‘Mrs Fields, this is Maia. Maia, this is Mrs Fields, my Head Housekeeper. Please escort Maia to her room, the room next to mine. Get the staff to tend to her wrists, and tell the cook to make whatever she wants for dinner. I will be accompanying her then,’ King Fenris says.‘Yes, my Lord,’ she says, curtsying and taking my hand.‘Maia, I have some urgent matters I need to tend to. I’ll join you for dinner, and we can discuss the war and so forth,’ he says kindly.‘Yes, I’d like that. Thank you,’ I say.Mrs Fields leads me up the grand staircase, along a lengthy passage, and into a stunning bedroom, with a Queen-sized four-poster bed and a balcony. I run outside through two open doors and admire the views.‘The view is breath-taking,’ I tell Mrs Fields, and she chuckles.‘It is indeed. We’re very blessed with excellent views here,’ she says.The skyline is bordered by a row of tall and large trees on the horizon. The training fields are just visible in the distance beneath them. A beau

MaiaWaking up, I’m alone in my room. I think of Damon. Does he know where I am? Will he come for me? Has he been lying to me? Or does he truly love me? I miss him. I stare at the maroon-coloured walls of my bedroom and their gold wainscotting and revel in how luxurious my room is. The sun is shining through my windows. The maids didn’t draw them last night because they didn’t want to wake me.There is a knock on my door, and Jewel and Leah let themselves in, and stand near a chest of drawers, holding a basket with a washcloth and some salve. Leah has an olive-green, floor-length, long-sleeved gown and places it on the bed.‘We’re here to help you bathe and salve your skin,’ Jewel says. I smile.‘Please, come in,’ I tell them, and I fling the covers back off my legs to get up. Jewel pulls the nightie over my head and throws it on the bed before leaning over a wooden tub and pumping the water.Jewel is struggling with the pump. She stops for a moment while she catches her breath.‘Here

I follow King Fenris back to the tent with Commander James and General Zander.Before I enter, someone grabs my attention. I stop and ignite both hands with a ball of flame. I angrily stare directly into Sir Hugo's eyes. The soldiers that stand near him step back in fear. I step toward Sir Hugo as the soldiers continue to step aside, creating a path as I walk towards Sir Hugo.‘Maia, whatever is going on?’ King Fenris asks.I stop and turn to him.‘I have a matter I would like to attend to.’ I say with a smirk on my face.I turn my attention back to Sir Hugo, not giving the King a chance to respond. At first, Sir Hugo isn't too concerned, but he becomes nervous as he realises that I am walking toward him. I stop a few metres in front of him. He crosses his arms and tries to mask his worry. He avoids eye contact even though it’s obvious I am staring at him in anger.‘Sir Hugo,’ I say in a stern voice.He looks up.‘Kitten... and what do I owe the pleasure?’ He says calmly.‘Well, you s

Arriving on the castle grounds, Vivian loops her arm through Troy’s and takes in everything around us. There are lanterns lit every metre, and musicians play a symphony at the top of the stairs.‘Split up and mind-link each other if we see her,’ I say.After familiarising ourselves with our surroundings, I still hadn't seen Maia yet. I kept making my way through the crowd of people and looked around for her.Any signs of her yet, Troy? I mind-link. Sorry Alpha, not yet. Troy replies.The ball is only just beginning, so she may not be here yet. Plus, I haven't seen King Fenris yet either. I link back.Walking across the room, I lean my back against a pillar. Many women are giving me seductive looks and slowly approaching me. I roll my eyes and sigh. The women are giggling and fanning their faces. They attempt to hook their arms in mine.‘Well, hello, handsome.’ One woman says. She stares into my eyes with a flirtatious look in her eyes.I clear my throat, ‘I’m not interested, lady,’ I

MaiaIt’s bright and early. Jewel and Leah bathe and dress me for the day. I tell Jewel and Leah I would like to explore West Wallow, visit some villages, and ask if they can inform King Fenris of my plans.Releasing my hair from the bun, Leah insists I at least put some flower pins in, but I kindly refuse.Jewel and Leah exit the room to help prepare breakfast and let King Fenris know of my wishes while I stand in the fresh morning air on the balcony taking in the view of the lake.Skipping out of the room and down the stairs to the dining room, I wait for King Fenris. He enters the dining room a few moments later and sits opposite me.‘Good morning, King Fenris,’ I say with a big smile. ‘Well, my love, you are extra chirpy today. I was just informed you have plans to explore our kingdom?’ He asks.‘Yes, I want to learn more about this kingdom, see the villages, and meet the people,’ I smile.‘I see... well, I already have plans for you