Coldsnap: The Billionaire Alpha's Fated Pregnant Princess (GL)-Chapter 21 - Mirror, Mirror…

Chapter 21: Chapter 21 - Mirror, Mirror...
For a moment, I thought she was asking
something else
. The memories of Helene suggested that shifters here are very
particular
about their secrets.
Considering the
sheer number
of humans out in the city and across this world... and the presence of
advanced
weaponry?
That is probably a
wise choice
. To stay 'undercover'.
"Secret? I'm not sure what you mean."
"I watched you... and I can see that you aren't exactly... chubby."
My expression eased as I realized it was just some
innocent
talk about my
appetite
.
A little chuckle and my toothy smirk join my response, as I pat the baggy clothes underneath
this body's chest
. Then I
lift
with both hands to show off what is under there.
"I have a rather enviable constitution. Everything I consume goes straight to here first."
The whites of her eyes widen at the
bold
move and statement. I drop my 'new' bosom and lean back in my seat.
"It's one of the reasons why I wear things like this when I go out."
I make up the
entirely false
but
plausible
story on the fly - and for some reason her face looks like it 'clicked'. Then... like she's a bit jealous before, finally, she blows out a sigh and walks off.
"Those are just back pain. I pity you. Your fat filled pie will be right up."
Of course she would act like that. While the young woman was
certainly cute
- and she did not exactly have
nothing
on her front...
"Pain indeed. Bodies like this and like my original one... are just made to tempt men and infuriate women."
I mumble to no one before switching to the spirit no longer ignoring me - or I it.
> Even though all I ever wanted to do was the very opposite. Funny how that works. <
My wolf, sated from the
shared
meal experience and not at all cowed from the
barrage
of annoying sensations... sends some strong feelings of cynicism my way.
Growled accusations that basically amount to renewed questioning why I
fled
from the strong, attractive, ready to bond and
be bonded
Alpha. I scoff and grip hard on the table edge.
If it wants to keep striking me with its opinion, I might as well do the same.
> Of course your kind does not understand. A fox likes being chased, but not caught. And equally as important... <
I think of the child some more, to stress my
concerns
about its
safety
from a new mate.
The
trouble
I would bring upon her pack, considering that I
may remain wanted
by the Duskpaw.
Transmigration that happened without warning and for all I know may happen again.
Uncertainties
after
uncertainties
that I've kept dulled - kept mine - through our contracted connection strike and claw at the spirit.
The thing whimpers and quiets, now that it better knows my
stubbornness
comes not from just a
fiery nature
. Which I'll grant is part of the whole.
Feeling a little tired and drained from the
act of being honest
, I nonetheless get to my feet and grab my backpack.
After shuffling to the restroom and identifying the
signage
for the women's side, I walk in and start cleaning my hands and face. The
sink
in here is simple enough to use.
During that, I got to see what
everyone else
has been seeing today. More clearly than only
reflections
on the sides of windows.
Helene's face, known from memory, is streaked with
dirt
and
fatigue
. Yet, the woman staring back at me in the mirror is a stranger.
One that wore a more familiar expression of
displeasure
. Helping prove it is 'my' face, now.
Dark circles
formed underneath these light-grey eyes that somehow seem...
sharper
than the remembrance suggests. I guess they do say that eyes are the windows to the soul.
And the two of us have
quite different
mentalities.
Black hair that had been
carefully braided
tight to one side by her mother hangs in a disheveled mess. The strands trying to escape every which way to tangle
disgustingly
further.
The clothes are the worst of it - more
stained
than I'd noted before putting them on. Small holes in places. Hanging loosely on my frame in no flattering way.
No room at all to wonder why the other diners acted as they did. I appear like I've been living rough for
weeks
, not
days
.
And I didn't even travel in these until I got here. Just when was the last time
that hunter
bought 'new' clothes?
I wet a 'paper towel' and do
what I can
to clean my face and hands properly. The cool water from the tap feels
insufficient
.
