For a moment, I thought she was asking something else. The memories of Helene suggested that shifters here are very particular about their secrets.
Considering the sheer number of humans out in the city and across this world… and the presence of advanced weaponry?
That is probably a wise choice. To stay 'undercover'.
"Secret? I'm not sure what you mean."
"I watched you… and I can see that you aren't exactly… chubby."
My expression eased as I realized it was just some innocent talk about my appetite.
A little chuckle and my toothy smirk join my response, as I pat the baggy clothes underneath this body's chest. Then I lift with both hands to show off what is under there.
"I have a rather enviable constitution. Everything I consume goes straight to here first."
The whites of her eyes widen at the bold move and statement. I drop my 'new' bosom and lean back in my seat.
"It's one of the reasons why I wear things like this when I go out."
I make up the entirely false but plausible story on the fly - and for some reason her face looks like it 'clicked'. Then… like she's a bit jealous before, finally, she blows out a sigh and walks off.
"Those are just back pain. I pity you. Your fat filled pie will be right up."
Of course she would act like that. While the young woman was certainly cute - and she did not exactly have nothing on her front…
"Pain indeed. Bodies like this and like my original one… are just made to tempt men and infuriate women."
I mumble to no one before switching to the spirit no longer ignoring me - or I it.
> Even though all I ever wanted to do was the very opposite. Funny how that works. <
My wolf, sated from the shared meal experience and not at all cowed from the barrage of annoying sensations… sends some strong feelings of cynicism my way.
Growled accusations that basically amount to renewed questioning why I fled from the strong, attractive, ready to bond and be bonded Alpha. I scoff and grip hard on the table edge.
If it wants to keep striking me with its opinion, I might as well do the same.
> Of course your kind does not understand. A fox likes being chased, but not caught. And equally as important… <
I think of the child some more, to stress my concerns about its safety from a new mate.
The trouble I would bring upon her pack, considering that I may remain wanted by the Duskpaw.
Transmigration that happened without warning and for all I know may happen again.
Uncertainties after uncertainties that I've kept dulled - kept mine - through our contracted connection strike and claw at the spirit.
The thing whimpers and quiets, now that it better knows my stubbornness comes not from just a fiery nature. Which I'll grant is part of the whole.
Feeling a little tired and drained from the act of being honest, I nonetheless get to my feet and grab my backpack.
After shuffling to the restroom and identifying the signage for the women's side, I walk in and start cleaning my hands and face. The sink in here is simple enough to use.
During that, I got to see what everyone else has been seeing today. More clearly than only reflections on the sides of windows.
Helene's face, known from memory, is streaked with dirt and fatigue. Yet, the woman staring back at me in the mirror is a stranger.
One that wore a more familiar expression of displeasure. Helping prove it is 'my' face, now.
Dark circles formed underneath these light-grey eyes that somehow seem… sharper than the remembrance suggests. I guess they do say that eyes are the windows to the soul.
And the two of us have quite different mentalities.
Black hair that had been carefully braided tight to one side by her mother hangs in a disheveled mess. The strands trying to escape every which way to tangle disgustingly further.
The clothes are the worst of it - more stained than I'd noted before putting them on. Small holes in places. Hanging loosely on my frame in no flattering way.
No room at all to wonder why the other diners acted as they did. I appear like I've been living rough for weeks, not days.
And I didn't even travel in these until I got here. Just when was the last time that hunter bought 'new' clothes?
I wet a 'paper towel' and do what I can to clean my face and hands properly. The cool water from the tap feels insufficient.
The thought had occurred once already, when I stopped at a stream to drink. How much I've taken for granted in my royal life.
Servants with warm water and lightly scented cloth, ready at practically a moment's notice to remove any impurity.
"So this is what falling to disgrace may have looked like."
I murmur to my reflection, a few tears prickling warmly at the edge of my eyes.
"Wearing another woman's face. Cleaning herself in a public restroom. Who are you kidding, Princess? You have undoubtedly fallen."
My shoulders straighten and my chin lifts as I speak at the one in the mirror. With steel that certainly did not glint in these eyes before my arrival.
A set to this jaw that speaks of determination rather than easily admitted defeat. Even in these circumstances, I am still royalty.
Still an untameable fox princess - regardless of the werewolf skin I wear.
"Temporary. This situation is temporary."
I promise to myself, though I don't know exactly what I'm promising. If I'm just sure that I'll feel better after this spa and a rest…
Or if I really want to go 'home' so badly already.
When I return to my table, the pie I ordered on a whim is already waiting.
Steam rises from the golden crust. The scoop of vanilla ice cream is already beginning to melt over the warm apple filling.
And Melissa stands there blinking at me owlishly.
"Uh, you look much better?"
She nods in half approval at my cleaner, but still not perfect, appearance. I settle back into my seat and eye the dessert with anticipation.
> Is this what they mean by eating your feelings? Because I might be able to eat two people's worth. <
"It looks delicious."
"Best in the city. Or at least, the best I've had."
My waitress says with a hint of pride, as if she had anything to do with its make. Even the palace had separation of duties for its workers, so I find it unlikely.
"Can I get you anything else with that?"
"No, thank you. Just the bill again, please."
Dessert is as good as promised. The apples are tender but not mushy and the crust crumbles and flakes as easily on a spoon as in the mouth.
When Melissa returns with the final bill, I slide the card across the table and let her process it without comment this time.
"You know, there's a clothing shop next to the spa. Not the fancy boutique inside, but a decent place. Good prices."
She glances at the attire I'm wearing.
"Just in case you wanted... a fresh look... after your appointment. I'm sure the booking already took out a terrible chunk, right?"
A smirk grows immediately, as I'm more than used to dealing with people interested in 'fishing' for information. After growing friendly, she now seeks to learn more of my monetary worth.
More of my secrets.
"Who knows? It was paid for by a… friend."
"Where does a girl get a friend like that…"
The blonde muttered to the side, then looks back at my chest - clearly coming to a quick conclusion with the cleared throat. Before she can excuse herself, I can't help but tease and press her further.
"I could introduce you. Though as you can see, their preferences are a little… rough and wild. I was unable to even sleep long during the days of my… shall we call it a jaunt in the forest?"
Her face changes so many colors that it's quite impressive. But it settles somewhere between green and red.
"I… I don't think I'm that hard up. If I was, I'd probably just join… uh…"
The soft and well manicured hand of the server covers her mouth. I giggle and hold my cheek in my hand.
"Well, don't stop the gossip now. If you know of an opportunity that's as good as mine…"
"S-sorry, miss. Ma'am. But I'd get so fired and I really want to keep this job. Can we just drop this… this subject?"
My curiosity says no - but my thankfulness for finally having engaged someone I had the total, absolute conversational upper hand with… allows me to put it off, for now.
"Very well. As you wish. Perhaps I'll visit again soon. Looking more presentable and… asking more questions that cause such alluring changes to your pretty face."
My wolf growls at the perceived unfaithfulness, the blonde side eyes me in the way of absolutely straight women, and I cackle in my mindscape while rolling around as a delighted fox spirit.
> It always feels great to run people and beasts around! <