Semua Bab The Alpha King's Lost Mate : Bab 51 - Bab 60

Esteria Selianna stopped beside our desk before leaving the council room. “Thank you for arranging the notes,” she said. Adrian nodded. “The general feedback will be circulated this afternoon.” “I’ll look out for it.” She included me in her smile, then followed Marielle toward the door. I watched them leave, remembering how calmly she answered Elliott’s questions. I couldn’t pretend the Council had handed her a result she didn’t deserve. That was what troubled me. I knew the woman who mocked me in Silvercrest. This morning, everyone else had seen a woman who could stand before the Council and explain how she would help a community. Both were Selianna. Adrian glanced at my screen. “Have you included the coordinator’s final comments?” “Yes. I’m checking the last page.” “Send it to me when you’re finished. I’ll handle the circulation.” I nodded and returned to work. A few minutes later, I sent the file, closed my laptop and placed it in my dark-brown bag. “That’s everything fo

Esteria Sunday morning, I still remembered Elliott’s answer often enough to know it would stay with me for a while. He was attracted to me. There was no reason for me to doubt it, although knowing brought questions I hadn’t needed to face before. He still had five prospective brides staying in Frostfang, and I had no idea where that left us. I still couldn’t let go of my feelings for him. I didn’t understand why I felt so drawn to him, but being close to him felt good. That only made everything more difficult, because I knew I needed to let those feelings go. I just didn’t know how. Corvian’s call the evening before helped me think about something else. He asked about work and whether I was eating properly, then listened while I told him Adrian was teaching me how to refuse unnecessary requests. He sounded pleased. For a little while, we spoke as easily as we used to when nobody else was in the room. I was fastening my coat over Maelis’s cream knitted sweater when Elowen arrived.

Esteria I was reaching for my water when Elliott leaned closer and asked whether I wanted more potatoes. It was an ordinary question. I should have been able to answer without remembering his fingers moving over mine yesterday. Instead, I looked at his mouth before quickly lowering my eyes. “No, thank you.” He studied me briefly, then returned his attention to Uncle Evander. Across the table, Elowen was telling her uncle that he remembered something incorrectly. I listened without following much of it. I was still wearing Maelis’s cream sweater and the warm trousers I wore to the training court. My braid had loosened during the day, and I tucked a strand behind my ear, grateful for something to do with my hands. Elliott was attracted to me. He told me that clearly. He also had five women preparing to become his wife, and on Thursday, each would have time alone with him. I knew those conversations concerned royal duties. Knowing did very little to quiet the uncomfortable f

Selianna When Elliott asked me to explain the change to our schedule, I knew this was my opportunity. We spent most of Monday preparing a joint proposal for a community advice day. The residents would be able to ask about housing support, transport assistance, and other services without visiting several different offices. It sounded simple until the assessors gave us the available rooms, staffing limits, and expected attendance. By noon, we had rearranged the plan twice. Valeria checked the costs. Adira worked through the transport arrangements, while Marielle considered the residents who would need somewhere to sit while waiting. Celeste prepared the information that would explain the day to the public. I brought the separate arrangements into one schedule. Now we stood around a table at the Crown Residence, with Elliott examining the proposal we had completed together. Elder Nolan sat nearby with the assessment sheets. I straightened the cuff of my ivory jacket before answeri

Esteria “Did you recognize the person who gave you the tonic in your dream?” Elliott’s question stayed with me as I looked at him. “I think I know that person.” Tamara leaned forward. “Who is it, Esteria?” I opened my mouth. The answer should have been easy. A moment earlier, the face had seemed close enough that I expected a name to follow. I could still remember looking up at someone familiar. But nothing came. I frowned and tried again. There was the cup. There was a hand against my cheek. I remembered being told to finish the medicine. Who told me? “Esteria?” Elliott said. “I’m trying.” “All right. Take your time.” His patience should have helped. Instead, it made me more frustrated with myself. They were both waiting because I said I knew the person, and now I couldn’t tell them who it was. I looked at Tamara. “I knew when I said it.” “I believe you.” “No, I mean…” I pressed my fingers against my forehead. “It was there. I could almost see the face.” “Can you descr