Chapter 18. About Her Mother

Althea’s face flushed as she muttered under her breath, “I… was ordered to strip. I didn’t think, I just drank from the bottle without checking to get some courage. I didn’t even sniff it. And that poison had no taste, so…”

Melva gasped. “Ohhh. So you got distracted… because the Alpha King was about to devour you,” she teased with a wicked grin.

“Stop,” Althea grumbled, pressing her lips together in embarrassment.

Melva chuckled, clearly enjoying her reaction. “Alright, alright,” she said, still smiling. “How about I go scout around? Maybe I can find a river or a little waterfall nearby. You always say nature helps calm your body after one of those… episodes.”

Althea looked at her gratefully and nodded. “Yes. Thank you, Melva.”

“Then rest for a bit, I’ll be back before the stars come out,” Melva said cheerfully as she stepped outside the carriage.

As the door closed behind her, Althea leaned back and let out a soft sigh, the embarrassment linge