Amidst of waiting for the Alpha, Sophie decided to take a bath. She washed herself from the dirt and tiredness after being away from the Palace for a whole day. Although she did not really do anything but sit and watch.
Sophie found traveling a little tiring. So was socializing. So was being out even for a short while. But it wasn’t a physical tiredness. It was more like a drained energy after having so much fun.
Sophie asked one of their servant to fill the tub with bubbles and flower petals. Since Flora can not be bothered as she was preparing for dinner, she asked for another who can help her. Sophie soaked herself afterwards, and relaxed on it.
It had been a lot of days since she last had a bath time this cozy and soothing. She had been occupied by a lot of things lately. From feeding homeless children, to gathering healer wolves around the Capital to build a guild ultimately for a certain village. There was also the fight.
Now, she was just about to get herself involved in another tough work.
She’ll probably get as busy as her Alpha, Axel.
Speaking of. Axel had been so attentive towards the preparation. He got so focused on supporting Efraim, that he even went there personally. This was Sophie’s first time on seeing Axel got so occupied.
Is he going to participate in the war? Sophie knew he was the Alpha. And Axel already did his part on their alliance by fully supporting Efraim. Was he still obliged to take part in it?
Sophie hadn’t ask the Alpha about it. She also just thought about it now that she had the time to. It bugged her.
Sighing, Sophie lifted her back from lying on the tub to sit. She started scrubbing her body to distract herself from her thoughts, as she realized one thing.
Sophie grasp on to the fact that even if she was to actually forbid him, he would still go. He was the Alpha, and if he was going to let his men participate in the war, he will go too, not only as one who loved war but also as an Alpha that would represent them.
He was called an Alpha for a reason. It’d be stupid to stop him from being one.
Sophie tried to dismiss the thoughts by putting her attention to the kind of luxurious bath she was having. She then stood up after a while to wash her hair and took a normal bath. She spent almost an hour inside that it was already dark when she went out.
The door inside the Alpha and Sophie’s lair was locked, so Sophie was confident to changed in front of the bed. She just closed the window, before she untie her robe to get dressed. Sophie later on sat in front of the mirror to brush her hair, and put make-up.
Sophie, in the middle of taking care of her beauty, remembered how she was going to honestly tell the Alpha about what she did today. And it was going to happen impromptu. Sophie quickly finished putting the shiny liquid on top of her lips and stood up. She went to pick on eof her perfume to spray on her.
The Alpha would be here anytime now. Sophie figured that if she can’t convince hin with just words, she should at least looked beautiful enough to make him approve.
Sophie’s movements became swift. She changed her cloth into a more graceful, and elegant dress. The black one with a silk texture that she haven’t wore. The Alpha bought it to her when they fought. Sophie also did not forget to put on jewelries, to look more stunning in Axel’s eyes. Now, all that she needed to do was pursue him.
Sophie went out from her shared lair with the Alpha. She walked with enticing elegance, preparing for Axel’s presence any moment hereon. Her steps were slow, like she was trailing how the hall looked in her mind.
“Don’t you find the alliance between our Alpha and the Dark Silvers’ odd?”
As Sophie walked passing by the big pillars, she heard a voice.
“Sir Edward, is it? She’s Ms. Rebecca’s mate, right?”
Sophie’s steps halted. Those are voices of women. Some of their servants, perhaps.
But what were they talking about?
Sophie moved on to the shadow of the pillars, and hid herself. She continued listening.
“Yes. Don’t say this to anyone else, but one of my friend who work from the headquarters said the Alpha accepted the alliance because of Rebeca.”
Nonsense! Sophie’s lips parted in disagreement. Her brows met. She knew it was a false rumor! Axel did not agree to the alliance because of Rebeca. He was only forced to!
“What? Is that true? Does that mean he still feel something for Rebecca? Or was it because he respect her?”
“No. I’m thinking it’s something deep.” The gossiper sounded confident. “I mean, how can he unlove her after all the years they spent together? Besides, we all know Ms. Rebecca is the one that’s destined to marry the Alpha.”
“But they have broken up now. She’s tied to Sir Edward, and is expecting a child.” The other one responded. “If what you said regarding the alliance was true. I think it’s either because our Alpha respect Rebecca, or he was persuaded by her.”
“Come on. Ms. Rebecca’s relationship with Sir Edward might be ephemeral.”
“Rosie, the Alpha and Ms. Rebeca is already one. Rebecca has Sir Edward, and our Alpha has Ms. Sophie.”
“Don’t you want them back together?”
“That’s not for me to decide.”
“You want to, don’t you? Afterall, Ms. Rebecca treated us nicely. She didn’t have her favorites, unlike…. Ms. Sophie Drie.”
Sophie’s thin lips protruded. She noticed how the woman who was talking, sounded a little displease.
“Rosie, we shouldn’t talk about that in this open area. Flora might hear us.” The other one sounded a little worried.
“And what if she hears us? I’m sure Flora can relate. She also likes Ms. Rebecca more than Ms. Sophie.”
