Chapter 14 Sweet Treats and Secret Emotions

•Palace hall•

Ovelia's POV 

Even now, Ace still held my hand firmly, his grip warm and reassuring. His touch was steady, grounding me as we walked through the palace halls.

"Ovelia," Ace said, his voice breaking the comfortable silence. I turned to look at him, my heart skipping a beat as his piercing silver eyes met mine. There was a softness in his gaze that I hadn't noticed before, a tenderness that made my cheeks warm.

He stopped walking and gently placed his hands on my shoulders, his expression serious yet filled with concern. "Don't ever go to the forest alone," he said, his voice low but firm. "We don't know if there's another werewolf out there who wants to take your life. That forest is dangerous."

His words sent a shiver down my spine, and for a moment, the memory of the black werewolf flashed in my mind—its glowing eyes, its razor-sharp claws, the way it had lunged at me with terrifying speed. I swallowed hard, pushing the image away.

"Okay, I understand," I said, forcing a smile. My voice sounded steadier than I felt, but I didn't want him to worry more than he already was.

Ace's expression softened, and he gently patted my head, his touch so light it felt like a feather brushing against my hair. "I'm glad you understand," he said, his lips curving into a small smile. "I'm going back to my office now. I still have a lot of work to finish." He gave my shoulders a reassuring squeeze before letting go and walking away, his footsteps echoing down the hallway.

I watched him go, my heart fluttering in my chest. There was something about the way he cared for me that made me feel… safe. Protected. It was a feeling I hadn't experienced in a long time.

"Ayieeehhh! Lady Ovelia!" Ann's voice broke through my thoughts, her tone teasing and full of excitement. She appeared beside me, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Ace and you look a little closer than before, don't you think?" she said, grinning from ear to ear. "Don't lose to Lady Eliana!" she added, wagging her finger playfully.

I couldn't help but laugh at her antics. Ann's energy was infectious, and her words brought a smile to my face.

I can feel that Ace has become kinder to me after our friendly date. I think it's because we're friends now. I'm not planning to lose to Lady Eliana. I'll fight for him in the right way.

I nodded, feeling a surge of determination. "Now, let's go to the kitchen and make something refreshing for Ace and Ray."

Ann clapped her hands together, her excitement palpable. "Yes, let's do that my lady!"

•Palace's Kitchen•

Ovelia's POV

Ann and I made our way to the kitchen, the aroma of fresh herbs and spices greeting us as we entered. The room was spacious, with pots and pans hanging neatly on the walls, and a large wooden table in the center. Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over everything.

We pulled out a cooking book and began flipping through the pages, our eyes scanning the colorful illustrations of various desserts. There were so many options—cakes, pastries, tarts—but one recipe in particular caught my eye.

"Ann," I said, pointing to the page. "How about this? Making sorbet. It only requires a few ingredients, and it's easy to make. Plus, it's perfect for a warm day like today."

Ann leaned over to look at the recipe, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "That's a great idea, Lady Ovelia! It looks so refreshing and delicious. Let's make it!"

We quickly gathered the ingredients: lemon juice, maple syrup, and three different fruits—raspberry, mango, and watermelon. The vibrant colors of the fruits made me even more excited to try the recipe.

Ann and I began slicing the fruits, the sound of the knife against the cutting board rhythmic and soothing. The sweet scent of the mango and watermelon filled the air, mingling with the tangy aroma of the raspberries. Once we were done, we arranged the slices on a tray and placed them in the freezer.

"I'm so excited to taste it, Lady Ovelia," Ann said, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.

"Me too," I replied, feeling a sense of accomplishment already.

[Afternoon]

After a couple of hours, Ann pulled the tray of frozen fruits from the freezer. The fruits had hardened perfectly, their colors still vibrant and inviting. We began blending each flavor with lemon juice and maple syrup, the sound of the blender filling the kitchen.

Once the mixtures were smooth, I scooped the sorbet into small bowls, adding a sprinkle of fruit bits on top for garnish. The vibrant colors of the raspberry, mango, and watermelon sorbet looked almost too beautiful to eat.

