I was uncertain whether that constituted a compliment and was unsure how to reply.
“Another delightful maid, indeed.” “Excluding those unsightly bruises,” she remarked, scrutinising my jawline with disdain; her gaze traversed my body and settled on my arms, which were similarly marred. She continued to direct her gaze downward until it rested on my legs, which were also bruised. “Hmmm,” she commented, evaluating my appearance.
“Is there anything I can procure for you, your majesty?””I enquired, maintaining direct eye contact with her.”
“Isn’t she exquisite, Jack?”Kamila disregarded my inquiry and spoke to her son, Rowan, who was seated next to Jayce.
Jayce noticeably stiffened at the mention of Jack. Although I was uncertain of the nature of their conflict, it was evident that they were at odds. My interactions with the royal family were infrequent, yet the maids were privy to all matters, and one piece of gossip indicated that Jayce and Jack had always been antagonistic towards each other.
I would be dishonest if I claimed I was not intrigued by their situation.
“Indeed, she is quite attractive,” Jack remarked, gazing at me with an almost ravenous intensity.
I experienced a complete bodily tension and a flush of heat in my cheeks; this was not the type of attention I desired.
Prior to my utterance, I perceived Jayce scoffing and exhibiting eye-rolling behaviour.
“Remove your head from your posterior, Jack,” Jayce murmured to him.
I was astonished by the impoliteness in Jayce’s tone, yet he maintained unwavering eye contact as he spoke. The intensity of his gaze felt as though it could sear through my skin.
Alpha King Elliott audibly cleared his throat.
“This is neither the appropriate time nor the suitable place, Jayce,” he declared, his voice resonating throughout the dining hall.
Jayce expressed his disdain with a roll of his eyes, yet refrained from further comment.
Queen Kamila of Luna compelled a strained laugh, diverting her gaze from her sons to her food, which she began to pick at.
“Foolish maid,” she murmured. “Inciting a tempest among my boys.” Capturing the queen’s attention on her birthday.
“No, your majesty,” I stammered, attempting to atone for my actions. I never intended to provoke any ire. I merely sought to replenish her wine. “I apologise if I caused you any distress.”
She derisively scoffed and consumed a forkful of salad. While she continued her meal, I returned to the serving table and set down the bottle of wine. I leaned against the wall once more and exhaled a tremulous breath.
This was proceeding as smoothly as a cactus.
Abel, when will you ultimately commit to a woman?Kamila enquired, directing her attention to her youngest son seated at the far end of the table.
His back was orientated away from me, obscuring his face, yet there was an element of familiarity about him. He maintained a lowered head; I attempted to reposition myself for a clearer view, but he shielded the side of his face with his hands.
Prince Abel was the sole individual I had not encountered at the palace during my five years of employment. To my knowledge, he was frequently engaged with the royal military or attending classes elsewhere, resulting in his infrequent presence at the palace. According to Kylie, Prince Abel commands the largest pack among the princes and is regarded as the preeminent warrior in the kingdom.
We have never encountered each other.
“I am uncertain.” “I have not yet discovered the appropriate one,” he murmured.
I raised my eyebrows; even his voice seemed familiar.
From where have I heard it?
I glanced at Vera, who was scrutinising me; her frown was so profound that I nearly succumbed to it.
I swallowed audibly and averted my gaze.
“Perhaps we should adopt a more serious approach.” Despite your constant busyness, even an individual as occupied as yourself requires a companion. Consider your brothers, for example. They already possess their current and prospective spouses…” she paused to wink at Vera, who chuckled anxiously. “We ought to seriously contemplate your future, Abel.”
I continually leaned forward to view his face, yet each time I did, another maid would intercede in his position. This occurrence elicited an unusual sense of annoyance in me.
Queen Kamila of Luna turned to me, her expression faltering.
“We require additional rounds,” she snarled.
I adjusted my posture and seized the wine bottle.
“Indeed, your majesty,” I responded while approaching the table, mortified by my negligence towards them.
Prince Abel cleared his throat, followed by the sound of his fork clattering to the ground. By the time I glanced at him, he was already beneath the table, searching for his utensil, while Kamila appeared significantly irritated.
I had to suppress my laughter; it appeared he was evading the conversation with her. While I did not fault him, it was nonetheless amusing to observe a prince in such a predicament.
What are you engaged in?Kamila reprimanded him.
“I have dropped my fork,” Prince Abel remarked from beneath the table.
They will provide you with a replacement. Remove yourself from beneath that location!She commanded.
I gazed vacantly in his direction, as did the others, as he gradually rose from the table and resumed his seat.
I almost dropped the wine and stumbled.
Our gazes met.
My respiration became sharp, and I feared I might lose consciousness.
Victor was the individual.
However, not Victor.
