My Fated Mate Can Have Her-Chapter 261: Unexpected Encounter

Violet

Rowan’s eyes searched my face, and I looked down, unable to hold his gaze.

"It was nothing—I just... wanted to welcome you back," I added quickly, my voice smaller than I intended. "That’s all."

The silence stretched between us.

Then his arms wrapped around me, pulling me against his chest once again.

He buried his face into the curve of my neck, and I felt him inhale deeply, breathing me in.

I stood frozen, my heart hammering.

"Rowan?"

"It might sound silly," he murmured against my skin, his voice low and rough. "But you have no idea how happy that made me."

Something in my chest fluttered at his words.

He stayed there, his breath warm against my neck, and for a moment, everything else faded. Then his breath shifted, ghosting across the sensitive skin below my ear, and I shivered.

It tickled.

I squirmed against him. "Rowan—"

He didn’t let go immediately, and his breath came again, this time deliberate.

"That tickles!" I gasped, finally managing to push back enough to create space between us, my face burning.

Rowan was smiling. Actually smiling, and he looked pleased with himself.

I cleared my throat, desperate to regain some composure.

"I heard Telsid mention an urgent matter," I said quickly. "Did you leave that to come here? Shouldn’t you...?"

Rowan’s smile didn’t fade. He watched me for a long moment, his eyes gentle.

"I missed you," he said simply.

The words hit me harder than they should have.

I looked away, my hands twisting together in front of me.

"I’m sorry," I murmured. "I just... felt strange."

"Strange?"

"I don’t know how to explain it."

The silence returned, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. Rowan continued to watch me, and there was something searching in his gaze now.

"Did something happen?" he asked quietly. "While I was away?"

"Nothing, really..." I said softly.

Rowan’s eyes lingered on my face. I could tell he didn’t believe me, but he didn’t push.

"Come," he said gently, tugging at my wrist. "I’ll walk you back."

We made our way back to the castle, this time, there was apparently another exit route.

I glanced at Rowan occasionally, catching glimpses of his profile as we made our way back.

He looked happy and it made my chest ache.

[ - ]

The morning sun was warm against my skin as Bei and I walked through a market area I hadn’t visited before.

It was busier, and rather than stalls there were buildings that housed different shops inside. From food to jewelleries and all sorts of multiple items in one building.

Rowan had told me he would be busy for most of today, but before leaving this morning, he had reminded me of our day together in a few days.

I was still thinking about it when Bei paused at a stall selling delicate silver jewellery.

"This is lovely," she murmured. "I should get some for my sister back home."

I was about to ask Bei about her sister when a familiar voice cut through the market noise.

"Violet! Bei!"

My shoulders tensed instinctively.

Nessa was making her way toward us, weaving through the crowd with practiced ease. Her golden hair was pinned up today, a few loose strands framing her face, and she wore a dress of pale green that somehow made her look even more vibrant than usual.

She stopped in front of us, slightly breathless, her smile wide. A little boy clung to her side, holding her hand in a tight grip.

He looked a lot like her.

"What a wonderful coincidence," she said. "I was just thinking about you."

"What?" I blinked.

Bei laughed. "You are such an odd person."

Nessa grinned in return and introduced the boy to us.

"This is my nephew, Leon. Leon, say hi!"

The little boy shyly waved his hand and snuggled closer to Nessa, tugging the skirt of her dress.

A stylish white large cloth bag hung from the crook of Nessa’s elbow.

It felt a bit awkward seeing her again.

She turned to Bei, inclining her head politely. "Bei, it’s lovely to see you again."

"Quite lovely to see you too, Nessa," Bei returned. She then smiled at the little boy. "Hello Leon."

I waved at Leon, not that he was even paying either of us any proper attention to begin with. He impatiently tugged at Nessa’s dress and grunted.

Nessa chuckled, shaking her head. "Please, pardon his behaviour."

She then solely turned her attention back to me, and her smile softened into something less performative.

"Violet, I wanted to ask if you might be free later today," she said. "To spend some time together. Just the two of us."

My eyes widened, slightly surprised.

Bei glanced between us, her brows lifting slightly.

"I understand if you’re busy," Nessa continued, her tone light but sincere. "I find Bei and the others to be pleasant company, but I have hardly gotten to know you well enough, Violet... of course, if you are not available—"

"I don’t mind."

My response surprised me a little bit.

I wanted to say no, and I honestly was still a bit angry at Nessa. Well, more embarrassed than angry.

But I guess I should at least thank her a bit...

I really needed to stop pushing people away.

Nessa blinked. For a moment, genuine surprise crossed her features.

"Really?!"

I sighed, hoping she could just accept and leave. "Yes."

She placed a hand on her chest, that familiar gesture of hers, and her smile bloomed into something bright and delighted.

"This afternoon? After the midday meal?" She clasped her hands together. "We could meet up at that pond where we last spoke! Or is there any other place you’d prefer?"

Bei smiled, amused.

"Anywhere is fine. That place, too," I told her.

"Wonderful." Nessa gleamed. "I’ll see you then."

She turned to Bei, inclining her head again.

"Bei, it was lovely seeing you. I’ll stop by tomorrow!"

Bei smiled, nodding. "Yes, yes. Enjoy your day, Nessa."

Nessa gave us one last smile before turning and disappearing back into the crowd, her green dress swirling behind her.

Bei and I stood in silence for a moment.

"Well," Bei said eventually. "What was that about?"

I sighed. "We had a bit of an unpleasant conversation a while ago. I didn’t like certain things she said."

"Ah... I see," Bei mumbled, a faint smile on her lips. "She is very forward truly, so I am guessing she is likely looking to make amends?"

"Likely..."