"Ann, let's taste our sorbet!" I said, unable to contain my excitement.

"Thank you, lady Ovelia," Ann replied, her eyes gleaming with joy as she picked up a spoon.

She took a spoonful, her expression transforming into one of delight. "Mmm, it's delicious, my lady! It's so refreshing and not too sweet—every bite bursts with the flavors of fresh fruits!" she exclaimed, her cheeks slightly puffed as she savored each spoonful.

I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. I took a taste myself, and the cool, refreshing sorbet melted pleasantly on my tongue, washing away the day's heat. It was perfect.

After preparing two bowls of sorbet—one for Ace and one for Ray—I arranged them carefully on a tray.

"Lady Ovelia, would you mind if I tidied the kitchen while you deliver the sorbet?" Ann asked shyly.

"Of course, Ann. Thank you!" I replied, returning her shy smile with warmth.

I took a deep breath and picked up the tray filled with our colorful sorbet. My heart fluttered with excitement; I couldn't wait to see Ace's reaction.

"Lady Ovelia," Ann said, her voice soft but hopeful, "I hope that by bringing food to Sir Ace, it will reach his heart, just as he expressed his love to you back in the garden."

Love? I paused, my cheeks heating up. I think Ann misunderstood. Ace and I were just starting to see each other as friends. It was only natural that he would care for me in that way. But… what if I was wrong? What if Ace had already taken a step to make me fall for him, even if we were just friends? My head spun with the possibilities, and I shook it off, trying to focus.

Steeling myself, I headed toward Ace's office, the sorbet in hand.

•Ace's Office•

As I entered, I found Ace sitting at his desk, intently studying a map. Ray was beside him, pointing animatedly at various locations. They seemed deep in conversation, their voices low and serious.

"The numerous villages along the supply route make it difficult to pinpoint where the ingredients are being delayed," Ray explained, frustration evident in his tone.

It appeared that this was the issue Ray had mentioned last night.

"What if bandits are the reason our food supplies and merchants aren't arriving? We should focus on the villages with weak workforce for security; those are the areas most susceptible to bandit attacks," Ace suggested, his voice steady and determined.

"I'll dispatch the messages via carrier pigeons to our men investigating. We need to resolve this problem before the festival," Ray replied, urgency creeping into his words.

I couldn't interject into their conversation, but the sorbet was starting to melt. Ace glanced at me, eyes wide with surprise.

"Ovelia, have you been there long? Sorry we didn't notice you sooner," Ace said, his voice warm and apologetic.

Thank goodness they had finally acknowledged my presence.

"Wow, is that a sorbet?!" Ray exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with excitement as he spotted the tray in my hands.

I smiled, stepping closer. Ace swiftly organized the papers on his table as I placed the tray down.

Ray and Ace eagerly began to taste the sorbet, their expressions lighting up with each spoonful.

"It's delicious, Ovelia! So refreshing! And the appearance is fantastic! I love how you combined the three flavors," Ray said, his face beaming with joy.

"Yeah, my brother is right," Ace added, though his tone was more reserved. Still, his expression betrayed his delight, and I could see the corners of his lips twitching as he tried to suppress a smile.

I sighed in relief, saying, "I'm so glad you liked it," A smile spread across my face as they both returned my happiness.

"Ovelia, I'm sorry I couldn't spend time with you. I promise, I'll make it up to you once we fix this problem," he said, his smile genuine and warm.

I smiled back at him, my heart fluttering. "Sure, I'd love to visit different shops again like yesterday, or maybe even go outside the palace," I said, my voice filled with excitement.

He was shocked at first, but then he instantly smiled, and that made me blush. "Sure, if I have free time, let's do that again," he said, his voice soft but filled with promise.

I nodded, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "Ace, Sir Ray, I'm going to head to my room now," I said, preparing to leave.

They both smiled at me, their expressions filled with gratitude.

"I'm looking forward to the snacks you'll bring tomorrow," Ray said, his enthusiasm sparkling in his eyes.

I nodded, returning their smiles, and stepped out of Ace's office.

