There was still one more option…
But she was afraid of the consequences. She was afraid of breaking a bond, of risking another life. Of making the two beast her enemies. She can not compromise to it. The loss was too great to even consider that option. Right now, the only preferably action to take was to continue, even if it meant digging her own grave.
Sophie knew she was never a befitting Queen. She didn’t come from a rich family. She wasn’t high ranked. She was weak. The only reason she agreed to be Axel’s Luna was because he had already captured her heart. She wanted him.
So, when he asked her if he could be his pair… she felt unable to refuse.
Though she knew from the start there was another woman, she ignored it. She took what was offered to her, and pretended that she could live with it. Maybe until now, Sophie did manage to hold out. But upon noticing how somehow, Rebecca still had an effect to Axel. Sophie started doubting.
Was their bond real, or was it only in her imagination?
She couldn’t tell at all.
Axel’s warm hugs felt genuine. His soft and rough kisses were fulfilling. Their copulation wasn’t forced. Yet, on the other hand, if Rebecca was on the other end, Axel would stand in the middle.
Sophie's confuse on what to believed in.
Herself or her feelings.
She felt as if she was only a hindrance. That at the end of the day, if Rebecca was involve again, she would be nothing. It pained her, knowing she was in this, and she wasn’t.
The thought of being a temporary for everything felt like a metal cutting through her neck.
The bitterness and jealousy permeated in Sophie’s mind that it started poisoning her. She had been sitting on the edge of their royalty styled bed frame since she went inside their lair, waiting for him, even though she would most likely just ignore him if he was present.
Sophie’s emotions were like bacteria. It was spreading, pervading her. Killing every single cell who still had their faith and trust. She could not help it, nor did she still have the control to stop it. Sophie was convinced Axel was continuously hiding any information that involved Rebecca because he was affected.
Why else would he do that, if not because of their past and his remaining affection for her?
Sophie continued to respond to her negative emotions. Until Flora, her servant knocked at the door, calling her to eat the food she made. Sophie hasn’t eaten anything since the afternoon so, Flora was worried. Sophie, however, still didn’t response, so Flora twisted the knob to see what she was doing.
“My Lady…” Flora expressed her concern when she saw Sophie sitting at the edge of the bed. “You should eat. I have prepared your meal––“
“Is Axel still not here?”
Flora’s lips pursed. She figured out immediately the reason why her grace was acting strange. They probably had a miscommunication again. She thought. Sighing, Flora took a step to get near Sophie, whose eyes were still set straight.
“The Alpha has still––“
Sophie cutted her off, once more.
“Do you think Axel really loves me?”
“Of course…” Flora softly replied. “He wouldn’t have made you his Luna if he doesn’t.”
“What about Rebecca?”
Flora’s lips pursed. “Rebecca? Do you mean Axel’s past Luna?”
“Yes.” Sophie turned to Flora, with her eyes bespeaking gloom. “You knew about the alliance and Rebecca’s request. How?”
“I… heard from the Alpha himself, My Lady.”
“He told you?”
“N-no… I only overheard him talking to Hansel.”
Flora groped her fingers from her right hand using her left. She avoided Sophie’s trusting eyes, like she was afraid to look at it. Flora cleared her throat, and searched where she could focus her attention. She looked a little bothered by Sophie’s discerning questions.
Sophie, however, did not seem to notice the little flaw Flora had shown her. Instead, she looked more hopeful. Like Flora could say something that would bring her to light. She knew Flora had been here, so she might be able to answer her queries. Even if some of those are personal.
Flora was her friend, wasn’t she?
“Did you know the reason why Axel approved the alliance?” Sophie once more gave a tough question Flora wasn’t allowed to answer.
Though, she knew the exact reason.
“No…” Flora lied. “W-why don’t you try asking the Alpha, My Lady?”
“He wouldn’t tell me, Flora. Afterall, if he was willing, he wouldn’t hide it to me.”
Sophie trusted Flora. She was her ally in this Palace, so, she told her everything. Every doubt that kept her from her position for hours. Every speculation. Every little thing she said to Axel. She drew it all out. She voluntarily told Flora what had happened like she was writing in her diary, except Flora could respond and show her the sympathy she wanted at that moment.
Sophie gave Flora what exactly she needed to hear, not knowing her words would be used against her.
Flora, then, managed to drew Sophie out to eat, while listening. But amidst of their long and intense discussion, Axel came.
But he was not alone.
Together with him was Arabello, Hansel, and four another unknown wolf. Axel called the other servants to order them clean the vacant rooms on the second floor. Axel called the unfamiliar wolves, their guest.
Axel asked Flora, and the other cook to prepare a feast. It was on the evening during their supper that Sophie only had the means to know what was happening.
“I would like you all to meet my beloved Queen, Sophie Drie.” The Alpha introduced her.
And it was what made her uncomfortable during the feast. Axel continuously acted like they were okay. Like his mistake didn’t exist, like they weren’t fighting at all. Sophie disliked it, but as they were in front of Axel’s guests, she couldn’t do anything but follow his act.
But that one evening was followed by another. His guests stayed. Axel didn’t leave the house for the next days, and Sophie was forced to hold back her emotions from springing.