The morning sun rose higher in the sky, casting a warm, bright glow across the polished floorboards of the royal solar. The room buzzed with a quiet, pleasant energy, transformed by a stunning array of delicate fabrics, finely carved wooden crib models, and plush wool blankets arranged on the low tables.

Even though the pregnancy was only three weeks along, the royal household spared no effort in preparation. Three of the finest merchants in the kingdom had been summoned, their trunks open as they displayed their exquisite wares to Odesse.

Odesse sat comfortably in her cushioned high-backed chair, a cup of warm herbal tea resting near her hand. Cara stood loyally just a half step behind her left shoulder, her eyes wide as she took in the vibrant array of miniature garments.

"Your Highness," the lead merchant, an older woman with sharp eyes and an enthusiastic smile, said as she lifted a tiny tunic made of spun cream silk. "This fabric is woven from the softest northern flax. It is incredibly gentle on newborn skin, breathable for the warmer months, and double-lined to ensure maximum comfort."

Odesse leaned forward, tracing the delicate stitching along the collar with her index finger. A bright, genuine smile illuminated her face. "It’s beautiful. Does it come in a deeper forest green or soft blue as well?"

"Of course, Your Highness," the merchant replied quickly, gesturing to her assistant to retrieve two more folded pieces from the trunk. "We can dye the silk to any shade the royal family desires."

Cara leaned down slightly, her voice dropping to a low whisper near Odesse’s ear. "The green would look stunning, Your Highness. It matches the traditional colors of the pack’s lineage."

Odesse nodded in agreement and looked up at the merchant. "Excellent. We will take twelve silk tunics—four in cream, four in forest green, and four in soft blue. And what about the winter cloaks?"

The second merchant stepped forward, eagerly lifting a tiny, thick cloak lined with genuine, ultra-soft shearling wool. "For the colder months, Your Highness. The outer shell is completely wind-resistant, and the hood is designed to stay secure without being too tight around the neck." 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

Oh, look at the tiny hood," Odesse chuckled softly, turning her head slightly toward Cara.

"It’s incredibly thick," Cara whispered back, a smile tugging at her lips. "The baby will certainly stay warm during evening courtyard walks."

"We will definitely need those," Odesse said, turning back to the merchants. "Order six shearling cloaks in various sizes so the child can grow into them. I also want twenty quilted cotton swaddling blankets with silver embroidery around the edges."

The merchants bowed deeply, their faces aglow with satisfaction as the assistant quickly jotted down the growing list of orders on a piece of parchment.

"And for the nursery furniture, Your Highness?" the third merchant asked, pointing to a beautifully detailed miniature model of a dark walnut crib, carved with intricate patterns of running wolves and stars. "This can be crafted and delivered within the month."

Odesse examined the woodwork, her heart warming at the sight of the craftsmanship. "The carvings are magnificent. Have the full-sized crib made from dark walnut, and ensure the matching wardrobe and changing table are crafted from the same wood."

She paused, looking over the assortment of soft leather shoes, knitted booties, and small silver rattles displayed before her. The sheer volume of things needed for a royal child felt overwhelming, but the process filled her with pure excitement.

"Go ahead and add three dozen everyday linen shirts, ten knitted wool sets, and all of the silver rattles to the order," Odesse instructed softly, her voice confident and decisive. "Have the final registry sent to the royal treasurer for the allocations, and ensure the fabrics are delivered to the palace washing quarters as soon as they are ready."

"Right away, Your Highness," the lead merchant said, bowing low. "It is an absolute honor to serve the royal family."

The assistants began carefully folding the precious silks and packing the wooden models back into their heavy leather trunks. Odesse leaned back against her cushions, watching them with a relaxed, happy expression, already imagining the grand nursery filled with everything she had just chosen.

The merchants all stood up and looked at Odesse. The main merchant gave a warm smile and said, "We shall take our leave, Your Highness." Odesse nodded with a smile as the merchants turned and walked towards the door, opened it, and closed it behind them.

Odesse turned to face Cara and said, "The dresses are really good, right, Cara?" Cara walked to stand in front of Odesse, saying, "Yes, Your Highness. The merchants were very nice, and all their products seem promising." Odesse nodded, placing her hands on her belly, her face brightening up with a soft smile as she looked down. "Although this child has not grown a lot, I cannot contain my joy for the day I shall hold them in my arms and kiss their tiny little cheeks," she said.

Cara looked at Odesse and smiled. "I cannot wait to see how you and His Highness’s child will look," she continued. "You both have such striking beauty; I can only imagine they will be the prettiest of all." Odesse’s cheeks flushed red as she replied, "Oh Cara, you’re making me blush." Cara laughed and said, "You must be exhausted. I shall bring you some ginger tea."

