The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 87

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 87: Heavy Uncertainty**

In the dim light of the morning, Alexander found himself grappling with an unexpected wave of emotions. The news of Evelyn emerging from her room had spread like wildfire, igniting a flicker of hope within him. He had envisioned her joining him for breakfast in the dining room, sharing the warmth of their usual routine. Yet, as he entered the dining area, his heart sank at the sight of her empty place at the table. Disappointment washed over him, but it was fleeting.

His ears perked up as he caught snippets of conversation among the staff. Curiosity piqued, he leaned closer, eager to learn more.

“What about Evelyn?” he inquired, his voice tinged with urgency.

“Oh, sir,” one of the staff members replied, a smile creeping onto their face. “We were just discussing how pleasantly surprising it was to see her up and about this morning.”

A rush of disbelief coursed through Alexander. “Where is she now?” he pressed, his heart racing with anticipation.

“If I remember correctly, she mentioned something about visiting the greenhouse,” came the response.

The realization struck him like a bolt of lightning—she’s trying… She’s genuinely making an effort to reclaim her normal life. A swell of optimism filled him, igniting a flicker of hope that perhaps she might consider allowing him back into her world. He quickly admonished himself, reminding his heart to temper its excitement.

“Well, that’s good to hear,” he replied, trying to maintain a facade of calm.

Determined to give her space, Alexander retreated to his office, attempting to immerse himself in work. He managed to focus for a short while, but his thoughts drifted back to Evelyn, complicating his concentration.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

He lifted his gaze from the cluttered desk, heart racing with the possibility that it might be her. But deep down, he knew it was unlikely she would venture into his office. Even in times of lesser tension, Evelyn had rarely crossed that threshold.

Oliver entered, offering a curt nod. “Sir.”

Alexander noted the remnants of bruising around Oliver’s nose, a testament to the recent altercation. The injury had healed, but the evidence of Evelyn’s fierce spirit lingered.

As much as he hated to see his people injured, there was something oddly comforting about knowing Evelyn could defend herself. It made him wonder if she would ever consider formal training, like the soldiers he led.

“What brings you here, Oliver?” he asked, pushing aside his tangled thoughts.

“I have an update on Michael’s movements,” Oliver replied, placing a folder on the desk, allowing Alexander to sift through its contents.

“What trouble has that little bastard stirred up now?” Alexander’s tone was sharp, laced with irritation.

Oliver’s features softened as he continued, “Evelyn was right. It seems Michael has been inquiring about a specific type of plant.”

“And what, pray tell, makes this plant so special that it would have my dear stepbrother asking around?” Alexander’s eyes skimmed the pages, finally landing on a revelation that sent a jolt through him.

“What the hell is he doing searching for Valerian root?!”

He wasn’t a botanist by any means, but he understood enough to know that Valerian root had properties that could soothe and sedate. Alone, it posed little threat, but combined with the wrong substances, it could spell disaster. The mere thought of Michael concocting something potentially lethal made Alexander’s stomach churn.

“What else has he been searching for?” he pressed, urgency creeping into his voice.

“So far, just the Valerian root,” Oliver replied. “I’ll have some guards stationed at the market for any further developments. If Michael returns and makes another purchase, we’ll be ready.”

A small chuckle bubbled up within him at her candidness. “Well, it seems I owe her my gratitude once again,” he replied, gesturing for her to join him. “Come, sit down.”

As she settled into her chair across from him, her expression was a mix of trepidation and resolve. Her gaze remained fixed on the meticulously arranged place setting, reminiscent of the times when she had struggled to navigate the intricacies of dining etiquette.

He couldn’t help but notice how worn she appeared. After their unexpected conversation the previous night, he had hoped she would find some solace in rest.

“How are you feeling?” he ventured, his voice gentle.

“Still uncertain,” she replied, her tone revealing the weight of her thoughts.

A knot twisted in Alexander’s stomach. He had hoped for a more definitive answer regarding her feelings, but he understood she was grappling with more than just her physical health.

“The fact that you’re here means a lot,” he said softly, hoping to reassure her.

As the staff began serving dinner, a comfortable silence enveloped them. Alexander stole glances at Evelyn, watching for any sign of her walls crumbling. Yet, the tension remained etched between her brows.

He feared that once dinner concluded, she would seek an excuse to slip away. To his surprise, she remained seated as the plates were cleared, her arms folded tightly over her chest, her head bowed low.

“You said you wanted to know if it was possible for us to start again…” she began, her voice barely above a whisper.

In that moment, Alexander felt his heart seize in his chest, a mix of hope and dread flooding through him.

“What exactly would that look like?” she asked, her eyes finally meeting his, searching for answers in the depths of his gaze.