CHAPTER 43

CHAPTER 43
She looked at me a bit surprised at first, but then quickly masked it as best she could and went back to her work.

I guess my scars were enough to stun anyone.

Clothing hung everywhere, and sewing accessories filled the display case along the back wall.

I loved sewing and embroidery.

In my free time, I had practiced a lot and was the one who always mended Dorians clothes Valeria, come with me to choose His Majestys suits, the housekeeper ordered , and I followed her deeper into the shop.

We spent quite some time selecting fabrics and pre made outfits, handkerchiefs, accessories everything And practically every decision ended up relying on my taste.

It seemed the King wanted to dress elegantly for the visit to the Silver Lake pack.

I think this will be enough, I said to the housekeeper, who nodded in agreement.

Just then, the shops owner, Mrs.

Betty, entered.

The new fabrics have arrived! Everythings ready! she announced enthusiastically, and for some reason , she looked at me with a strange sparkle in her eyes that sent a bad feeling through me.

Valeria, while I oversee the packing of His Majestys garments, go with Mrs.

Betty to get measured and have some dresses made for you, she stated bluntly.

At least three, Mrs.

Betty the finest fabrics, full sets, undergarments, nightgowns.

Spare no expense, and make sure the colors match His Majestys palette.

She turned to give the shopkeeper instructions, and now I understood why her eyes were sparkling so much she was probably calculating all the gold shed be earning today Wait, maam, I dont need such elegant clothing.

Whats in for ? Valeria , if you have any doubts or complaints, take them up with His Majesty.

I'm just following orders.

And just like that, just as rude as her master, she left me mid sentence, while a very excited seamstress practically dragged me upstairs to a private fitting room.

Undress, dear.

Lets measure those lovely curves of yours Dont worry , youre in good hands, she reassured me, but I couldnt relax when I had no idea what was going on.

Still, I had no choice but to undress, remaining only in the thin white slip I wore under my dress.

She kept talking and talking like a parrot, measuring every inch of me while chattering about trends and occasionally asking me to pick something I nodded and answered when required, though in reality, I wasnt as calm as I pretended to be.

My mind was racing with a thousand thoughts.

Alina ! Bring me the lace sell she suddenly shouted toward the door behind me, and through the full length mirror in front of me, I saw a clumsy blonde girl enter carrying a large box.

Not these! I told you this morning to bring out the newest collection! she scolded after checking the boxs contents on the side table.

The poor blonde, sweating nervously, rushed back out the door.

Mrs.

Betty returned to my side, still rambling about how hard it was to find good, skilled girls for the trade.

And finally, I couldnt hold back the words lodged in my throat.

Mrs.

Betty, are you … hiring staff ? … I have experience in sewing, and Im a hard worker.

Please, you can put me on trial, I said timidly, and she looked at me astonished.

Really? I thought you were … she stopped herself, and I wasnt quite sure what she had been about to imply.

I mean, I just didnt think youd be looking for work.

Of course! I'm always in need of expert hands.

If youd like once were done here I can test your skills.

Really? Thank you, Mrs Betty! I'll do my best and I promise You wont regret it! I replied, smiling , unable to believe she had actually agreed.

This was perfect ! I could rent a small house near the castle and stay close enough to keep an eye on whether Aldric found the cure for my curse.

På resist that lustful beasts attacks even if I ended up soaked in my own panties but I would get out from under the Lycan Kings shadow.

By the way , please … just make me one dress.

I probably wont even need it.

But Miss Sasha said- Make every single piece as instructed , came Aldrics cold voice , making me shiver instantly.

immediately raised my hand to cover my exposed chest and looked through the mirrors reflection.

The blonde girl had left the door open , and there he was , standing there, brow furrowed, looking just as ever.

How much had he heard of our conversation? Judging by a lycans hearing probably everything.

Valeria Yes , yes , of course, Your Majesty.

What an honor to have you in my humble shop, Mrs.

Betty responded nervously, bowing respectfully.

Thank you for your work.

Step out for a moment, Mrs.

Belly Sasha is waiting downstairs to pay, he replied , but his eyes never left mine for a second.

I took advantage of the seamstress leaving quickly, closing the door behind her, to head over to where my dress was folded and put it back on.

However, I had only reached the edge of the table when I heard hurried footsteps, and I tensed, feeling him press against my bare back.

One hand wrapped around my waist , caressing my stomach while the other slid over the arm I was using to cover my breasts.

Only the thin slip over my hips separated my body from the Kings warmth.