Odesse yawned softly and thanked her. Cara bowed slightly, turned, and walked towards the door, opening it and closing it behind her. Odesse relaxed on the cushion, sighing as she looked at the ceiling with a smile.

Cara walked through the quiet and dim hall, humming softly. "I can’t believe my best friend will be a mother soon," she thought, putting her hands behind her back as she walked ahead. Then she saw Kael approaching her, and her heartbeat began to race uncontrollably. She thought to herself, *Why is he walking towards me?* She glanced at him and then looked down, questioning, *What am I thinking? It’s just the halls; he walks here all the time. He’ll probably just pass by. I should be okay.*

She continued walking with her head down, expecting Kael to go past her, but instead, he stopped right in front of her. His face was stoic and serious, and he stood with a straight posture.

She noticed his legs in front of her and looked up to see him staring at her. Her cheeks blossomed a mild red as she wondered, "Why is he standing in front of me?" Kael’s voice was sharp and deep as he asked, "Do you have time?"

She stuttered, "Time... time for what?" He shifted back slightly and said, "I would like to ask you a question as ordered by His Highness." Cara looked at him with a confused expression. "His Highness?" she echoed.

Kael nodded and asked, "Where was Her Highness before her evening rest yesterday?" Cara’s hands began shaking as she thought, "Why does His Highness want to know that? Did Her Hghness tell him about what happened to her wrist yesterday? What should I even say?"

Kael’s voice interrupted her thoughts, coming in sharp again. "Are you there?" Cara flinched and smiled nervously, trying to compose herself as Kael looked at her with intimidating eyes. She coughed slightly and replied, "She had a meeting with Lady Calista, then she took a short walk in the palace courtyard. After that, she got tired and went for her rest."

Kael watched her as she nervously fiddled with her dress. Quickly, Cara added, "I have to be in the kitchen; Her Highness ordered ginger tea." Kael stepped aside, allowing her to pass. She bowed slightly and walked quickly forward, glancing back as he turned to watch her descend the stairs.

As she walked down the stairs, Cara’s face turned completely red. She covered her face and shook her head, saying, "If he kept staring at me, I would have given in and told him everything." Removing her hand from her face, she added, "How can someone be so handsome and yet so clueless?" She continued her slow descent and wondered, "Why does His Highness want that information? What did Her Highness tell him last night? Whatever she said, he doesn’t believe her one bit."

Cara reached the bottom of the stairs and headed towards the large, long door ahead.

...

After a few minutes, the door to the solar opened, and Cara walked in holding a cup of steaming hot ginger tea. She approached Odesse, who was reading a book. Odesse looked up with a smile as Cara set the tea cup on the table in front of her. Standing before Odesse, who sat up straight and lowered her book, Odesse said, "Thank you, Cara."

Cara nodded in response. Odesse studied Cara’s face and asked, "What’s wrong, Cara?" As she gently reached for the tea cup and raised it slowly to her mouth, Cara replied, "Your Highness, I was walking in the hall, and I saw Kael." Odesse smirked and raised her eyebrows teasingly.

Cara paused, looking at Odesse, and asked, "Why does your face look like that?" Odesse’s smirk widened as she said, "I know you like Kael, you sly sheep." Cara’s face turned cherry red, prompting Odesse to laugh out loud. Lowering the tea cup, Cara replied, "What are you saying, Your Highness?"

Odesse looked at her and said, "You can’t hide it, Cara, my dear. I can see your face whenever he’s near. It’s really cute." Cara looked down and said, "Well... he is a wolf, anyway, and a very stoic man." Odesse added, "That is true. I doubt he even thinks about love or relationships, even with female wolves."

Cara sighed and said, "I guess my feelings will be unrequited then." Odesse stood up, walked towards Cara, and took her hands, looking into her eyes. "You never know, Cara. A miracle could happen." Cara smiled warmly at Odesse and replied, "Not all feelings have a happy ending, Your Highness."

Odesse beamed and said, "You never know what destiny has in store." Cara laughed softly and said, "Enough about me, Your Highness." Suddenly, her expression turned serious as she added, "Kael asked me what you did before your evening rest yesterday." Odesse’s eyes widened in shock. "What! Why would he ask that?"

Cara explained, "He was ordered by his Highness, and I have a feeling he has asked other maids and guards, too." Odesse touched her forehead in concern and said, "I need to speak with Eryx again before his Highness finds out it was him who did that."

Cara asked, "Why do you need to talk to him again, Your Highness?" Odesse, looking at Cara with a serious expression, replied, "Eryx was not the one who said all that."

"What do you mean?" Cara asked, her confusion evident. Odesse stated, "There is something eerie going on, Cara, and I have to find out before things escalate." The two of them exchanged puzzled glances, each trying to grasp what was happening.