Chapter 4

Lucy.

My palms became so sweaty as I stared back at the Alpha King, who stood before me, running his fingers through my hair. The way he was looking at me made me become very still. His touch made my limbs tremble. Was he angry at me? I'm not sure if he does smile, but he had given me a sarcastic smirk at first.

I raised my eyes to look elsewhere, but suddenly, our eyes met. I wanted to say something, maybe to ask why he was in my room, but I was short of words. My lips agape, but not a single word could come out of it.

“Why is my breeder suddenly close to the Luna? Isn't that interesting?” he began, breaking the silence in the room. “You felt you are now the boss because you passed my test, huh? That's why you didn't just break my diamond cup, but you were already friends with Luna Dowager?” he sniffed, making me rub my palm together, and then he let go of my hair and stepped back a bit.

My eyes fell on the lady who had dressed me up. What is that she had told the Alpha that he looked enraged? Didn't Luna Dowager warn that they should all keep shut and not expose me? What sort of lady is she? Already running her mouth just to buy the kings favour, I know her type.

“I entrusted you to Lady Elizabeth because she is the only one who would tell me the truth. Why would you meet with my stepmother without my permission?” he growled.

I felt my chest tightening. Why should I get permission before meeting with anyone? Although she isn't his biological mother, she's sitting as one now and shouldn't be disrespected. What can make an Alpha King be in enmity with his stepmother and the Luna Dowager? That didn’t matter to me though, I am not his pet and I have the right to talk to anyone that I want, and besides it wasn’t part of the contract.

He arched his brows, pouting his lips angrily. “So, what took you into her room? To conspire against me?” 

All those questions—I am yet to answer. 

I fell to my knees, my heart pounding harder and faster. “I didn't dare conspire against you, my king. How dare I think of doing that? What reason would even make me do it?" I swallowed harder. This was more than I expected.

Lady Elizabeth, as he mentioned, gave me a long, soft look, a reassuring look that everything was alright, a single nod that meant that I should calm down.

I gulped softly. She must know why everything was going this way. I lifted my head to meet Alpha's gaze, “Alpha, I'm sorry for breaking your cup. It was an accident. I was pushed by a lady at the doorpost of the kitchen, and she pretended she was innocent. It was Luna Dowager who understood me and took me into her room, consoling me, and telling me that the other lady was just jealous because she was your mistress.”

I paused, lowering my head. He was listening as if he believed me, and I hoped that he did. Because there was no way in hell that I’d tell him the truth about what I had discussed with the Luna dowager.

“She promised to replace the cup for the sake of not infuriating you or losing my position after passing. I didn't believe Lady Elizabeth would bring the matter to you still…." I shut my eyes and opened it after some time.

He cleared his throat and glanced at Elizabeth. “She told me nothing. I found out myself.”

I released a deep breath I didn't know I was holding. Why didn't he come out when he heard everything? Was it because his stepmother was there?

“If she doesn't replace the cup as promised, you will be my breeder but I will still have you kicked out of this palace without a dime. Bear it in mind!” he snapped at me and stormed out of the room.

Lady Elizabeth rushed towards me and helped me up. She took me to the bed and made me sit, and then she sat beside me, rubbing her palm on my hair. “Out of countless ladies that have been brought here to be the Alpha’s breeder, you are the lowest in rank and the one who passed his simple test.” she muttered.

I glanced at her. I wonder what sort of test it is that I passed, which I didn't even know. I held her hands, staring into her eyes. “Could you tell me how I passed the test?”

She scoffed and averted her gaze. “Just by staying back after you served his coffee. The other ladies leave instantly because they feel scared to be in his presence. And trust me, I do not blame them.” She turned to me, having a smile tug to her lips. “Staying back there means that you would be able to bear his child.”

I felt butterflies in my belly. I couldn't tell how I felt at that moment because recalling the agreement I just made with Luna Dowager made me shudder.

“Are you okay? Your skin looks chilly” Elizabeth rubbed her palm on my skin.

I looked at her intently. Should I tell her what the Luna Dowager made me do? I know that she saved my ass or I would have been a loser now, and that lady who pushed me at the doorpost would be happy that she succeeded but then, how will I accomplish what I just signed for?

What the heck is Luna Dowager up to? How can I be Alpha’s breeder but won't bear a child for him?

I exhaled deeply, searching for my words. 

“You look frightened. Did Luna Dowager hurt you? Did she force you to do what you didn't want to do?” Elizabeth inquired. “Look, you must have noticed with the words of the Alpha King that he isn't on good terms with his stepmother and wouldn't want you to have any relationship with her. So, if you still wish to keep this position as his breeder, you must not get yourself entangled with his stepmother.”

My eyes widened as I listened to Vivian. It seems obvious that Alpha King isn't cooperating with his stepmother, but what could be the cause?

I bit my lips harder this time. “Elizabeth, would you tell me what exactly made them stay as enemies? They are families…..”

“What did she discuss with you? I know she can't help you replace that cup without wanting anything in return. That woman do not want anything that would favour the king” Elizabeth cut me short, neglecting my question and awakening the adrenaline in me. “My Lady, playing the role of Alpha’s breeder perfectly is my priority because I will suffer most if there's any mistakes. And trust me, you are not the only one that will bear the punishment of your failure.”

My lips quivered. I wasn't sure what to do or say at that point. Would telling Elizabeth worsen things or lift my burden? I didn’t know if I would get into more trouble if I tell her the truth.

“A message from Beta Ethan. He would love to have some words with My Lady.” came a masculine voice from the doorpost.

What would Beta Ethan possibly want from me after rejecting me and making it clear that he doesn’t want to see my ugly face in the palace?