I lost count of how many times I sighed, but my heart still refused to accept the reality I had to endure. Becoming Catherine's personal maid was no different than being her slave—only in a more refined way. But how could I refuse? I was still part of Elijah's pack and had to obey his orders.
Bishop and Michael's faces were equally grim. Neither of them had expected Catherine to make such an outrageous request. Aside from being set free, working under Bishop had been the safest option for me.
I wasn't sure what my fate would be under Catherine's command.
"Can't we smuggle Deli out and let her escape, Father?" Michael asked.
"And have her hunted for the rest of her life?" Bishop gave me a quick glance before shaking his head firmly. "No, Michael. The kingdom's reach is too great, especially with Alpha Camden's connections."
If I were to escape, my only option would be to return to Jeremy's pack. But I doubted he would take me back; he had alre
The scent of flowers lingered as Catherine emerged from the bathroom, wrapped in a striking red satin robe. Her gaze flickered towards me briefly, and it was incredibly annoying.While Nana and I prepared her evening gown, Gema and Cassie immediately began drying Catherine's hair. Tonight was her first mating night with Elijah.Ironically, I prepared the bride to look beautiful and alluring."No perfume," Catherine ordered. "King Elijah will inhale my natural scent because we are mates."Gema and Cassie nodded and smiled shyly. Hearing that, I wanted to vomit right then and there.She did not need to spell it out—I already understood.If Catherine was so confident, she wouldn't feel threatened by me. Yet she had to make such a ridiculous remark. I get it; she wanted to emphasize that Elias belonged to her now. So be it."Your gown, my queen," Nana said quietly.It was a gown designed to seduce—sheer, revealing every
"Delilah..."I woke up to the sound of someone calling my name. Looking around the dark room, I saw no one else was awake. Who was calling me then? Was it Lona?"It wasn't me," Lona replied."Then who is it?" I whispered.I slipped out of bed and opened the door carefully. No maids were allowed to wander the corridors near the Queen's chamber, but my curiosity got the best of me.The guards wouldn't be around; they were probably stationed at the gates. There was no reason for them to be patrolling, not tonight--it was the king's mating night with his Queen. No one was allowed to disturb them.A hollow feeling twisted in my chest. Was Elijah really with Catherine right now?Strangely, I felt no connection—nothing at all. Had they not started yet?Without realizing it, my feet carried me toward the Queen's chamber. I knew I should stop but slipped into a small side room next to Catherine's quarters. It had a large vent, whi
"Keep your voice down, Catherine; there's nothing to be angry about," Elijah said."But, my king, she knew she wasn't allowed to come out of her quarters in the middle of the night!" Catherine snapped."Delilah saw an intruder. I only confirmed where she saw them." Elijah explained to Catherine in soft words.Hearing Elijah's words, Catherine seemed to hold back her emotions. She wanted to lash out, but Elijah's presence kept her in check. Besides, what Elijah said wasn't wrong, and she had no real reason to be furious."Go to your room, Delilah," Elijah ordered.I nodded politely to both of them before hurrying to the maid's quarters. My heart pounded; once again, the bell saved me. But what puzzled me was why I was always the one to see the intruder. Was this figure intentionally revealing itself to lure me out?"Don't get involved in things like this again, Delilah," Lona warned. "Otherwise, you might be the one who gets blamed. Once or twice,
"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
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
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
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
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
Right at midnight, I heard the faint sound of a wolf howling. Whether it was a sign from Bishop or Michael, I didn't know, but it immediately put me on high alert as I rushed to the cell door. There was no sign of anything, not even footsteps echoing down the narrow corridor. Just silence. Suddenly, more howling erupted, sending shivers down my spine. An attack—that's what I gathered from their warning cries. But why? Why would Michael and Bishop go to such lengths to stage an attack just to get me out of here? A faint smell of smoke reached my nose, followed by distant sounds of chaos that grew louder. What the hell was going on? I heard hurried footsteps entering the cell block, and then I saw Michael panting heavily. "This was your plan? To cause a riot?" I asked. Michael's face was as pale as the moon, and he shook his head frantically. "There's an attack by rogue wolves! They're attacking the palace!" he shouted. My eyes widened. "Rogue wolves
"Yes, I did," Elena replied bluntly.I stood up, and anger immediately surged through me. "Are you too much of a coward to admit what you did, Beta Elena? That you had to blame me?"I should've brought a recorder so everyone would know that Elena was the one who poisoned Catherine. I was the only one hearing her confession, and it all felt pointless.My teeth clenched, and my hands balled into fists. If we weren't in this cell, I would have beaten her to a pulp. I never feared Elena, even though she was Elijah's sister."I could admit everything, but I'm not the one who needs to leave this place, Delilah. You're the one who needs to get out of this palace." Elena crossed her arms."You hate me that much?""I don't care about you. I care about my brother's position. Do you understand?"Elijah's position? What did she mean? Bishop once said that Elena always had her own agend
The guards took me out of the cell a few hours later. I didn't know precisely how long it had been, but the sky was dark when I looked out the window on the way to the hall. All the royal alphas, along with Wanda and Bishop, were already gathered there. I was ordered to kneel before the empty throne, my head bowed low.The doors to the hall opened again, and I caught Elijah's scent. A shiver ran down my spine as he passed me. I could feel his anger, though I couldn't tell who it was directed at. Elijah took a seat on the throne and stared at me intently."You poisoned Queen Catherine, I've heard. Delilah, how many more times are you going to cause trouble?" Elijah asked.I swallowed hard and shook my head. "Even if I protest my innocence, the accusation will stick to me. So, my king, I've accepted whatever sentence you decide."Wanda cleared her throat. "Just have her beheaded, father."What? Beheaded? If I were really to die, she and Catherine would be the first to come after me. An
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