Chapter 802

Steady and bold, I walk back to the bathroom door, slipping an elaborate blue brocade robe off of a hook and slipping it over my arms. As I tie the belt around my waist, I let myself slip into that Cream Puff Princess attitude that Faiza and I spent hours practicing.

Dumb as a rock, I say to myself, emptying my mind of anger and violence and pain. Pretty as a picture. No thoughts, just a desire to please.

I paste my best Princess smile on my mouth, but then alter it slightly, reminding myself that I'm not supposed to be deranged. That I'm also scared, and new to this world, even if I'm going to pretend to be happy to be here.

"You saved me," I whisper to myself, practicing my lines as they come to me. "Thank god, you saved me and took me away from that horrible world."

And then exhaling deeply, I push open the bathroom door and step into the room.

Of course, all of my plans to play Princess Cupcake are immediately wiped from my mind the moment I step into the room and see the couple standing before me.

"Ariel!" Pippa says, turning to me and clasping her hands sweetly under her chin, giving me a bright smile. "Oh, that color looks lovely on you - I thought it might. Do you - would you like some coffee?" She asks, eager, gesturing towards the little table they've set up with a nice spread of breakfast supplies.

But her smile begins to waver when I don't say anything, just staring slack-mouthed at the man she said was her Alpha.

Because I recognize him.

Of course I do - I'd recognize him anywhere, both by his face and by the way my wolf perks up, sniffing the air between us, even as that same shudder passes through me as it did that day, so close to Midwinter, when he'd stood in my palace across the room from me. Next to that horrible one with the

crown.noveldrama

But this one - I know instantly that it's him. Elias. The cute one.

It's...it's Ben's mate.

And...he really, really is cute.

But I turn my head as I stare at him because...am I mistaken? And why did I never notice it before? That this man - Ben's mate - the cute one...does he...does he suddenly look a great deal like Tony? I mean, Elias's eyes are a bright and shining blue - Tony's were grey - but that lanky frame and that dark hair... Elias shakes me out of my reverie when he gives me warm smile and steps close to Pippa, slipping an arm around her waist.

"Hello, Ariel," he says, his eyes crinkling a little at the corners with what looks like real pleasure to see me, the same way Tony's did. "I'm so sorry you're here on such terrible terms but...it really is wonderful to meet you."

My mouth continues to hang open as I just stare at this man, at my friend's mate. And then I shift my gaze to Pippa, who looks at me anxiously now.

And then down to her very pregnant belly.

And then back to her Alpha who...I mean, who obviously did the job.

Right?

Slowly, the smile fades from Elias's face as he realizes that I know everything. Absolutely everything. That whatever ruse he's got going on with Pippa here? I know that it's fake.

That I've spoken to Ben and know precisely who he is.

Elias's face goes pale as my wolf nips me inside and I realize that in my first trial as a spy, I've made a terrible mistake and shown my cards.

As quick as I can, I wipe my face of any surprise and replace my shock with my best Princess smile, stepping forward with my hand out. "I'm so sorry, I'm being so rude, say, laughing at myself a little and shaking my head like I can't believe I was such an idiot. "I'm Ariel – it's very nice to meet you!"

Elias looks down at my hand, his own smile returning to his face, but he makes no move to take it.

"Oh," Pippa says, reaching out and taking my hand in her own, giving it a little squeeze that makes me turn to her in surprise. Softly, she shakes her head at me. "In Atalaxia, dear, women don't shake hands with men

it's just not done. But of course you don't know that! I know things are different in Moon Valley. I hope you don't mind."

"Oh!" I say, turning to Elias in surprise and forcing a blush to my cheeks, even as I smile. "Oh, I'm so sorry, I hope you're not insulted -"

"Far from it, Princess," he murmurs,

giving me a little bow and then gesturing again to the little breakfast table. "Would you eat with us? You must be starving. Again, we're so sorry for such an abrupt introduction to our nation. I promise, it will all be better from here."

"Oh, that's all right," I say, taking my seat with a pretty little laugh. "A good breakfast wipes away almost all woes." To my surprise, my stomach grumbles as I look around the little table, which is packed with food that all looks absolutely delicious.

But, then again, I've always had a good appetite.

"Coffee?" Elias asks, reaching for a pot. "Or tea?"

"Coffee, please," I murmur, demure, allowing Pippa to fill my plate as it seems to please her to do so. She murmurs the names of all the little pastries and tarts, telling me a little about them as she goes, and quietly I wonder if she made them herself.