Verum

six.

I believe this is a chapter you have been waiting for....

Also... a new character is introduced. 

six

evelyn. 

The next day, the cold I had been battling hit me like a freight train. My headaches had turned into a migraine, my nose was so clogged that no matter how many tissues I used, I still had to breathe through my mouth.

Malia saw my extreme sickness and completely quarantined me.

I, at first, argued with her. I ensured her I was fine, but when I got to my feet and collapsed the next instant, it was over.

This quarantine did have one incredible benefit: the King didn't return. Nor did I have to start my etiquette lessons or return to athletic training.

The next three days, I feigned the continued sickness. But I knew that if I were to push it any further, a doctor would be brought in to examine me. On day four, I truly did feel much better so I made sure to reflect that in my body language and actions. I got ready and showered before Ma ever came in the room.

"I'm so glad to see you up and moving, darling!" She gasped when she walked in on me pulling my hair up.

"Me too," I told her sincerely.

Truthfully, it was hideously boring to be locked inside all day. Though books kept mysteriously appearing at my bedside each morning, I asked Ma to get someone to put them back where they came from and made an awful lie about not liking to read.

"Alright, so you will be having brunch with the King and your tutor today. Then tonight you're scheduled for another run, this time with Chris, the King's second."

"I was thinking perhaps I'd have breakfast alone again, just in case it's lingering a little longer," I told Malia. "The last thing we need is the King getting ill."

The woman laughed and kindly shook her head. "No, silly girl, you're fine. He is much stronger than the common cold."

"Can I be honest with you, Ma?"

"Always."

I took a deep breath and covered my face with my hands. "I really do not want to see the King. I just think it would be better for me to stay away from him from now on."

"Why? What happened?"

"I..." I had to think of a clever half-lie. Surely she would catch my bluff if I didn't give an explanation that was somewhat truthful. "I walked in on him doing some private, important business, and he was very unhappy with me. He told me that I would be punished. I haven't yet and I feel so bad for it, so ashamed. I don't want him to get angry with me again and I don't want to be in his way anymore. It would be better if I just avoided him until I can leave this place and make my own home somewhere."

Malia raised an eyebrow at me, her face deadpanned. "The King would not be pleased to hear you speaking like this. Nor would his wolf, who has taken such a strong liking to you."

"It's just a mistake, Ma. Look at me. I'm... I'm a runt. Worthless and helpless. He just pities me, it's obvious. I'm his charity case. For political benefits. Maybe even social ones, where he could tell the women he's courting that he saved me to gain their affections."

"Perhaps I am trying to gain your affections, Evelyn."

I spun around to find Alexander leaning in the doorway, his arms folded over his chest with his eyes narrowed. Seeing him made the memory of that woman writhing on top of him come back to me. Goosebumps rose on my skin and I felt my mouth go dry. "I will take it from here, Ma. Thank you."