It felt so rewarding, especially in my heart, to know they enjoyed the food I prepared for them. As I walked back to my room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Maybe, just maybe, I was starting to find my place here—not just as Lady Ovelia, but as someone who could bring a little joy to those around me.

[The Next Day: Morning]

Ovelia's POV

I was in the forest again, which meant I was dreaming. Just like before, I couldn't move or speak. My body felt heavy, as if an invisible force was holding me down. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, and the faint rustle of leaves whispered around me. I remembered this place—it was the same forest where Viana had sealed Lady Firera inside the baby. The memory was vivid, almost too real.

The three shadowy figures began to take shape: Oliver, Viana, and the baby. Their forms were hazy at first, like smoke, but gradually they became more defined. My heart ached as I watched them, a strange sense of familiarity washing over me.

"I think it's a success," Viana said, her voice trembling with both joy and sorrow. Tears streamed down her face as she cradled the baby in her arms. Her red eyes, so much like mine, glistened with unshed tears. Her white hair shimmered in the dim light, and her face—so much like my own—was etched with a mixture of relief and pain.

"My instinct tells me that the werewolf hunters are approaching. We need to hide her," Oliver said, his voice urgent. His green eyes darted around the forest, scanning for danger. His blond hair, the same shade as mine, was disheveled, and his handsome face was tense with worry.

Werewolf hunters? The words sent a chill down my spine.

Oliver quickly picked up the crying baby from the basket, his movements swift but gentle. Viana and Oliver began to run, their footsteps muffled by the soft forest floor. They stopped behind a large tree, its gnarled roots providing a temporary hiding spot.

Viana took the baby from Oliver and cradled her in her arms, gently rocking her. The baby's cries softened, and soon she was smiling, her tiny hands reaching up toward Viana's face. Viana's tears fell onto the baby's cheeks as she kissed her forehead.

"Be a good girl, don't cry, and be strong. Your father and I will love you forever," Viana whispered, her voice breaking. She placed the baby back in the basket, her hands trembling as she adjusted the blanket.

My chest tightened, and I felt an overwhelming sadness. Why did I feel this way? Why did it hurt so much to watch this?

"Don't worry, even if we die, you will never be alone. Lady Firera will always be by your side, and we will always watch over you," Oliver said, his voice steady but filled with emotion. He kissed the baby's forehead, his lips lingering for a moment before he placed her back in the basket and hid her behind the tree.

"I love you, Ovelia," Viana and Oliver said in unison, their voices choked with tears. They cried as they stepped away from the basket, their hands clasped tightly together.

Ovelia? My heart skipped a beat. The baby… was me? The realization hit me like a thunderbolt. Viana and Oliver—they were my real parents.

Oliver and Viana turned and ran toward the sound of approaching footsteps. My heart raced as I watched them. Why? Why are you going toward them? Please, run away! I wanted to scream, but no sound came out. I was trapped, forced to watch as my parents walked toward their doom.

The hunters appeared, their faces grim and their guns raised. They placed a collar around Viana's neck, and without hesitation, they shot her and Oliver. My parents fell to the ground, their bodies lifeless. In their last moments, they looked directly at me and whispered, "Sorry."

The scene dissolved, and the forest faded into a blinding white light. I could move again, but my legs gave out, and I fell to my knees. Tears streamed down my face as I hugged myself, the pain in my chest unbearable.

"Mother… Father…" I whispered, my voice breaking. The weight of their sacrifice crushed me. They had loved me so much, even in their final moments. They had given their lives to protect me.

"Crying won't bring them back," a voice said, cutting through my grief.

I looked up, my vision blurred by tears, and saw a beautiful woman with fiery red hair and piercing red eyes. Her presence was commanding, yet there was a gentleness in her gaze.

I wiped my tears, my voice trembling as I asked, "Who are you?"

"I am Firera, the goddess sealed inside of you and the one who has been speaking in your mind. I lost my memory when your mother sealed me within you, but after watching your dream, I finally remember what happened—and my purpose," Lady Firera said, her voice calm but filled with an ancient wisdom.

