AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She didn’t answer, the menu rising up to block her expression entirely.
Questions formed in my head. Was she lying to me about what’s been bothering her? Was her memory coming back?
I was faced with two choices now: keep pushing her and shove her further away or dig covertly and see what else I could uncover.
I opted for the latter, starting with a quick text to Endora. I wanted to see if Mirielle was in the Continental Marriage Registry.
* * *
I didn’t bringup anything about the past or her memories again for the rest of the night. It was easy for Mirielle to lose herself in the delicious five-course meal that Jahn had arranged, the fresh greens grown in the owner’s own gardens.
“I know I have nothing to compare it to, but this is the best meal I’ve ever eaten—no disrespect to your cooks. You should probably hire Jahn for the castle.”
“I think my father tried to lure him away with the promise of riches once,” I admitted with a wry laugh. “But Jahn loves this place. He wants to leave a legacy for his children.”
“That’s very noble. I’m still going to be craving this chocolate souffle for the next week, though.”
She smiled at me and waited for me to offer to extend another invitation, but I didn’t. Instead, I laid my napkin on my plate, streaked in marron drizzle, and sat back with a glass of water.
“You know where it is now. You’re welcome to come anytime you like.”
Her smile faltered, confusion overtaking her face, but before she could say anything else, I set my glass down.
“Should we go for a walk on the beach?”
Immediately, her expression brightened again. “Yes! I’d like that!”
I waited for Hanson to return and requested the bill, but of course the meal was comped, despite my protests.
“I’d much rather he take this comp and use it toward one of the less fortunate families spoiling themselves one Friday night,” I insisted.
“If you don’t mind me saying, Alpha,” Hanson breathed nervously. “Jahn has had a pay-it-forward program in place for a very long time. He did so with the donations you provided to start the program, just like the other businesses in the area.”
I hid my smile, pleased to know that the proprietor had maintained the charitable program.
“Very good,” I said, pulling out my wallet to tip the server generously. “This is for you, then.”
I rose and extended my arm toward Mirielle, who moved to my side.
“We’ll be leaving through the beach gate. Please inform my guards and thank Jahn for his hospitality. I’ll try not to be a stranger again.”
“Thank you, Alpha!” Hanson gasped, counting the bills in his hand, his irises popping with each flip of his wrist.
“You enacted a pay-it-forward program?” Mirielle asked curiously as we started over the dark sands toward the crash of the waves.
“It’s a small way for the business owners to give back to the community,” I answered flippantly. “And they’re free to instill it any way they want. Some choose to ask the patrons to donate. Others do it on their own. Silverhold helps to reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses incurred, of course.”
Mirielle was quiet for a moment, but I caught her watching me from her sidelong view. “Why?”
I slowed and slipped off my shoes and socks. “Why? Because not everyone in the kingdom is thriving. Not everyone has the ability to treat their children to ice cream or have a night out after a week of working fifty hours. Perhaps we don’t have a poverty problem, but we could do better. And it’s my job to ensure that we do better.”
“Then why do some hate you so much?”
I froze now, the back of my neck prickling. “Who hates me?” I asked slowly, pivoting to stare at her.
She shifted her weight and shook her head. “I don’t know,” she rasped quickly, but there was naked dishonesty radiating off her.
“You said that for a reason,” I growled. “What makes you think I’m hated by anyone, Mirielle? Has someone told you that?”
