Chapter 63: Linger

Chapter 63: LingerLady Stephanie’s lips parted open, then closed again—she hadn’t expected the Queen to figure it out. That was the last thing she had imagined. ’Was it that obvious?’ she wondered. Ariana could tell. She knew that expression too well. It was the same look she had worn that night in bed—the night before her wedding to Fredrick. She had forced herself not to cry, knowing if she did, her face would be swollen the next day. She had buried everything inside, just to survive. And now, she could see that same pain mirrored in this lady’s face. "H-How did you know?" Stephanie asked, surprised, her voice soft. Without a word, she handed Ariana the book. Ariana calmly scribbled something down, and Stephanie waited eagerly. Her face slowly brightened as her eyes scanned the queen’s neat writing. A smile tugged at her lips. She hadn’t expected the queen to be so kind... so gentle. And to think—she even let her use her shoulder to cry on. Very unexpected. Ariana held up the book again, and Lady Stephanie read: I was once in your shoes, dear. Trust me, running won’t help—where would you even go? This life may seem hard, but it’s still a good one. You just have to speak up. I know it’s scary, but have you tried telling her how you feel? The lady shook her head slowly. "I was scared... scared she’d be disappointed. But now that I think of it—I haven’t even tried," she admitted softly, turning to Ariana and gently holding her hand. "Thank you so much, Queen." Ariana nodded, though a flicker of doubt crossed her heart. Was I even able to write all that? she wondered. She was planning to escape herself, and here she was, giving advice to someone else who was also thinking of running. A brief silence fell between them before Ariana moved her fingers again, writing something else. Do you like music, or do you enjoy playing an instrument? Stephanie’s face lit up instantly. She nodded. "Yes, Queen Aria... Ariana." Ariana lips curled up gently, noticing the lady’s effort to pronounce her name correctly—just like Zavren had corrected the second lady at dinner the night before. "I play the violin and piano," Stephanie said with a small, proud smile. "I’m no longer in the beginner stage—I’m now advanced and could even teach. When I get older, I’d love to teach young children who want to learn... but, my queen, I would appreciate it if you kept this a secret for now." Ariana nodded gently, a wider smile forming on her lips. She picked up the pen and began to write swiftly. After a moment, she lifted the book for Stephanie to read. I see you love music. If you want to pursue it, then follow your heart. Do what your heart desires, and trust me—that will be the best part of life. Stephanie read the words and smiled, her heart warming. Ariana’s eyes skimmed over the message again—surprised by her own advice. Maybe... she needed to learn from it too. "Thank you so much, my queen. It is truly an honor to have met you. It seems the Moon Goddess knew our paths were meant to cross," Stephanie said sincerely, and Ariana nodded. "Why don’t we go out... maybe to the garden?" Stephanie suggested gently. "The king might get worried when he starts looking for you." Ariana nodded in agreement. She was right. She knew Zavren—and his brutal ways. She didn’t want someone else getting punished on her behalf. Lady Stephanie opened the door, and they quietly stepped out, walking silently through the hallway. "Mother loves flowers," Stephanie said, noticing Ariana’s gaze lingering on one of the grand paintings as they walked. "If you ever want to make her happy, don’t bother with exquisite gifts. Just flowers... and hats." Ariana nodded thoughtfully. ’Flowers and hats,’ she repeated to herself. It seemed nothing truly enticed the lady anymore. She had lived a long life—long enough that material things had long lost their sparkle. They walked out of the castle, and the breeze blew Ariana’s hair backward. She took in a deep breath of the fresh air as they moved to the opposite side. Her eyes widened as she caught sight of the colorful garden. "Mother wanted to prove to us that every color that exists has a flower to match it," Stephanie said with a laugh. Ariana listened as they walked toward a bench and sat down. She looked around, taking in the vibrant scenery while Stephanie continued. "She brought in many just to open our eyes. And while the others are always on her side, I... well, I differ." She raised her chest playfully and lifted her hand as if to make a grand point. "Now, how sure are we that there aren’t colors out there we’ve never seen? We don’t know everything. Who knows what’s beyond?" Ariana smiled. This lady really was clever. The little sparkle that had dimmed earlier in her eyes had returned. "Oh, Lady Stephanie," came a voice from behind. "So lovely of you to talk about me to the queen in my absence." They both turned. It was Lady Emberg herself—the very woman they had just been discussing. Lady Stephanie quickly stood. "Mother, come have a seat. You’ll strain your legs," she said gently. The old woman walked forward, her expression calm, as she made her way to sit beside Ariana. "Do you say that because you truly mean it, or because your guilty conscience now judges you... for speaking behind my back?" she asked, her tone laced with elegance and a