The Cursed Alpha Prince's Replacement Bride-Chapter 19: A Gift for Ms. Caldwell

{Third Person}

Understanding hit immediately. The physician’s face paled, and she dropped to her knees at once.

"Your Highness, I spoke out of turn," she said quickly, her voice trembling. "Please forgive me. I will not repeat this elsewhere."

Beside her, the housekeeper lowered her head deeply, not daring to look up.

Alexander said nothing, letting the silence stretch.

Seeing the tension build, Jasper stepped in smoothly. "What happens within this residence," he said, his tone firm but measured, "is not meant for other ears."

The physician nodded rapidly. "Yes, I understand. Thank you for the reminder. I will keep it in mind."

Jasper gave a small nod. "You may leave."

Relief flooded her face. She rose quickly, clutching her wooden case, then bowed once more toward Alexander before hurrying away without looking back.

The courtyard fell quiet again. The housekeeper shifted slightly, intending to leave as well. But—

"Mrs. Woods."

She froze mid-step. Slowly, she turned back, her posture stiff, her head lowered.

Alexander’s gaze pinned her in place. "Are things as the physician said?" he asked.

The housekeeper bowed deeply. "Yes, Your Highness," she answered carefully. "The wounds on the political bride have indeed sealed."

A brief pause followed, then Alexander lifted a hand slightly. A silent dismissal.

Jasper understood at once and said to her. "You may go." 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

"Yes." She didn’t hesitate. She lifted her head, turned around and left in quick steps.

Silence returned to the courtyard. Alexander’s gaze was distant now, and thoughtful. Something about this didn’t sit right with him.

He remained still for a moment longer, then nudged his horse forward. Jasper mounted his own immediately and followed.

They rode out of the residence without another word.

The wind cut past them as they moved through the palace grounds, but Alexander’s thoughts didn’t settle.

Finally, he spoke. "That woman is strange."

Jasper glanced slightly in his direction but said nothing yet.

"Just days ago, the physician described her wounds as severe." His gaze darkened slightly. "And now, she claims they have healed completely. Plus, no scars will be left anymore."

Jasper nodded once. "It is strange indeed," he admitted. "But her identity has already been proven."

Alexander didn’t respond immediately, so Jasper went on, "His Majesty has issued a verdict. Ms. Caldwell has been declared innocent. Gifts have been sent... and a welcome banquet is being prepared in her honour."

After a brief silence, Alexander said, "That changes nothing." His tone was quiet and firm. "This matter should not be overlooked."

Jasper inclined his head. "Understood."

Then Alexander added, almost casually, "If that physician runs her mouth... get me her tongue."

Jasper didn’t hesitate. "Yes, Your Highness."

Then the conversation shifted. "Any news about the anonymous letter?" Alexander asked.

"None," Jasper replied. "No leads so far. However, it is unlikely to have originated from our side."

Alexander’s gaze sharpened slightly. "If there is no evidence pointing here," he said, "drop it."

Jasper understood immediately. If it came from outside their kingdom, tracing it would be far more complicated and not worth the time without a clear lead.

"Yes, Your Highness."

Without another word, Alexander pressed his heels lightly against his horse, and the animal surged forward faster.

Jasper followed in the same rhythm. They left the palace grounds and entered the woods, the terrain growing rougher beneath them as they rode deeper.

After some time, they reached a clearing where several men were already present. Some stretched, while others sparred in human form, their movements sharp and controlled. Meanwhile, others watched, waiting for their turn.

But the moment they noticed Alexander, they stopped.

"Your Highness." Their voices came in unison as they bowed.

Alexander gave a small gesture, and they returned to their training immediately.

These werewolves were no ordinary guards. They belonged to Alexander—handpicked and loyal solely to him.

Jasper dismounted and secured both horses to a large tree nearby while Alexander stepped forward, his presence alone enough to command order without words.

—

By early evening, the clearing had shifted. Fire crackled, and the hunt had begun.

One by one, the men returned, carrying what they had caught—deer, birds, smaller animals. Soon, the scent of roasting meat filled the air as they prepared their catches over open flames.

Alexander sat just outside his tent, one arm lazily resting on the chair, his gaze sweeping across the scene. Always observing.

Jasper returned shortly after, carrying several rabbits. He crouched near a smaller fire set apart and began preparing them efficiently, his movements practised.

The flames flickered, casting shifting shadows across the clearing.

For a while, there was only the sound of fire, low conversation, and the occasional rustle from the surrounding woods.

Then, Alexander’s gaze shifted as something small moved at the edge of the trees quickly.

His eyes narrowed slightly. "There," he said.

Jasper paused, following his line of sight. Just then, a small figure darted between the trees.

"A cat?" he muttered.

"Mmmm." Alexander didn’t look away. "Catch it."

Jasper rose at once, abandoning the meat he had been tending. Without hesitation, he disappeared into the trees.

Alexander simply reached over and took over the rabbit Jasper had been grilling, turning it slowly over the fire as the flames licked against the surface.

The clearing remained alive with quiet activity. Then footsteps returned. Jasper emerged from the woods, holding something in both hands. A small, filthy cat.

Its fur was matted with dirt, and it squirmed weakly in his grip, letting out soft, pitiful meows that immediately drew the attention of the men nearby.

A few of the guards glanced over. But the moment Jasper stopped in front of Alexander, the cat’s cries quieted.

Alexander cast a quick glance at it. His expression remained the same, or perhaps even grew a little more stern.

"It’s dirty," he said flatly. Whatever interest he had was gone.

"Give it to them," he added, nodding faintly toward the men. "They can eat it."

The cat suddenly began meowing again—louder this time, as if it understood that its life was in danger.

Jasper hesitated, which was rare. Then he spoke, "Your Highness, the Humans keep cats."

Alexander paused mid-turn of the meat. Slowly, he looked up at him.

Jasper added quickly, "Perhaps... giving it to Ms. Caldwell as a pet might help her miss home less."