A Werewolf's Unexpected Mate-Chapter 28: Morning’s Tasks and Tastes

Ace’s POV

The morning air carried the crisp scent of dew as we loaded the last of our supplies into the wagon. Ray suddenly broke the silence, his voice cutting through the quiet like a blade.

"Ace, I’m writing a letter to the Silverhowl Kingdom about what we’ve discovered regarding the bandit." His fingers tightened around the parchment. "

I also want to inquire if they’ve gathered any vital information about the bandit that we might not know yet." His tone was serious, eyes focused.

I hesitated, "But we can’t be sure if the pigeon can return to Thunoa Village immediately."

Ray shook his head, determination etched on his face. "I understand that we can’t wait for the pigeon to return before we act. We must complete this mission before the Lantern Festival starts, which we’ve celebrated for years. I also know that if we fail, many people will be disappointed if the food ingredients for the vendors and materials for the lanterns don’t arrive. But at least we can command Kala to send a letter to our father."

I could sense the weight of his words. He was right; we had to act. "Okay, fine," I conceded.

He quickly began writing the letter, his quill moving swiftly across the parchment. After finishing, he carefully folded it and put it in the pigeon’s leg.

"Kala, please deliver this letter to the Silverhowl Kingdom as quickly as possible." Ray’s voice was urgent as the pigeon soared into the sky.

Ovelia’s POV

Ann and I were eagerly waiting for breakfast to be served. Earlier, I had asked the waiter why the hotpot was missing from our table, and he explained that it was only available during the evenings.

Minutes later, Ace and Ray walked into the inn, making their way over to us. They took their seats, and just then, the waiter arrived with our meals.

I gasped when he placed a gigantic sunny-side-up egg on our table.

"Wow, I’ve never seen an egg this big before! Do you have a giant chicken here?" I exclaimed, my eyes wide with excitement.

They stifled their laughter, clearly amused.

"No, Ma’am. That’s an ostrich egg, but it tastes just like a regular one," the waiter said with a friendly smile.

I was amazed—who knew ostrich eggs were this large and edible?

I smiled back at the waiter and said, "Thank you!" He returned my smile warmly before stepping away.

"Everyone, dig in! After this, we’re headed straight to Thunoa Village," Ace announced, already beginning to eat.

I grabbed a piece of toasted bread, piled it high with a slice of ostrich egg, and took a bite.

"Mmm, this is delicious! The bread is so crispy, and the egg is so soft," I said, savoring every mouthful, feeling the delightful blend of textures dance on my tongue.

As I took another bite, joy bubbled inside me.

Ace’s POV

It was a joy to watch Ovelia as she savored her meal. It helped me ease my mind for a moment. I wasn’t used to eating breakfast, but her expressions as she indulged in the food were infectious.

"Hmmm, this sausage! It’s delicious and tastes like a bear paw. So good!" Ovelia exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with delight.

"Yes, Lady Ovelia! Even their soup has a hint of bear paw," Ann chimed in, her enthusiasm matching Ovelia’s.

"Ace, don’t stare at Ovelia too long; she might just melt," Ray teased, making me chuckle at its absurdity.

But my laughter halted when I noticed Ovelia clutching her throat, her face contorting in distress as if she couldn’t breathe.

"Lady Ovelia, here, drink this tea!" Ann said frantically, reaching out with steaming tea in hand.

Ovelia seized the cup and drank quickly, relief washing over her features. "Thank you, Ann," she breathed, her voice shaky.

"Ovelia, please eat slowly," I urged, concern lacing my tone.

"Sorry," she replied softly, resuming her meal with a hint of embarrassment.

"Enjoy it while you can, Ovelia. Once your etiquette instructor arrives when we return to the palace, you won’t be able to eat like that anymore," Ray laughed, shaking his head.

"You’re so mean, Sir Ray," Ann retorted.

"Don’t worry! I promise I’ll do my best to become a wonderful and respectful princess," Ovelia declared with a bright, determined smile.

"So, you’re accepting your fate as the princess of Silverhowl Kingdom?" I asked, surprise evident in my tone.

"Yes! I want to change myself. I want to be strong, and I’ll make sure you fall for me!" Ovelia replied gleefully.

Her words sent my heart racing, and I could feel my wolf stirring, both embarrassed and intrigued by her boldness. It was a moment that filled me with a mix of hope and excitement, igniting a spark within me I hadn’t anticipated.

Ovelia’s POV

Did I just say something embarrassing? I can’t remember; maybe it was just my imagination.

After we finished our meal, we approached the inn owner to express our gratitude for the complimentary breakfast.

Once outside, I noticed the sun beginning to rise, casting a warm golden hue over the village.

"We planned to leave the village before dawn, but the sun is almost up," Ace said, disappointment lacing his voice.

"We can still make it to Thunoa Village before sunset," Ray reassured him, a determined glint in his eyes.

Ray and Ann climbed to the front of the wagon, and Ace assisted me in getting up. He joined me shortly after.

"I hope nothing goes wrong today so we can reach Thunoa Village early," Ray said as the horse began to trot alongside the wagon.

As the wagon rolled slowly forward, the sun continued to rise, gradually brightening the surroundings. I observed villagers bustling about, preparing their wares for the day.

I realized for the first time that nearly every house and shop we passed brimmed with vibrant flowers.

"Sorry, Ovelia, because we don’t have time to explore. If we finish our mission ahead of schedule, we could stay a bit longer... maybe tour the village," Ace offered, a hopeful smile on his face.

His words made me grin.

"When we come back, I want to buy a bear paw to show Father," Ray said, excitement in his voice.

"Lady Ovelia, if we can stay here again, I’ll buy you an ostrich egg to use for our baking," Ann added cheerfully, her eyes sparkling with delight.

"I can’t wait to try it!" Ace said almost dreamily.

"I hope we can stay here again, even just for a little while longer," I said cheerfully, my heart warmed by the smiles on their faces.

It was still morning, but an overwhelming joy filled my spirit.

I could see that we were nearing the edge of Meadowlark Village.

"WAIT!"

Suddenly, I froze, having heard a distant shout. I scanned the road, but no one was rushing toward us.

I glanced at Ace, Ray, and Ann; their faces remained calm. Perhaps it was just my imagination playing tricks on me.