Aselin froze, eyes wide.
The silver wolf she’d seen in the forest was blocking the path to the manor.
Three times larger than a normal wolf, its piercing blue eyes glinted as it rose and prowled.
What’s a wolf doing here?
She ducked behind a tree, exhaling shakily.
Her heart pounded, limbs trembling.
The usually bustling servants were nowhere in sight.
Pressed against the tree, she scanned for another route.
But no matter how she looked, there was only one path.
To reach the manor, she’d have to face the beast.
A hollow laugh escaped her.
Rubbing her forehead, she racked her brain.
Then, she recalled fending off a crisis by feeding a wolf madcap mushrooms.
She set down her bag and rummaged through it.
Please, let there be mushrooms.
But despite her prayers, only vials filled the bag.
Did I organize too well after regressing?
In her past life, she’d stuffed her bag without ever cleaning it out.
Sometimes, she’d find years-old herbs, perfectly aged.
Sighing, she shouldered the bag and stood.
Fearing the wolf might chase her, she bolted toward the gate, spotting the guards.
“I can’t get to the manor because of that wolf!” she called.
The guards ignored her, as if she were invisible.
What’s wrong with them?
“I’m the prince’s apothecary! That wolf’s blocking my way—please help!”
Still, they stood rigid, like toy soldiers, faces blank.
She waved her hands and pointed at the wolf, but it was futile.
Then, a bell rang, and the guards marched out in formation, disappearing into the forest for patrol.
“Not that way, here! Can’t you see me?”
Her loud voice made the wolf’s ears twitch, and it whipped its head toward her.
Two hundred meters away, its gray eyes locked onto hers, sending a chill through her.
The guards were gone.
She searched for a hiding spot, but it was too late.
The wolf, spotting prey, crouched and stalked closer.
She’d be caught even if she ran.
Her mouth went dry, her body trembling.
Then, Anna’s words came back.
[Silver’s so smart, he can tell friend from foe and even understands speech. Isn’t that amazing?]
Right, I’ve met Silver before. He might not attack me.
Would they let a dangerous wolf roam free?
Predators sense weakness.
Don’t be scared, Aselin.
Fidgeting with her cold fingers, she summoned courage and stepped forward.
Chin up, she walked confidently.
The wolf paused, then resumed its slow approach.
At the garden’s edge, face-to-face with it, Aselin swallowed hard.
“Silver, you know me, right? We’ve met before.”
The wolf crouched lower, baring its fangs with a growl.
Despite her calm facade, her hands shook as it looked ready to pounce.
“I’m not dangerous. Can you just… let me pass?”
Silver didn’t budge, circling her warily, as if sizing up prey.
Her eyes hardened, voice firm.
“Silver, if you attack me, it’s like attacking Prince Claude.”
The wolf tilted its head, as if listening.
It understands? Anna was right.
Recalling its loyalty, Aselin stepped closer.
“Because I’m his apothecary. If I die, no one can treat him. Then you’ll never see him again.”
Silver whimpered, as if understanding.
Even a beast didn’t want harm to its master.
“This bag’s full of his medicine. Without it, he might suffer today.”
She waved the heavy bag.
Silver lowered its gaze, hesitating.
“Still not moving? Fine, I’m going.”
Aselin spun around, waving dramatically, and walked toward the gate.
Growl.
A soft whimper followed.
Turning, her eyes widened—Silver had stepped aside, sitting calmly on the grass, gazing at her with pleading eyes.
Despite its ferocity, it looked almost cute.
Aselin paused on her way to the manor and knelt beside Silver.
“You really care for Prince Claude, don’t you?”
Silver’s ears flicked, as if agreeing.
Smiling, Aselin pulled a snack wrapped in white paper from her pocket.
She’d kept candied sweet potatoes to mask the bitterness of pills.
Peeling the paper, she revealed glossy treats.
Placing one before Silver, she said, “Eat this. It’s for caring so much about your master.”
Silver stared but didn’t eat.
Shrugging, Aselin popped one in her mouth, chewing.
Silver tilted its head, intrigued by her expression.
“Try it. It’s good.”
She held one out on her palm.
Silver licked the honey, eyes widening like moons.
Finding it adorable, Aselin cautiously stroked its soft, fluffy fur from head to chin.
Silver squinted contentedly, then eagerly licked the treat.
Its lapping was cute and fascinating, bringing a smile to her face.
Humming under the warm sun, a low voice interrupted.
“Treating Silver like a pet cat.”
Aselin looked up to see Claude approaching.
His black hood and muddy boots suggested he’d just returned from patrol.
“I greet Your Highness.”
She stood, bowing.
Claude removed his hood, closing the distance.
His towering height, broad shoulders, and chiseled frame were breathtaking.
Aselin’s gaze shifted to Silver, now sitting loyally by its master.
“When I arrived, Silver was here. I was scared at first, but he listened when I reasoned with him.”
She smiled brightly.
Claude’s eyes lingered on her, taking in her silver hair swaying in the breeze and her radiant skin.
Her sky-blue eyes sparkled like gems under the sunlight.
An angel from the heavens?
The absurd thought made his brow twitch.
“Silver’s imbued with magic, surpassing ordinary wolves. He doesn’t attack without my command.”
“Oh, that’s why he was roaming free. I almost left…”
Aselin laughed awkwardly.
Claude watched her silently.
After a pause, he spoke.
“That song you hummed to Silver.”
“…”
“Have you sung it to me?”
“The song… you mean the lullaby?”
Her face flushed as she recalled singing to him during his seizure.
“My mother sang it when I was young. I sang it when you had that seizure. If it bothered you, I’m sorry. I read that singing could help with treatment, so…”
“Don’t sing it again.”
“What?”
“It was off-key, off-beat, a total mess.”
“Oh… I’m sorry.”
Aselin’s voice faltered.
Claude whistled sharply, and a pack of wolves swarmed around him.
Under the noon sun, he turned slowly.
“Sing it only for me from now on.”
His casual words made Aselin’s heart skip a beat.
Days and nights passed relentlessly.
Time flowed mercilessly fast.
Finally, three days before the Founding Ball, the morning of her wedding to Alex arrived.
