Chapter 78 Better Things To Do
Everest was slowly earning Ophelia's trust. The sun was high in the sky, but her rays softened from the gentle swaying clouds. Birds chirped and fluttered in the distance, dancing upon branches, their wings spreading against the mellow breeze. The air was filled with mild floral that was just enough to smell good, but not tickle the nose. Blades of grass whistled whenever the wind blew. Not a single flaw was in sight.
Shielded under a thin umbrella that sparsely let in the warmth of the sunlight, a duo sat and conversed about the most random of things over a pot of refreshing mint tea, mini-sandwiches, the trendiest desserts, and wet towels to clean the fingers after every bite.
"So that is why you're all alone," Everest muttered. "He is always off at meetings or training sessions?"
"H-he is a great man and l-leader, I am g-grateful for his diligence," Ophelia responded, her face red as she eagerly talked about Killorn, her cheeks brimming with pride. "H-he wakes up early and always makes sure to carry out his Alpha d-duties."
"What about his duties as a husband?" Everest stared at her without the intention of looking away. In the corner of his eyes, he saw Beetle stiffen with irritation, but that rake never liked him anyway. "H-he t-treats me well," Ophelia stated.
Tsk. Everest starred upon her lone state. She sat relaxed in her seat, most likely never taught the prim and proper postures of a lady. He liked that in her, how easily she moved, how fluidly she breathed without a care for her appearance. His gaze lingered on her exposed arms where a chiffon shawl was slowly sliding down and gathering at her elbows. What he'd do to be the one touching her smooth and unblemished skin…
"A-and he's always willing to g-give me anything I-I want. You see, he even l-elt me bring this p-puppy with me, b-but I do not know where he ran off t-too," Ophelia mumbled, her shoulders suddenly dropping in disappointment.
"I will find him for you. What does he look like?" Everest responded in a heartbeat.
"O-oh, I do not want to trouble you," Ophelia quickly said. "I-I was going to tell K-Killorn to help me find it."
"Well, he is an Alpha who oversees meetings and militia training on a daily basis, surely we do not want him running around to look for a dog on top of his busy schedule?" Everest responded.
Ophelia suddenly realized what a burden she might seem. Pressing her lips together, Beetle let out a scoff in disbelief. "Luna, if you ask the Alpha when he returns, he will gladly—"
"Besides, werewolves and dogs generally do not get along," Everest interjected, revealing a large smile to the hesitant lady.
Ophelia suddenly realized what a burden she might seem. Pressing her lips together, she quietly lifted the teacup to her mouth, the sweetness of the mint cooling her down. She supposed Everest was right. How foolish of her.
"Don't you have better things to do, Your Highness?" Beetle angrily asked.
"You make your Luna sound like she isn't one of those better things," Everest responded whilst sipping his tea.
Beetle stiffened. "How dare you? I never once—"
"The lady seems cold," Everest stated through a blinding grin. "Why don't you fetch her a petticoat? Do you want her to freeze to death out here?"
Ophelia's eyes widened. "N-no," she said whilst turning to Beetle.
Beetle glanced down and saw her goosebumps. He held back a curse and softly frowned. Suddenly, he took out a pocket watch, a grand idea coming to mind. Instead of fetching the clothing, he'll grab something else. That was right, the meeting was coming to an end, and lunch was quickly approaching.
"Fine," Beetle suddenly agreed, placing his pocket watch away. He concealed his arrogance and dipped into a bow.
"O-oh Beetle, n-no need," Ophelia attempted.
'Don't worry, Luna, I will return before you know it. If anything, scream, and our Alpha will always show up, so long as it is you," Beetle told her. He was going to rush that man here one way or another. If not, Killorn would then begin his next schedule of taking Eggshell out for a run.
Ophelia opened her mouth, but Beetle quickly ran off. She didn't notice Everest's growing smile. The second she looked at him, he simply tilted his head, almost innocent.
"U-uhm…"
"Tell me, my little lady," he said smoothly. "Where did you last see your puppy? What does he look like?"
"R-really?" Ophelia asked, not even noticing how possessive his address suddenly became of her. "H-he's black, with uhm blue eyes, I am f-fairly certain he is of mixed species."
"Dogs are rare in the palace," Everest said, doubling his charm and leaning closer to the table. He saw her subtly shift, her lashes fluttering as she smiled down to her lap in an attempt to hide her joy that the problem was being solved—even if it was by another man.
