Cursed and Fated: Offered To The Wicked Alpha Prince
Chapter 33: Left me mesmerized

Chapter 33: Left me mesmerized

Adeline was surprised to see Lila waiting in the bedroom when she stepped out of the washroom.

"Miss, your clothes," Lila said, offering a warm, respectful smile.

"I’m glad you came. Are you accompanying us too? I would be happy if you did," Adeline said, tightening the knot on her bathrobe as she approached the bed where the garments were laid out.

"That depends on the Alpha Prince, Miss," Lila answered. "This dress was selected by the Prince himself. He mentioned it would be practical for travel."

Adeline looked at the modest outfit, a light blue knee-length dress with a slight flare from the hips. It was simple yet elegant, exactly the kind of thing she felt comfortable in. She smiled at the thought of Gideon personally picking it out.

"Change into them, and then I’ll do your hair and makeup," Lila added. She bowed politely and walked out, giving Adeline the privacy she needed.

Once she had slipped into the dress, Adeline called Lila back in. The fabric was soft against her skin and moved beautifully as she walked.

Sitting on the vanity chair, she closed her eyes and let Lila dry her hair before the attendant began expertly pinning it into a secure yet soft hairstyle that would withstand the long journey ahead.

"I don’t think makeup is necessary," Adeline said, watching as Lila uncapped a small vial.

"Why not? The Alpha Prince’s focus shouldn’t move away from you," Lila replied with a playful glint in her eye. She carefully applied a thin line of eyeliner to define Adeline’s gaze, finishing with a light, petal-pink shade of lipstick. Once she was finished, she stepped back to let Adeline check her reflection.

"You’ve made me look quite pretty," Adeline murmured, touching her cheek lightly. "Thank you, Lila."

The quiet moment was interrupted by a sharp knock and a deep, familiar voice from outside the door. It was Brian.

"Miss Valois, if you are ready, please come downstairs for breakfast."

Adeline stood up quickly, sliding her feet into her comfortable flats. She took a moment to wash her hands, then followed Lila as they headed downstairs.

Gideon and Micah were deep in discussion about the logistics of the travel when the rhythmic clicking of flats on the marble stairs caught their attention. Both men turned toward the staircase simultaneously.

Gideon’s expression softened as he watched Adeline descend. He walked to the foot of the stairs and extended his hand toward her. Adeline hesitated for only a second before placing her hand in his.

"Your beauty has always left me mesmerized," he whispered, leaning in just enough so the words were for her alone.

The compliment sent a warmth to her cheeks, but before she could respond, he led her toward the dining room.

The table was already set, the aroma of a hearty breakfast filling the air. Adeline ate to her heart’s content before they left for the private airport.

~~~~~

The journey concluded within three hours as they finally crossed into the rugged territories of the Western Borders.

Commander Connor had personally vetted the route, ensuring their car remained undetected until they reached the heart of the region where their forces were stationed.

"This cottage will be your temporary residence," Connor explained, gesturing toward a sturdy structure. "The rogue packs are increasingly active near the perimeter. However, you won’t find any trouble within the town of Mistvale; law and order are strictly maintained here."

"I shall head to the borders immediately to address the wolves, then," Gideon suggested, his eyes already fixed on the distant treeline.

"Don’t you wish to rest first?" Connor asked, surprised by the Alpha Prince’s lack of fatigue.

"I didn’t come here to rest. I want to end it soon, so that I can return to the capital as soon as I can," Gideon stated. He gazed at Adeline and added, "You shall rest for some time. If you find yourself hungry, ask the staff here. Don’t trouble yourself with any kind of work."

"Micah, let’s go," Gideon commanded, his tone shifting into one of pure authority. The two men departed immediately, with Connor following close behind to lead the way to the command post.

Once they were gone, a local maid approached Adeline with a respectful bow. "Miss, I’ll show you to the bedroom," she offered.

Adeline nodded and followed her through the cottage. Upon entering the room, she saw that her luggage had already been delivered and neatly placed.

"Would you like to have some snacks, Miss?" the maid asked, pausing at the doorway.

"No, thank you. I would like to rest for some time," Adeline replied.

The maid bowed and left, shutting the door behind her.

Adeline stepped onto the balcony to take in the view and gasped. Below her was a sprawling, manicured garden featuring a shimmering swimming pool that caught the sunlight.

Stepping back into the room, she pulled her phone from her purse. She hadn’t had a moment to check it since the previous day, and as the screen lit up, she saw several missed messages from Renard.

"How did he even get my number?" she murmured, her brow furrowing as she opened the inbox.

"I’m sorry for creating a commotion like that. I didn’t mean to confess in that manner. Call me when you see this."

"Why is he so clingy?" Adeline mumbled to the empty room. She deleted the thread immediately and moved to block his contact from the app.

But before she could finish, the phone began to vibrate in her hand. An unsaved number flashed across the screen. She stared at it for a long moment, her heart hammering against her ribs, before finally pressing the answer button.

"Adeline, you saw my message but didn’t answer me," Renard’s voice came through, sounding desperate and far too familiar.

"Why did you call me? I have no intention of talking to you," Adeline said. "Please, do not call me again. Also, if Prince Gideon finds out you’re still bothering me, he will not spare you. Do not put yourself, or me, in that position."