Rosie’s POVSelena didn’t stop.Every day, there was something new. A comment. A dig. A smile that didn’t reach her eyes. She had a way of saying things that sounded sweet on the surface but left me feeling like I’d been slapped. And the worst part? No one else seemed to notice. Or maybe they just didn’t care.“Sleep well?” she asked me at breakfast, her eyes flicking over the dark circles under mine. “You look… tired. Must be hard keeping up with all your chores. But don’t worry, I’m sure the Alpha appreciates your efforts.”I clenched my jaw, forcing a nod instead of the glare I wanted to give her. Tyler shot me a concerned look across the table. Chris nudged him like he was warning him not to interfere.“Just say the word and I’ll talk to the Alpha,” Tyler muttered later when we crossed paths outside the training field. “She doesn’t get to treat you like that.”I shook my head. “Don’t. It’ll just make it worse.”“He’s not blind, Rosie,” he argued.“No,” I replied quietly. “But he d
Nikolas’ POVI heard the end of it as I stepped into the hallway—just the faint tremble in Rosie’s voice and the cold finality in my own.I didn’t plan on making her flinch, but the moment called for authority, not tenderness.Selena stood there, composed as ever, while Rosie stared at the floor like it might swallow her.She barely whispered it: “Yes… Alpha.”That word again. One she used to say with mischief in her eyes—or sometimes outright annoyance.But not like this. Not like it burned her to say it.I turned my back before it could twist the knife in me any deeper.I told myself I did the right thing.She was out of line.Selena’s a royal guest, and this pack needs diplomacy, not tantrums.I’m the Alpha. That’s the priority.Still, I heard her footsteps retreat behind me—each one like an echo I couldn’t erase.I ordered Rosie to help the maids with the upper corridor. Selena didn’t ask me to, but I could feel her expectation weighing heavy in the silence after. So I gave her
Rosie’s POVI barely lasted five minutes in that room after the subtle declaration.The air itself felt thick around her—sweet, sticky, and somehow suffocating. Like the kind of perfume that gives you a headache before you realize you’ve been holding your breath the whole time. I didn’t care if it made me look weak. I just needed to get as much distance between us as possible.I turned away from her, heading toward the corridor with brisk steps and no real plan. Just away. That was enough for now.“Leaving so soon?” Selena’s voice floated after me, light and casual, like we were friends sharing a joke. “Or are you coming back with a towel and a smile?”I stopped but didn’t turn around. Her tone was the same as always—silky and polished—but there was something sharper under it now. Something that made my skin crawl.I turned slowly. “I’ll finish making sure your bath is drawn while you enjoy your breakfast. The maids will help with the rest.”She pouted like I’d just denied her a crown
Rosie’s POVThe faint rays of dawn spilled across the corridor as I tiptoed toward the kitchen. My only reason to get up earlier than usual was led by the rumble in my stomach rather than any real motivation to start the day.I hadn’t eaten much last night… how could I when I already wanted to throw up the non-existent food inside me?My thoughts had been a snarled mess, and my poor appetite had been buried way beneath all of them currently raiding my head.But the moment I reached the kitchen, the sight in front of me made me freeze mid-step.Selena was already there. Why…Miss Perfect was perched on a stool in such poise, like she had a claim over everything already, clad in silky pajamas that shimmered with every flicker of movement.A few of the guards stood nearby, lazily keeping watch over her while she nibbled on warm pastries and sipped something from a delicate porcelain cup.“Morning!” she chirped, as if this was a normal, everyday morning interaction. “Hope I didn’t steal
Rosie’s POVI blinked twice. My throat closed up. Uncle exhaled lightly under my gaze, tapping his fingers once against the table. Apparently, that was all it took for him to turn all eyes to him… “She hasn’t,” he answered flatly, not even looking in my direction.But Selena wasn’t done yet. Her smile curved with newfound glee, resting her chin on the palms of both her hands and leaning over slightly with pretend interest.“Oh…Then I guess I’d like to hear from her.” Her eyes glimmered with something sharp under all that polished charm. “A girl like you must have some preferences. Tell me. Who’s your dream prince?”I cleared my throat, swallowing the lump there. “I’m looking for someone who... sees me for me. Someone who doesn’t try to change what I am. Just... accepts it and loves me nonetheless.”Uncle stiffened out of the corner of my eye, and I tried not to bring attention to it.If Selena noticed, she gave no indication as she continued, letting out a small laugh. “That’s so cu
Rosie’s POVOnce the dancing was over and the banquet began, I made myself small. I hoped to sneak away soon, blending into the walls and looking like any other maid.That's what he had allowed me to be called, wasn't it? I looked out from my little corner at the impossibly long table holding council members and their mates for those who had them. Uncle sat at the head of the table, the seat to his right filled by the princess and the one to his left empty. I glared at the spot as if I could make it burst into flames. The food smelled delicious and filled the entire table. But my stomach was not in the shape to even think about partaking in the meal. Not the way Selena kept hanging on Uncle like that. But I didn't want to move to stop it either. The parts of me that loved him unconditionally, tangled between the familial love and being his mate, wanted to see him happy. He deserved a moment like this. ‘But you’re his mate,’ Mia hissed. ‘Not a maid.’ Her moping had turned to fiery