playful glare dancing in her eyes. Stephanie smiled. "Both, Mother." Lady Emberg laughed and turned to Ariana. "Don’t mind what this beautifully mischievous granddaughter of mine says. I do have every color of flower," she said proudly. Ariana smiled. The playfulness between the two was heartwarming. Lady Stephanie curtsied softly. "Mother, I’ll leave you two. Queen Ariana, I hope to see you again soon." Ariana nodded with a gentle smile as the lady turned and left. Her gaze then shifted to the old woman, who turned to her with a warm expression. "I’ve been very rude, haven’t I? I haven’t properly introduced myself. I’m Lady Emberg—one of the oldest wolves alive," she said proudly. Catching Ariana’s look, she added, "Let me guess, Alpha Zavren already told you that?" She watched the faint smile cross Ariana’s lips and chuckled. "Ah... I wonder what else he’s said. It seems my name has become quite the favored topic lately," she said softly, shifting the walking stick to the side before resting her hands gently on her lap. "You seem to love flowers too," the lady continued, having been observing Ariana. Ariana nodded in response. "I thought so. It seems we share something in common. How about some tea? There’s something rather important I’d like to discuss with you." Ariana noticed the woman’s expression briefly shift—serious, almost unreadable—before it returned to its usual calm. Her curiosity stirred. What could she possibly want to discuss? She nodded gently in agreement. "There will be no time for that," a deep voice rang out behind them. "We’re leaving now, Lady Emberg." Ariana’s body stilled. That voice—there was no mistaking it. Zavren. "Tch," Lady Emberg clicked her tongue, turning to meet his gaze. Zavren’s eyes were on Ariana. "I didn’t even get more than five minutes with her, and you’re already taking her away so early?" Zavren walked toward Ariana and calmly extended his hand. Ariana gently placed hers in his. "That minute spent with the queen is more than enough, Lady Emberg," he said smoothly. "It was a pleasure meeting you. I hope we meet again soon." Lady Emberg nodded. "Let’s see how it goes." She turned to Ariana, her tone soft. "It was lovely spending time with you, even if it was short." Ariana smiled and gave a graceful curtsy. Zavren held out his hand again, and Ariana placed hers in his as they turned to leave together. Lady Emberg watched them walk away, a knowing smile forming on her lips. "Looks like someone’s turning into a possessive husband," she murmured to herself, shaking her head with a small chuckle. **** Ariana sat quietly in the carriage, Zavren by her side. The carriage rolled smoothly through the roads, but silence hung heavy between them. Not a word had been spoken since they entered. Ariana had kept her gaze fixed on the view outside, refusing to even glance his way. Zavren, who had decided to play the patient man, found himself unable to hold it in any longer. "Aria..." he spoke, his voice low and clear. Still, she didn’t look at him. A soft sigh escaped his lips as he swept a hand through his midnight hair, pushing it back his stormy eyes flickering towards her. "I apologize, my wife." Finally, her gaze moved to him—slowly. Her eyes searched his face for any hint of teasing. But there was none. He looked serious—more serious than she expected. "I apologize for making you worry last night," he said quietly. Ariana nodded calmly,as that was all she wanted to hear. An apology from her cold-hearted husband. Last night, she had woken up to an eerie emptiness. Zavren was gone. She didn’t understand why, but fear had clenched her chest—perhaps it was the memory of that voice, that presence. She had stepped out onto the balcony of their room to look for him, but the space was empty. She had waited. And waited. Until eventually, she’d fallen asleep there, cold and alone. "I’ll make sure to inform you next time if I’m leaving—so you won’t worry," Zavren continued, his voice low and sincere. Ariana nodded again, this time with a faint smile tugging at her lips. Zavren watched her carefully. If only she knew the real reason I left last night... he thought. "How about I make it up to you?" he spoke huskily, his tone shifting slightly, eyes glinting darkly. Ariana blinked, caught off guard. She tilted her head slightly, watching him as a slow, mischievous grin curled on his lips. Before she could say a word, he moved—swiftly drawing the small curtains over the windows. First one side, then the other. The light dimmed. It wasn’t completely dark..she could still see him—but the sudden change in atmosphere made her heartbeat quicken. What is he trying to do? she wondered, her eyes widening slightly as her back pressed against the seat further. Zavren’s hand rested lightly on her thigh. He leaned in, his breath warm against her skin. His lips gently brushed her ear—slow and deliberate, before his tongue traced the delicate curve of her earlobe. A soft gasp escaped Ariana’s lips, her eyes flying open in shock. His other hand slid to her waist, holding her gently, yet firmly enough that she could feel the heat radiating between them. Her back pressed against the velvet seat, heart thudding wildly, breath catching— Then he whispered, voice low, dark, and dripping with dangerous promise, "How about... we do it here. In the carriage."