Crossing the Border (Rania) novel Chapter 265

**He Asked Me to Leave My Dreams, So I Decided to Make Him One of Them by Mira Lorian**
**Chapter 265**

There was no denying the palpable fear that enveloped the women around her; it was a heavy, thick atmosphere that clung to them like a second skin. Rania felt a knot tighten in her stomach as she observed their wide, anxious eyes, their bodies trembling slightly as they stood before her.

Yet, she was at a loss, unsure of how to dispel that fear and replace it with something warmer, something comforting.

“Please, stand up,” Rania urged gently, extending her hand to the nearest woman. “I only wish to ask one of you to accompany me and show me the pack house.”

The woman hesitated, visibly shaking, and Rania’s heart ached for her. What horrors had these women endured at the hands of their pack? She couldn’t fathom the depth of their suffering, nor could she predict how long it would take for them to feel safe in her presence.

“Would you like to come with me for a little walk?” Rania’s voice was soft, almost soothing, as she tried to bridge the chasm of fear that lay between them.

As they sensed that Rania’s intentions were not hostile, the other women slowly began to rise. They exchanged furtive glances, their eyes filled with trepidation as they regarded her.

“Wh-where do you wish to go, my queen?” The second woman spoke in a timid whisper, her gaze fixed firmly on the floor, avoiding Rania’s eyes altogether.

“I’d like to visit the garden, but it’s raining. Is there anywhere nearby where we could spend some time?” Rania noticed their expressions shift slightly at the mention of the word ‘kill,’ and guilt washed over her. She hadn’t meant to be insensitive.

“There is… there is a greenhouse, my queen,” the third woman replied hesitantly. “But I’m not sure it’s a good place to visit. The garden isn’t… very nice at the moment.”

“It’s alright, let’s go there anyway,” Rania said with a warm smile. Her main desire was to connect with these women, to share time and space with them, regardless of the destination. “Do you have anywhere else in mind?”

They all shook their heads, and Rania noticed their eyes darting to the fallen fruits scattered across the floor. “We were supposed to deliver the fruits, but it’s not urgent,” one of them admitted softly.

“In that case, would it be alright for all of you to join me?” Rania asked, her voice hopeful.

“Yes, yes, my queen,” the three women chorused in unison, and then they knelt down to gather the fallen fruits.

But when Rania reached to help, their eyes widened in panic.

“Please, don’t do that, my queen,” one exclaimed, her voice a mixture of fear and urgency.

“Let us do it,” another insisted, glancing nervously at the floor. “It’s dirty.”

Rania turned her head to look at Lucian, who had been standing by, observing the scene unfold with an inscrutable expression. He leaned casually against a pillar, arms crossed, his gaze fixed on the three women as they hurried to collect the fruits.

“This… this is the greenhouse,” Rona stammered as they approached.

Rania noted that Rona was the most vocal of the three, her courage shining through as she took the lead in conversation. Yet, there was a protective instinct in her, an unspoken desire to shield Eli and Aria from scrutiny. Rona seemed to instinctively draw attention to herself, diverting it away from her companions, not out of malice, but out of a deep-seated need to protect them.

Rania’s heart ached for the unspoken struggles they faced. She had initially thought Maximus cruel for waging war against the Barlukan, costing so many lives. But now, she found herself wishing he could seize control of this kingdom sooner, so these women wouldn’t have to live in fear any longer.

“The greenhouse hasn’t been cleaned…” Rona’s voice trailed off, and Rania understood the implication.

After the fierce battle, this place had fallen into disarray. From what she had heard, Eiten had spent considerable time trying to make the pack house presentable before Rania’s arrival.

“It’s alright…” Rania reassured them as she stepped inside. The sharp shards had been cleared away, but renovation had yet to commence. “What kind of plants do you have here?”

“We have so many plants,” Eli replied, her voice gaining a hint of enthusiasm. She spoke animatedly about the various flora in the greenhouse, her excitement palpable.

But as she noticed Rania’s silence, her confidence faltered, and she instinctively retreated a step, seeking refuge behind Rona. “I’m sorry, my queen. I talk too much,” Eli murmured, her previous enthusiasm replaced by apprehension.

Rania’s heart softened at her words. “No, please… I absolutely love listening to you! I want to learn more about the plants, about medicine and concoctions. Please, tell me everything,” she encouraged, her tone bright and inviting.