together, “I still feel uneasy.”

“Because of Princess Riela,” Althea said softly, since Melva briefed her too on how her mate, Gamma Simon, was initially in love with Princess Riela before.

Melva nodded. “I don’t know her. I don’t know what kind of person she is. What if she realizes she likes Simon after her ordeal? What if she tells him? The two of them will get close again like before…”

Althea frowned slightly. “And you’re afraid he might waver?”

Melva hesitated. “I know it sounds foolish.”

“It doesn’t,” Althea said immediately.

Melva looked up at her, surprised.

“It sounds human,” Althea continued. “But let me ask you something.” She met Melva’s eyes steadily. “Do you trust Simon?”

Melva did not hesitate this time. “Yes.”

“Completely?”

“Yes.”

Althea smiled gently. “Then that’s more than enough.”

Melva blinked. “It is?”

“Yes,” Althea said firmly. “Trust is not something you give lightly If you trust him, truly, then you must also trust his choices. Even when fear whispers otherwise.”

Melva lowered her gaze. “I’m just… scared of losing him.”

Althea reached out and took her hand. “Melva, do you know how you look when you talk about him?”

Melva frowned. “How?”

“Like someone who loves deeply,” Althea said. “And like someone who is deeply loved in return.”

Melva swallowed. “You think so?”

“I know so,” Althea said. “You forget something important.”

“What?”

“You are someone a man could fall in love with easily,” Althea sal stuply. “You are kind. You are loyal. You care with your whole heart. Simon chose you. And he continues to choose you.”

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Melva’s cheeks warmed instantly. “You’re just trying to console me.”

“I am,” Althea admitted with a smile. “But I’m also telling the truth.”

Melva laughed softly, embarrassed. “You’re very good at this.”

Althea squeezed her hand. “We women have to remind each other sometimes. Especially when doubt creeps in.”

Melva nodded slowly, her shoulders easing. “Thank you.”

Althea smiled back. “Anytime.”

“All right, we’re ready. Let’s go outside now. I’m sure the convoy is already waiting, especially His Majesty…” Melva said with a wide smile.

Althea nodded and took a deep breath as she stepped outside. She was finally going back home, uncertain of what awaited her. Still, Gavriel’s presence in her life made her feel reassured and safe