Free Web NovelChapter 20: Chapter 20 Flowers Left Ungiven
Well, to be fair, males in the Valerion Empire really had it rough. And Beatrix already had nineteen husbands, so what did she care?
After two and a half days, Elara finally made her way back to the ward.
Her cheerful humming bounced off the hallway walls before she even reached their rooms. A greenhouse, flowers, vegetables, thriving aqua power—how could she not be in an amazing mood?
She practically floated into the room, wheeling her meal cart along.
The instant Kaelen and Julian caught sight of her, they both jumped up from their seats like the meal hatch had some magnetic force. They pressed themselves right against it.
"Why haven’t you been bringing meals the past couple days?"
Kaelen’s voice sounded more pitiful than he probably meant it to. He was her fated mate, and she’d just disappeared for two whole days without explanation. He hadn’t been able to eat or drink properly while she was gone, and being stuck in here with nothing to occupy his time, he’d worked himself into such a state he actually felt sick.
He’d wanted to scold her a little, but the words just melted on his tongue. He wanted to tell her he’d missed her like crazy, but he was too embarrassed to actually voice it...
"Sorry, little dragon. I had some things to handle the last couple days, so I couldn’t deliver your meals."
Seeing Kaelen’s drooping ears and those big, innocent eyes going wide, Elara’s heart instantly softened about fifty percent. Oh no... she really, really wanted to pet him.
Too bad that thick glass stood in the way. No touching allowed.
Kaelen went completely still. His big, adorable eyes blinked a few times, and whatever lingering hurt he’d felt vanished entirely. She’d called him... little dragon? ƒгeewebnovёl.com
His previously drooping ears shot straight up. The little dragon transformed into an eager puppy in about half a second. Kaelen sniffled, his tail behind him starting to wag without his control. The moment he realized he was losing his composure, he quickly straightened up, changing the subject by glancing at the food on the hatch. "Today’s meal looks a bit different," he said, attempting to sound serious.
It was red—a vibrant color he hadn’t seen before. And it smelled incredible.
"The results of my hard work after being busy for two days. Give it a taste. If you like it, I’ll make it again tomorrow."
Elara didn’t mention that the supply request had been rejected. They were already miserable enough being locked up here for treatment. Telling them the reality would only make them spiral even more.
Okay, fine, she was already spiraling a little herself. But at least now she could provide for herself, so the spiral came without the panic.
"I like it."
Kaelen smiled, said thank you, and then sat up even straighter, a shy, pleased expression crossing his face. He’d noticed the fresh flowers sitting beside her meal cart. She loved his beast form so much, and he was always the one getting special treatment, so he naturally assumed the flowers were for him.
Fresh flowers weren’t common in the Valerion Empire. With so little land for cultivation, growing food was challenging enough, let alone flowers. And she’d just said she’d been working for two days... had she gone to find flowers for him?
He shouldn’t think about it. The more he thought, the faster his heart raced, the more excited he got...
Sniffle. His mate really loved him.
But then?
She said, "Enjoy your meal!"
And... she just left?
They weren’t for him?!
Noooo!
The little dragon slumped over dramatically, watching dejectedly as she headed for the second ward.
So... those flowers... were for Barrett?
Julian was already standing at attention. He’d positioned himself by the pool, striking a pose that showed off his sharp jawline while conveniently hiding his out-of-control, mutated fangs. Trying to look aloof, he couldn’t help sneaking glances at the flowers on the cart.
His mate had brought flowers for him. She didn’t actually hate him—he knew it. Once he transformed back to his handsome self, he’d give her the best of everything too.
"Today’s meal uses some new ingredients. Let me know if you like it."
As she spoke, Elara placed the fresh-squeezed lemonade on the hatch. Julian turned his head and saw her standing there, smiling at him like a blooming flower.
Julian’s breath caught, and he immediately dove headfirst into the water.
He’d just acted so undignified!
Feeling his own awkwardness, he quickly sank deeper... To avoid... further embarrassment.
Elara didn’t notice his embarrassment at all. She only saw his flawless back. Honestly, aside from his face, the merman’s tail was absolutely breathtaking. That moment when he dove into the water had her completely mesmerized.
Okay, she took back "sea demon". From now on, she was calling him a sea lizard.
Julian adjusted himself underwater and finally managed to squeeze out a soft "Mhm" from his throat.
She waved when she heard it. "Enjoy your meal."
Huh?!
She was leaving?
My lady... what about my flowers?
He wanted to jump up and ask, but he couldn’t. He couldn’t get out of the water. Worthless body—you’ve really screwed me over.
Julian started shedding little pearls again. Today was just one disappointment after another.
His mate still didn’t like him.
He shoveled all the scrambled eggs into his mouth, eating while crying and sighing.
Elara hadn’t gone far when she glanced back out of the corner of her eye. That one look made her expression shift to pure disbelief...
Okay, calling him a sea lizard was still too generous. This guy deserved something more like "Bloopers" or maybe "Zigzag".
Julian really shouldn’t have looked up at that exact moment, because he clearly caught the look of disgust she was aiming right at him.
