Gossip

CHAPTER FIVE

~Ariee~

The guestrooms were bigger than any I have ever seen. When I said the Lycans were better than us in everything, I wasn’t exaggerating. The rooms were unbelievably large and spacious with stylish furniture.

The art style was one I haven’t seen before. The wall was littered with all kinds of painting, ranging from abstract art to representational art.

“Amazing,” the word left my lips before I even realized it.

“Ouuuu! Their beds are really comfortable,” Fiona flopped on the bed with glee. “I didn't think their mattresses would be of the highest quality too. They really deserve to look down on us.”

I turned to see her eyes flutter close as she enjoyed the feel of the bed. I gulped, a small tinge of jealous brewing in my chest. There was no need for me to hope to understand what she meant. I would never get the opportunity to test it out.

At least not while I'm sharing a room with her. The floor was shining brightly, inviting me into it. It was my place after all.

“Is there anything else you need?” A voice suddenly came from behind, startling me. The woman stood before me, her expression betraying nothing of her emotions or thoughts. She was most likely in her early twenties. Petite with short dark hair and an unsettling gaze. She straightened her uniform while waiting for my answer.

“Thank you for…” I started speaking when Fiona cut in. “What time is lunch? I'm famished. Also, I'd like a rose scented bath as well. My boxes still need to be unpacked properly so yes, you do have a lot to do.”

My jaw dropped for a second. Is she seriously going to start off with that bossy attitude? My attention turned to the maid who did not react in the slightest. It was almost as if Fiona’s attitude did not faze her at all.

“Lunch will be ready by 2pm. I’ll unpack your boxes first before preparing the bath or whichever you prefer,” She said. Fiona merely shrugged, giving no response.

“I’ll help too,” I offered but before I could even move, Fiona was already speaking again.

“Why should you? It’s her job, isn’t it?” She huffed. “Get over here and give me a massage.”

I gave the maid an apologetic look even though she didn’t seem bothered in the least about Fiona’s attitude. I let out an inward sigh. Even if she couldn’t make friends with the other ladies, she should at least try to befriend the servants here. They were the heart of this palace and the most reliable information source.

‘

Though I imagine they would want one of their own to win but there was no harm in trying.

Fiona stretched across the bed, lying on her back with about three pillows behind her. She was already on her phone, texting someone she probably didn’t like. I could tell from the scowl on her face. It was literally screaming ‘why-the-fuck-is-this-loser-talking-to-me?

I knelt by the edge of bed, knowing fully well she would get irritated if I tried to sit on her bed. I picked her foot gently to massage but she snatched it harshly from me.

“Are you stupid?” She hissed. “Are you planning to use those dry rough hands of yours on my delicate skin?”

There was really no need to emphasis on the delicate but okay. I bowed my head in apology.

“I’ll grab the oils from your luggage and…”

“There’s no need,” she cut me short and I blinked. What now? Can she not confuse me so much?

“White Coast should have better products, right? Get one for me, I’m curious to try it,” she said simply like the oil shop was just outside the room. For a second, I stared at her like a fool. Her face scrunched in annoyance and I blinked.

“But my lady, we just got here and I… I don’t know anywhere,” I started. “Maybe I should check the bathroom first, they might have…”

“Ariee,” she cut in and the words hung in my throat. “Take my card and go get me some massage oil. I don’t care if they have hundreds in their bathroom, just do as you are told.”

It was pointless arguing. Fiona always got her way.

Without any further argument, I picked up the purse that was lying by the bed side drawer and took out her card. Outside the room, I shot the door behind me and stood in the middle of the hallway.

What was I supposed to do now?

I stared at the empty halway unsure of where to go.

“Maybe I'll just keep walking until I find the maids. They should be of help,” I muttered. I dragged my feet down the hall, listening for footsteps or any sounds at all, but it was dead silent. The rooms must be soundproof. There was no way these many rooms could be empty.

Just as I was about to turn the corner, I heard voices. Two of them.

“Don’t you think there’s something strange about this year’s selection?” One of them said. My ears twitched and I paused in my tracks. “Lycans and werewolves don’t mix. We are way more superior to them yet the arrogance these women carry is off the charts. They must really think they have what it takes.”

My lips twitched a little. Well, it’s not exactly a lie, but for their own interest, they should probably not let anyone hear this. I was about to shun the idle gossip and approach them to ask for directions when a second voice followed.

“If you are so displeased about it, maybe you should file a complaint or better still, confront the King himself. He was the one who created the slot for them afterall.”

The sarcastic response almost made me chuckle but it was short-lived as her next words sent chills down my spine.

“I personally don’t care about a bunch of were brats participating. What bothers me is that the King went down himself to see them. In the previous selections, none of the Kings met the candidates beforehand but in this case, he went straight to them, didn't even bother to take a look at our women,” the second voice fell into a bewildered tone. “Almost like he was expecting someone.”

My heart skipped a beat. Expecting someone?

“Well, he barely stayed for two minutes, so we can assume he didn’t find who he was looking for.”

I staggered back. This is not what it sounds like right? It's just me overthinking everything as always right?

“What are you doing snooping around, wolf?”

I jumped in fright as the questioned popped behind me.