"Oh dear, Elena." Eloise only covered her mouth, though I could see a devilish smile hiding behind it. Elena just gave a wry smile and said, "Oops..." "Her dress, my goodness." Blanche gasped. Meanwhile, Gianna just watched Elena with a worried look, not daring to speak. These royal women, older as they were, acted like children—especially Elena. But what could I do against those whose rank far exceeded mine? I became the center of attention, feeling small as the whispers began, some even giggling at my condition. I desperately held back my tears, not wanting to give them the satisfaction of seeing me break. Then I saw Elijah approaching. His face was cold, disappointed. Worse, he looked furious. Without saying a word, I pushed my way through the crowd around me, ignoring the people who called after me, "My queen!" You're all just saying that because Elijah's here. Deep down, I bet you're mocking me, saying, "Look at this Omega who thinks she's a Luna. She doesn't deserve the t
I made a grave mistake by bringing that Omega back with me. I should have just let her suffer and die slowly at the bottom of that ravine. But when I first smelled the wolfsbane so strongly on her, I didn't expect her to survive and carry on. She has a strong survival instinct, or so I thought then. However, I was wrong. And now that I've introduced her to everyone as Luna, it will be almost impossible to take my decision back. Even if no one dares to show it in front of me, behind my back, they'll be looking for any chance to undermine me. The royal families all wear masks over their natural wolf instincts. These masks are so ingrained that you never know when they're genuine or ready to stab you in the back. I walked down the stairs and back into the hall, where Elena approached me with her usual leisurely steps. Her mischievous smile greeted me. As far back as I could remember, I had never seen genuine warmth or sincerity on her face. "Happy?" I asked quietly. "Well,
As I walked down, holding the sides of my robe, I focused only on Elijah. I avoided eye contact with anyone else, refusing to look anxious. Elijah was the only familiar face here, even if he was a bastard.He looked in my direction, and for a moment, I felt... admiration? He wasn't drooling, but it was my first time seeing something else in his eyes. The wolves moved aside, allowing me to walk straight up to him. I nodded politely to both Elijah and the old man beside him."I apologize for my absence earlier," I said to Elijah.He was silent for a moment, then let out a sigh. "It's fine."An elderly hand reached out to me, and the man introduced himself. "Bishop Lennox, my queen. It's a pleasure to meet you.""Delilah Ramones, Mr. Bishop." He took my hand to kiss it, which caught me off guard—I'd assumed we'd just shake hands. It was awkward, to say the least. Elijah shook his head slightly and leaned in to whisper near my ear."Elder Bishop," he whispered."Nice to meet you, Elder
The banquet passed in serene peace, and I felt relieved when it was over. After Eugenia took her leave, I freshened up and stared at my reflection in the dressing mirror.I wasn't sure what I'd gotten myself into, but I didn't feel at ease. Elijah's scowling face kept flashing through my mind. Maybe he was the source of this relentless tension in my life.Why does he keep glaring at me when I've done everything he told me to do? I didn't pick a fight with Elena; in fact, I think I handled it elegantly. Isn't that the kind of Luna Elijah wants? A queen who has poise, dignity, blah, blah...It gives me the creeps if I have to be some kind of perfect doll.The bedroom door swung open without a knock, and I knew it was Elijah. He hadn't even taken off his suit; he had just loosened his tie and walked straight towards me. I stood up and turned to face him."I did what you asked, didn't I?" I blurted out before Elijah could say anything."And you think that was impressive?"I frowned. "What
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
Dinner was ordered, and I, along with the other maids, promptly went to the dining room and set the dishes on the table. As we left the room, Elena walked past us, entering first, followed by Catherine and the Lunas on their way to the dining area.We maids lined up neatly to let them pass. The Lunas looked at me with disdain; they knew who I was, the fraud.How long will that label stick to me? If they knew the truth, these Lunas would bow down to me."Or maybe they'd try to eliminate you," Lona muttered. "You're a descendant of a pack that was destroyed. More like wiped out on purpose."I ignored Lona's words and followed the other maids back to the kitchen. Once there, I quickly searched for my bag and was relieved to find it still there. There was no way it could have been lost or stolen. I decided to leave it where it was."Hey, what's your name?" one of the maids called out."Delilah.""Come join us in the kitchen. We need a break, too," she invited warmly.I sat awkwardly in a
The air duct seemed endless, narrow, and stifling. Sweat poured down my body, but curiosity overcame fear and exhaustion. I saw a speck of bright light ahead—it must be the end. I pushed open the air duct cover and crawled out.I found myself surrounded by a wood. This must be outside the palace walls. There was no visible path, but I noticed a patch of grass shorter than the rest. It looked trampled, probably the intruder's trail."Stop! We must return to the palace, or you'll be in trouble!" Lona warned."But this is my way out, isn't it? If I'm going to escape, now is the perfect time.""Don't be ridiculous! We don't know what lurks in these woods! Don't be reckless!"I took a deep breath. "Okay, okay..."There was no way I could wander through the woods like this, even in daylight. But at least I'd found the way of the intruders. No wonder they escaped so easily. Who would have thought there was a secret passage in the laundry room?I climbed back into the air duct and returned to
"Camden, Arlington, Fergus, and Orson."Michael said the names without hesitation. Regardless of whether his suspicions turned out to be true, he couldn't afford to voice them recklessly. He could lose his head for it if he accused someone without proof.And that was the problem—evidence. What kind of evidence did Michael have?The royal wolves had immense power. They could twist the truth to their advantage, and a young wolf like Michael could be easily disposed of."Do you have solid proof to accuse them?" I asked."Not yet. But I've pieced things together from the last decade's events." Michael rubbed his chin. "I do my homework, Deli."Did Michael seriously say that? I don't understand why he should bother thinking about the traitor. Was Bishop's discussing this with his youngest son? Until Michael was obsessed with it?"You're playing detective because your life is boring. Before you start making accusations, you should have something solid.""I will. It's just a matter of time."
