Chapter 117
Chapter 117
Chapter 117 Not him CAS SANDRA As Becky and I sorted through the equipment that had been packed up from the palace and tried to find the right places to assemble them, I couldn’t help but think of the upcoming celebration Kane had mentioned. “Have you heard anything about the celebration to honor Silas Moses’ return?” I asked my assistant. “The Alpha King’s brother mentioned it when he stopped by earlier.” “I hadn’t heard anything about it yet,” Becky remarked, and she tucked a strand of her dark red hair behind her ear. “It’s definitely something I would love to see, though. I haven’t attended any type of party or Pack event since my mother fell ill. Of course, I’m sure only the royal healers will be allowed to participate, and since I’m only an assistant…” Her voice trailed off and I felt a little sad for her. Becky had been so dedicated to taking care of her mother, but she deserved some fun, no matter who the celebration was honoring. “Why don’t you come with me?” I suggested. “Really?” Becky exclaimed, and when I nodded, she let out a small squeal of joy. “Oh, Cas sy, that would be wonderful! Oh, this is so exciting.” Her eyes glittered and her smile brightened. “Everyone is looking forward to Silas’ return,” she noted as she turned her ttention back to the equipment in front of us. “I can’t believe i’ll get to be there 00.” Becky and I continued to work for another hour, and once we hit a stopping point, I decided it was time to finish for the day. We stacked up some empty boxes, and once the trash was discarded, we left the back room. As we stepped out into 1/4
the hall, I was surprised to see Asher sitting on the ground with Finnick. The two were sitting close and talking very quietly.
A lump formed in my throat and for a moment I was frozen. “Do you promise?” I heard Finnick ask. Asher nodded accordingly, and my nervousness grew stronger. you.” I took a step forward, the two of them turned their attention to us. “Hello, Your Majesty,” I greeted the Alpha King formally. “What a surprise to see “Healer Cas sandra,” Asher replied politely, and when he smiled, I grew weak in the knees. “Hello.” “What were you two discussing?” I wondered as I glanced between them. Finnick opened his mouth to speak, but Asher held his finger to his lips in a shushing motion. My son realized what he meant immediately and nodded. “It’s a secret,” Asher replied. “Just between us.” “It was just a promise the Alpha King made,” Finnick chimed in. His face was proud but had undertones of mischief. “That’s all I can say.” I smiled. I was relieved. For a moment, I was worried that Asher had said something relating to my true identity. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Becky,” I said to my assistant, and then I turned back to the others. “Erika, will you watch Finnick? I’d like to speak with the Alpha King.” “Of course,” my maid replied. “See you later, Cas sy,” Becky said, and without another word, she walked out into the reception area and then out the door. Once she was gone, Asher rose to his feet. “Shall we?” he asked, and when I nodded, I gestured forward. 2/4 I led the king to the private room I’d arranged just for our health checks, and once we were alone, I went to the supply closet in the back of the room and pulled out the necessary equipment. Asher took aFrom NôvelDrama.Org.
seat on the examination table and looked around. “I must say, this place is much nicer than my study,” he said with a smile. “Much more professional and private. Do you like it here? Is everything okay?” “Everything is perfect,” I confirmed. “And Finnick loves it too. He keeps telling. me how happy he is to be here. I think this place will be good for him.” I brought my equipment to the table and began the health check. We were silent for a while, and then curiosity got the best of me. “So, what were you and Finnick discussing?” I wondered in a way I hoped didn’t seem too much like prying. Asher didn’t fall for it and simply smiled. “It’s between us,” he said. “Our secret. But don’t worry, I have no intention of telling Finnick anything without your permission. I respect your choices and won’t intervene.” “Thank you,” I said, and relief flooded through me. “Of course, Cas sandra,” he replied softly. As he stared deeply into my eyes, I felt that same sensation of weakness I’d felt in the hallway. No matter how much time I spent with the Alpha King, I was certain I would never get used to the way he looked at me. There was so much warmth and kindness and devotion in those sterling gray eyes. The Asher before me was so different than the one I’d met in Wild Crawler. I didn’t know when or if I’d ever feel comfortable or safe telling our son about his rue heritage, but as I studied Asher, I didn’t feel scared. We would tackle things together on our own time. For now, just the sight of him playing with Finnick was more than enough. “So, word reached me about the celebration for Silas Moses’ return,” I brought 3/4 up as I recorded his heart rate in my notebook. “Becky seemed interested in attending, so I wanted to ask if it would be alright for me to bring her.” “Of course,” Asher replied, and then he touched my arm gently. “Though, you don’t have to go if you
don’t want to, Cas sandra. I’m not going to force you to attend.” I appreciated his kindness and understanding but knew that it would be best for me to face my fears rather than continue to avoid them. “Thank you,” I said gratefully. “But I think I want to go. Becky seems thrilled the prospect and it might do her some good to get out of her mother’s house for ai evening. She deserves some fun.” “You’re a good friend,” Asher noted. “Consider it done, then. You and Becky are welcome to join us.” We finished up the health check, and as I started to put the equipment back in the supply closet, Asher got up from the examination table and walked over to the marble countertop beside the sink. “Where did you get this?” he remarked, and when I glanced over in his direction, he was holding a porcelain tea cup. The rest of the tea set was set up behind him, along with a container of jasmine tea leaves. I frowned. “What do you mean? Kane brought those by earlier. I meant to thank you, he mentioned that they were gifts from you. The tea set is very lovely-” “Kane brought these?” Asher cut me off, and his expression grew confused. “Yes,” I said slowly. “He came to visit earlier. He said you were too busy to come y today and delivered the tea and the set on your behalf-” “Cas sandra, these aren’t from me,” Asher revealed, his tone gravely serious. “And I didn’t send Kane to visit you today.” KANE