A little chat

Ivorie followed Jenna as they both strode down the small stairs that led to a wide hall. Several women scattered around the hall washing, cooking and doing various culinary chores.

But this wasn't where they were going. Jenna moved past the kitchen through the corridor that continues by the side of the kitchen. Ivorie followed suit, wondering where the Duchess was taking her to. ‘I hope I don't get beheaded’

They paused before a door which was opened by a guard.

“I've taken it upon myself to gather the best candidates for you,” Jenna said with a smile tugging her lips.

The doors were opened and they walked in. They were greeted by a noisy set of maids in the large room.

Ivorie looked around the room, taking in the different shades of women who scattered their gatherings and arranged themselves quickly.

The room seemed to be a storeroom although it was only barely filled with anything.

“Luna Ivorie,” Jenna called, waving her hand at the maids that lined up. “There are thirty two maids waiting. You can select any of them to be your handmaid.”

Ivorie looked at the maids; tall, short, fat, chubby, thin, bony, ugly, pretty and all. Ivorie scanned them while walking between the lines.

“I don't think it should be done this way,” she said with a dissatisfied expression. She thought it was ridiculous for her to select a handmaid as though an Alpha was selecting a bride for himself.

“If I'm going to select a handmaid, I need to know what she can do not just by their looks.” She said to the Duchess.

“But I think…”

“That is what I want, Jenna.” Ivorie cut her off defiantly.

“Very well, Luna. I will have a list of well performing maids brought to you,” she said with a wide smile.

“That’ll be helpful.” Having said that, Ivorie didn't hesitate to walk out of the room.

A deep frown etched on Jenna's face as the Luna left. She glared at the ogling maids. “Get out!” She bellowed, sending the maids rushing out of the room.

A smirk curled up Ivorie's lips as she left the room. It felt good to her what she did there.

She headed back to her bedroom. When she entered, she decided to continue her stitching while she waited for the list she had requested for. When she was about to begin, she suddenly heard a sound and turned around only to spot Regan walking out of the closet.

He didn't notice at first as he continued to look in the mirror while adjusting his dress. Ivorie decided not to notify her presence and just watched the Alpha with amusement.

Regan, who was adjusting the neck of his dress, noticed a new scent in the room. He knew that scent, he sniffed again just to be sure he wasn't hallucinating about Ivorie. But it was so real to be his imagination. Turning his head, he spotted her just across the room.

She was looking back at him with a smug look. He frowned at her, “How long have you been there?” He asked.

She shrugged, “I just arrived.”

Regan's eyes went down to her hands and he frowned harder when he noticed a fabric there. “I see you're stitching again.” He said, emphasising the last word.

Ivorie glanced between her fabric and Regan. “I can't help it, it's my hobby.” She said in defence.

“Well, you have to find another hobby” he mused disgruntledly before turning his face back to the mirror.

But Ivorie wasn't done with their conversation, “Where did you sleep last night?” She asked.

Regan froze, he hadn't thought of what he would tell her if she asked this question. Composing himself, he cleared his throat before speaking, “Why do you ask?”

“Shouldn't a Luna know where her Alpha went to lay his head when he wasn't in his chambers?” She asked sarcastically, lifting a brow.

Regan chuckled, “So you care about your Alpha.” He said.

“Shouldn't I?”

Regan couldn't lie to himself, he was enjoying their exchange of words.

“You shouldn't worry, it's nothing.” He said, trying to brush the topic aside.

Ivorie didn't say anything but that didn't mean it was over in her mind.

As soon as Regan was done with the mirror, he began to walk to the door.

He stole a glance at his wife. The way her keen gaze glued onto what she was stitching, her hands moving expertly between those threads and her entire position while sitting. It shot a different form of intrigue into him. She attracted him in a different way, a kind of way he wasn't attracted to Kiya…

‘Then claim her!’ his wolf roared in his mind. He frowned, pushing the beast behind his mind.

He quickly looked away from her and took his sword before walking out of the room.

“Your mother and I had a conversation,” Ivorie's voice halted him in his tracks.

He turned around to face her. “Really?” He said, although he wasn't interested in whatever she was about to say.

“Is it true you had a mate once?” She asked, genuinely curious. The concept of having a mate still irked her. She found it mysterious yet fascinating.

“She wasn't supposed to tell you that.” Regan said, anger rising within him.

“Why not? I'm your wife, I should…”

“You aren't supposed to know!” He barked, causing Ivorie to flinch.

Regan glared at her, his grip on his sword tightening in a threatening manner.

Ivorie gulped but didn't say anything as she just watched with widened eyes as her husband turned around and left the room sharply.

Kiya's rejection was a big blow to his heart and he hadn't expected it. He couldn't condone anyone bringing the topic up anytime.

“I just wanted to know how it felt to be mated to someone.” Ivorie mumbled as soon as Regan left. She resumed her stitching afterwards.

A knock came on the door and a maid walked in. She handed Ivorie a scroll which contained the list of responsible maids she asked for.

She went through it briefly, smiling as she stood up to leave. “Time to get a suitable handmaid.”

She wasn't just going to choose one just by the list, she had a test in mind for them.