The
thought
had occurred once already, when I stopped at a stream to drink. How much I've
taken for granted
in my royal life.
Servants with warm water and lightly
scented cloth
, ready at practically a moment's notice to remove any impurity.
"So this is what falling to disgrace may have looked like."
I murmur to my reflection,
a few tears
prickling
warmly
at the edge of my eyes.
"Wearing another woman's face. Cleaning herself in a public restroom. Who are you kidding, Princess? You have undoubtedly fallen."
My shoulders straighten and my chin lifts as I speak at the one in the mirror. With
steel
that certainly did not glint in these eyes before my
arrival
.
A set to this jaw that speaks of determination rather than
easily admitted defeat
. Even in these circumstances, I am still royalty.
Still an
untameable
fox princess - regardless of the
werewolf
skin I wear.
"Temporary. This situation is temporary."
I promise to myself, though I don't know exactly
what
I'm promising. If I'm just sure that I'll
feel better
after this spa and a rest...
Or if I really want to go 'home' so badly
already
.
When I return to my table, the pie I ordered on a whim is already waiting.
Steam rises from the
golden crust
. The scoop of vanilla ice cream is already beginning to
melt
over the warm apple filling.
And Melissa stands there
blinking
at me owlishly.
"Uh, you look much better?"
She nods in
half
approval at my cleaner, but still not
perfect
, appearance. I settle back into my seat and eye the dessert with anticipation.
> Is this what they mean by eating your feelings? Because I might be able to eat two people's worth. <
"It looks delicious."
"Best in the city. Or at least, the best I've had."
My waitress says with a hint of
pride
, as if she had anything to do with its make. Even the palace had
separation of duties
for its workers, so I find it unlikely.
"Can I get you anything else with that?"
"No, thank you. Just the bill again, please."
Dessert is as good as promised. The
apples
are tender but not mushy and the crust
crumbles
and flakes as easily on a spoon as in the mouth.
When Melissa returns with the final bill, I slide the card across the table and let her process it without comment this time.
"You know, there's a clothing shop next to the spa. Not the fancy boutique inside, but a decent place. Good prices."
She glances at the
attire
I'm wearing.
"Just in case you wanted... a fresh look... after your appointment. I'm sure the booking already took out a terrible chunk, right?"
A
smirk
grows immediately, as I'm more than used to dealing with people interested in 'fishing' for information. After growing
friendly
, she now seeks to learn more of my monetary worth.
More of my
secrets
.
"Who knows? It was paid for by a... friend."
"Where does a girl get a friend like that..."
The blonde muttered to the side, then looks back at
my chest
- clearly coming to a quick conclusion with the cleared throat. Before she can
excuse
herself, I can't help but tease and press her further.
"I could introduce you. Though as you can see, their preferences are a little... rough and wild. I was unable to even sleep long during the days of my... shall we call it a jaunt in the forest?"
Her face changes
so many colors
that it's quite impressive. But it settles somewhere between
green and red
.
"I... I don't think I'm that hard up. If I was, I'd probably just join... uh..."
The soft and
well manicured hand
of the server covers her mouth. I giggle and hold my cheek in my hand.
"Well, don't stop the gossip now. If you know of an opportunity that's as good as mine..."
"S-sorry, miss. Ma'am. But I'd get so fired and I really want to keep this job. Can we just drop this... this subject?"
My
curiosity
says no - but my
thankfulness
for finally having engaged someone I had the total, absolute conversational upper hand with... allows me to put it off, for now.
"Very well. As you wish. Perhaps I'll visit again soon. Looking more presentable and... asking more questions that cause such alluring changes to your pretty face."
My wolf growls at the
perceived
unfaithfulness, the blonde side eyes me in the way of
absolutely straight women
, and I cackle in my mindscape while rolling around as a delighted fox spirit.
> It always feels great to run people and beasts around! <