Chapter 67: A fortune teller

"Then, I shall switch on the AC," Caroline replied, already reaching for the remote. Before she could pick it up, Andrew snatched it from the bedside table.

"I’m hot because of you," he stated, looking directly at her. "Now, will you give me some attention?"

Before Caroline could respond, his stomach growled loudly, betraying his hunger. She couldn’t help smiling at the sound.

"I’ll ask the servants outside to bring us something to eat," she said.

"Sure. But did you eat?" Andrew asked.

"Ah, I—I forgot and fell asleep afterward," Caroline admitted sheepishly.

Andrew frowned. "Then we’re eating together."

He released her wrist, allowing her to leave. Caroline hurried to the door and stepped outside to speak with the servants. A few seconds later, she returned to find Andrew still standing beside the bed. ℯ

"Dinner will be ready shortly," she informed him. "Why don’t you lie down until then? You were told to get proper rest, anyway."

Andrew glanced at her before reluctantly sitting on the edge of the bed. "I’m resting at the moment." Andrew searched for his phone, but Caroline hurried to the bedside table and retrieved it from the drawer before handing it to him.

"Thank you." He took the phone and dialed Jeremy’s number. The Gamma answered almost immediately.

"Your Highness, are you all right? I’m still on my way to the palace," Jeremy said worriedly.

"Yes, I’m fine," Andrew assured him before getting straight to the point. "What’s the situation at Crystal Moon Pack?"

"The warriors are searching every corner of the pack for the unidentified person who appeared out of nowhere and then disappeared with Victor," Jeremy explained.

"They won’t find them. Stop the search. Victor is probably on the other side," Andrew stated firmly.

"But what if he isn’t?" Jeremy questioned.

"Because no such being has ever been sighted anywhere in Sylvaterra. Just call off the search," Andrew ordered.

"Understood, Your Highness." Jeremy ended the call.

Andrew lowered his phone and turned his gaze toward Caroline. "It was a woman, and she’s probably more powerful than a witch. Searching for her is pointless. If Victor is meant to return, he will eventually show up."

"Someone must have informed Victor that I was presenting my witness. Otherwise, how could he have reached a point so close to the border between territories?" Caroline voiced her suspicion.

"I agree. I’ll check his call records through the communication center later," Andrew replied.

"Why don’t you let me handle it instead? You should rest. Please." Caroline’s eyes held a tenderness and concern that only a wife could offer.

"All right. Take Miller or Jeremy’s help if you need it." Andrew paused before continuing, "Once my wound has healed completely, we’re going back. I’m suffocating here."

Caroline didn’t comment, understanding exactly what Andrew meant. After witnessing their earlier confrontation, she had realized how deeply he resented the fact that he had been an unwanted child, born to a mother who had never wanted him.

"I’m sure your mother was as warm and loving as you are," Andrew remarked suddenly.

"Yes, she was," Caroline replied, a faint smile appearing on her face. "I had so many dreams for my mother, but I couldn’t fulfill them. Not a single one." She quickly wiped the tears gathering in her lashes before forcing a chuckle. "I did have my complaints about my father, though. If it weren’t for his gambling habits, we wouldn’t have fallen into so much debt. But he’s gone now, so there’s no point dwelling on the past."

Andrew gently placed his hand over hers. "We have each other now."

A smile curved his lips, but before either of them could say anything more, a knock sounded at the door.

"Your Highnesses, dinner has been served," a servant announced from outside.

"Let’s go," Caroline suggested, standing up.

Andrew nodded, and the two of them left the chamber together.

~~~~~

"Was it true? Mom was trying to force Jessica on you?" Ilias asked, looking at Alarick.

"Yes." Alarick returned the file to the shelf in his study before turning to face his second brother. "Mom wanted to keep the promise she made to Jessica’s mother. You know Jessica chose me herself. She must have some ulterior motive."

"Of course," Ilias agreed. "She couldn’t marry Andrew, so our mother gave her another chance to choose. She must have picked you to destroy both Andrew and Caroline."

"And me as well," Alarick added.

"I agree. Mom can be quite stubborn once she’s made up her mind. Still, I’m glad you’re safe," Ilias said with a smile.

"Safe?" Alarick chuckled. "I’m far from safe. I need to find my mate soon, but with my current responsibilities, I can’t leave the capital for an extended period. I need to find another way."

"Why don’t you consult a fortune teller?" Ilias suggested.

"Do you actually believe in them?" Alarick asked with a chuckle, shaking his head as he walked toward his desk.

"If we can exist, and witches can exist, why can’t fortune tellers? Some of them are genuine," Ilias explained.

"Do you know anyone?" Alarick asked curiously.

"A friend of mine is a fortune teller, but I’ve never had a reading with her," Ilias replied.

"Please ask her to come to the palace tomorrow. I want her to read my future and tell me something about my mate," Alarick requested.

"I can do that now," Ilias replied, smiling before taking out his phone. He dialed his friend’s number, who answered the call after several rings.

"Hey, Zariah! It’s me, Ilias."

"I recognized you, prince," Zariah answered from the other side while crossing her arms together and standing by the window.

"My brother wants to have a reading from you. Could you please come to the palace tomorrow in the morning?" Ilias asked humbly.

"Sure," Zariah agreed immediately. "My business will flourish if I predict right for your brother."

"Haha." Ilias laughed lightly. "You’re doing well in business, girl. Well, I see you tomorrow. Thanks."

Ilias hung up the call and looked at Alarick. "She will be here tomorrow. She’s fourth generation fortune teller in her family. So, you can trust her."

"I trust your recommendation," Alarick answered. "I hope I find my mate this time," he muttered, feeling a sudden ache in his heart.