I stood up, my legs still shaky. "Goddesses are strong. You're the goddess of their tribe—why couldn't you protect the people under your care?!" I demanded, my voice rising with anger and pain.

"The people had already accepted their fate. That's why I could no longer protect or save them," Lady Firera replied, her tone somber.

"What do you mean?!" I asked, my voice cracking.

"It's too early for you to learn the truth," she said, her eyes softening. "But I remember now that I cast a spell on your mate when you were a baby. I think soon, that spell will begin to break."

"My mate? Do you mean Ace?" I asked, my heart racing.

"Yes, by the way, always remember you're not a werewolf or a witch. You're a human," she said simply. Then, with a flick of her finger against my forehead, I began to wake up.

I wanted to ask her more, to demand answers, but the dream was slipping away. The image of my parents' final moments flashed in my mind, and tears streamed down my cheeks again. It hurt—it hurt so much to see how they had died. They had loved me, even in their last breath.

There was a knock at the door. "Come in," I said, my voice hoarse from crying. I then wiped my tears.

The door opened, and Ann stepped inside, carrying her medical kit. "Good morning, Ovelia. It's time to tend to your wounds," she said with a warm smile, though her eyes held a hint of concern as she noticed my tear-streaked face.

"Good morning, Ann," I replied, forcing a smile. My voice was soft, but I tried to sound cheerful.

Ann approached me and began to clean and dress my wounds, her hands gentle and precise. The cool touch of the salve soothed my bruises, but the ache in my heart remained.

"All done! How about we head to the dining area now? It's time for breakfast!" Ann said cheerfully, a warm smile on her face.

I smiled and got out of bed, following her out of my room and toward the dining area.

•Dining Area•

As always, the table was laden with an array of delicious dishes, their aromas filling the air. The maids stood in their usual positions, including Ann, who took her place among them. I sat down and ate alone, the silence pressing down on me like a weight.

After finishing my meal, I stood up and left the dining area with Ann.

"Lady Ovelia, I'm sorry, but I won't be able to accompany you today. I need to do the laundry," Ann said, her voice apologetic.

"It's okay, Ann. I'm just going to the library," I replied, giving her a reassuring smile.

"Take care, Lady Ovelia," Ann said, returning my smile before she walked away.

I made my way to the library, my mind still swirling with questions. Maybe there was a book about humans who could cast spells—something that could shed light on my true parents and what I really was.

•Palace Library•

Upon entering the library, I approached the bookshelves and began searching. I spent hours reading about humans, werewolves, and witches, but I found nothing about humans who could cast spells. Frustration gnawed at me.

As I sat there, I realized I had lost track of time. It was already lunchtime, but I wasn't hungry. Instead, I remembered the strawberry cake recipe I had read in the cooking book yesterday. Perfect. I decided to head to the kitchen to bake a strawberry cake for Ace and Ray. Cooking had always been a way for me to clear my mind, and maybe, just maybe, it would help me find some peace.

•Palace Kitchen•

As I stepped into the kitchen, the familiar scent of flour and sugar greeted me, a comforting aroma that always helped clear my mind. I gathered the ingredients I needed to make a strawberry cake—flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and, of course, fresh strawberries. The kitchen was quiet, save for the soft hum of the refrigerator and the occasional clink of utensils as I worked.

I mixed the ingredients carefully, the rhythmic motion of stirring the batter soothing my nerves. Once the batter was ready, I poured it into a pan and placed it in the oven. The warm, sweet smell of baking cake soon filled the kitchen, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

After the cake had cooled, I assembled it, layering it with fresh strawberry filling and topping it with a generous dollop of whipped cream. I placed a few whole strawberries on top for decoration, their vibrant red color a stark contrast to the creamy white frosting.

I carefully placed the small strawberry cake on a plate and made my way to Ace's office, my heart fluttering with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

•Ace's Office•

As I stepped into Ace's office, the atmosphere was tense. Ace and Ray were hunched over a cluttered desk, their faces drawn and weary. Papers were scattered everywhere, and the room was filled with the faint scent of ink and parchment. They looked up as I entered, their expressions shifting from concentration to mild surprise.