“I don’t believe that. We see how Ms. Sophie and Flora are always together.”
“Oh. So, it seemed you’re not aware. But Flora is in contact with Rebecca.”
Upon all the things they mentioned, the last statement Rosie said was the only one Sophie cannot deny.
The Alpha was always with her. So, she knew how Axel truly felt towards Edward and Rebecca. It was the reason she wasn’t triggered one bit by what Rosie kept implying. It only irked her how these servants were spreading rumors based on hearsay, especially when Sophie knew and believed she was the only one.
Axel was a straight forward person, when push comes to shove. If he didn’t love her, he would tell her right away and make boundaries. But so far, all he had been doing was stay in her side and make her heart flutter.
But Flora communicating with Rebecca? Even if it was true, then it shouldn’t be that much of a big deal. If she was indeed contacting Rebecca, and vice versa, that shouldn’t be Sophie’s concern since it belonged to Flora personal life.
But what could possibly they have to communicate with each other? They were, but only past master and servant, weren’t they?
Or was that gossip about Flora a faked news as well?
“Communicating? Even though she was never close to Rebecca?”
Sophie’s curiosity even grew bigger.
“Oh, we’re not sure about that, Patricia. Maybe they are.”
“And how did you know they are communicating?”
Rosie and Patricia, those are the servants name who had been gossiping. Rosie was the one who was spreading the rumor, and Patricia, the listener.
Neither of them bell the rang to Sophie. But perhaps she could recognize them by their looks. It sent Sophie the initiative to take a look, but she didn’t want to be seen, although the servants were the ones who should careful, because they were the ones doing the wrong.
Sophie wondered which of their servants were Rosie and Patricia.
There were a lot of servants in the Palace. But she only ever get along with Flora. She only ever ate what Flora made. Sophie only wanted Flora to serve and assist her, so the others who had been helping inside were unknown to her. Anyone except Sophie were just like a wind passing to her.
Not that she didn’t care about them. She just needed one to assist her, and Flora could do it with a heartbeat.
“I saw her talking to Rebecca when I was buying ingridients from the Capital.”
“And it didn’t occur to you that it might be coincidental?”
“No, because that one time was followed by another. I saw Flora sneaking out the Palace thrice to meet Rebecca at midnight.”
Flora was sneaking out? Was that true? Did Flora commit it at midnight because it was malicious? Or were those meet ups purely for something personal? Which was it?
Sophie felt more invested in the conversation the two servant were having. She felt a little disturbed when it was about Axel and Rebecca, but now, she felt the need to listen more.
Why was Flora communicating with Rebecca? Sophie was aware that Rebecca and Flora knew each other. But they didn’t even seem close when they met in Axel’s den the other day. The way they spoke at each other was casual…
Was Flora somehow connected to Axel’s past Luna?
“What are you two doing here? Go and help Flora in the kitchen.”
Before Sophie could hear more about Flora and Rebecca, she heard another voice. But it was cold and baritone this time.
The Alpha, Axel.
He had arrived.
Sophie breathed. He really had to show up at a time where she felt inclined to hear more of their gossips.
“O-our apologies, Alpha.” The two servants said in unison.
It was only then Sophie felt safe to come out. Sophie peeped from the left side of the pillar and saw the two women looking at Axel, so she took the opportunity and stepped out. She revealed herself in the light, whilst Rosie and Patricia we’re gazing at the Alpha. They didn’t see her.
But Axel did.
Axel’s forehead frowned a little in perplexed. His eyes were now darted at her. Probably thinking what she was doing behind the big pillar.
Sophie only gave Axel a smile and walked straight to their direction. While she was at it, she peeped at the servants’ face and made herself sure she’d remember it.
Ever since Sophie came here, this was the only second time she heard the servants gossiping. But it was quite intriguing this time. They deserved the attention they got. And it’d surely be worth to remember.
“Sophie..” The Alpha called her name. “I was just about to go meet you inside the lair.”
“How long have you been here?” Sophie extended her arm to ask for the Alpha’s hand. “I have just… finished taking a bath. I am only about to go to the Kitchen when one of my earrings fell. Thankfully, I found it.”
Amidst of the tight situation, Sophie felt proud that she managed to spew a made-up lie that easily.
“I see.” Axel nodded to her before returning his gaze to the servants.
The Alpha scolded them, before asking them to go on their way. Both Patricia and Rosie then turned to her to apologize and pay respect, before they left in a hurry.
“I left the base after my dicussion with Edward. I just got a little late since I figured I had to buy you something.” Axel
softly smield at her. “I bought flower plants, Sophie. I asked the warden to take it to the gardener before I head here.”
Sophie didn’t know where to react first. To the part where he thought of her and decided to buy plants, or to the part where he had a discussion with Edward.
“Thank you, Axel.” Sophie gave Axel a warm appreciation look. “I’ll go see them tomorrow.”
“You should.”
“About Edward… was he on the base?”
Sophie didn’t know Edward was. Although she was aware of the fact that Axel contacted him to have a talk, Sophie had no idea it would be today.
