CHAPTER 220: WHERE IS CHARLOTTE?

Serena tapped her hand on her lap, she peered out the window of the bakery and sighed. She nearly flinched when she turned back to see the burly baker looking at her like she was a massive stag he found during hunting season. She mangaed a tight smile and nodded her head towards the man.

He made no show of budging and she turned back to the window. Where in the world had Charlotte disappeared to, she wanted to be in and out of Longdale as soon as possible.

The pair had made a trip to Longdale, specifically the infirmary to visit the patients and the healers. Darius had approved of the journey and given them gifts for the senior healers. Serena was pleased, the infirmary would remind her of home but she could go nowhere until Charlotte returned from wherever she had disappeared to.

Serena resisted the urge to look back at the baker again. She focused instead on a pair of children tumbling past the window, laughing with reckless abandon. A part of her envied them, their world was still simple, untouched by adult responsibilities.

A bell chimed gently overhead, and she turned swiftly, relief flooding her features when Charlotte finally stepped into the bakery. The tall woman looked as unbothered as ever, a polite smile dancing on her lips. Her dark cloak billowed faintly behind her as she approached the table.

"You took your time," Serena murmured, standing.

Charlotte merely shrugged, dusting flour off the sleeve of her pale lavender dress. "The cobbler’s wife recognized me. It would have been rude not to greet her."

Serena quirked a brow. "Recognized you?"

Charlotte’s smile stiffened just enough for Serena to catch it. "Well... her memory must be fogged, now that I think of it. Let us go. I imagine you’ve had enough of the baker’s company."

Serena nodded gratefully and stepped out into the morning sun with her companion. Together they crossed the modest square of Longdale. Despite the rising heat, the air was crisp, and the scent of herbs and cured hides wafted from nearby stalls. Every now and again, a curious glance followed them, it was expected of course.

They arrived at the infirmary not long after. The low stone building sat tucked behind a row of painted homes, its windows open to allow the summer breeze to flow through. Healers in neutral-toned robes moved in and out, their sleeves rolled up, hands stained with tinctures and salves.

Serena greeted them with ease, bowing her head respectfully. The few available healers recognized her, offering short nods or murmured greetings. None, however, spared Charlotte more than a curious glance. Serena watched for a reaction. There was none.

"She’s from Ironshade," Serena whispered to herself as they stepped deeper into the infirmary. "Is she not?"

Charlotte didn’t appear offended or surprised at the lack of recognition. In fact, she carried herself with quiet detachment, her gaze skimming over every corner but never lingering. Serena tried to dismiss the thought. Perhaps Charlotte was simply not well-known in this part of the pack’s territory. But still... Darius had known her. So had Livia. And yet, no one else seemed to.

They joined a pair of younger healers and assisted in minor duties, checking on poultices, delivering clean linens, inspecting storage. Serena reminded herself not to interfere too much, not like the last time when she had made suggestions without understanding the dynamics in place. She smiled politely, kept her words soft, and let the healers lead.

At last, the opportunity came to meet with Senior Healer Sophie. The older woman stood at the far end of the main hall, hunched slightly with age but still sharp-eyed and quick in her movements. A thick braid of silver hair coiled around her head like a crown.

"My lady," Sophie greeted, wiping her hands and bowing low. "You honour us."

Serena smiled as she stepped forward, untying the leather bundle she had carried. "You honoured me first, Healer Sophie. Your letter was kind, and well received. These are for you and your team, with Ironshade’s gratitude."

She passed the gifts, fine cloth, medicinal roots, and a selection of rare teas. Sophie looked genuinely pleased.

"You bring what we most lack," Sophie said. "Ironshade is fortunate to have Crimsonclaw’s guidance."

"I am merely a guest here," Serena replied. "But I am glad to help where I can."

The conversation flowed easily after that. Sophie asked after the weather in Crimsonclaw territory, and Serena described the late blooms in the northern glens. The healer commented on the discipline of the young apprentices, and Charlotte even offered a soft opinion about a new poultice recipe, which Sophie received with a thoughtful nod.

As they lingered, Serena once again glanced around the infirmary. She noted the eyes of a few apprentices shifting toward her, most likely curious about their visitors but still, none glanced twice at Charlotte.

"I don’t understand it," Serena thought. "Not even a murmur of recognition?"

When they stepped out of the infirmary later, the sun had crested and was dipping slowly toward the west. The day was not yet old, but Serena felt the weight of it settling into her shoulders. She wondered what else she fit into it, so as to not make a waste of the day.

Charlotte remained quiet for most of the walk back toward the outer stables where their mounts awaited. She only spoke once, as they passed a trio of laughing children.

"You are good at that," she said.

Serena turned her head. "At what?"

"Smiling. Making people feel seen."

Serena smiled faintly. "I suppose that is part of my task."

Charlotte nodded. "You do it better than most."

The words felt sincere. Serena gave a quiet thanks and fell into silence again.

But her mind was not still.

Who exactly was Charlotte? Why did her presence unsettle Serena in ways she could not explain? Why was it that only those in the council seemed to know her? Was it truly just a matter of territory... or was something more deliberate at play?

She pushed the thoughts aside as they mounted their horses. The day was not over, and there was still much to do. For now, she would keep her questions close and her observations closer.