*Jane*I leaped off the bed and settled into the seat Mara had prepared for me."Delicious," I exclaimed, my gaze fixed on the food. I was certain that, just as I was craving supper, my stomach was also eagerly anticipating it.I reached my hand toward the bowl but left it suspended there, with no intention of taking anything. As my hand lingered in the air, the blush on my face was quite oblivious."Ma'am, aren't you going to eat your meal?" Mara inquired, looking curious."Mm," I murmured, unsure of what to say. Yes, I hadn't started eating, and it was because I felt somewhat uncomfortable eating in front of someone. She was right there with me, so how could I eat properly?I rarely eat in the presence of others. Most of my days in the past were spent alone, having my meals. While my uncle and his family dined together as a big family in the dining room, I always felt like the odd one out.Reflecting on this now, it stirred an odd feeling within me. Am I just weird, or was I being..
*Jane*I observed Mara's excited leap and noticed her clearing her throat slightly before speaking. "Um, I'm certain you're familiar with some rumors of Alpha's past, right? Even if you haven't heard much, there must have been one or two rumors that reached you?" Her question carried a hint of hesitancy.As I observed her cautious demeanor, it seemed as if she were afraid of being overheard. The sight almost tempted a chuckle from me, finding her expression amusing.However, I restrained the urge to laugh. "Indeed, I've come across a few rumors. But trust me, they're not ones you'd want to hear," I replied, maintaining a serious demeanor.In truth, as I spoke, I felt a shiver run through my body.Mara chuckled at my words, prompting me to look up at her with confusion. "Why are you laughing?" I inquired innocently."Your serious expression was quite amusing," she explained, surprising me. "I'm sorry," she added quickly.It was true that I was indeed feeling frightened, so I couldn't d
*Jane*"That's not true, ma'am," Mara shook her head from her seat."Then what's the truth?" I asked, feeling indifferent.Knowing Mara's admiration for Alpha Damon, I didn't put much stock in her defense.With my gaze fixed on her, I awaited her reply."You simply haven't witnessed King Damon's ruthlessness, that's all," she continued to advocate for him.I stared at her with disinterest, speaking in a subdued tone. "Mara, there's no need to defend him so seriously. Perhaps you all like the fact that your Alpha is renowned for his brutality." I chuckled lightly, finding it amusing."I'm being earnest," Mara retorted, feeling slighted. "And I'm not alone, ma'am. If you ask the other servants, they'll tell you the same."I sighed, observing her earnest expression. I couldn't dissuade her by pressing the matter, so I inquired, "Well, if the rumors about him are true, why haven't I witnessed any of it?"It's surprising to learn that the Alpha isn't as rumored. However, even if I were inc
*Jane*With widened eyes, I gazed at Mara, but she appeared more engrossed in her own words, oblivious to my stunned expression.“Your King appears quite harsh…” I murmured quietly, my words barely escaping my chewing mouth.“Huh? I think I missed what you said,” she mutter,I quickly shook my head, denying, “No, I didn't say anything.”Avoiding her gaze, I began to slowly sip my wine. I must admit, the deep red hue suggested a superior quality, and the taste alone was rich and satisfying.“Besides that incident involving King Damon, there have been more and more troubling events,” she muttered.“Is that right?”I couldn't think of anything else to say. True, what Mara had just recounted was somewhat unsettling, but then again, they were just words; I hadn't witnessed anything firsthand.Soon after, I noticed Mara, who had been chatting earlier, had suddenly fallen silent. Confused, I lifted my head to look at her, only to be met with her hesitant expression."What's troubling you? Is
*Damon*The tension in the dining room escalated as silence hung heavy in the air once more.From the corner of my eye, I noticed Alpha Ryker's wife, her expression fraught with uncertainty and reluctance.She stole glances at Alpha Ryker, as if waiting for him to say something."Anything you'd like to add?" I inquired, fixing my gaze on her with a piercing stare.She hesitated, then shook her head. "No," she finally replied, her voice wavering. "Well, I know my words might not be necessary, but I can't help but feel the need to speak. Emily would make a better match as your Luna. Despite her occasional childishness, she's still a more suitable candidate."A smirk played on my lips as I listened to her attempt to extol the virtues of her daughter. "Her?" I gestured towards Emily. "She's not suitable," I retorted.My three words seemed to finalize the matter. How could a disrespectful and pamper daughter possibly be fit to be my Luna?Before she could voice further objections, Alpha Ry
*Jane*I watched as Mara excitedly moved forward to stand next to me."What's with this energetic demeanor?" I inquired, with my eyes on her."Nothing much, just thrilled to show you around," she responded, almost immediately.Upon hearing her words, I couldn't help but feel curious. With my gaze fixed on her, I asked, "Have you never given a tour before?"Her enthusiasm and constant clinging to me raised suspicions about whether I was the first person she would be touring around the castle to.Her next words confirmed my suspicions. "Um, not really. My tasks in the castle before your arrival were minor cleanings and such. But a day before you arrived, Sir Zeeb surprised me by saying I would be your personal maid.""Oh," I glanced at her, feeling somewhat uneasy, with questions swirling within me.She changed the subject and hurried over to the shoe section. I watched as she selected a pair of flat slippers and brought them over to me."Here, put these on," she said, bending down to f
*Jane*I gave a solemn expression just to show her I wasn't finding whatever she was doing funny.Thankfully, she didn't persist with what she was saying earlier.She tilted her head while giving a contemplative look. Then, she finally gave her suggestion. “Why don't we tour around the garden?”Upon hearing her suggestion, I remained silent, my expression unreadable. "What makes you say that?"Wouldn't visiting the garden be dull?I guess she understood what I was trying to pin at, because the next minute, she explained. “Chill, the garden in this castle is one of the best. It's so beautiful and a complete contradiction to our king.” She said, “Mm. Okay.” Since she assured me, it won't be a bad thing touring the garden. Besides, I don't remember myself ever visiting any garden before, so it would be fun checking it out for the first time.Getting to an agreement, we both started walking over to the garden. Of course, I wasn't the one leading. Mara was the one familiar with the castl
*Jane*I furrowed my brow deeply, my expression clearly showing my displeasure. Yet, despite my obvious irritation, I didn't feel any need to rise and engage with the continuous chattering woman before me.Cool and composed, I turned to face Mara, who was standing nearby. "What are your thoughts about this orchid flower? I imagine you must appreciate its beauty as well."Even though I was aware that Mara didn't appear particularly interested in any flower I might be gesturing towards, I couldn't resist asking her. And that was just to divert from attending to the female and to prompt her departure.It was best for me to stay on my line, in this new environment. I didn't want any issue, so avoiding any problem was what's in my mind."Hey, are you deaf or just plain ignorant?" The woman's voice grew sharper, indicating her growing impatience.With a resigned sigh, I realized she was indeed seeking my attention; otherwise, why would she persist when I was simply ignoring her?As I contem