“Yes…” Axel held her right cheek. “And we have successfully settled the problem. So, I’ll be free tomorrow and the other day.”
“You’ll be free?” Sophie looked at Axel with unhidden surprise and delight. Her eyes sparkled in excitement, and she would have said she loved it if not because of one thing.
Sophie’s face immediately got filled with joy when she remembered her motive before she came across the servants.
“Yes, and I believe you’ll also give me your next two days, hmm? You can take a break from your post of giving help…”
It was exactly the problem.
Ms. Monique just told her to come tomorrow, and the day after to witness their practices. She had just accept her offer to help her. Sophie had plans. Not to mention, Axel still didn’t know she had already decided to take hiatus on visiting some of the neighboring villages around the Capital.
“Axel…” Sophie called the Alpha with an unsure tone.
Right. Before she heard the gossiping servants, she was preparing for the arrival of Axel. She was getting ready. She had planned to inform the Alpha about what had happened today, and what she wanted to do hereafter.
“Hmm?” Axel mumbled.
“I need to tell you something...”
The smile that occupied Sophie’s lips just over minutes ago passed with the wind. She looked at Axel with her face resonating anxiousness, completely wiping the cheerful look off her face. She thought it’d be easy. But facing Axel not knowing how he would react to it was actually a little… bothering.
“Is something bothering you, Sophie?”
Sophie shook her head. Now, she was fighting putting her efforts to look beautiful into oblivion. She wouldn’t look seductive if she would continuously make that face.
“Axel…” Sophie’s fingers ran from his hand up to his arm. She tried to stimulate him. “I… went to the base with Flora today.”
“What?”
She looked straight into his eyes. “I visited the sanatorium.”
“Sanatorium?” Axel’s brows puckered. “I’m sure I told you, Sophie, that you’re not coming.”
“I just wanted to see their practices…” Sophie looked away. “I got excited, Axel. Wolves who have the same ability as me will be there. I wanted to see and learn from them.”
It was initially what Sophie wanted to do. She wanted to see the chosen wolves, and see what kind of training they were going to do. It was only altered a little when she told Flora she had been thinking about pursuing the Council without the Alpha’s awareness.
“Did you?”
The Alpha, who was looking down to Sophie, asked. He removed Sophie’s other hand on his arm to hold.
The Alpha knew of Sophie’s background. From how she was raised, to how she lived. Axel knew he was the only healer in the family. No one taught her about her healing ability, so she didn’t know anything about it. Sophie didn’t even knew her prowess was that of a high-ranked wolf.
So, it wasn’t surprising to learn that Sophie’s finally curious.
“Did you learn something?”
“Not much.” Sophie honestly replied. “But Ms. Monique told me she’d help me.”
Monique.
The Alpha knew her. Monique was one of Axel’s pride. She was a female warrior who knew how to fight, and was blessed with an amazing ability to heal. She was a diamond in the rough. Monique was a sharp woman. A talented one, indeed. Despite her parents being a low-ranked wolf.
Monique probably saw through her, which was the reason why she offered help. Knowing Monique, she had always been curious. Perhaps, hearing rumors about Sophie caught her attention.
And if learning was the only thing Sophie was after, Monique can certainly promise she’ll learn. And that will benefit not only her but Axel as well.
“I appreciate that you decided to come forward with your honesty, Sophie. However, if you want to do something like this, you should inform me before time.” Axel held Sophie’s chin to lift her face up. “I approve, Sophie.”
Surprised by what she heard, since the Alpha was unreadable, Sophie blinked a lot of times. Unbelieving herself.
“W-what?”
“I approve, Sophie.” Axel repeated as his eyes went down to her lips. “Only if you’d spent the next two days with me.”
Spend the next two days with him? Of course, she would love to! But if Monique was expecting her, she had to tell her!
Sophie breathed, and nodded. “I… I’ll tell Monique that I won’t be able to come tomorrow––“
Before Sophie could even finish her statement, the Alpha sealed off her lips.
The way Sophie looked when Axel saw her came out behind the pillar was exquisite. The stunning dress, the way the muscle of her face moved. Her red shining lips that looked even dashing because of the glitter. Not to mentioned Sophie smelled sweet. She looked ethereal.
It made Axel want to take her to the bedroom right at this moment.
“You look so gorgeous, Sophie…” Axel muttered in between their kisses.
The Alpha’s hands travelled on Sophie’s waist. He pulled her closer to deepen the kiss, not minding if any of the servants pass by and see them. He felt seduced. And kissing her right now satisfied him big time.
But it didn’t end with that.
Lust graced Axel eyes as he looked at Sophie’s expression. Her eyes were now close, while her hands were on his nape. She was responding back.
But this can wait. Especially when Sophie just assured him they’ll be together with the next two days.
With that, the Alpha pulled out from the kiss. He looked at Sophie who was still intoxicated from his sudden attack. She looked like she had been hanged up. Which made her earn a low chuckle from Axel.
“Don’t look at me like that, Sophie. Let’s save this for tomorrow.”
Hence, the two of them spent the next two days together.