The Royal Mark-Chapter 100: His Bite

Valeria rose to her feet, fully agitated as she folded her arms. She couldn’t believe that her granddaughter had possibly spent her first night with a man, regardless of his identity, given her unmarried status. Valeria had made mistakes in her past, as had her daughter Hera. What she dreaded most was the prospect of Elsa making the same mistake– surrendering everything to a man who hadn’t yet fully committed to her.

"That’s not the main issue, Grandma. What I’m trying to say is that he’s a true gentleman who doesn’t want me to worry, so it’s possible that he’s concealing the truth about his injury. Maybe I have some sort of empathic power, and that’s why I’m sensing what he’s feeling. I’m just confused.

Yesterday, I thought my body ached because I was tired, but after hearing Lady Alexandra, I realized that the pain I was experiencing was connected to Chris. Sometimes, I wonder if he can hear my thoughts too, but I’ve heard from the werewolves that it’s only possible if he marks me, and that happens when we complete the mate bond. That’s why I asked him to mark me, so I could hear his thoughts, but he declined and preferred to wait for our wedding."

Valeria resumed her seat and took Elsa’s right hand, turning it over and running her thumb along her wrist, where the scar of her glowing mark resided. "Is this his bite?"

Elsa tilted her head and furrowed her brow at the sudden, unrelated question. "No, it’s not. It was there before I met him. Well, it looked different before, but it’s not from him."

"Ever since I saw this, I’ve been pondering it. I’ve seen this mark somewhere before, but I wasn’t sure where. Then, when I was searching my mother’s belongings for answers about your elemental powers after you arrived here, I found an old book. It was a historical book about how the first divine mages received their powers from the angels long ago.

The long, curved lines on your wrist resemble the emblem the ancient divine mages used. They’re similar but different. Then I remembered this one," Valeria pointed her index finger to the shape in the middle of Elsa’s scar. "This one looks like a wolf, don’t you think?"

"Now that you mention it, it does resemble my dogs! Oh, they even have a mark on my wrist. Maybe this happened when Mom created them. How adorable!" Elsa exclaimed with excitement. She patted the empty side of the sofa, ordering her dogs to come close, and then proceeded to shower them with affectionate hugs.

Valeria couldn’t help but shake her head at how quickly Elsa’s mood shifted when it came to her dogs. She had been gloomy a moment ago but became cheerful in an instant, all because she thought anything related to her dogs was cute.

It wasn’t what Valeria had in mind, and she had decided to get to the bottom of it. She had never seen a mark like that before, and deep down, she felt it was related to her daughter, if not caused by her.

Valeria smiled as she observed how Elsa seemed to have forgotten her worries and was now enjoying the company of her beloved dogs. She stood up and said, "I’ll return to the dining hall and instruct the servants to assist you in preparing for tonight’s ball. Your legal title and betrothment will be announced tonight, so please cooperate with the servants before the modiste arrives with your dress after lunch."

Elsa nodded, and Valeria left the room. Elsa immediately turned to her dogs. "What do you think, Ciel? Is this mark from my mom?"

[Definitely not, and I’m not revealing where or how you got it. Figure it out on your own. I’m too old for this...] Ciel grumbled and then walked toward the bed to rest, leaving everyone.

"So grumpy. Hmp. Do you think Chris will attend the party tonight?" Elsa asked her other three dogs.

[If he doesn’t show up tonight, I’d be happy to escort you.] Nile offered, trying to bring a smile to Elsa’s face.

"That’s a yes! If that guy ghosts me tonight, I’ll make sure to make him wait for at least a month for our wedding, or even longer, depending on his reason. I’ll definitely teach him a lesson," Elsa said, and her dogs concurred with her.

Elsa smiled at her loyal dogs, knowing she could always count on their unwavering support, even when she was being unreasonable at times just like now.

After a while, the servants arrived and presented her with a light meal, leaving her puzzled about its purpose. "Did my grandmother instruct you to serve me breakfast again?" Elsa inquired, examining the contents of the tray, which consisted of three thin apple slices, a banana, a quarter cup of pudding, and orange juice.

"No, Your Highness, that’s your early lunch. She mentioned that you need to fit into your dress, and we have to bind your corset as tightly as possible because all the important people in the Kingdom will be present tonight. You must look your absolute best," one of the servants explained before heading to the bath chamber to prepare Elsa’s bath.

Elsa was bewildered by the reason for such a meager lunch, especially when she was not plump in the least. Before she could voice her complaint to the servants, she caught a whiff of the inviting scent coming from the bath chamber and decided to investigate.

Inside, she found a tub brimming with flowers, candles casting a warm glow, and what appeared to be a long bench being set up by one of the servants. "Is that a massage table?"

"Yes, Your Highness. The mistress mentioned that you seemed tired last night, and she’s concerned it might affect your mood at the ball tonight. After your bath, an expert will help you soothe and relax your over-worked body."

Elsa beamed and began undressing, removing layer after layer of clothing. "Now we’re all on the same page. Let’s get started!" she declared, stepping into the tub without ordering anyone to leave or stop assisting her. She doesn’t mind anyone seeing her naked at this point, she just wants to get to that massage table and not think of anything else and just enjoy.