When Olivera was done telling the water downed version of her life, her eyes were misty. Remembering and speaking all that had gotten her swamped with self pity. She was even surprised that the tears weren't running unbidden down her cheek already. She sniffed seconds later as she took in the stillness of the atmosphere. She was unsure about the silence that reined in the sitting room for the second time. Won't he say anything? She thought, referring to Nick.
Doesn't he have anything to say after this her so long a story?
After some beats of waiting for his gentle voice, she slowly pushed back her hair which was shading her face to the back, and raised her eyes, to stare keenly at him.
Her eyebrows furrowed as she noted that his face was sketched with pity and pure sorrow that almost broke her heart.
Was a Pack doctor always this emotional? She mused within her, still looking at him. He was gazing at the floor as if it held some answers to deep questions.
She didn't think her earlier query correct still. Her pack doctor from home had been good quite alright, but he was anything but emotional.
She coughed once, then twice, to get his attention.
He seemed to have forgotten that she was present with him, sitting on the same sofa.
"I'm sorry, Olivera." Nick mentioned, as he heard her intermittent coughs.
"Your story is a sad one." He said, shaking his head sorrowfully.
"I feel so bad too that I can't be of help to you in this critical time, regarding my Alpha." He stated, sighing as he watched her shudder.
The subject was really a touchy one.
She was right to be scared though. He thought. But it wouldn't really help if she was this timid in the palace. Apart from the Alpha, the other women in his suite were something else, always making trouble with each other. Olivera would be an easy prey for them if she kept up with this attitude of hers.
He couldn't stop her from being taken there, but at least he could give her some advices that would help her survive there. He would also make out excuses to always check up on her.
She was his responsibility now.
"Olivera..." He called out to her, stretching out his right hand to grab hers. She was hesitant at first, but finally, she allowed him to hold and pat her hand warmly whilst speaking to her.
"You will be fine, okay? I will make sure to check up on you everyday. I won't let him harm you either. And don't tell anyone that you're wolfless. For any reason, don't tell anyone that. Don't act timid too, as you're acting right now, or else you will trodden down by the women in the palace…." He was saying, when she interrupted him.
"Women? Palace?" She asked, her voice tainted with curiosity.
"Yes." Nick replied warmly, infusing a soft cheer to his voice. He didn't want her worrying her pretty head already about tomorrow. His goal tonight was to reassure her of her safety, and then plant in her a seed of confidence, for without that, she might not be able to survive the troubles of the palace.
"The Alpha's residence is usually called the Palace because of its beauty. He is most times referred to as a king too by his counterparts and acquaintances in the city because of his demeanour and aura. And the women... well, he has a lot of women, slaves and free. When he gets tired of some, he orders them away from the palace as they are always unwilling to leave. The remnants at the palace are most times free. The slaves spend a night or two, and then they are released back for the pack's usage or sent away to other packs or cities in exchange for something valuable." He explained, sighing again as he watched Olivera shuder again.
"Don't worry. I won't let that happen to you. But you have to promise me something." He said, keeping his gaze trained on hers.
Olivera nodded, whilst meeting her gaze, permitting him to go on with his request.
"Promise me that you won't be this timid girl over there. I don't mean that you should relate with all and sundry over there, but be calm and brave. Don't let them suspect, even for a nano second, that you are wolfless. Act strong, even if you are not. Act brave, if you feel more scared that scared. Act informed and wise, even if you are confused and feel foolish. Carry yourself like a royalty. Don't cower under the slavery layer. Promise me that.
Promise me that you wouldn't let the women look down on you, and walk over you. Promise me that your chin would always be up.
Promise me that you will act like a freeborn. A free woman." He asked, a soft plea in his eyes.
"I will check on you frequently. Just promise me this." He requested again.
Olivera shuffled her feet, twisting her fingers on each other.
Nick was asking her to be something she had never been. Something Jeremy had tried to work her into, something she had always fantasized about; the ability to keep her chin up no matter whomsoever was talking to her, no matter whose ass was gored.
The doctor wanted her to be the version of herself in her mind. The type she always imagine herself to be when slipping into a daydream.
Could she do it?
'You have to, if you want to survive.' Her mind served a reply to her question.
"I promise." She stated, feeling confident already. She had to follow his advice if she wanted to survive. Oh, how much she wanted to. She wasn't sure of how long, but she wanted to. She wanted to at least try. After all, none of her pack members were here. The people here don't know her. They didn't know the former her. It should be easy to put up a facade. She couldn't wait to talk this out with Jeremy. She needed his soothing voice. She needed his encouragement.
"Beautiful. You will be okay. I promise" Nick ethused, vowing within himself to protect her at all cost. It still amazed him how the girl had managed to worm her way into his heart in just a day, without even doing anything spectacular to gain his attention or pity.