บททั้งหมดของ THE ALPHA’S QUIET TEMPTATION : บทที่ 31 - บทที่ 40

LUCAS’S POVThe range attendant led us to a small washroom adjacent to the stables, bowing repeatedly as he held the door open.“My lord, I’m so sorry again. I’ve never seen the horse act like that. If there’s anything I can do..”“Stop apologizing,” I said curtly. “It wasn’t your fault. The horse spooked.”“But my lord, the shirt…”“I said stop.” My voice carried enough authority that the boy flinched. “You’re dismissed.”He bowed one more time and practically fled from the room.The door closed behind him, and the space went quiet.I stood there, staring down at the ruined shirt, and felt the familiar tight feeling in my chest that this particular garment always brought.Marianne had sewn it herself. She had stitched every thread with those careful, precise hands of hers during one of those peaceful evenings we’d shared. She’d presented it to me on my birthday with that shy smile she always wore when she gave me something she’d made.I’d worn it today because it made me feel close t

LIORA’S POVI stared at the woman standing in my doorway, trying to place her. She carried herself with an authority that made the air feel heavier, more oppressive.“Lady Liora,” she repeated, stepping fully into the room without waiting for permission. “I am Madame Rose, head of Lady Elora’s household and senior supervisor of this section of the palace.”Elora’s head handmaiden. Of course.“You appointed a personal handmaiden without following proper protocol,” Madame Rose continued, her voice sharp as a blade. “That is not how things are done here.”I straightened, refusing to be intimidated despite my racing heart. “What protocol?”Madame Rose’s eyes narrowed. “Excuse me?”“What is the proper protocol for selecting a handmaiden?” I asked calmly. “I wasn’t informed of any specific requirements.”The woman’s jaw tightened. She clearly wasn’t used to being questioned.“The protocol,” she said slowly, each word deliberate, “involves a formal selection process. Multiple candidates are

LIORA’S POVI didn’t feel good about staying, but I needed answers. I moved to a chair near the door, keeping maximum distance between us.Julian watched me settle, his expression unreadable. “My father’s death has changed everything. The council seat, the estate, the responsibilities. All of it fell to me overnight.”“I’m sorry for your loss,” I said carefully. “But what does that have to do with…”“I’ve had to grow up very quickly.” He moved closer, and I tensed. “Take on burdens I wasn’t prepared for. All because someone decided to poison my father in his own study.”“Julian, I already told you. I didn’t…”“Why did you do it, Liora?” His voice dropped lower, more intense. “What did my father ever do to you? He took you in. Gave you a home. And you repaid him with murder.”“That’s not what happened.” I stood, backing toward the door. “I never hurt him. I was framed…”“Framed?” Julian laughed, the sound bitter. “By whom? Anna? That’s what you claimed at the trial too, and no one beli

LIORA’S POVThe morning sun barely touched the horizon when I woke, my stomach already twisted with nerves.Today was the handmaiden selection.Seraphina arrived at my chambers early, bringing an energy that felt almost aggressively cheerful.“Good morning!” She swept in wearing a pale green dress that made her look fresh and lovely. “Are you ready for today?”“Not even slightly,” I admitted.Myra stood near the window, her posture rigid with tension. The bruises on her face had faded to yellow greens, but new shadows had appeared under her eyes. She hadn’t slept well despite sharing my chambers.“You look more nervous than I am,” Myra observed, looking at me with something that might have been amusement.“That’s because I am nervous.” I twisted my hands together. “What if this goes wrong? What if they disqualify you for some technicality?”“Then I’ll go back to the kitchens and you’ll pick whoever Madame Rose approves of.” Myra shrugged. “The world will keep turning.”Seraphina moved

LIORA’S POV“What happened out there?” Seraphina whispered as I sank into my chair. “Why did you think the food was poisoned?”“I saw the maids acting strangely around the table,” I said quietly, my hands still trembling. “They were clustered together, looking nervous. It felt wrong.”“Your instincts aren’t usually wrong,” Sera said gently.“Apparently they are this time.” I watched as Myra and the other candidates began serving themselves, my stomach still churning with unease.Lady Serena leaned back in her chair, studying me with those sharp eyes. “Or perhaps you’re just too anxious. Seeing threats in every shadow. It’s understandable given your circumstances, but exhausting I imagine.”“Maybe,” I admitted. But something still felt off, even as I watched the candidates eat without incident.The test continued. Each girl took delicate bites of food, demonstrating proper etiquette while Madame Rose and Elora observed critically. Myra ate with the same calm competence she’d shown thro