Elijah left the mansion for a few days, and I felt much freer without him here, watching me like a hawk. I should read the books Vincent left for me and have them finished by the time Elijah returns. But reading about manners, psychology, and how to analyze others is not my cup of tea.Instead, I've been spending time with the maids, chatting in the garden, or, like now, baking soft cookies. It's so relaxing, and I love it."You really should read those books, my queen. What if King Elijah decides to test you?" Flo asked, looking worried."He'll probably just ask me for a summary. There isn't a wolf alive who can remember every page of every book," I replied unperturbed.Tris gave a wry smile. "But King Elijah does."Really? That's scary.We heard hurried footsteps coming down the hall, and then Kat's pale, worried face appeared in the doorway. She was breathless and looked utterly freaked out."Beta Elena is here!" Kat announced in a panic.I froze. What is this witch doing here?"Q
My head felt a little light after I had eaten and enjoyed a few pieces of Turkish delight as my sweetest escape. This wasn't normal. Had I eaten too much candy?My stomach hurt, too, and I wasn't sure why. Now, a cold sweat had begun to break over my skin.I tried to sit up as the nausea overwhelmed me, but my vision was blurred. What was happening to me?My breathing was uneven; something was definitely wrong with my body. I needed help!I was so weak I could only crawl to the door. But it felt so far away I couldn't make it any further.Elijah, where are you? Elijah! Help me!...Two hands, warm against my body, lifted me up, and I caught the scent of musk with a hint of lemongrass."Delilah! Delilah!"The voice echoed in my ears. Who was it? Was it Jeremy? No, that voice..."Elijah?" I whispered.My eyes slowly opened, and Elijah's worried face came into focus."Elijah?""You're going to be okay! Just hold on," he said.I heard a commotion around me, and then someone forced a drink
A few days after I started to feel better, I was told to rest most of the time. It was boring, especially since Elijah only gave me books to read. Twice as boring.But today, after I finished breakfast in my room, Elijah walked in. I almost jumped off the daybed at his sudden appearance. He didn't say hello; he just sat down next to me."You're feeling better, aren't you?" he asked.I nodded. "Yes, I think so.""I've asked Eugenia to send you a proper dress."We looked at each other for a moment before I quickly looked away. Frankly, being under Elijah's gaze was uncomfortable, especially when he was in such a calm mood."When the dress arrives, get ready because we're going out," he continued."Where are we going?""To the castle. I have something to discuss with the royal wolves." He sighed. "It concerns you, too, so I need you by my side."I couldn't help but nod, even though a strange uneasiness overcame me. I would have preferred to avoid these royal wolves altogether, but how co
The maid looked nervous, unsure of what to do, and I froze, afraid to touch the appetizer before me.What was Elena going to say? Was she going to tell the royal wolves here that there had been an incident at Elijah's mansion? No one was supposed to know!Suddenly, Elijah dipped his spoon into my soup bowl and tasted it. His action caused everyone to stare in amazement.Elijah made a soft, polite sound of approval and looked at me. "It's okay, Delilah. Go ahead, you can eat," he said.Elena sighed, clutching her spoon tightly. "You were careless, my king.""Thank you for your concern for Delilah." Elijah nodded. "But there's no need to worry."I looked at the king, amazed that he would go far for me. If someone had poisoned the food with wolfsbane and it affected me, my death wouldn't change much. But what if something happened to Elijah?Elena was right—he was too careless.Why was I suddenly worried about Elijah? He wasn't anyone special to me. In fact, he was my master, and I was j
“My queen, you must eat.” Flo looked at me with a worried expression. “If you don’t, you’ll get sick.”I shook my head. “I’m not hungry, Flo. Just take the food back.”“But, my queen...”“Please. I don’t want to eat.”Flo didn’t dare argue. She just nodded and carried the tray out of the room.When my mind is in turmoil, I lose my appetite. I’d rather stay in my room until my feelings settle. It’s not that I want to be dramatic and get sick.I know my limits; I’ll eat if I’m hungry.The door opened again, and when I looked over, Elijah stood in the doorway, carrying a tray. He seemed slightly annoyed as he approached me and set the tray down on the table with a bit of force.“Refusing to eat?” he asked.I didn’t answer, instead turning my attention to the window I’d asked to keep open. At least looking out kept me from feeling too trapped.“Did you lose your voice?”“I’m not hungry,” I replied softly.“Delilah...”“I know I’m useless, or whatever you want to say. Please, my king... I
"My queen... my queen..."The whisper jolted me awake, and I glanced to my side to see Kat standing beside the bed. She nodded politely, then smiled."King Elijah requests that you dress quickly. I've got your clothes ready," Kat said."What are you talking about, Kat?" I mumbled, still half asleep. "Where are we going?""I'm not sure, my queen. But it's you who will be going, not me."I threw the covers aside and dragged myself to the bathroom. When I looked out the window, the sky was still dark."What time is it?" I asked."Four in the morning, my queen."My mouth dropped open; it was too early. Where was Elijah taking me so early?I didn't protest much and followed the king's orders. Our relationship had improved slightly, so I didn't want to upset Elijah again. I had to minimize the chances of Elijah getting angry.In about ten minutes, I was dressed and rushed out. Elijah was waiting outside with Vincent. As soon as he saw me, Elijah checked his watch, then scoffed irritably."T
Maybe it was Elijah’s kindness a few days ago, but I felt a spark of motivation to do what he suggested. I go into the forest every morning and climb to the peak alone. Though I’m not yet brave enough to take the steep path down, I return the same route and run until I reach the mansion. Slowly, I managed to reach the mansion faster each time. What I’m doing might seem effortless to high-level wolves, but I’m doing my best, even if I’m slower.Afterward, I meditate, believing that quieting my mind and connecting with nature will sharpen my senses. Right now, for example, I can feel someone approaching. The scent of candy—that must be Flo.“My queen?” her call interrupts my concentration.I turn to face her. “Yes, Flo?”“Oh, aren’t you done meditating? I’m sorry to have disturbed you,” Flo says, looking apologetic. “I thought you were done.”“I just finished.”Flo comes over, picks up the towel draped over the back of the chair in the pavilion, and hands it to me.“There are presents
Why does Delilah’s smile make my heart race? It’s annoying. I haven’t felt this way for a long time. There was a time, but that was ages ago, with... “My king?” Vincent’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. “What did you want to talk about?” We were already in my office, and I was standing there like a fool, staring blankly out the window. How did we even get here? Was I so distracted by Delilah’s image dancing through my head that I walked in a daze? “Did Delilah really go to the hill alone? Exercising every morning?” I asked. Vincent paused briefly. “Yes, my king. Queen Delilah has been doing this for almost a week now. She’s very determined.” “Good.” Vincent’s look seemed to say, “Is that all you wanted to ask? I quickly added, “Find Delilah, a private tutor, to teach her etiquette. I think Victoria could handle it.” “Beta Victoria?” Vincent looked surprised. “My king, it might be better if someone from Sigma or Phi did this; they handle matters of education.” I