Chapter 36
Fenna’s POV
“Are you serious right now?” Miela’s voice cut through the air, dripping with scorn. She took a slow, deliberate scan of me, her lip curling. “You’re just a maid. What makes you think you have a chance with an Alpha?” She waved a dismissive hand. “Get out of here before I have you dragged away for cavesdropping.”
I stood frozen, but just as I opened my mouth to respond, Corla, her mother, interjected, her tone far more calculating. “Wait a minute. She might be the one.”
Miela’s eyes narrowed. “What? Look at her! She smells like a cheap tavern floor. How could she possibly be useful?” She scoffed again.
Corla leaned in, whispering something in Miela’s ear. Whatever it was made her face shift from anger to intrigue. “You’re still too young to understand, darling. Men–especially those in power–have a certain… taste. It’s often the ones that look like they’ve been through the dirt that get them.”
I didn’t know what game Corla was playing, but I knew I’d have to play along. She turned to me, her gaze sharp. “What’s your name?”
“Fenna, my lady.”
She raised an eyebrow. “And how old are you?”
“Twenty–five,” I answered, trying to keep my voice steady.
“A bit old, but…” Her gaze lingered on my chest for a beat too long, then flicked back up to my eyes. “Have you been with men before?”
I didn’t hesitate. “Of course, my lady. I’ve had more than my fair share of boyfriends. If I’m honest, most of them couldn’t keep their hands off me. I’m no stranger to the more… adventurous side of things.” I gave a sly smile. “Things most girls won’t do. Gags, ropes… even some kinkier stuff.”
Miela’s face twisted in disgust. “Stop! I don’t need to hear about your filthy habits.”
I clamped my mouth shut at once, the weight of her glare heavy on my chest.
Corla didn’t seem bothered, though. She stepped forward and grabbed my chin, turning my face left and right, inspecting me like I was some piece of livestock. “Nice face. Good body. Any health issues? We wouldn’t want Alpha Cael catching anything nasty.”
“No, my lady. I’ve got nothing to hide. I can even give you my health report if you’d like.”
“Good.” She nodded. Then Miela, with a note of suspicion, spoke up again.
“Hold on. Why are you so eager to help us? We didn’t promise you anything.”
I quickly shook my head. “You don’t have to pay me, my lady. I’m just thankful for the job you gave me. And-” I hesitated, then let the truth spill. “I’ve got my reasons for doing this. I can’t stand Elara. I’d love to see her brought down a peg for you.”
Miela blinked, clearly taken aback. “You hate her too? Why?”
“Didn’t you hear how she kicked you out of your room last week?” I bit the words out. “And she made us move her damn luggage to her new room like we were her slaves. We were a few minutes late, and she freaked out in front of Alpha Thorne, had him punish all of us…” I felt my pulse quicken, the hatred for Elara creeping up. “She’s a real piece of work.”
1/2
Chapter 30
The truth wasn’t all I was twisting, but it didn’t matter. Elara had crossed a line, and I wanted to make sure she felt the sting.
I went on, fueled by a mixture of bitterness and jealousy. “And that’s why I’m doing this for you. I’m going to help you take her down. I swear it.”
Miela looked confused. “Why do you hate her so much?”
“Because she’s just like me. She’s used what she has to climb the ladder, but now she’s on top, and it’s not fair. If she can get her claws into an Alpha, why can’t I?” The thought made me tremble. I wasn’t just after Cael–I was after everything Elara had. The power, the position, the status. And the feeling of snatching it all away from her was intoxicating.
“I’ll do whatever it takes,” I finished. “Let me prove I’m up for this.”
Corla raised an eyebrow, obviously entertained. “You have a plan?”
“I’ve been in the kitchen for months, my lady. I know how things work around here. Let me serve in the dining room tonight, and I’ll handle the rest myself.”
Corla nodded approvingly. “Good. But you can’t wear that dress. If you want to catch an Alpha’s eye, you need something more fitting. Go to the head maid’s wardrobe and find something that’ll turn heads.”
My heart skipped a beat. “Thank you! I won’t let you down.” I bowed deeply before turning to leave, the excitement building with every step.
Miela watched me go, lips curled in disdain. “Mom, are you sure this… this cheap slut is the right one for the job?”
“Don’t worry,” Corla replied, her voice dripping with confidence. “She’ll be lucky if Alpha Cael even looks her way for more than one night. She’s just an amusement.”
“I know, right?” Miela scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Can you imagine him picking her over someone like me?” She paused for a moment, then shook her head. “No way. It’s laughable.”
Corla chuckled softly, smoothing her daughter’s hair. “Sweetie, those types are for fun. They’ll never hold Alpha’s heart. That will always belong to someone like you. A true princess. Only you deserve to be Luna.”
Miela seemed to settle under her mother’s reassurance, a sly smile creeping back onto her lips. “Right. Now go freshen up. Alpha Thorne and the others will be back for dinner soon. You want him to see you at your best.”
