Chapter 220: In His Arms

{Third Person}

The following morning, Amara woke later than usual.

She hurried through breakfast and, after changing into something comfortable, decided to take her usual morning walk.

She had grown fond of the gardens since moving into the estate, and she wanted to enjoy the fresh air before beginning the rest of her day.

She followed the familiar path towards the flower garden. But suddenly, she stopped in her tracks because a swing stood before her beneath one of the trees.

She stared at it in disbelief and was so lost that she didn’t move for several seconds.

She mentioned it just once. Only that one time. Still, Alexander remembered.

A slow smile spread across her face as she walked toward it. She reached out and touched one of the ropes, still unable to believe that he had actually done it.

Then she looked toward the house. This time, she allowed herself to admit something she had been trying very hard not to think about.

Perhaps Alexander was beginning to care about her too.

---

Amara could not remember the last time she had been this happy over something so simple.

She sat on the swing and placed both hands around the ropes before giving herself a small push.

The seat moved gently beneath her, carrying her forward before returning her to the same spot. She smiled, then pushed herself again, this time with a little more strength.

Soon, the swing was moving higher. A soft laugh escaped her lips.

She pushed herself with her feet again and again, enjoying the cool morning air against her face.

There was something strangely comforting about being able to do this by herself. As a child, she had needed someone to push the swing for her, but now she had discovered that she did not need anyone.

She could control the movement herself, slow it down whenever she wanted, and start again whenever she pleased.

She spent several minutes thoroughly enjoying herself, unaware that someone was observing her from the terrace.

Alexander had stepped outside after finishing a few matters in his study. He had intended to take a walk around the estate before returning inside, but the sound of laughter caught his attention.

He looked toward the flower garden. The swing was moving and Amara was sitting on it, laughing as she pushed herself higher.

He watched her for a while, his expression difficult to read. "Does she like it that much?" he wondered out loud.

He could not understand how something as ordinary as a swing could make her so happy. He had never seen anyone become this excited over one before.

Amara, completely unaware that she had an audience, continued to enjoy herself until her energy gradually began to fade. She eventually slowed the swing and stepped down.

She sat beneath the tree for a while, enjoying the shade.

The cool breeze moved gently through the garden, carrying the scent of the flowers around her. She leaned back against the tree and closed her eyes.

She only intended to rest for a few minutes, but sleep came before she realised it.

When Alexander eventually walked through the garden, he noticed her asleep beneath the tree, so he stopped.

Her head rested slightly to one side, and one of her hands lay loosely beside her. The peaceful expression on her face made her look younger than usual.

Alexander’s first thought was that she should not be sleeping there. The ground was not exactly comfortable, and the position of her neck could leave her sore when she woke.

There was also the possibility that she could shift in her sleep and fall awkwardly.

He moved forward. His wolf shifted, not out of alarm or aggression, but it merely yearned for her to be left in peace.

Alexander frowned slightly. His wolf had become increasingly strange whenever Amara was nearby. Instead of reacting to her as it reacted to most people, it seemed to recognise her presence and settle almost immediately.

Now it wanted him to leave her alone. Better still, it wanted him to carry her inside.

Alexander stood there for another moment and muttered to himself, "She cannot sleep here."

His wolf agreed.

He looked down at Amara again. There was something about the way she slept that made him hesitate.

She looked completely at peace, as though she trusted the place enough to let herself fall asleep without worrying about who might approach her.

After a brief deliberation, he finally bent down. He slipped one arm beneath her knees and the other behind her back before lifting her carefully.

Amara barely moved. Her head rested against his chest, but she did not wake.

He adjusted his hold and began walking toward the house.

A few servants were passing through the hallway when he entered. The moment they saw him carrying Amara, they immediately lowered their eyes and moved aside.

None of them dared to stare.

Alexander noticed, of course. He could already imagine the thoughts passing through their minds, but he had no interest in what they would whisper amongst themselves later.

He continued toward Amara’s bedroom.

Mrs. Woods happened to be close. Her eyes widened slightly when she saw Amara sleeping peacefully in Alexander’s arms.

She quickly followed him.

When Alexander entered the bedroom, the familiar scent of Amara surrounded him. The room carried the soft fragrance of fresh flowers and the powder she used after bathing.

It was distinctly hers, and for some reason, his wolf seemed even more content the moment he stepped inside.

He walked to the bed and lowered her carefully onto the mattress. She shifted slightly, but she did not wake.

Next, Alexander pulled the duvet over her, making sure she was comfortably covered before straightening up.

He lingered by the bed for a moment, watching her sleep peacefully, his gaze lingering on her face longer than he had planned.

Why did his wolf care so much about her comfort?

Why did being near her make everything inside him feel quieter?

And why was this happening now, after years of nothing but pain and decline?

The questions returned, but Alexander did not have the answers yet. He finally turned away.

Mrs. Woods immediately bowed. "Thank you, Your Highness."

Alexander gave a small nod before leaving the room. The door closed behind him.

Mrs. Woods looked toward Amara, then toward the door through which Alexander had just disappeared. A knowing smile slowly appeared on her face before she turned back to her sleeping mistress.

Meanwhile, Alexander continued down the hallway with his hands behind his back.

His expression remained composed, but his thoughts were anything but.