Page 50 of The Alpha's Cursed Queen

“Don’t fit in, eh?” He settles his hand on mine and gazes at the garden, his expression weary. “So, you’re hiding out here?”

I nod. “My fated mate is already having a hard time. I don’t want to add to it.”

“Is he?” The old gardener looks at me. “Why is that?”

I give him a small smile, kicking my feet. “Let’s just say I’m not the most suitable of mates for him. But he seems to like me. I’m grateful for that much, at least.”

I don’t know why I’m telling him so much. Maybe my heart is so heavy that some of the hurt is spilling out.

The old man is quiet for a few moments, and then he says, “You should be more confident in yourself.”

I want to laugh at his words. “That’s easier said than done. I’ve never been given an opportunity to practice that. Imagine being told your whole life that you deserve to die for merely breathing. Then tell me I should be confident.” My outburst has made me start shaking, and I rub my hands over my face to try to stop. Mybody feels cold. “Sorry. I guess you caught me at a bad time. I should go. I’ll send someone to help you. I’m so sorry.”

When I move to stand up, he grasps my wrist and stops me. “Sit. It’s alright.”

Reluctantly, I sit back down beside him. “I’m afraid I’m not very good company right now. I’m dealing with some things.”

“We all are, child,” the man replies quietly. “But you get one life. You shouldn’t spend it hiding from yourself just because the world wants to be cruel to you. You are only as weak as you believe. Consider it the advice of an old man who has seen far too many years on this Earth. Do not let anybody dictate your self-worth. You are the only judge of that.”

I give him a small smile. “Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”

After a brief period of silence, he asks, “You said your fated mate was having a hard time. Who is he?”

I consider the man for a moment. Does he really not know? It could be that he doesn’t. After all, Darian and I haven’t spent any time together in public, and no one in the palace knows that his fated mate is residing here in the east wing.

I don’t want to give away his identity, though. “He’s from a good family, and it seems they don’t approve of me. I can understand that, but I can’t help him. I don’t want him to be at odds with his family because of me, but I also care about him.”

“Why doesn’t his family like you?”

I look away. “I’m not good enough for him.”

The man makes a tutting sound. “There it is. You are questioning your worth again. If your fated mate is standing up against his family for you, that means he sees something in you that nobody else does, perhaps not even you.”

“Maybe,” I whisper. “I sure wish I knew what it is, though.”

The man squeezes my hand. “I’m sure you’ll find out in time. Why don’t you come with me to the entrance of the garden? I should be getting back.”

I help him to his feet and walk with him, keeping my pace slow. “I hope you don’t mind me troubling you with my problems. I don’t normally—That is to say—”

“I understand, dear. Sometimes things get to be too much to bear all alone. I don’t mind lending you my ear. I quite enjoyed your company. If I’d had a daughter, I would have liked to comfort her in this manner.”

We reach the garden gate, which leads to a path that goes all the way to the next building. I suddenly remember the shears I saw where he had fallen. “Wait. Let me go get you your shears.”

He gives me a half smile. “Those must belong to the gardener. It was lovely meeting you. I made the right decision to come here.”

I blink, confused. “They aren’t yours?”

“Oh, my dear.” His smile brightens. “I’m not the gardener.”

He walks away slowly, and I stare after him. If he’s not the gardener, who is he?

I retreat toward the bench, feeling confused, and suddenly come to a standstill.

Hold on.

No.

My head whips around, and I rush back to the gate. I look down the path, but he is gone.

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