The following day, at dawn, I carried a basket of laundry from the Queen's chamber to the outer part of the palace.I passed through the gates that led to the Bishop's chamber and his family's residence and headed for the garden. His chamber faced the garden, and I tried to remember which window belonged to Michael's room."Which one is his room?" I murmured, scanning the row of windows."Try the one that's open," Lona suggested. "You could climb in.""Good idea.""In case you get caught and beheaded, maybe I should say farewell now," she added sarcastically."That won't happen."I set the basket down near the bushes and climbed up the ledge. It wasn't too tricky; I could do it.After a few minutes, I reached the open window and inhaled a familiar scent. Michael!I slipped inside and found Michael fast asleep on his bed. I hurried over to him."Michael," I whispered, shaking his shoulder.His eyes fluttered open, and our eyes locked for a moment before he jerked awake."Shit! What are
Returning to the maids' quarters and celebrating this small victory felt satisfying. As I left the hall, I caught sight of Catherine's sour expression, and it felt so good to see her utterly defeated."You're asking for trouble," Nana said worriedly. "Queen Catherine could come after you, Delilah.""I only did what I had to do," I replied."You shouldn't have defended Gema."Of course, hearing Nana's words, Gema and Cassie immediately fell silent. Especially Gema, whose face turned red with suppressed anger."You're the one who caused the trouble, so you should take responsibility for it!" Nana accused. "Queen Catherine will be watching all of us now, and it's all because of you!""I had already accepted my fate when Queen Catherine ordered me to lie, Nana!" Gema snapped. "But Delilah stood up for me! Now I know who my true friends are and who aren't!""I'm not against you! But your actions have put us all in danger!"The tension between them escalated, and I quickly stepped between t
I awoke with a dull ache all over my body, yet it felt strangely satisfying. My sleep had been deep, dreamless, and restful.And now I was fully aware I was in the King's chamber. Then, the memory of me trying to seduce Michael, only to end up with Elijah, hit me like a thunderbolt. Had I lost my mind?"Welcome home," Lona's voice echoed in my head. "You're finally awake.""What happened?""It seems Catherine tried to slip a stimulant into Elijah's tea. Next time, just throw it out. You never know—it could be poison.""That was an accident, Lona. I never meant to drink it myself if it hadn't stopped Cassie."I let out a small sigh and touched the empty spot beside me on the bed. Cold. Elijah was gone.Heat rushed to my face as flashes of last night came flooding back. Even though my consciousness had been hazy, I could still remember everything. Our bonding had been intense—pleasurable, even. I couldn't say it was beautiful, not under the influence of that cursed potion.But it had fe
My steps trembled as I walked down the hallway, feeling like I couldn't take another step. The world seemed to be spinning, my stomach twisting in pain.When I reached the gates, the guards gave me a confused look."Hey, are you okay?" one of them asked."I need to see Elder Bishop," I whispered."All right. If you're sick, go to the healer."I just nodded and forced myself to walk to Bishop's chamber, which was quite far from the Queen's quarters.Cold sweat soaked my body, and my vision blurred.What kind of potion was Catherine planning to give Elijah? Was she going to poison the king?When I arrived at Bishop's chamber, two guards blocked my way."I need to speak with Elder Bishop. It's urgent," I pleaded."Elder Bishop isn't here. Come back tomorrow."Ah, this isn't happening!I didn't know what would happen if I didn't see Bishop. If I went to the healer, they would find out what I drank and who gave it to me. That wo
What had I done wrong this time?For days after the Luna meeting, Catherine acted irritated with me. Well, she was always cold and displeased. But to blame me for her frustration just because Elijah never visited her chambers wasn't my fault.I was never assigned to guard the small chamber, which made me feel free. If I ever had to be there, even if I didn't hear anything, I could still be accused of something ridiculous.How did I know that Elijah never visited? From the other maids. They pitied Catherine because Elijah was too busy handling royal affairs during the king and queen's mating season.For example, tonight, Cassie and Nana brought up the subject again. The two of them loved gossip more than anything."I can't imagine what it's like to be a queen. It must be exhausting, always having to put the kingdom before yourself," Cassie whispered as we ate dinner."Well, that's the price you pay, right?" Nana shrugged. "I'd rather have that life than
"The meeting with the Lunas distracted from the rumors of the intruder, my king. Your advice was brilliant," Vincent said.I just nodded. It was just a precaution to avoid more significant problems. If the royal wolves got even a hint that the security in the palace was weak, they would see me as an incompetent king.Unfortunately, the intruders had still not been found. No one knew whether they had escaped or were hiding, making the situation even more dangerous. If they returned, they might cause more trouble.If it hadn't been for Delilah, someone would have died during Catherine's coronation—either me or her."Vincent, gather all the commanders' guards tonight. I need to talk to them. I want to change the patrol routes in the kingdom," I ordered."Tonight, my king?" Vincent looked surprised. "But... won't that raise questions? You're still in your mating period with Queen Catherine.""You think I can make it with her?"Vincent fell silent