Ophelia didn't realize how exquisite she was. Her beauty rivaled that of the moon and stars. It was to the point where Everest wondered if she was the moon goddess's reincarnation, with her hair as golden white as moonlight, and eyes lovely as wisterias.
"I'll have him brought to you before tomorrow."
Ophelia gasped, quickly looking at him. "Really?"
"Yes, my little lady."
"T-thank you, Everest!" Ophelia stated.
Instantly, Everest tensed. His name had never sounded so good leaving another woman's mouth. He crossed his legs in an attempt to hide how she affected him below. His heart stirred in her chest. He was used to gushing ladies, but none was as refreshing and genuine as her innocence. He was blown away by her, his attention drifting to her rosy lips that had spread upwards. He wished to see her mouth parted, her eyes tender, and her hair—
"I-I am ever s-so grateful," Ophelia confessed. "H-he kept me company and I-I miss him dearly."
Everest raised his brows. He flicked his wrist, signaling to whoever was watching to hurry and fetch the Princess. He knew his time with Ophelia was limited and he wasn't stupid. Why else would Beetle be so eager to leave the lady? It was obvious what the bastard's plan was.
"Tell me, my little lady," Everest murmured in a pitiful voice. "Why do you stutter? Do I make you nervous? Is it something I did?" Ophelia's eyes widened at his disappointed expression. Her heart jolted with anxiety, her stomach twisting.
"O-oh, no, i-it just a psychological s-scar, please it is never your fault!" Ophelia gasped out, fearing that she had just offended a royal.
"Really?" Everest pressed, his tone becoming glum, like his dropping shoulders. He frowned a bit, lifting the teacup to his mouth.
"Y-yes!" Ophelia insisted.
"Then, you wouldn't mind if I visited you more often right?" Everest asked.
"H-huh?"
"I can help you with that problem," Everest slowly said. "I have a confession to tell you, Ophelia, but you must never tell anyone else, much like our little secret yesterday?" Ophelia slowly blinked. Their secret yesterday…? Suddenly, she remembered what he whispered to her in secrecy that had passed off Beetle. Ophelia touched her ears, suddenly remembering how gentle his lips had brushed upon her ears. Everest had told her: 'Whenever you wish to speak to me, little lady. Whenever you'd like a chat, all you need to do is walk through the Helios Palace doors, and I will always be there for you.'
Ophelia swallowed. "I-it would be improper of me as a wife t-to keep s-secrets that I can't t-tell my husband."
"Ah, but this one is a personal secret," Everest told her. "You are free to tell him what I told you yesterday if it bothers you."
Oh, wait. Really?? Ophelia stared at him, almost feeling like a fool for not realizing it sooner. In that case, Ophelia couldn't wait to tell Killorn about how kind Everest had been treating her.
"Now, my current secret that I am about to tell you, you must never utter it to a single soul, is that clear?" Everest asked.
Ophelia bobbed her head, almost on the edge of her seat with anticipation. The Second Prince of the great Helios Empire had a secret? "I've never told anyone as well," Everest slowly revealed.
What? How could this be? Ophelia's heart began to race, blood thumping in her ears. She wondered if there had been anyone else he swore secrecy with like this?
"You see, Ophelia," Everest began. "Pure-Bloods like me are the rarest vampires in the world for a good reason. Every vampire in the world is our descendants, but they'll never be able to compare to Pure-Bloods. Do you want to know why?"
Ophelia naively nodded her head.
"Because my little lady, Pure-Bloods possess unique abilities and none have the same type," Everest told her.
Ophelia was slowly seeing where this was leading her.
"And I so happen to be able to heal internally and externally, whether its trauma, a wound, and the list goes on," Everest whispered.
"W-what? B-but psychological pain isn't something that can be seen?" Ophelia mumbled.
"Through special means," Everest informed her. "I will be transparent."
Ophelia blinked.
"To heal whatever is paining you to the point that it controls your tongue, I will be suppressing those memories about you."
Ophelia's heart stopped. That means... He could stop her stutter once and for all? "I would not know which memory it is, I will simply just be healing you," Everest said. "But don't worry."
In the distance, Everest could hear a group of footsteps advancing in his direction. He rose to his feet, just as she sat there dumbfounded.
"You don't have to give me a response now, my little lady, just think it through and let me know what you decide." Everest gestured to the side and immediately, her line of sight followed him.
Ophelia was shocked to see the Princess in all of her glory! She was even more blown away by the delicate beauty of this woman. Her throat tightened in disbelief.
"Ophelia, my little lady," Everest softly said. "This is my younger sister, Princess Elena."
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