"Ovelia! You're here already. Sorry I didn't notice you sooner," Ace said, his voice a bit rushed as he shuffled papers around on his desk. His usually sharp blue eyes were clouded with exhaustion, dark circles evident beneath them. Ray, sitting beside him, looked equally worn out, his usual cheerful demeanor subdued.

I could see the dark circles under his eyes; he and Ray looked like they hadn't slept at all.

Ray's eyes lit up as he noticed the cake in my hands. "A cake! Just what we needed," he exclaimed, a flicker of energy returning to his eyes.

"You both look exhausted; you almost look like zombies from the book I read. Take a break and enjoy this," I said, placing the cake between them.

Ray chuckled, and Ace's lips curled into a grateful smile as they started to dig into the cake.

"Mmm, you always make such delicious treats, Ovelia. Just in time, too—strawberries are Ace's favorite!" Ray said joyfully, his eyes lighting up. "You always know how to brighten our day, Ovelia."

"Thanks, as always, Ovelia," Ace added, his tone warm and appreciative.

A wave of happiness washed over me. It felt incredible to have my efforts acknowledged, especially when I had never experienced this kind of appreciation from my non-biological parents, who merely ordered me around without a second thought. I savored this moment of joy, knowing that my small act of kindness had made a difference in their stressful day.

As the door creaked open, I found Eliana holding a sandwich. Her presence was like a cold breeze, instantly changing the atmosphere in the room.

"What's that, a cake? You're eating sweets again, Ace; too much sugar is not good for your health," she teased, a playful smile dancing on her lips.

At that moment, a wave of sadness washed over me, tightening around my heart. Was I feeling jealous again?

Eliana glided toward Ace, placing a plate stacked with three sandwich layers in front of him. "Here, this sandwich is what you should eat, Ace. It's healthier—chicken, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and cheese," she announced, gently pushing the cake aside.

Ace didn't express any annoyance at Eliana's gesture, and a heaviness settled in my chest as I watched them together. I felt like I didn't belong in their world like before. I turned away, clutching my heart, pausing for a moment. Ace and I see each other as friends, so why did this hurt so much? Just as I was about to leave the office, I felt strong arms grabbed my shoulder from behind, startling me.

"Ovelia, sorry," Ace murmured, pulling me closer, his voice close to my ear. "I still have feelings for Eliana after all she's still my girlfriend, but please, give me time. I promise I'll make you fall for me, just as I hope you'll continue to do for me."

My heart raced, each beat echoing the warmth spreading across my cheeks. The ache in my heart began to dissolve, replaced by a glimmer of hope. What is happening to my heart? I can't understand what I'm feeling anymore.

"Eliana," Ray interjected gently, " Ace has always had a sweet tooth, and I know he has a special fondness for Ovelia's cake, especially since it's strawberry-flavored," Ray said gently, his eyes sincere. "I'm the only one who eats those veggies you serve here. Ace doesn't tell you because he doesn't want to hurt your feelings."

A wave of warmth spread through me at Ray's words.

Suddenly, Ace released his hand and smiled at me. I glanced at Ray, who returned my smile, and then our eyes met in perfect understanding.

I turned toward Ray, Ace, and Eliana, taking a deep breath. "Ace, Sir Ray, Ma'am Eliana, I'm going to head out now."

As I caught Eliana's gaze, irritation flashed across her face. I chose to ignore it and stepped out of the office, feeling a mix of relief and anticipation.

•Palace Hallway•

What would happen tomorrow? I hoped Ace and Ray would finally resolve their issues with the food supplier and merchant so they could finally rest.

As I walked in the hallway, I noticed the window was open. Approaching it, I was struck by the view of the garden and forest beyond, where another exit from the kingdom lay.

Suddenly, a breeze blew in, carrying a familiar voice that sent a shiver down my spine. "Sorry if I scared you yesterday."

I recognized Wind's voice instantly. Closing the window, I was engulfed by an unexplainable rush of emotions. The wind's presence was both comforting and unsettling, a reminder of the mysteries that still surrounded me. I took a deep breath, feeling the cool air fill my lungs.