Let me go ! What do you think youre doing? I struggled slightly, trying to break free from his hold , but his arms closed around me possessively, trapping me between the table and his massive body.

The rapid beating of his heart echoed against my back.

If he werent the cold, indifferent Aldric , Imight have thought he was nervous.

Wait, Valeria.

Just wait a second, please … Just give me a moment, little one, he whispered against His red hair fell over my collarbone as he buried his face in the curve of my neck , his towering figure bending over mine, so much smaller in comparison.

What do you need a moment for, Your Majesty ? Do you have an order for me, a task , should I clean your chambers or wash your clothes ? Valeria, stop.

I know I treated you badly … I shouldnt have shouted at you , the things I said- Everything you said was what you truly felt.

You dont need to apologize.

I was the intruder who went through your personal things.

I did the same as the other maids I abused your trust.

Im grateful you let me live , Your Majesty , but I dont think Im suited for the position of your maid.

NO His voice was firm.

Youre not leaving me.

Why is it so easy for you to walk away from me every time ? His voice was hoarse as he turned me in his arms , pressing me against his chest while I kept my arms crossed over my chest , my eyes lowered.

My nose brushed against the fabric of his shirt as I struggled to resist his intoxicating scent that seemed to surround and tempt me , urging me to lower my guard again and surrender my will.

Valeria , look at me.

Lift your head I want to see your face , he murmured , his warm breath fanning my forehead , but I refused to meet his gaze , clenching my teeth and remembering all his cruel words , the harsh way he had treated me.

Fine.

If you wont look at me , if you dont want to see the truth in my eyes, then listen to it from my heart , he whispered , hugging me tightly.

Not a single inch of space remained between our bodies.

His fingers tangled gently in my dark hair, his calloused hand pressing me fully against his chest, where his heartbeat pulsed powerfully against my car.

Theyre the last memories of my past … my pups ….

my mate.

Theyre all dead.

Im sure youve figured that out by now , he whispered , and I instantly thought of that beautiful woman by his side and the two red haired babies.

I have to gather all the courage I have each time I need to touch those memories.

I feel as if theyll turn to ashes beneath my fingers and there will be nothing left of them, just as when I held them alive in my arms, rocked them to sleep in their cradle, and then , in the blink of an eye, I was holding their cold, lifeless bodies.

His strangled voice broke as he tightened his hold on me further, as though reliving all those painful memories in his mind.

Once, one of my former maids forced her way into my chambers and stole a photograph of Bella to cast some filthy black magic spell on it.

That night , my dead mate appeared before me.

I thought I was dreaming … I nearly gave in to temptation with that maid, but I discovered her trickery and theft.

Since then , Ive been even more fearful of anyone going near that space.

I would never do that with a picture of your mate ! I would never defile your familys memories that way ! I raised my head in defense , hurt that he could think Id do the same as that vile woman.

I know, Valeria.

I know youre not that kind of person, he replied , taking my face in his hands, forcing me face his tormented gray eyes.

I know you've also lost loved ones.

The scars on your stomach tell me a lot.

I just panicked for a moment … Im a damn beast whos forgotten how to be gentle … how to show emotions … how to love.

Our breaths were so close , both of us staring into the depths of each other.

I had never seen the King so vulnerable , so broken , so lonely.

He always displayed his invincible, powerful, bloodthirsty side.

But these raw emotions so complex, so difficult for me to understand it was the first time he had ever shown them.

When I saw you leaving … when I thought about everything I said to you, I knew immediately I had been wrong.

Valeria, please forgive me.

Dont leave me.

Please , dont leave my side … not yet.

Im not ready to return to that darkness again.

Aldrics cold lips brushed against mine as he spoke.

I closed my eyes , overwhelmed by the storm of emotions within me.

And I was afraid afraid of misinterpreting all this , afraid of making the same mistake again , of opening my heart to someone who wouldnt value my love.

To this man, women were nothing but a distraction.

No one would ever truly replace his beloved mate.

I forgive your harsh words , and I hope you can forgive me for looking through your memories.

I'll stay as long as It takes to find my cure … but only under one condition, I finally spoke, shielding my chest with one arm and pressing my palm against his chest to put some distance between us.

Stop confusing me , Your Majesty.

Im just your maid, and we have an agreement.

Unless it becomes necessary because of my curse , please dont do anything intimate like this again.

Dont kiss me.

Dont hold me.

Dont buy me anything.

I am not your lover.

Treat me coldly, just like you did in the beginning, as your employee … because I cant afford to misinterpret things again and end up hurt.

Valeria …