THE HEIR'S MATE

CHAPTER FORTY

"Isolde! Fancy meeting you here," Althea greeted, her voice warm and inviting as she approached with an easy stride, her smile broad and genuine. Her presence seemed to command attention effortlessly, a mix of authority and approachable warmth.

Isolde looked up, momentarily caught off guard. Her eyes, a striking shade of blue, sparkled with a mix of surprise and friendliness. "I could say the same to you, Alpha Althea!" she replied, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, the wind playfully tousling her dark locks. Behind her, the large wooden doors of the library creaked softly as a patron exited, the sound blending into the ambient noise of the street.

Althea shrugged lightly, adjusting the bag slung over her shoulder. "Oh, just had a quick chat with Lyla and helped her sort through her never-ending pile of paperwork," she said with a playful roll of her eyes, glancing back at the library's arched entrance. "Are you heading to the yard?"

"Yes," Isolde answered, her lips curling into a bright smile, but despite the cheerful expression, there was a subtle tension in her posture. The faint sadness beneath her vibrant eyes didn't escape Althea's notice; Isolde's usually confident stance was slightly subdued, her shoulders carrying an unspoken weight.

Althea's brows knitted slightly in concern, though she kept her tone light and easy. "How about you accompany me for some coffee first?" she suggested, her voice gentle as she aimed to divert Isolde's thoughts, hoping to lift her spirits, even if just for a moment.

Isolde's gaze flicked toward the direction of the training yard, hesitation flashing across her features. "But..." she started, her voice trailing off as she glanced back at Althea, the words of protest dying on her lips.

Althea waved a dismissive hand, her reassuring smile never wavering. "I'm sure they'll be fine without us for a bit," she said, her eyes twinkling with friendly mischief. "Come on, I promise I won't bite."

Isolde's shoulders eased as the tension slowly ebbed away, and her smile softened into one tinged with gratitude. She nodded, letting out a small, relieved sigh. "Alright, let's go," she agreed, falling into step with Althea as they made their way down the cobblestone street toward a nearby café.

.........................

The café was a quaint little spot tucked away from the main bustle, with soft lighting and warm wooden furnishings that created a cozy and welcoming vibe. The peak hour had long passed, leaving the place serenely quiet, with only the occasional murmur of other patrons and the soft clinking of cups punctuating the calm. The gentle hum of jazz music played in the background, blending seamlessly with the rhythmic hiss of the espresso machine.

They settled into a quiet corner, the plush seats inviting them to relax. Althea, ever the observer, noticed Isolde's slight fidget as she sat, her fingers tracing the rim of her cup almost absently, her eyes occasionally flicking to the window as if lost in thought.

"What?" Isolde asked, laughing awkwardly when she caught Althea's lingering gaze. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her smile strained but still genuine, attempting to mask the unease that simmered beneath.

Althea let out a big sigh, her shoulders slumping as she leaned back into her seat. "I'm just having a hard time deciding whether I should help you with Finn or not," she confessed, her tone a mix of exasperation and affection. "Elias warned me not to get involved, but still, I get this itch every time I see the two of you."

Isolde chuckled, though the sound carried a hint of bitterness. She looked down, her eyes tracing invisible patterns on the table. "Yeah, well, I don't know either," she murmured, her voice quieter now, filled with a vulnerability she rarely let show. She paused, biting her lip before glancing up, her eyes pleading in a way that betrayed her internal conflict.