Chapter 4

Rogue Maid

The next morning, I felt a hand trying to wake me. It was Derrick. I opened my eyes standing up immediately “Can you. Prepare a bath?” he asked, his tone serious .

“Why” I questioned him with a baffled look not getting his point.

“Remember I sacked my personal maid because of you,  now I need someone to prepare my bath, I can't do it myself” he said genuinely leaving me with no choice.

I blinked sleepily, I got up and made my way to the bathroom. As I prepared the bath, memories of my childhood surfaced. I remembered how soothing it was when I was younger, how my maids would prepare my bath with so much care. The warm water, scented oils, and the comforting feeling of being taken care of. A tear threatening to roll down I sniffed, fighting back the tears I hate showing any weakness.

Once the bath was ready, Derrick entered the bathroom. “Thank you,” he said curtly, not even glancing at me as he undressed.

I quickly redirected my gaze, “you could have just told me to leave” I protested leaving in an haste. He chuckled clearly enjoying what he was doing

After his bath, Derrick walked out with a robe tied around his waist  “next you go get my food from the kitchen,” he ordered in a bossy tone.

“Why?” I asked “do  your maids do all of this or are you trying to just frustrate me? '' I asked tiredly. I wasn't so used to being boss around, this whole maid thing  wasn't sitting well with me.

He frowned. “You ask too many questions. Just do it.” he ordered his voice leaving no room for argument.

I bit my lower lip and nodded, “you should count yourself lucky Derrick, because you saved me. If not I would have chopped your head off your neck.” I said to myself in annoyance as I made my way to the kitchen. I kept looking around. I needed to be very conscious of my surroundings. As I entered, meet a stern looking woman.

“And who are you?” she asked, her eyes locked with disdain.

I was so clueless of what to say “I… I .. I mean am Derrick's new maid” I stammered out

“Ooh the Rogue maid” she mocked and every other maid in the kitchen burst out laughing, I clenched my fist my heart burning with anger, I swallowed hard, I needed to control myself in order to keep my identity hidden.

I took the tray of food without a word and headed back towards Derrick’s chambers, the anger still burning in me. As I reached the stairs, I almost collided with Alpha Jethro.

“Who is this bag of trash? Don’t you have eyes?” he snarled, his voice dripping with disdain.

I immediately bowed my head. “I’m sorry, my Alpha,” I said, my voice trembling slightly.

“It's you , the rogue maid again, " he confirmed as he looked up, “get yourself out of my sight,” he spat, his eyes flashing with anger.

I hurried away, the tray clattering slightly in my hands, my heart beating so hard I never imagined I could be so scared out by Jethro. “I will be your end, Jethro,” I mumbled under my breath with determination.

“Rogue maid” I whispered. It was almost turning to my name now, living as a maid must really be hard I thought as I walked through the corridor to Derrick's chamber, as I walked in he was sitting at the table, waiting “Why do you have that look, did something happen?” he asked concerned

“nothing i'm fine”I replied him straightening up my look I sat on a small chair, I don't know why I never feel uncomfortable around Derrick.

“Why aren't you joining the general dining?” I asked, trying to change the topic .

Derrick looked at me, a sad smile playing on his lips. “It's pointless,” he started. “Nobody regards me. They never tell me anything concerning the pack affairs. My father sees me as someone who just consumes food and is useless since I am woofless and weak.”

His words cut deep, and I felt a hit of sympathy for him. “Everyone prefers my brother Desmond,” he continued, his voice consumed with bitterness. “He is strong, and his wolf is fierce. Have you wondered why my father believed me so easily yesterday when I lied about you?” he questioned. I shook my head, genuinely curious.

“That's because he doesn't even know if I have a maid or not,” Derrick explained. “And he doesn't care. Desmond's affairs are watched by the pack, from the food he eats to everything he does. But mine were never considered as anything. No one gave me respect, not as the elder son or as the Alpha's son. So, I'm just living.”

There was a moment of silence we both lost in our own thoughts, that monster Jethro was so cruel, even to his own son because he is weak.

“Do you want to eat with me?” Derrick asked, breaking the silence.

I shook my head. “Why would I do that?” I said, trying to sound nonchalant. “I will get something to eat.”

Just then, my stomach grumbled loudly, betraying me. Derrick chuckled, pointing to my stomach. “You must be starving,” he affirmed  “Come on, or do you want me to feed you?”

“Rubbish,” I blurted out, feeling  embarrassed. “Don't worry, you can have the food.”

I was actually starving. Despite my attempts to maintain my pride, I found myself wanting the food. I didn't even realize how hungry I was till now. I didn't know when I started eating, but before I realized it, I had slumped down the whole meal. Derrick sat there, watching me with an amazed expression.

“Slow down,” he advised.  "You’ll choke if you eat like that."

I blushed lightly, feeling self conscious. “Sorry,” I muttered, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand.

Up till this moment I still have no idea why Derrick was being so nice to me. Was it because he needed company but I couldn’t let my guard down? This might be some kind of planned out scheme. I can trust him easily.

Derrick stood at the door to his chambers, looking at me with an intensity that made my stomach churn. “Would you like to go for a walk?” he asked, his voice gentle

I hesitated, my mind racing. A walk could be an opportunity to find a way to get out of this place. “Sure” I replied, forcing a smile. “I'd like that.”

We left the room, and I stood next to Derrick as we walked through the corridors, my eyes darting around, searching for any hidden paths or an open way in the palace’s defenses. Derrick glanced over his shoulder.

“If you walk so close to me, no one will believe you’re my maid,” he said quietly. “You have to walk behind me.”

I frowned but stepped back, falling into place a few paces behind him. My eyes continued to scan the area, trying to memorize everything around the palace. Eventually, we reached a lush garden, filled with lily's and other flowers.

As we walked, I noticed something strange. No one bowed to Derrick or even acknowledged his presence. They acted as if he didn’t exist. It must be hard for him, I thought, to be ignored and disrespected by his own people.

“You can sit now,” Derrick said, interrupting my thoughts.

I hesitated before sitting down beside him on a stone bench. The fragrance of the flowers filled the air, I reached out to pluck one of the blossoms. Its sweet aroma brought back memories of my mother. She loved this flower.

“This flower smells wonderful,” I said softly, inhaling deeply. “It was my mother's favorite”

Derrick’s eyes softened as he looked at the flower. “This garden belonged to my mother also,” he said. “She loved it here before she died.”

I looked at him, seeing the pain in his face. “I’m sorry,” I comforted.

He shrugged, though his eyes betrayed his sorrow. “It’s fine. It was a long time ago. How about your parents?” he asked, turning the conversation toward me.

I had to be careful with my answer. I was trying so hard to come up with a story, when I noticed someone staring at us from a distance. “Who could that be?” I thought I averted my look only to meet the gaze of a cold piercing blue eye.