Two different smiles.

Three weeks.

That was how long Lily had been living in the packhouse.

Long enough for the servants to learn exactly how much honey she liked in her tea.

Long enough for the healers to memorize her daily routine.

Long enough for the sound of her laughter to become as familiar as my own.

Sometimes, I wondered if she had always belonged here.

The thought made me hate myself.

***********

The morning began quietly.

Kael had left before sunrise to inspect the eastern patrols after reports of rogue wolves crossing the borders.

Before leaving, he pressed a lingering kiss against my forehead.

“I’ll return before dinner.”

“I’ll be waiting.” I whispered.

He smiled. “I know.”

For a moment, it felt like nothing had changed.

Then he walked away.

By midmorning, one of the maids approached me while I reviewed the week’s supply records.

“My Luna?”

I looked up. “Yes?”

“Miss Lily hasn’t eaten since breakfast.”

I frowned. “Has the healer seen her?”

“Yes.” She replied

“And?” My brows furrowed.

“He says the pregnancy is progressing well.”

Relief washed over me. “Then why hasn’t she eaten?”

The maid hesitated. “She says she has no appetite.”

I closed the ledger in front of me.

“I’ll speak with her.”

The maid looked surprised.

“I’ll prepare some broth.” I smiled.

********

Lily’s chamber smelled faintly of lavender.

Sunlight poured through the open windows, dancing across the wooden floor.

She was sitting beside the fireplace with a book resting on her lap.

The moment she saw me, she brightened.

“Luna.”

“I heard you haven’t been eating.” I said, walking into the room.

She smiled apologetically. “I wasn’t feeling very well.”

I placed the tray on the table.

“The cooks made chicken broth.”

“You shouldn’t have troubled yourself.” She forced a smile.

“It wasn’t trouble.” I waved the statement off.

I sat across from her. “The baby needs you to eat.”

A gentle smile spread across her lips.“You sound just like Alpha Kael.”

The words caught me off guard.

“He worries so much. He hardly slept last night.” She yawned.

My fingers tightened slightly around my teacup.

“He stayed with me until the sickness passed.” She looked down shyly. “I kept telling him to go back to you.”

There it was. The first crack in her perfect mask.

“So thoughtful of you,” I replied calmly.

She looked back at me. “I do try.”

Before I could answer, there was a knock at the door.

A young servant entered carrying fresh towels.

“Miss Lily, the healer asked that these be changed.”

“Thank you.” Lily’s smile returned to its usual sweetness.

The servant bowed before leaving.

The moment the door closed…Her entire expression changed.

The warmth vanished.

“So…” She leaned back comfortably.

“Did Alpha come to you after he left my room?”

I looked at her. “What?”

“The night of your heat I mean.” She smirked.

My heartbeat slowed.

“I wondered if he eventually returned.” Her voice was light and almost conversational.

“You know he didn’t.” I said calmly.

She smiled. “I almost felt guilty.”

“You should.” The words escaped before I could stop them.

For the first time…Lily laughed.

Not politely, or even shyly. It was a soft, amused laugh.

“You really are kind.”

“I don’t understand.” I folded my arms on my breasts. “You still believe this is about kindness?”

She placed one hand over her stomach.?“It stopped being about kindness the moment this child was conceived.”

I stood. “I won’t listen to this.”

“Oh, but you should.” She looked directly into my eyes. “Because I’m the future now.”

My wolf growled.

“You are carrying an heir.” I forced myself to remain calm. “That doesn’t make you Luna. You’re just a breeder.

“No.” She smiled. “It doesn’t, but soon enough.”

A sharp knock interrupted us.

Instantly…Everything changed. Lily’s eyes widened.

The smile disappeared. She looked almost frightened.

“Come in.”

The healer entered first, followed by two servants.

“My dear,” the healer said warmly.

“How are you feeling?”

Lily smiled gratefully. “Much better.”

She looked toward me.

“I was just thanking the Luna for bringing me food.”

The servants smiled. “Our Luna is too kind.”

I returned the smile automatically.

Inside…I felt nothing.

***********

As I stepped into the corridor, I heard hurried footsteps behind me.

“My Luna!”

It was Clara, one of the younger kitchen maids.

She stopped in front of me, breathing heavily.

“I’ve been looking everywhere.”

“What happened?” I asked.

“The head cook wanted to know if you approved tomorrow’s dinner menu.” She announced.

“I’ll come now.” I got up swiftly.

She smiled brightly. “I’m so glad.”

As we walked toward the kitchens, Clara spoke without thinking.

“Miss Lily said roasted pheasant makes her nauseous.”

“I see.” I scoffed.

“So we’re changing the entire banquet.”

I nodded. “That seems reasonable.”

Clara continued chatting happily. “I’ve never seen everyone so excited about a baby before.”

“I suppose not.” I frowned.

“The little Alpha is already so loved.” She squealed.

Little Alpha, not little pup or little child.

Little Alpha.

The words echoed inside my mind.

By the time we reached the kitchens, I realized Clara had been talking the entire way.

I hadn’t heard another word.

That evening, Kael returned later than expected.

He looked exhausted.

The moment he entered our chamber, I helped him remove his cloak.

“Long day?”

He sighed. “Longer than expected.”

I handed him a cup of warm tea.

“How are the eastern borders?”

“Quiet.” He smiled tiredly “Thankfully.”

For a while, we simply enjoyed each other’s company.

It reminded me of the life we’d lived peacefully.