THE KINGS CUNNING VALERIA Elena , shut your mouth already and go with the servant take Edward to his room so he can rest ! Michael , go fetch the doctor inmediately , and we will talk later , you and 11 the Alpha began barking out orders .
I stayed silent behind Aldric , frowning , with nothing else ould do.
I watched as they carried the pup away , his cheeks showing more color and the bleeding stopped , which eased my It seemed I was the only one who had witnessed that mans cruelty toward his brother , and I was in no position to interfere in their family matters .
I truly hoped I had misinterpreted the situation .
Your Majesty , what a shameful welcome .
I apologize to both you and your maid .
My youngest son was born with hes quite a rare weakness in his legs , very unusual for our kind , and he cannot walk properly .
Even so , miss , mischievous and always manages to get into trouble .
He will recover soon , dont worry , The Alpha continued to apologize , bowing in front of the King If it werent for His Majesty , they would have likely called me a nosy gossip directly .
Valeria .
I snapped out of my thoughts , lifting my head to meet Aldrics gray eyes .
Would you prefer we stay at an inn ? Would you feel more comfortable elsewhere ? I was shocked by his question .
That would be a direct insult to the Alpha , all for my comfort .
My gaze shifted to Alpha Garret , who stared at me with wide eyes , clearly unable to believe that a mere servant might ruin all his efforts to win Aldrics favor .
His face shifted into one of pure pleading .
Eyes on me , Valeria .
Forget about the others .
Tell me our luggage hasnt even been fully unloaded yet , Aldric pressed , unyielding Miss Valeria , youll be far more comfortable in the mansion than in an inn .
Weve prepared a spacious room for you , with a private bathtub and everything , the Alpha chimed in , blatantly trying to bribe me .
And I remembered very well what had happened in the last inn .
The King had managed to arrange for us to share a room , even though I later discovered that several rooms had been vacant since the afternoon of our arrival .
Aldric waited patiently , arms crossed over his chest .
If I didnt know him so well , might have even been touched by his apparent concern .
I know exactly what youre plotting , Your Majesty .
Its better if we stay .
I wouldnt want the Lord to feel slighted because of me , I replied , meeting his sharp gray eyes as they stared into mine .
Not this time , King Aldric .
I wont let you play the same card again , I thought proudly , convinced of my cleverness .
Fine .
Go to the carriage and give instructions for our belongings .
Quinn and Celine are unfamiliar with these details , he finally responded , and I nodded , walking away .
THE KINGS CUNNING Curiosity got the best of me , and I glanced back , catching him speaking quietly with the Alpha , who nodded eagerly before summoning one of his servants .
My blue eyes locked with Aldrics for a moment , and I could swear I saw a mocking glint in his eyes , his always serious lips curling into a subtle , seductive smile .
The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end .
What was this shameless seducer plotting now ? Is everything alright , Valeria ? Quinn asked me softly , concerned , as I reached the carriage where our things were being unloaded .
I nodded without giving much explanation or speaking further .
The last thing I wanted was more trouble with his sister .
I wasnt afraid of her , even though she was much stronger than me , but I was tired of being the source of tension when all I wanted was to go unnoticed .
But as always , what I wanted and what came out of the Kings enormous arrogance were two very different things .
The inside of the Alphas mansion was just as luxurious and elegant as the exterior .
He quickly led us to the second floor .
Here you are , a very comfortable and spacious suite .
Bring in all the luggage ! the Alpha ordered the servants as he opened a large wooden door , inviting us inside .
Aldric entered first with him .
Wait , those are my things .
You can leave them in the hallway , I instructed one of the servants .
Apologies , miss , but we were ordered to bring everything here .
Your room is right next to His Majestys , the servant responded , leaving me stunned .
I glanced along the wall again , but no , there was no other door in the hallway only the one leading into Aldrics chambers .
Something felt very wrong .
I stepped inside just in time to hear the Alpha finishing his tour .
D Are the arrangements to your satisfaction , Your Majesty ? he asked Aldric , who , in truth , looked more than pleased .
Yes , very satisfied , I must say , he nodded .
Excuse me , Alpha .
Where will I be sleeping ? The bad feeling in my chest only grew stronger .
Of course , Miss Valeria .
Right this way , he replied , struggling a bit to slide open a wooden partition door , revealing a much smaller adjoining room .