The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 194

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
By Sophia Reed
Chapter 194
**The Attack**

[Evelyn’s POV]

“Alexander, I can assure you that my trip to the market hardly qualifies as a risk,” I replied, my voice light yet firm, as I stood by the dresser, rifling through my clothes.

Choosing a soft pink blouse that seemed to whisper of spring and a pair of well-worn jeans that had molded to my shape over time, I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. It had been ages since I last wandered through the bustling open market, a lively place filled with vibrant colors and the intoxicating scent of fresh produce. In fact, I could pinpoint the last time I had been there with crystal clarity.

It was the day Alexander had found me with Michael, a day etched into my memory like a stubborn stain. The anger that had radiated from him had felt like a storm, and I had been caught in its eye. Back then, our relationship was a fragile thread, barely woven together, far from the bond we shared now.

A bittersweet smile tugged at my lips as I recalled those times. Yet, the thought of returning to the market ignited a flicker of hope within me. It had once been my sanctuary, a place where joy reigned supreme before it was tainted by darker emotions. I longed to reclaim that happiness and move forward. But lately, Alexander had been increasingly hesitant about venturing outside the manor’s protective walls.

The unsettling revelation that he had coerced the King into relinquishing his title and power loomed over us like a dark cloud. It was a precarious situation, and although things had been quiet, perhaps too quiet, I could sense Alexander’s growing unease. His instincts were sharp, and I could see the tension coiling within him, ready to spring.

As I stood there, I felt the familiar warmth of his hands encircle my arms, pulling me gently back against his solid frame. “It’s not a personal matter, Evelyn. Right now, I’m restricting travel beyond our borders for everyone’s safety,” he explained, his voice steady yet laced with concern. “I simply can’t afford to take any chances. The atmosphere is tense, and it won’t ease until a decisive action has been taken.”

I leaned my head against his shoulder, letting out a soft sigh, a mixture of frustration and understanding. His lips brushed against my cheek, a tender gesture that momentarily soothed my worries.

“I know this isn’t what you want to hear, but all I ask is for you to trust me and allow me the time to navigate this situation,” he said, his tone earnest.

“It wouldn’t feel as significant if I didn’t actually need some supplies,” I replied, a hint of exasperation creeping into my voice.

“Just tell me what you require, and I’ll have it brought to you,” he offered, his willingness to compromise evident.

While I appreciated his intentions, I shook my head, pulling away from his embrace. “Thank you, but that’s not quite what I had in mind.”

When it came to shopping for my needs, I relished the experience of sifting through items, absorbing the atmosphere around me. I couldn’t rely entirely on Alexander’s soldiers, no matter how capable they were in protecting us. The thought of choosing the right succulents and herbs was far too personal to delegate.

I slipped into the bathroom to change and complete my preparations, hoping the simple act would clear my head.

“Is this about your serum?” he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity. “I thought you had perfected it already?”

I raised an eyebrow, shooting him a pointed look. “As flattering as it is that you believe I could perfect a newly developed applicator in just a few weeks… that would be quite the feat.”

Even though Henry’s testimony wasn’t necessary for court, he had made it clear that he wanted to stay updated on my serum’s progress. Alexander had been wise to keep his thoughts to himself when I mentioned Henry’s interest in my work. He had even suggested that I document my personal experiences with the serum since I was its sole tester.

From my observations over the past fortnight, I had noticed that the redness surrounding the scarred tissue had diminished significantly, leaving only the actual scars visible. My ultimate goal was to fade the damaged skin to the point where it would be barely noticeable.

But the timeline for such progress was uncertain, especially considering the limitations I faced in enhancing it.

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