Reborn As Cursed Alpha's Mate-Chapter 78: Harvesting The Saffron

Cassandra didn’t see Siroos for the next few days. When she inquired from Lana about him, she informed him that Siroos had travelled to neighbouring packs along with Faris and Ranon to negotiate prices for their Saffron.

It was almost the end of October, and harvest was about to begin. It was a laborious task but extremely fruitful in the end. About eighty per cent of their earning were dependent upon their Saffron harvest.

After harvesting, the Saffron went through the processes of drying and sorting. It was then packed and sold to neighbouring packs or other kingdoms in the east and north. The West was mainly controlled by the vampire monarchs, who were like mortal enemies to shifters. They avoided trading with each other.

Siroos always went ahead to set the rate of the spice with either gold coins or barter for goods needed for his pack.

He needed a distraction from his mate as well and this was a perfect opportunity.

Cassandra’s heat passed in the next two days and Haylia summoned her to begin her training and thoroughly explained.

"Everyone takes part in the harvesting of Saffron. It’s like our lifeline and we don’t discriminate regarding status. Being the Luna, you will need to lead the pack for this harvest. Lana and I will stay by your side and guide you through the process."

"I understand, Vera Haylia and I look forward to it," Cassandra answered as Lana brought the special clothing and equipment needed for the harvesting. They were also needed to protect the skin from the scorching sun.

Cassandra was never deterred from hard work and was determined to prove herself and learn all these new skills.

She was given a jute hat with a wide berth, a colourful hand-woven jute basket to collect the purple flowers, a yellow cotton work skirt and a long-sleeved shirt.

Saffron was harvested during midday when the sun shone the brightest making the purple flowers bloom at the fullest. It made it easier to separate the stigma from the flower.

Cassandra changed into the garb Lana had provided. She placed the basket in her right arm and headed to the Saffron fields with the rest of the ladies.

They were excited, singing songs of their lands and making conversation with each other.

Everyone carried colourful baskets. They offered appreciative nods to their new Luna and were excited to work along with her.

The vast fields lay just beyond the oasis and had a huge wooden fence all around them. They entered through the door where the sentry warriors had been posted to keep the fields safe from unwanted predators and thieves.

The doors were opened to let the workers pass and everyone spread out. Taking different rows to pluck the flowers from.

Flowers were to be hand-picked, and then the red stigma inside them, which was the main spice, was to be separated. The lilac and violet-shaded flowers needed to be fully opened and fresh, that’s why this time of the day was chosen.

The fields were strewn with green and purple shades, the plants grown in straight rows as far as Cassandra’s eyes could see. The fragrance of the flower impregnated the air and she took a deep whiff, relishing in the feel. Women and men worked together to harvest them.

Harvesting began as Lana guided Cassandra towards a plant and showed her how it was done.

"Nissa! Like this." Lana delicately plucked one flower from the stalk and placed it in her jute basket.

Cassandra bent down, her delicate fingers brushed against the velvety petals as she repeated the process Lana had shown her. Bringing the flower closer to her nose, she inhaled its sweet-honey-like scent. It was one of the most tantalising scents she had ever inhaled.

"They smell so nice," Cassandra happily commented and busied herself with the task at hand.

"They do, I love this part of the year. Our desert finally gets some fragrances and colours," Lana added, placing another flower in her basket tucked under her arm. Her tanned hands glistened under the sweltering sun. freewebnσvel.cøm

The women praised how their new Luna was taking her position seriously and irrespective of her status, she was toiling like a common worker.

Some women were tasked to provide cool water from the well for drinking, so no one would feel overly hot. They were carrying waterskins and urns on their heads.

Cassandra’s delicate anklet slightly dinged every time she moved. The sweat oozed out of her pores and she wiped it with the back of her hand but continued.

Ara brought her water and Cassandra delightedly gulped it down. Never had she been so thankful for the water as she was now.

Soon her basket was more than half-filled. A bell rang announcing the end of the plucking session for that day.

"Let’s head back for the separation and drying process," Lana said leading the way. Cassandra followed and so did the others. Women and men happily chatted. A little girl came running to Cassandra and extended a garland made from Saffron flowers.

"Luna! This is for you," she shyly said, her cheeks turning pink, her brown hair swaying in the gentle warm breeze.

Cassandra halted with her basket, and a lovely smile spread on her face, seeing the heart-touching gesture from the girl.

"Thank you, sweetest." She bent down and extended her neck so the little lass could put it around her. The girl shyly did.

"What is your name?" Cassandra asked, patting her head and taking her hand in hers so she would walk with her.

"Alia!" The girl promptly informed her.

"That’s a beautiful name, Alia and I appreciate you bringing me this beautiful garland."

"You are pretty; I want to be like you when I grow up," Alia said, touching her soft brown hair.

"I can bet you will far surpass me in beauty and wisdom," Cassandra answered with a smile as they entered a well-aired and moderately lighted chamber behind Lana.

Alia deeply blushed at the compliment and ran away to tell her mother.

"Children like you. You have this friendly aura they can sense," Lana revealed guiding her towards the long wooden tables with stools. Cassandra’s smile widened at her kind words.

Everyone began to carefully dump their harvest on the smooth surface of the tables.

Lana picked up one of the flowers and spread its petals; she then pulled out the dark red stigma from the centre of the flower and placed it on the rectangular wooden tray already lying there.

"That’s the part we need, it’s the one which will become the spice."

Lana showed Cassandra and she understood what needed to be done.

Soon everyone got busy with the process of separating the stigmas from the flowers. It was a tedious task, but some women told interesting tales, and the time passed quickly.

The chamber swarmed with the sweet scent and gossip of the women.

Sometimes their laughter rang out.

Cassandra was proud of how much she had gotten done on her very first day. Her back ached but she wasn’t about to complain.

Haylia came to check up on her progress and was impressed with the work she had put in.

"Well done, Cassandra. Let’s head out for supper. You can rest after that."

Cassandra stood up and faced the women of her pack and addressed them.

"It was an honour working the fields with all of you. Thank you for your efforts, may we have a bountiful harvest."

Everyone cheered with her words.

"May the gods bless us," they cried out.

Soon they left the chamber after spreading out the stigmas for the process of drying.

Supper had been prepared by the women who didn’t work the fields that day. The next day, the jobs would be reversed.

Roasted meat and vegetable soup smelled delicious after working the whole day in the fields.

Today, Cassandra sat with the whole pack instead of sitting at their own table. But occasionally glanced at the empty head chair where Siroos used to sit.

A part of her missed him even though he was a manipulative brute. She tried to shove that part down, trying to forget, but there was holding in her chest now, which only his touch and voice could fill.

After the hearty meal, Cassandra went to her chamber to rest. Ames resumed his duty of guarding her door. He bowed in reverence as she passed and she acknowledged him with the nod of her head.

Entering her chamber, she removed her work clothes and thoroughly washed her face and hands. Proceeding to her cupboard she extracted an airy chemise which only reached her waist and loose panties.

She then dropped on her bedding and went to sleep as quickly as her head touched the pillow. Tired from the ordeal of the day.

It seemed like Cassandra had hardly slept when she was suddenly awakened.

A warm sensation spread on her face as someone lovingly called her.

"Malakti!"

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