Chapter 31: Struck a nerve in him

"Our eyes met that day. Forgive me for not introducing myself properly then—I was in a rush," Ilias began, stopping and turning to face her. Extending his hand, he said, "I am Ilias Kensington, the Second Alpha Prince. You may call me Ilias... or perhaps brother."

Caroline took his hand, offering a polite, formal handshake.

"The reason I wanted to speak with you alone is that I talked with Nina last night," Ilias continued, his tone turning serious. "She was summoned back and is currently at the palace. Victor is manipulating her, Caroline. She lied only to protect him from Andrew."

Caroline shook her head, a quiet bitterness lacing her expression. "When I was running and slammed into that tree, I heard the warriors clearly. They said it was the order of both Victor and the Alpha Princess to execute me. I haven’t even begun gathering evidence yet, Prince Ilias, but you are already defending your sister. It’s understandable, of course. People only truly grasp the weight of the pain when it strikes someone close to them."

Ilias smiled at her response, though his eyes remained sharp. "You’re right. But do you truly believe the Alpha King and Luna Queen will allow anything to happen to Nina? I respect you simply because you are Andrew’s wife now."

"And I respect you because you are my husband’s elder brother," Caroline replied.

Ilias ran a hand through his hair, a flicker of annoyance breaking through his calm facade as her indifference struck a nerve in him.

"If you’ll excuse me, I’ll take my leave," Caroline said, offering a curt bow before turning back toward the palace.

With Andrew’s protection and her new standing as his wife, she no longer felt the need to tremble before any of them.

"Done talking?" Andrew asked, waiting for her in the living room.

"Hmm."

"You gave him a fitting reply," he said, a faint smile touching his lips.

Caroline looked at him, startled. "You heard us? How? We were so far away."

"My hearing is sharper than most," Andrew replied softly. He stepped forward and wrapped an arm around her lower back, pulling her close until her chest brushed against his. "Keep acting like that. Stay fearless."

"I only dared because you’re my husband," Caroline admitted, her fingers tightening around the strap of her purse. "Otherwise, I wouldn’t have said a word to him. He would have had my head." She glanced around the open hall. "You should let me go now. The staff might see us."

"Give me a kiss first, and I’ll let you go," Andrew demanded, turning his head slightly to offer his cheek.

Caroline leaned closer and pressed a brief kiss to his cheek. His smile widened as he released her waist, taking her hand instead as he led her outside toward the waiting car.

Once they were seated in the back, Andrew instructed the driver to pull out.

"This is Miller Rovenski, my Beta," Andrew said, introducing him.

Miller turned from the front passenger seat, offering Caroline a respectful smile.

"He will also serve you and remain at your disposal whenever I am unavailable," Andrew added. "Though rest assured, such occasions will be rare."

Miller turned back around, and a quiet stillness settled over the interior of the car.

Andrew shifted his hand to rest heavy on Caroline’s lap, tilting his head with an amused smile. She glanced sideways at him, quickly realizing it was futile to try and pull away from his grip.

The car eventually glided to a halt in front of a sprawling, multi-story shopping complex. Miller stepped out first, scanning the perimeter to ensure security while guards kept the growing crowd at a strict distance from the vehicle.

"Why are there so many people gathered outside?" Caroline asked, peering through the tinted window.

"To catch a glimpse of my Luna," Andrew answered softly.

When she turned back to look at him, he had already slipped out of his side of the car. A second later, her door swung open, and Andrew extended his hand toward her.

Caroline placed her hand in his, stepping carefully onto the pavement. Miller shut the door behind them as Andrew guided her toward the glass entrance. Flashlights went off in rapid succession, the blinding light forcing Caroline to lower her head. She felt relieved once they were inside.

"How did they find out we’d be here?" she asked, looking up at him as the noise from the crowd faded behind them.

"Someone likely leaked our arrival," Andrew replied casually. "It comes with the territory, so you’ll need to get used to it. Let me take you to the phone store first, you need a mobile."

Keeping a firm grip on her hand, he guided her into an electronics showroom.

Caroline browsed the displays and pointed out a mid-range model, keeping budget in mind. Andrew frowned slightly. "Pick something better. You don’t need to look at the price tag."

Realizing her modesty would keep her from picking a luxury model, Andrew took charge, selecting a device himself and handing his card to the clerk. ℯ

"Thank you," Caroline said after the associate inserted her new SIM card.

"Save my number first, along with Miller’s and the palace line," Andrew instructed. "You’ll need them on quick dial."

Once the device was set up, he steered her toward the escalator leading to the boutique floors above.

"Shop with your heart, Caroline. There’s no need to hold back," Andrew said as they stepped off the top of the escalator.

Given the early morning hour, the upper floor was relatively quiet, and the few shoppers present kept a respectful distance.

"So, you’re the one who snatched my fiancé from me," a sharp voice called out ahead of them.

They both turned to face a woman standing in the aisle, her expression dark with hatred.

Andrew’s brow furrowed, his eyes narrowing instantly. "Who gave you permission to enter my territory?" he demanded. "Tell me you didn’t breach the perimeter because if you did, you’re going straight to the dungeons."