The Cursed Alpha Prince's Replacement Bride-Chapter 51: Bonding After Her Return

{Third Person}

Amara nodded, and almost immediately, Elowen carefully lifted the cat into her arms, adjusting it comfortably.

"It doesn’t look like Alex has seen it," she said casually.

Amara blinked, trying to process that statement for a moment before replying, "He is the one who gave it to me."

Elowen stilled for a brief second. Then her lips curved into something that resembled amusement.

"Oh," she said lightly.

Amara noticed the look. "What?" she asked.

"Nothing," Elowen replied, her tone innocent, but the glint in her eyes said otherwise.

’So he gives gifts now...?’ She almost laughed to herself. ’This is new.’

Mrs Woods entered shortly after, carrying snacks and drinks, and placed them neatly on the table.

Elowen didn’t hesitate. She picked one up, took a bite, and nodded approvingly. "This is good."

Amara watched her quietly. There was no restraint in her. No calculated behaviour. She simply... existed as she was.

Elowen played with Ginger for a while, her fingers moving gently through its fur, her voice soft as she spoke to it like it could understand.

But after a while, Ginger had had enough. With a small wriggle, it slipped out of her arms and padded back to Amara, hopping onto her lap like it belonged there.

"So, you are tired of me already?" Elowen paused, then laughed. "But I just arrived. Get ready to be sick of me."

Amara’s lips curved faintly.

Elowen leaned back slightly in her seat, one leg crossed over the other as she watched Amara for a moment.

"You know," she said, tilting her head a little, "this place can get very boring." She gestured lightly around the room. "Staying here all day, seeing the same walls, the same people... it gets tiring after a while."

Amara didn’t deny it. Elowen noticed and continued, her tone lifting again, "But there are places outside the palace that are actually interesting."

That caught Amara’s attention.

Elowen leaned forward slightly now, her eyes bright. "Markets, small towns, cafés... places that don’t feel like this." She waved her hand vaguely, as if the palace itself was the problem.

Amara hesitated. "We are allowed to go out?"

Elowen smiled. "With permission, yes. And with me, it won’t be a problem."

There was a quiet confidence in the way she said it. Then she added, almost casually, "As long as I’m here, I will take you to places that are actually fun."

Amara looked at her for a moment. She wasn’t used to people offering things so easily. Still...

"...Alright," she said.

Elowen’s smile widened immediately. "Good."

Amara shifted slightly. "When can we go?"

Elowen paused, thinking. "Actually, I’m having a small gathering with my friends soon. I will have to confirm with them first," she said after a moment. "They will know where it’s worth going."

Then she stood up, smoothing her outfit lightly. "I will let you know once I do."

Amara nodded. "Okay."

Elowen took a step back, then glanced at her once more. "I will come find you."

Amara gave a small nod.

"Bye," Elowen added lightly, already turning.

Amara lifted her hand slightly. "Bye."

And just like that, Elowen left, taking her energy with her right back to Alexander’s side. She walked straight in.

"You’re back," Alexander said without looking up.

Elowen didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she walked closer, then stopped right in front of him.

"Since when do you give gifts?"

He looked up at her quietly, awaiting further explanation of her random remark.

Elowen folded her arms, watching him with narrowed eyes. "A cat, of all things. Should I be concerned?" she added. Then a smirk appeared on her lips.

"Or..." she tilted her head slightly, her tone turning playful, "have you started to fall for her?"

Alexander’s expression didn’t change, but his voice did. "Your tongue doesn’t suit that pretty face," he said calmly. "Which one do you want to keep?"

Elowen blinked. Then immediately raised both hands. "Alright—alright." She stepped back, playing along. "I choose my face."

She turned, already walking away, but not without a grin. "See you tomorrow!"

Just like that, she was gone again, and silence settled once more.

Then, after a moment, Alexander shifted his gaze slightly toward Jasper. "We should probably look for where to go by tomorrow."

Jasper nodded. "Yes, Your Highness."

---

Elowen didn’t slow down as she left Alexander’s residence. If anything, her steps were even lighter, her mood still riding high from the brief exchange.

By the time her carriage pulled to a stop in front of Zarek’s residence, she was already leaning forward, eager.

She stepped out before the servant could even properly announce her arrival.

The guards straightened immediately. "Princess—"

She waved them off with a bright smile and walked straight in.

—

Zarek was in the main sitting area when she entered.

He looked up. For a split second, surprise crossed his face. "Elowen?"

Her grin widened. "Missed me?"

Zarek stood up, a smile forming, though not as open as Alexander’s had been earlier. "You finally decided to come back."

She walked up to him without hesitation. "I’ve been busy."

"That much is obvious," he replied, his tone light, but there was something underneath it.

Elowen tilted her head. "What’s that supposed to mean?"

Zarek crossed his arms loosely. "I heard you already went to see someone."

She blinked, confused for a moment, then the realization dawned on her. "Oh," she said simply.

Zarek raised a brow. "Oh?"

She didn’t even try to deny it. "Alexander is my oldest brother, of course, I had to see him first."

Zarek’s smile thinned slightly. Elowen watched him for a second, then clicked her tongue softly.

"You know," she said, folding her arms, "I should be the one sulking right now, but if you’re going to keep that face," she continued, "then next time, I will visit you last."

Zarek stared at her, but after a brief pause, he waved his hand dismissively. "You talk too much."

Her smile returned instantly. "That’s because you’re too sensitive."

Before he could respond, the sounds of gentle footsteps echoed, then Julia walked in. She paused when she saw Elowen, then her expression softened into a smile.

"Princess," she greeted gently.

Elowen turned her head slightly. Her expression didn’t drop, but it didn’t brighten either.

"Julia." She gave a simple acknowledgement.

Julia felt it, but she kept her composure. "It’s good to see you."