Proven Heart

Twenty-one: Doubt

It had only been two days since she regained consciousness. In her time, there wasn’t much of a terrible buzz, as she feared it was. Though pack Albrich’s elders were yet to give their judgment, it was the only thing shackling her heart.

Luckily, clearing the fog of anxiousness resting over her head was easy. Francis was there to keep them company, but without complaints, of course. At least he was kind enough to be patient with the ruling.

In the meantime, the three of them remained in one room, ready to leave anytime.

“Stormwind, your cooking is shitty,” Francis spoke as he shoved a piece of steak into his mouth. “The steak’s slightly raw and it’s too damn salty.”

Selena glared at her cousin. Her brown eyes were aflame with anger after he had just uttered the words that even she could not bring to say.

As Nathaniel was, his reaction was a calm nod.

“Well, it’s the first time I made that and I haven’t fully grasped how a pressure cooker works.”

“Ah,” Francis nods. “You’re a babe in the woods in terms of cooking. Mrs. Rosewood, this kind old lady I know, has the best recipes. I’m sure she’ll be more than happy to teach you.”

A bright beam cast on his face. He looks at her, the sight of which gave Selena shivers. His kind, happy gaze stuck to her, freezing her over while simultaneously making her tremble.

It was such a simple movement and yet; it brought her spiraling down so quickly and easily.

“I would like that very much and I appreciate the critique. Selena says nothing about my cooking and pretends she enjoys it.” Nathaniel chuckled.

Her eyes widened, shocked and embarrassed.

“You knew?” She gasped.

“Of course. I am not unaware of your feelings, moon.”

And he pretended to not notice. Her attempts to not bruise his ego backfired right into her face. Maybe it was too presumptuous of her to think he would be hurt by telling the truth. And now she felt like a fool.

“Why did you never tell me?”

Nathaniel smirked. “When you draw back, suddenly turn silent, and pretend to go into the toilet, I know I missed, but when you smile, makes me know I did right. I don’t need words.”

“So what you mean to say is we’re lab rats for you?” Francis raised a brow.

He shook his head.

“With Selena, no. I mostly prepare things I think are doable. This time, this steak is somehow very complicated and I’ve been meaning to try and make it. I just didn’t want to risk giving her a stomach bug.”

Selena glanced at the cup of noodles in her hand. Just moments ago, he was very insistent on ‘not eating meat’ and gave her no reason besides that she wasn’t allowed to eat anything hard.

In hindsight, it was probably his way of lying to dissuade her from eating the steak.

“Wow, Nathaniel. Thank you for that. That really doesn’t make me feel comfortable.” Francis gently pushes away his plate.