In my last life, I didn't even know they'd been whispering sweet nothings under my nose until he announced it as king.
He wouldn't dare admit it now. Weak as he was, his ambition burned bright.
Spilling the truth could anger Alpha and cost him the crown.
They bantered on, forgetting I was still kneeling until Alpha coughed lightly. "This matter's done. Ruby, leave the palace."
I thanked him and scrambled out, half-tripping in my haste.
Behind me, Jasper was still boasting to Alpha. "In three months, I'll be whole again, standing tall. At the autumn hunt, I'll claim the champion's wreath for you."
Whether he'd shine or crash and burn, who could say?
A spark of hatred flared in me, laced with dark amusement.
Before I reached the palace gates, Jasper's carriage rolled up. He lifted the curtain, tossing out an offer like a bone. "Hop in. I'll give you a ride."
I didn't buy his sudden charity and stepped back. "You're too noble, Jasper. I wouldn't dare taint your sight."
His eyes flashed with irritation, like he hadn't expected the brush-off. He doubled down, voice low. "Ruby, I was testing you just now."
"I know you're reborn too. Why else would you dodge me like this? Smart move, keeping your distance."
"Last life's score is settled. Stay out of my way, and this time, I'll let you live."
Settled?
I smirked to myself. In my last life, I poured my heart and soul into saving him, only to end up butchered.
He owes me three lives.
"Jasper's right," I said coolly. "From now on, the Sacred Herb Hall won't touch your daily remedies. I'd hate to take the fall if something goes wrong."
In my past life, Jasper's body was so ravaged by poison he was bedridden.
After I cleansed his toxins, I scoured the land for rare herbs to nurse him back to health. How else could he have recovered so fast?
All that devotion, and it was like feeding steak to a stray dog.
This time, I'd sooner die than get tangled up with him again.
But to Jasper, my words sounded like a threat.
"Ruby, don't think you can strong-arm me," he snapped. "Sacred Herb Hall isn't the only game in Joravia-pack."
"Plenty of wolves are itching to serve me."
I raised an eyebrow at his misplaced rage. "What, you want me traipsing to your manor every day? Your mate might get jealous. I'm just looking out for you, but I guess you can't tell a good heart when you see one."
In my last life, his maid Wendy took her own life with poison, leaving a tear-stained letter.
It accused me of stealing her chance to be with Jasper, claiming the manor's servants gossiped behind her back.
She said she couldn't bear it and chose death to prove her loyalty.
That's why, when Jasper took the throne, he treated me like his sworn enemy.
This time, I'd love to see if they could make it work without me in the picture.
Jasper faltered, a flicker of something complicated in his eyes. "Fine. Let's keep it that way-stay out of my business."
His carriage peeled out in a hurry.
One problem down, I let out a relieved breath.
But when I got back to Sacred Herb Hall, my shop was trashed. Herbs were strewn across the floor, stomped to bits.
