19

Serafina’s POV.

The moment the doctor left, Madam Rachel turned her sharp gaze on me.

"It’s time for breakfast," she announced, her tone leaving no room for argument.

I rose from my seat and followed the servants to the small dining area in my room.

As I settled into the chair one of them pulled out for me, another carefully draped a napkin over my lap.

Their movements were precise, practiced, as if they had done this a thousand times before.

The table had already been set, the empty dinner plates from last night replaced with a fresh spread.

Various dishes sat before me: golden pancakes, crisp toast, fresh fruit, and a steaming pot of tea.

I shut my eyes for a moment, muttering a silent prayer before reaching for a slice of toasted bread.

Just as one of the servants stepped forward to serve me, I lifted a hand to stop her.

"I can serve myself," I said.

The servant hesitated but obeyed, taking several steps back.

As I spread a light layer of strawberry jam onto my toast, I was grateful for one thing: I didn’t have to eat with Daxton.

I couldn’t stand his arrogant face, and the mere thought of enduring a meal in his presence soured my appetite.

All his handsomeness was wasted on his insufferable pride and stupid attitude.

Taking a bite, I chewed slowly, aware of the silent gazes on me: Madam Rachel, Mira, and the four maidservants.

I ignored them, finishing my slice of toast before pouring myself a glass of water and drinking it down.

Once done, I wiped the corner of my lips with the napkin.

Madam Rachel suddenly stepped forward, pushing a plate of pancakes in front of me. "Try these," she said. "You’re too thin. You need to eat more."

I looked up, meeting her gaze. It was a battle of wills.

I calmly pushed the plate back.

"Unfortunately, I’m full," I said. "And I will need a walk for my food to digest."

Silence stretched between us, but I didn’t back down.

Madam Rachel studied me for a moment before finally relenting. "You may go for a walk," she allowed.

But then, with a pointed look, she added, "You will return in half an hour. And you will only go where Deidra and Kira lead you."

So, I was still under surveillance?

Fine.

"Then I want Mira to come along," I said. "She needs to learn the paths since she is new."

Madam Rachel considered it, then gave a curt nod. "Very well."

At her signal, Deidra and Kira stepped forward, ready to escort me.

Without another word, I stood and followed them out, Mira quickly falling into step beside me.

---

As we moved down the corridor, Deidra, the maidservant with short hair, spoke. "My lady, we will go downstairs first. We will start the walk from there."

The silence stretched between us as we descended the stairs.

It was suffocating. If I were going to be trapped in this reality, I might as well learn more about the man who had forced me into it.

Daxton didn’t look like one to share, so I figured that I should find out on my own.

"Tell me about the Cole family," I said, breaking the silence. "Is it just Daxton and his father who live here? Or are there other members?"

Deidra tilted her head slightly as she answered. "My lady, everyone bearing the Cole surname lives here."

I exhaled deeply. That meant there were others.

Were they at my wedding?

Did they watch in silence as their Alpha married me, someone they clearly considered unworthy?

What kind of thoughts ran through their mind as Daxton and I were joined as husband and wife?

Deidra continued, "Alpha King Daxton isn’t an only child. He has a younger brother and an older…"

"Deidra."

Kira’s voice cut through the air, sharp and warning.

Deidra immediately shut her mouth.

I narrowed my eyes. "Why did you stop her?"

Deidra turned to me and bowed her head slightly. "Forgive me, my lady. It’s not Kira’s fault. All servants are forbidden from gossiping about the Cole family."

Gossip?

I scoffed inwardly at the subtle reminder that I was still an outsider.

"But I’m part of the Cole family now," I pointed out. "You won’t be punished for telling me."

Neither of them responded.

No matter what I said, they refused to speak.

Frustration burned in my chest.

"Only the Moon Goddess knows if there’s a lunatic amongst Daxton’s siblings," I muttered under my breath.

At my words, both Deidra and Kira stiffened. I caught the brief exchange of glances between them, but I assumed they were merely shocked by my boldness and thought nothing more of it.

We finally reached the ground floor, and just as I was about to take in the grandeur of the castle’s interior, hushed voices caught my attention.

"...I heard the Alpha didn’t spend the night in his new Luna’s quarters," one of the approaching servants whispered.

The other let out a small laugh.

"That’s because she’s still in the guest quarters. Also, until he marks her and acknowledges her as our Luna, she’s not our Luna."

My stomach twisted.

The third servant sighed. "I don’t know why the Alpha chose to marry a woman cursed by the Moon Goddess. It will bring bad luck to the pack." Then, with a scoff, she added, "She’s a liability."

I felt something inside me snap.

I clenched my fists, my nails biting into my palm.

The insult stung, not because it was unexpected, but because it came from mere servants, people who had no right to speak about me this way.

Before I could step forward, Mira moved, her face set in anger, but Deidra and Kira beat her to it.

The two servants stormed ahead, stepping into view.

The three gossiping maids froze.

Their faces paled when they saw me standing just behind Deidra and Kira.

Kira’s eyes darkened. "Are you tired of living?" she asked coldly. "Should you be wildly gossiping about the Alpha’s wife?"

The servants quickly shook their heads, lowering their gazes.

Then Deidra’s voice came in sharp with authority. "Scram."

Without hesitation, the three scurried away like frightened mice.

I exhaled slowly, surprised by Deidra and Kira’s unexpected defense.

Though deep inside, I couldn’t shake the irritation bubbling in my chest.

The Ironveil Palace was different. Here, the servants didn’t seem to know their place.

And I had a feeling that Madam Rachel would take great pleasure in reminding them.