The Cursed Alpha Prince's Replacement Bride-Chapter 46: Bad-mouthing Him

{Third Person}

A week later, the nights were still not quiet for Amara.

Sleep had become something fragile, something that slipped through her fingers the moment she thought she had grasped it.

This night was no different.

Amara stirred in her bed, her brows drawn together as discomfort settled deep in her chest. She shifted slightly, then suddenly jerked awake.

Her breath came unevenly for a moment as she sat up, her eyes wide, before she forced herself to calm down. A slow breath left her lips as she pressed a hand lightly against her chest.

The images of blood and a lifeless body lingered. They always did. That moment, Alexander’s hand gripping the dancer’s head. The sound. The aftermath.

Amara squeezed her eyes shut briefly, as if that alone could push it all away. But it didn’t. It never did.

She exhaled quietly and slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb Ginger, who lay curled up and fast asleep.

Moving slowly, she grabbed a thick shirt and pulled it over herself, then reached for a small blanket and draped it over her shoulders. Without making a sound, she stepped out of her room.

Mrs. Woods, who had been resting lightly nearby, was startled to see her. "Lady Amara?" she said, surprised. "You are still awake at this hour?"

Amara gave a small, tired look. "I can’t sleep," she admitted. "I just... want to take a walk."

Mrs. Woods studied her for a moment, then nodded. "I will come with you."

Together, they stepped outside.

The night air was cool, and the courtyard was dimly lit by scattered lamps. Guards stood at their posts, unmoving, their presence steady and silent.

As they walked, Mrs. Woods lifted the lamp slightly to guide their path. After a moment, she glanced at Amara.

"Should I call the physician for you once morning comes?"

Amara shook her head. "No. This isn’t something a physician can fix. It’s... psychological."

Mrs. Woods frowned slightly, trying to process the unfamiliar word. But Amara had already drifted into her own thoughts.

Her expression tightened, and her jaw clenched because she knew exactly who the cause of all this was.

Alexander.

Her grip on the blanket tightened slightly as irritation flared within her.

’He must be sleeping so peacefully while I am stuck here, reliving the nightmares over and over again.’

Her lips pressed into a thin line. Then, as they turned toward the side of the building, she spoke again.

"During the second banquet... the King said the Alpha Prince was punished," she said. "Do you know how he was punished?"

Mrs. Woods continued walking, the lamp casting soft shadows around them. "I thought this matter had passed," she said cautiously.

Amara let out a dry, sarcastic breath. "Unfortunately, that memory lives rent-free in my head."

Mrs. Woods sighed softly. Then, lowering her voice, she answered, "His Majesty personally punished His Highness. He was whipped... twenty times. Until his flesh tore."

She hesitated slightly before adding, "Despite His Highness being... frail in health."

For a second, Amara was quiet, then a small smile crept onto her lips. It was slow and unhidden.

"Serves him right," she said plainly.

Mrs. Woods stopped walking. "Lady Amara—"

"Serves me right?" A cold male voice cut through the air.

Amara answered immediately, without thinking. "Yes."

Then she froze. ’That voice...’

Her head turned slowly, and there he was. Alexander.

Standing a few steps away, his figure partially lit by the lamp Jasper held behind him. Jasper looked visibly awkward, clearly having walked into something he would rather not be part of.

Mrs. Woods nearly dropped the lamp in her hands before quickly steadying herself and bowing deeply. "Your Highness." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

Alexander did not spare her a glance. His gaze was fixed on Amara, pinning her in place.

Amara felt her heart drop. ’I’m in trouble.’ The realization hit instantly. Regret followed just as quickly.

’Why did I say that out loud?’ Her mind raced, searching for a way out. And then, she just decided to pretend.

A forced smile appeared on her face as she straightened slightly. "Your Highness," she said, her tone light, "you’re here for a walk?"

Alexander ignored the question completely. "Did you just say," he asked, his voice calm but sharp, "that it serves me right to be punished?"

Amara blinked, then turned to Mrs. Woods with a confused expression. "Did I say that?"

Mrs. Woods stared at her silently. But in her mind, she was already praying not to be dragged into this.

’Lady Amara, can you spare me?’

Amara turned back to Alexander as if nothing had happened. "Well then," she said smoothly, "Your Highness, I won’t keep you."

She gave a small curtsy, then turned to Mrs. Woods. "It’s chilly tonight. Let’s head back."

Without waiting, she started walking away, her steps quick—almost too quick—as she headed toward the front of the house.

Mrs. Woods bowed once more. "Your Highness," she said, before hurrying after Amara.

Alexander remained at the same spot, watching Amara’s retreating figure until she disappeared from his sight.

Then he scoffed. "Coward," he muttered under his breath.

Then, he clicked his tongue lightly, his gaze still fixed ahead. "She doesn’t even dare say it to my face."

Then he resumed walking, his steps unhurried. "Looks like she is having difficulty sleeping," he said casually.

Jasper listened quietly, saying nothing yet.

Alexander did not slow down as he added, "Send for the physician tomorrow. Let him take a look at her."

Jasper nodded. "Yes, Your Highness." But as he walked behind him, his lips twitched slightly.

’What about you, Your Highness?’ he thought silently. ’You haven’t been sleeping well either... shouldn’t the physician take a look at you too?’

Of course, he said none of it aloud.

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The next morning, Alexander woke up with a thought that refused to leave his mind.

The image of Amara from the previous night replayed itself—her startled expression when he caught her red-handed, the way she froze, and then fled like a frightened cat.

A faint scoff left his lips. Then, almost out of boredom, or perhaps something else he did not care to name, he decided that since thoughts of her kept him occupied throughout the night...

Then he would return the favour.