Chapter 39 - THIRTY-NINE - DINNER

Chapter 39: Chapter THIRTY-NINE - DINNERSerena absent-mindedly followed Darius’ lead, she was much too hungry to continue the tour. Everyone’s mood had soured a bit, and Serena didn’t want to put herself in a position where she’d be confined to a bed. She pressed her fingers against her temples; Serena could feel the way her hands shook. She lagged behind with every step Darius took. The echo of his boots against the marble stopped, and she looked up. Darius had turned, concern evident in his eyes. "Serena..." She straightened quickly, masking her exhaustion with a tight smile. "I’m just catching my breath." But Darius wasn’t convinced. He crossed the space between them and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Serena didn’t have the strength to protest, and it was a welcome support. They moved together this time, his pace slower to match hers. They trudged on in silence, passing a few corridors before arriving in a dining area. It was a bit larger than the one in the manor, but its size told her that this wasn’t a common area, in case there were guests around. Darius left her side briefly and pulled out a chair for her. He returned and ushered her into it. He stood at the far end of the table and gestured to the food. "You can eat to your heart’s content," he said, pointing at the trays of food in the middle. One by one, he lifted the lids off the trays, announcing each dish with a hint of pride in his voice. Serena listened, though her eyes were already set on what she wanted. Embercrust game pie sat closest to her, the golden crust still steaming, its edges darkened just slightly, a perfect bake. So far, he hadn’t mentioned anything that was strange to her, so it meant no delicacies native to Ironshade were served. The pie was mostly filled with meat cooked with onion and herbs, and left in marrow stock before it was baked into a pie. She hoped it was hare in it and not crowstag. Crowstag always felt like chewing leather. She waited for Darius to start his meal before she helped herself to the pie. — Serena let the gown slip to the floor and stepped out of it, walking to the bed. Sitting, she peeled off her socks off one by one, tossing them aside without thought. Lunch had been quiet and uneventful, Darius had excused himself to attend to some matter he said was urgent. The pie was lovely. Serena made a mental note to give her thanks personally to the cooks. She glanced toward the tall door. Darius hadn’t told her she couldn’t leave, but wandering the halls felt like inviting trouble. It was a bad idea to start roaming around, especially knowing she could run into anyone. She shuddered at the thought of running into Ryker or Livia. She knew the Beta disliked her, but he had never vocalised it. She played with her hair, tossing around in the bed. Slowly, she closed her eyes and eventually fell into a dreamless sleep. — The knocking on the door broke her slumber. Serena stirred with a groan, heavy with sleep. She rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand as the knocking continued, persistent but not impatient. The wood creaked faintly as she twisted the knob, she squinted at the stranger trying to make sense of their words. "Yes?" she murmured, voice hoarse from sleep. "The Alpha would like to let you know that dinner will be ready soon," the person said. "I see. Thank you." Serena nodded, shutting the door gently once the messenger turned to leave. Her hand lingered on the knob a second longer before she exhaled and pressed her forehead against the wood. Maybe she should have pretended to be asleep. She cursed at herself, what was this mousey behaviour she was displaying? She opened the chest, running her fingers over the neatly folded dresses. She picked out a simple green one, no elaborate sleeves or embroidered designs. "Do you have any advice for me?" Serena spoke through the mind-link. "Nothing at all," said Feyra in a bored tone. "You can’t be serious." Feyra laughed, settling down. "Oh, but I am. She’s a prickly pear, but you’re not in danger, are you?" Serena let the words sink in. She was just antsy about being around Livia, but she didn’t pose an outright threat, at least to her knowledge. "Neither are you sharing the same quarters. It will pass." "I see. Thank you, Feyra." The wolf huffed in acknowledgement, and Serena’s shoulders relaxed. Feyra’s words had given her some sort of comfort. Still, before she reached for her shoes, she whispered a soft prayer to Lunara, asking the moon to lend her the grace she needed tonight. — A knock came again, and Serena opened the door to see the woman who had come earlier. She was of short stature, wearing a simple brown dress with an apron over it. "Shall we?" the woman asked, already turning without waiting for a reply. Serena nodded, stepping out of the room. The woman turned around and walked down the hallway, which was lit with oil lamps fixed to the walls. Serena increased her pace, the shorter woman walked quickly, and she wouldn’t want to be lost. She looked down at her choice of dress; regret gnawed at her. Something a bit more fancy would have been better. Before she could dwell on it further, a door ahead creaked open, spilling warm, golden light into the hallway. The woman stepped aside, letting Serena pass first. It was the same hall she had lunch in. Darius sat at the far end, a goblet in one hand. His eyes lifted the moment she entered, and so did Livia’s. Livia was seated a few chairs away from him.. Her smile faltered the second their gazes met, only slightly, but enough for Serena to catch it. "Pardon my lateness," Serena said with an apologetic bow. The woman who had directed her wordlessly closed the door, leaving the three of them alone. "You’re not late," Livia said, gesturing to a seat. Serena sat directly opposite Darius, staring at the empty plate before her. "Serena," Darius began, "Thank you for joining us."