Moonbound: The Rogue's Second Chance-Chapter 86 - EIGHTY-SIX - SERENA AND LIVIA (I)

"I see," Serena said, though the words sounded hollow.

Livia folded her arms, her gaze drifting across the room before settling on the modest wardrobe in the corner. Her lips parted as if to say something else, then she cleared her throat instead.

"Do you have any issues with the clothes given to you?" she asked.

Serena lifted her brow in silent question. Why would Livia be asking her that now? "None, they are quite beautiful, thank you."

"I see," Livia said again, this time with a small nod, as if checking off a mental list.

Her eyes narrowed slightly. "I was asking because there cannot be anything wrong with the dresses and garments you’re to wear. Your disguise only works because of the inflection of your voice, your face, and the fact that people have never met an Eastern wolf."

Serena pressed her lips in a thin line. Lies had a way of compounding upon themselves and soon came tumbling down. "I understand."

Livia sighed sharply and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Do you really understand? Because if you did, you’d take what’s left of your dignity and leave quietly."

Serena nearly rolled her eyes. Livia had barely swept their one-sided dispute under the rug.

"I told you I have my personal reasons for not leaving. That includes my life."

Livia scoffed and looked at the ceiling for a brief moment, her lips moving wordlessly before her brown eyes rested on Serena’s.

"I will reserve my words."

Serena licked her lips and exhaled. "No need. I know what you want to say."

The two women looked at each other, both engaged in combat with themselves within. Serena knew what Livia meant without it being explicitly voiced.

To Livia, her life was not worth the trouble. It was not worth endangering the trade talks. It was not worth ruining Darius and her precious pack.

Serena looked down at the floor, her lips tugging upwards. It was a sad realisation that brought about the smile. She lifted her head and rolled her shoulders as though brushing the feeling off.

"Hmph, Dawnbreak has many connections with societies we might have never heard about. Perhaps outside of Kaldora as well," Livia explained.

"Everything should have run smoothly, but..." her eyes landed on Serena. They had no warmth in them. "Crimsonclaw has to play."

"Yes, it seems so," Serena said.

Livia’s expression tightened. "Which further complicates things because Crimsonclaw has no affiliations with the North. For whatever reason, they keep to themselves. Most of their business is buried in the farmlands of the South likely to offset the scarcity of crops."

Serena tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, mind racing. Everyone in Ironshade could stomach the idea of Crimsonclaw reaching westward for trade. But why skip the North? Why avoid Dawnbreak- the most accessible and open of the cardinal packs?

Ironshade was not known for their food, no. It was known for its massive deposits of ore, used to forge weapons, armour, and so much more. A militaristic pack in talks with one that could make their weapons of war.

It did not help matters that Crimsonclaw was mainly ruled by the minor god Fenros.

"It would sound like they are preparing for something."

"Yes, you have a good head on your shoulders," Livia said, her voice softening ever so slightly. "I do not know what the council will say about this, but I cannot have you looking clueless when the time comes, since you are hell-bent on remaining here."

Serena exhaled. She had already made up her mind to brace for whatever was going to be thrown at her.

"Crimsonclaw does have odd trades here, and they are known for their fascination with odd trinkets."

It was something her father used to say, half amused, half wary...the dragons of the werewolves. Hoarders of glittering things. Each wolf is different in their taste, but as a pack, they were obsessed. Things that shimmered.

"Do you have any precious jewels here?" Serena asked.

Livia narrowed her eyes slightly and tilted her head. "I thought that was a myth. How do you know that?"

Serena lifted a shoulder, her tone deliberately casual. "I travelled a lot."

Serena shrugged. If she was seen as a rogue, she could just say she travelled, or admit her father was part of the pack. It would not matter anyway, there was no one to ask.

"I travelled a lot. But it is an angle the Ambassador could take."

Serena wondered what would happen if word was to get out that there was an "ambassador" from Crimsonclaw. How would Crimsonclaw take it? The consequences seemed too far-fetched for her to worry about.

Her eyes widened slightly when a thought struck her. "A train... I need a train of attendants."

Livia let out a short groan and pressed her palm to her forehead, muttering a curse under her breath. "You do. Spirits, why did no one think of this?"

She began pacing in short, frustrated steps, the hem of her coat swishing with each stride. "That’s not doable, not easily. Even if we pull from Darius’ vanguard, it would raise questions."

Serena chewed the inside of her cheek, then offered, "I could say I was comfortable enough to send them back. Because of the storm, or maybe an urgent summons?"

Livia stilled, hand coming to rest against her chin. She tapped once, thoughtful. "Yes... yes. It could work. I can’t guarantee it’ll hold up under scrutiny, but it’s plausible. And we can place guards around you for show. No one will question why someone of your standing isn’t left completely alone."

Serena wiped her palm against her dress and hummed in acknowledgement.

"I see. That can work since I am in the castle now." novelbuddy.cσ๓

Livia gave her a long look, her arms crossing once more. "You seem to know a lot about Crimsonclaw. And you’re a good liar."

The words were neither praise nor insult, just observation.

Serena walked past her and glanced at her. She peeked out the window, the sun had finally shown its face. Serena would not consider herself a "good" liar, but she was adequate enough.

"In that case," Livia said behind her, voice a touch lighter, "I’d like your input on the next dress I make for you... to avoid suspicion."

Serena turned to meet Livia’s gaze, and then she smiled. "I would be happy to assist you."