The Cursed Alpha Prince's Replacement Bride-Chapter 58: Returning the Drunk Woman

{Third Person}

The game continued, and the night pulled Amara back in. By the time the third drink settled in, the change was obvious.

Amara laughed without holding back now. She spoke more freely and even teased back when someone poked at her.

At some point, she tried explaining fencing again—this time using her hands, almost knocking over a glass in the process.

"Careful," Kael said quickly, steadying it before it tipped.

She blinked at him, then laughed. "It was under control."

"Sure it was." He didn’t move far after that. He stayed close enough to catch anything that might fall—or her, if needed.

Though his actions weren’t obvious, Elowen noticed. Of course she did. How could she not when she has had her eyes on both of them all night?

Her gaze flicked between them briefly, then she took a slow sip of her drink, saying nothing.

"Another one?" someone asked, already reaching for Amara’s glass.

"Yes," Amara said.

Elowen’s eyes snapped to her. ’That was fast.’

The glass was placed in Amara’s hand, and she took a sip. Her movements were just a little less steady now. Her laughter was a little louder, and her words slightly slower.

Elowen watched her closely, still smiling, but more alert now.

Not long after, Amara rose too quickly, and the world tilted slightly. She swayed, and Kael was already on his feet.

"Hey—" He reached out, steadying her by the arm.

"I’m fine," Amara said immediately, though her balance said otherwise.

Elowen came quickly. She took the glass from Amara’s hand without asking. "That’s enough." Her was firm. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

Amara frowned slightly. "I’m not even—"

"You are," Elowen cut in, softer now but just as certain.

Amara opened her mouth then closed it because... maybe she was. The world did feel a little strange.

"...Okay," she muttered.

Elowen exhaled quietly. Then turned to the others, her expression shifting back to easygoing.

"We are heading out."

"Aww, already?" one of them groaned.

"She is tired," Elowen said simply, nodding toward Amara.

A few of them waved. "Next time, you are finishing the game," someone called out.

"And teaching us fencing," another added.

Amara managed a small laugh. "I will..."

Kael stepped closer. "Do you need help—?"

"I’ve got her," Elowen said smoothly, already guiding Amara.

He paused for a bit, then nodded. "Alright." But his gaze lingered for just a second longer.

Elowen noticed that too, but this time, she didn’t have the opportunity to bother about him and his feelings.

With one arm lightly supporting Amara, she led her away from the noise, toward the quieter edge of the rooftop where the music faded behind them, and the laughter softened.

And as they moved towards the exit, the cool night air brushed against Amara’s face. She drew in a slow breath. Her steps were unsteady, but lighter than they had been in days.

For a few hours... She had forgotten everything. And maybe that was exactly why Elowen didn’t let her stay any longer.

---

The ride back was not completely silent.

Inside the car, Amara leaned slightly against the seat, her head tilted toward the window, her movements slower, her guard completely gone.

Elowen let her be until she suddenly started speaking without warning.

"They replaced me so easily..." Her voice was low and unsteady.

Elowen turned her head slightly, watching her.

"I didn’t even do anything wrong," Amara continued, her words slurring just a little at the edges. "I just... left. And that was enough."

Elowen didn’t interrupt. She didn’t ask who Amara was talking about and just simply listened.

Amara let out a small, hollow laugh, then shook her head faintly as if trying to clear it. "Eight months..." she murmured. "That’s not even... that’s not even a mistake. That’s... planned."

The car moved steadily forward. Elowen’s expression softened, though she didn’t speak. Then, just as suddenly, Amara shifted. Her brows furrowed, and her tone changed.

"And this place..." she muttered, sitting up a little straighter, her voice gaining a bit more strength. "This palace..."

Elowen stayed quiet.

"I arrived one day—and the next day, I was arrested," Amara said, her words coming more quickly now, frustration seeping through. "Locked up like I was some kind of criminal."

Elowen’s eyes flickered in surprise. She hadn’t known about this.

Amara let out a breath that almost sounded like a scoff. "And then they punished me. Just like that. No explanation that made sense. No fairness. Just..." she waved her hand vaguely, "...punishment."

Elowen’s expression changed. The softness remained, but displeasure slipped in. No one had mentioned a word about this to her.

Amara leaned back again, her voice quieter now. "And they expect me to just... live there like it’s normal."

Elowen inhaled slowly, then exhaled. Still, she did not interrupt. She simply allowed Amara to release what she had been holding in.

But after a moment, she reached out and gently adjusted the edge of Amara’s sleeve, her tone light as she spoke, deliberately steering things away from that heaviness.

"You survived it."

Amara glanced at her and received a small smile. She stared at Elowen for a second, then looked away.

"...I guess."

Elowen tilted her head slightly, studying her. Then, with a sudden shift in tone, she said, "Also... Kael likes you."

"What?" Amara’s head snapped back toward her. "No. No, he doesn’t." Amara cut in immediately, her voice firm despite her state.

Elowen raised a brow. "You’re very sure."

"Yes," Amara said, almost stubbornly. "He doesn’t."

Elowen didn’t argue. She just smiled to herself and leaned back into her seat. In her mind, a different thought was already forming.

’I wonder how Alexander will react when he finds out that one of my friends likes his bride.’

The idea alone was enough to lift her mood.

By the time the carriage continued its steady path back toward the palace, Elowen was already quietly amused.

—

Night had settled fully over the palace grounds.

The air was cool, the pathways lit by steady lanterns, and the guards stood at their posts in silence.

At the entrance of the Alpha Prince’s residence, Alexander stood still, waiting.

His expression gave nothing away, but the fact that he was there—outside, at this hour—said enough.

His gaze shifted the moment the approaching carriage came into view. He watched it roll to a stop, and the door opened.

Elowen stepped out first, then turned immediately and reached back inside. "Careful."

Amara emerged next unsteadily, with Elowen’s help. She was clearly not in her usual state.

Elowen supported her arm lightly as she guided her down.

Alexander just watched them. His cold, assessing gaze moved from Elowen to Amara, then back again.

Elowen felt his mood immediately and cried out in her heart, ’Ah... he’s going to be annoyed.’

But that didn’t show on her face. Not even a little. She straightened slightly, her tone casual, as if everything was perfectly normal.

"We are back."

Alexander didn’t respond. His eyes remained on Amara.

Elowen followed his gaze briefly, then made a quick decision. She would not be standing here when this exploded.