The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 39

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 39: A Lesson In Etiquette**

[Evelyn’s POV]

As the second day of my etiquette sessions with Wendy unfolded, I found myself teetering on the edge of surrender. The thought of throwing in the towel felt foreign to me, a stark contrast to the person I believed I was.

I had never considered myself a quitter. No, I was the kind of person who embraced challenges with open arms. If a skill eluded me, I would practice tirelessly, determined to master it until I could wield it with confidence and grace.

But this—this endeavor was something entirely different. It felt less like acquiring a new skill and more like an arduous transformation, a complete metamorphosis into someone I hardly recognized.

Though I prided myself on being a quick learner, the chasm between reading about a Luna’s proper etiquette and actually embodying it was vast and daunting.

Wendy devoted hours to teaching me the nuances of poise—how to walk with elegance, how to sit without appearing awkward, and how to maintain composure during conversation. Yet, despite her guidance, my attempts were clumsy; I stumbled and swayed as I walked, forgot to cross my ankles when seated, and inevitably let my shoulders droop in defeat.

The discomfort was palpable. I felt like a marionette with tangled strings, trying desperately to find my footing. No matter how many tips Wendy offered, it never seemed to alleviate the mounting tension.

Was it a requirement for women learning this type of etiquette to feel as if they were perpetually balancing a stick up their backside?

“It just doesn’t feel natural,” I confessed to Wendy, my voice tinged with frustration.

Her patience was remarkable, almost saintly. Each time I peppered her with questions, she answered with unwavering calmness, never once showing the slightest hint of irritation.

I had lost count of how many times she had paused our lessons to correct my missteps. With each blunder, I felt myself sinking deeper into that dark pit of self-doubt.

Honestly, how difficult could it be to simply sit down in a chair?

Well, apparently, it was an insurmountable challenge.

Only a few days had passed, yet I was utterly drained. My confidence, instead of blossoming, was wilting like a flower deprived of sunlight. Frustration gnawed at me, and I began to wonder if perhaps I was simply a hopeless case.

The cruel laughter of Fiona and Samantha echoed in my mind, their mocking voices reverberating through the event hall every time I failed to execute a proper curtsy before the Queen and Princess. Yet, Wendy remained my anchor, reassuring me that mastering these skills wasn’t meant to be instinctual.

“My dear, etiquette is an art form,” she explained gently. “Many Lunas and Alphas are introduced to these teachings from a very young age, as it takes years to truly perfect them. I don’t expect you to excel on your first attempt.”

“I just feel like I’m nowhere near mastering the word ‘better.’ I fear I’m wasting your time,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Nonsense,” she countered firmly. “You should take pride in your commitment to see this through. Many Lunas your age could greatly benefit from a few extra lessons in etiquette.”

I fought the urge to smile, knowing precisely who she was hinting at.

A knowing smirk danced at the corner of Wendy’s lips. “Whether you realize it or not, you possess one of the most vital skills one can learn in this realm.”

I raised my eyebrows, perplexed. What could she possibly mean? I couldn’t even manage to walk properly!

“And that skill is?” I prodded.

“You have an incredible ability to maintain your composure under pressure and scrutiny,” she stated with conviction.

“…What?”

“During that Luna gathering, while Fiona was attempting to create a public spectacle at your expense, you managed to remain calm. You didn’t stoop to her level; you didn’t even raise your voice in response.”

Just as I reached for what I thought was the correct utensil, a large hand shot out to stop me. I gasped, startled, only to find Alexander standing beside me, a calm expression on his face.

“You’re choosing the wrong one,” he said softly, his tone gentle.

I took a moment to steady my racing heart. “What are you doing here?”

“I heard you were taking etiquette lessons from Wendy, and I was curious about how they were progressing,” he replied, his voice steady and soothing.

I couldn’t help but stifle a laugh. “As you can see, they’re not going well.”

A small smile flickered across his lips, a light that warmed my spirit.

“When you’re seated at a dining table with an abundance of forks and knives, the utensils that are fanned out the furthest are typically the ones you should use for the corresponding courses,” he explained, his eyes sparkling with knowledge.

“Meaning, the outermost fork is for the first course?” I clarified, my mind racing with newfound understanding.

“Exactly,” he confirmed. “As the meal progresses, you’ll work your way inward with the silverware.”

It was as if a light bulb had flicked on in my mind. “I see.”

“Let me assist you with your next few lessons,” he offered, his gaze steady and earnest.

My eyes widened in disbelief, a mixture of hope and excitement bubbling within me.