CHAPTER 62: CHAPTER 62: GUILT VS. DUTY

MAEVE’S POV

For the next few days, rumors about the state of Ivan’s wolf spread across Ash Creek like wildfire.

It was a targeted political sabotage—one that might ruin Ivan to an extent, but it was for the greater good... right?

The hesitation still tugged on my chest, but I pushed it away by reminding myself that Devon would be proud.

More than ever before, I longed to talk to him. I needed the reassurance of his voice telling me that everything was on track back in Dark Wind.

I needed to know that he was well and okay. I needed him to know of this new weakness in Ivan—this weakness that seemed to present itself in the name of our mate bond.

Clinging to my worries about Devon easily distracted me from my guilt over the rumors spreading through the pack.

Just as I had instructed, Nina had done a stellar job of getting everyone to talk about the unstable state of Ivan’s wolf.

Some easily connected the dots to the attack in the kitchen years ago, the one that left more than a few guards injured.

Others made up even more bizarre stories about Ivan being a beastly monster who prowled the woods at night, devouring wildlife and bunnies.

But the best part was that already, some were beginning to speculate whether Ash Creek’s Alpha Prince was even in the right state of mind to become Alpha King.

It was the exact outcome I’d been hoping for.

An Alpha’s insanity was one of the easiest routes to tabling a case against his rule.

The council would never let a mad king sit on the throne, and if this news reached more authoritative figures, Ivan might be called for a trial on his sanity.

That was a good thing, right?

He’d lose his throne—his precious Alpha title—just like we wanted.

Yeah...

By now, Devon ought to have received word from Marlo. I wondered what he thought about the latest developments here. Was he impressed? What kind of moves was he making?

Again, I was tempted to use the burner phone—maybe even give him that sexy call he’d been hinting at—but I knew better.

Since my little nude parade, there had been more eyes on me than usual. Guards. Maids.

Whispers haunted my every move—they were either talking about my performance or gossiping about Asha and whether he was truly the king’s son. Their suspicion was obvious, but so was their curiosity.

Their questions were almost tangible—the big one that must have been on everyone’s mind: What happens next? Would it be Lady Maeve who came out on top, or Lady Serena?

I’d save them the suspense if I could, but that was the whole point of giving the people a good show. And we both know I didn’t walk into this pack just to walk out as its loser.

That aside, regardless of how I felt, I needed to wait for Devon to contact me first. I wouldn’t jeopardize us just because I craved his warmth.

To distract my mind, I poured all my energy into making sure Asha was as occupied and happy as possible.

In the mornings, after his lessons with Nina, I’d devise games for us to play. We’d spend hours running around and laughing in our rooms.

With everything going on with the rumor, I was wary of taking him outside. Thankfully, Asha didn’t seem to mind much.

When I wasn’t hanging out with my pup, I paid routine visits to Lydia’s rooms. Already, some color was beginning to return to her face.

She was sitting up in bed more than usual, and while she wasn’t as angry as before, she wasn’t exactly receptive either.

She was cold and snarky—still rude and unappreciative of my efforts.

Mostly, she had taken to watching me.

During my visits, her eyes would trail my every movement, almost as if she were waiting for me to do something uncharacteristic.

It reminded me of the day Serena had barged into the Luna’s rooms unannounced and caught me snooping in the dresser. She’d gazed at me suspiciously and taunted me with scalding threats.

I wondered what she’d told Lydia that day. If she had indeed spilled about catching me snooping, then Lydia’s hawk eyes—constantly zeroed in on me—were only natural.

Right now, her observations weren’t as subtle as she thought.

I met her gaze without warning, and she quickly diverted her eyes, faking a loud cough.

She patted her chest for show, made a disgusted face, and said the first thing that came to mind.

"That tonic you gave me tastes horrible," she sneered. "What the hell did you put in it?"

Of course. Diversion tactic.

Nice try, Lydia.

"It’s a secret," I said, smiling as I tucked the vial away. "Tastes awful, but it works. I can already see improvements in your aura."

"Please," she scoffed. "I’m only feeling better because my future daughter-in-law visits me." Her lips curled smugly. "Serena’s face is far more healing than anything you could make, Moon Healer."

Bitch.

"I see," I chuckled, as if her condescending tone was funny. "If that’s what you believe, Lydia, then I guess we’ll go with it."

"Yes," she pressed, growing more insistent. She seemed more pumped up than usual today, and I couldn’t help wondering what her angle was.

"Believe it. Serena is strength for me—for Ash Creek. She has always proven herself to be a worthy daughter-in-law. Always got me gifts and the rarest gems. I taught her how to make Ivan’s favorite meals and learn his hobbies. My son is stubborn, but I know he’ll come around. Soon she’ll be Luna. By then, you’ll be long gone."

"Trying to get rid of me already?" I grinned. "Your health may be improving, but you’ve still got a long treatment ahead. Until then, we’re stitched together."

"Oh, don’t look so pleased about that," she snarled, her eyes narrowing into icy slits. "I’ll recover faster than you think. And when I do, I’ll make sure you never set foot in Ash Creek again."

"I promise that it won’t be so easy, Lydia."