CHAPTER THIRTEEN - AMBASSADOR

The apple slipped from Serena's hand, landing with a soft thud on the dirt path. Her gaze followed it as it rolled away, coming to rest against a rock. She frowned and tried to go after it, but Darius pulled her back firmly.

"And where do you think you're going?" Darius asked, his voice low and stern.

Serena glanced up at him, her brow furrowing. "My apple," she replied simply, as though the answer were obvious, fully expecting him to let her go.

"Your apple? I don't think that's the issue here," he said, his grip on her arm tightening. Serena bit her tongue, feeling the intensity of his gaze burning into her.

"Well…" she began, the words dying in her throat. She bit her lip, knowing there was no good excuse.. There wasn't a good reason for her to be out, and she knew it. He had warned her the last time they met. Serena didn't want to lie; she simply wanted to be out. "I wanted an apple," she said flatly.

Darius scoffed. "There are enough apples that could be delivered to make your little heart happy."

But it wouldn't be the same, Serena thought, though she didn't say it aloud. Being confined within those four walls was suffocating.

"I was bored," she admitted.

"Bored?" he repeated, raising an eyebrow. Serena shifted uncomfortably, wishing for some distance between them; they were much too close. "I don't think that's something I care too much about," he added, his tone sharp.

The two stood in heavy silence, their eyes locked. Serena wasn't sure what to do or say. The sound of children playing catch nearby drew their attention, breaking the tension momentarily. Darius sighed, then gently but firmly guided her back onto the dirt path.

"We'll talk about this when we get to Oakspire," he muttered, his tone leaving no room for argument. Serena felt a pang of familiarity, like the scoldings from her mother when she'd been caught doing something she shouldn't. It was a feeling of resigned anticipation, knowing she had to face the consequences.

Darius muttered something under his breath, too quiet for her to catch, as they continued walking. The streets were thankfully empty, giving them a small sense of privacy.

"Will you deliver the apples?" Serena asked cautiously, breaking the silence.

"Apples?" He glanced at her with a perplexed expression, as if she'd just asked something completely absurd. "Yes. I'll arrange it," he finally said.

—

The pair rounded a corner when a voice called out. "Alpha!"

Serena turned her head toward the source, spotting a striking woman who nearly matched Darius in height. Serena looked at the woman silently, noting her neatly pinned black hair. 

She smelled of vanilla and carried an air of wealth, Serena concluded. Her lips were tinted with a light rose shade. Serena regarded her with bated breath, she was beautiful.

Serena watched as the woman's blue eyes darted between her and Darius. She began to worry about her appearance, feeling like she stuck out like a sore thumb. She tugged at the hem of her sleeve, smoothing the fabric as if it might somehow make her blend into the background.

"A new face?" the woman said with a small smile, completely ignoring Serena and focusing on Darius.

"A... visitor," Darius replied. Serena glanced at him and noticed he looked uncomfortable. She felt apologetic for putting him in a situation like this.

The woman continued to smile at Darius, ignoring Serena's presence. She folded her arms. 

"Ironshade getting visitors at this time?" she asked lightly, her words accompanied by a raised brow. Her eyes settled on Serena, scanning her from head to toe, and Serena felt the weight of the scrutiny. Serena knew she smelled foreign, and it worried her to no end.

"What's your name?" the woman asked.

Serena stilled at the question. Answering wasn't the issue, it was her accent. It sounded more eastern than western because she spoke more like her father, -who wasn't from the West of Kaldora.

A sharp pinch at her side pulled her from her hesitation. She glanced at Darius, who gave her a pointed look. Serena forced a small, polite smile. "Serena."

The woman tilted her head slightly, now looking at Serena more intently. "Beatrice. Where do you come from?"

Before Serena could scramble for an answer, Darius stepped in. "Beatrice, Serena is very tired. I'll be escorting her back to her quarters," Darius said, placing a hand on Serena's shoulder.

Beatrice held up a hand, shaking her head. "Oh, come on, you shouldn't interrupt a conversation between women…" She paused to glance at Serena, who promptly nodded. "You see."

Serena searched for an answer. Admitting she was a rogue would ruin everything and land her in an even bigger mess.

"Crimsonclaw. An ambassador from Crimsonclaw." Darius said smoothly, his tone calm leaving no room for doubt.

Serena's eyes widened slightly at Darius before composing herself and flashing a smile in Beatrice's direction, nodding. She had no idea what Darius was planning. It was quick thinking, but such a far-fetched lie. 

What in Lunara's name was he thinking?

"Yes," Serena said, adopting a sharpness in her tone, one she hoped mirrored her father's. "I'm terribly tired." She sighed, as though dismissing further inquiry.

The woman eyed her, not in the least bit convinced. "Ironshade is a lovely sight, the people…" Serena said, gasping dramatically, placing her hand on her chest. "This wonderful dress was a gift."

Beatrice smiled, this time it seemed genuine, "It does look like something made by one of our own."

Serena expelled a small breath, silently thanking the moon that she hadn't overdone it. Darius cleared his throat and motioned for Serena to follow. "Beatrice, we must be on our way. I do not want to tire out the Ambassador."

"Yes, yes," Beatrice said, nodding and stepping aside. "I'm extending an invitation to the Ambassador for my dinner gathering."

Darius paused, his mouth slightly open, and rubbed the back of his neck. "If she wishes to join us... she will."

Both of them turned to look at Serena for an answer. She wasn't sure what to do. Whoever this Beatrice was, she was someone Darius seemed wary of. Decline and be met with more suspicion, or go and open herself up to be scrutinized.

"You're too kind. I'll make my decision once I'm fully settled in."