Chapter 6

DRESSING THE KING VALERIA 1: I summon courage from a place I didn't even know existed and turn around, trying to keep the basket from shaking too much in my trembling hands. Sir... the towel... I can replace it with a fresh one. I'm sorry for mentioning it, it was just a harmless conversation... I had no idea what else to say, my heart pounding wildly as he took a step closer, his shadow enveloping me completely. He was a giant, dominating every inch of space around the wall pressed against my back, cutting off any chance of retreat. Answer my question, Valeria. Don't try to be clever. He suddenly snatched the basket from my hands, moving it aside with ease while stepping even closer. That basket had been my only shield of defense! Do you prefer being around another Guardian? Perhaps the handsQuinn? You were practically dazzled staring at him. The danger in his voice was unmistakable. I didn't understand why he was so angry. I hadn't even said anything! No, Sir. I ..I'mIm honored to be your maid. don'tont even know the other Guardians, I murmured, keeping my gaze fixed on his black leather boots. The scent of rich, dark wine filled my senses, making me lightheaded. He was sweaty, his skin glistening as if he'd been training too. Liar, he growled suddenly, his voice low and rough. I tensed as his fingers gripped my chin, forcing raise my head. My bangs shifted, revealing my scars, and shtwisted in my chest as I met his piercing, steel gray eyes. Whether you enjoy being my maid or not, since you walked into my quarters, you belong to me. Don't think for a second you can choose someone else, Valeria, he warned, leaning even closer. His breath fanned my face, and my gaze helplessly flicked toward his cruel, sensual lips. No one is allowed to touch what's mine. You answer alone. If another Guardian or anyone asks you for anything, you tell them no. Do you understand? I nodded, swallowing hard. He was so close, overwhelming me, forcing me to stay on my toes just to hold his gaze. For a moment, he seemed to be analyzing something. His sharp eyes lingered on my face, and I could never tell what was going on in that dangerous mind of his. The tension only broke when he finally released me, stepping back and storming down the corridor like a wild beast. I stared after him, his sweat-soaked back flexing under a navy sleeveless shirt clinging to his powerful frame. My gaze trailed lower along the thick muscles of his arms, and then I noticed something. DE DRESSING THE KING << Wait, Your Majesty! You're taking my basket! » The kitchen was usually lively, buzzing with servants gossiping, but today, it felt half empty. I remembered Juliette had mentioned getting the day off for the packs festival. Not that it mattered to me. My entire world now revolved around serving King Aldric. So, I continued preparing the dinner trays as usual. I was carrying a tray of dishes when a sharp crystal crystallized me. Looking toward the stoves, I spotted a maid bent over, clutching her hand as blood dripped onto the tiles. I rushed over and saw a deep cut on her palm, likely from chopping meat. Hold on, I'll get a clean cloth right away, I said, placing my tray aside and grabbing a white towel to help wrap her injury. T Thank you, she hissed, wincing in pain as I pressed the cloth against the wound. Goddess ... how am I supposed to finish chopping all this meat today? I glanced at the pile of bloody, half-cut meat on the cutting board. Honestly, with the staff so short, she'd never finish alone. I'll help you, Fid anotherherr voice from behind. One of the other maids had stayed behind on duty. Seeing the situation was handled, I returned to my task, carrying the dinner tray upstairs to the King. His room was as dark and foreboding as always, like the lair of a beast. Half shadowed, with heavy drapes drawn, it felt more like a prison than living quarters. I set the dishes carefully on the dining table, arranging everything properly when his voice called from beyond his bedroom door. Valeria. Chere. His deep, guttural voice made my stomach twist. I had learned something since being here. His other bed, the one where he took his lovers, wasn't his private room. Hesitantly, I approached the solid ebony door and knocked softly before stepping inside. I rarely entered this space. Didn't like intruding on his most personal quarters. The massive black canopy bed dominated the room. A writing desk sat near the center, a black leather sofa beneath the wide window, and a vast wardrobe that included the King's private bat. Help choose something to wear.