His Witchy Mate

~ Lucian ~

As Alicia raised her face, I couldn’t help but notice anger growing behind her expressionless face. Her voice, though, was loud and clear this time. “You asked me, Lycan!”

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the sudden change in her tone. Her stubbornness didn’t go unnoticed. Leaning forward slightly, I allowed myself a small smile. “That’s better,” I remarked, my tone smug. “I asked Rein to bring you here because there’s something you need to understand during your time in the palace.”

I watched her closely as I continued, enjoying the mix of emotions that flashed across her features. “You were brought here as a maid, and whether by choice or circumstance, it’s your duty to respect the head of the werewolves, and all the members of this palace. You owe respect to the Lycan. It’s a privilege to stand before me.”

Pausing for a moment, I let the weight of my words settle in the room. “However,” I added, my tone firm, “You should consider yourself lucky today. The Lycan’s mood seemed to favor you. I have the authority to order your execution for your insolence, but I’ve chosen to pardon you this time due to your new status. Remember, this mercy won’t always be extended. The next time you dare challenge me, you won’t find such mercy.”

I fixed her with a steady gaze, wanting my message to be clear. This wasn’t the same world she had known before. Things had changed, and she needed to adapt if she was to survive in this new reality.

“Yes, Alpha,” Alicia responded, her voice carrying a weight of weariness and hunger. Her eagerness to be away from me was apparent. I allowed a tiny smile to play upon my lips, a hint of amusement that vanished as swiftly as it had arrived. Her confused expression as she caught that glimpse of a smile made me wonder if she had truly seen it or if her exhaustion was playing tricks on her.

“As my personal maid,” I began, my intention cut short by her interruption. Her rebellious attitude caught me off guard.

“Personal maid?” she questioned, a note of disbelief in her tone. Her swift response triggered that lost smile to reappear on my lips, this time with a touch more clarity. It seemed she wasn’t one to back down easily.

I gave a slight nod, acknowledging her concern. Impatience crept into my voice, a reminder that time was of the moment. “I don’t have all day, Alicia. Get me something to eat.”

~ Alicia ~

I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect outcome. As I bowed in response to Lucian’s request, I abruptly turned, well aware of his gaze following my every move. A shiver coursed down my spine, giving rise to goosebumps on my skin. The massive size of the manor’s halls surrounded me as I stepped into the hallway. My next goal was set firmly in my mind and that was to find the kitchen.

The manor was confusing, vast enough to swallow anyone who delved into its depths. It was a place where one could easily lose one’s way for days on end. The humiliations I had faced earlier in the day had left me yearning for a break. Fortunately, luck favored me as a junior maid walked by, carrying a bucket and mop in evidence of her recent cleaning.

“Hello, I’m new here. Could you guide me to the kitchen?” I inquired with a polite smile, hoping for a friendly response. The junior maid pointed me in the right direction and provided a quick description. I expressed my gratitude and began my walk. The path led me to the kitchen where I encountered a woman. She didn’t look like any of the maids working in the kitchen so I was sure she was an important person here.

She had a smug look on her face as she gazed at me.

“You finally got out.” Her words dripped with sarcasm as she uttered them through gritted teeth. Hatred gleamed in her eyes, strong enough to cut through the air. She despised me with a hatred that bordered on something deeper, something far more dangerous.

“Madam Ena.” A maid came and bowed her head down. The maid handed her a bag before she went away from there.

I started to get suspicious about the identity of the girl in front of me. Was she Lucian’s girl? Even though he was the king and I shouldn’t be hurt knowing he had a girl but still something ached in my heart.

Her intention to make my stay miserable was evident. She was determined to drive a dagger into my heart.

Ena continued her argument. “Alicia, or whatever your name is, I hope you’ve figured out your place here in the palace. You’re just a maid, a mere grain beneath the Alpha’s notice. Dare not raise your voice against him; your courage is impressive, I must admit.”

“I apologize; I’ve learned from my mistake. How may I assist you? It seems you’re important, but I just don’t know you,” I responded, aiming to calm the tension while seeking answers. Ena’s attire hinted at royalty, but her presence remained a mystery.

A mischievous smile crept across Ena’s lips. “I’m here to oversee your first task in the palace. Disregard my presence; carry on,” she replied, her words laced with an edge that promised secrets yet to be revealed.

I couldn’t help but feel flustered. Working under someone else’s watch was nothing short of frustrating. My inner frustration grew, and I silently cursed my circumstances. My mother’s decisions had led me here, and the mere thought of it made me cringe inwardly. Drawing a deep breath, I attempted to compose myself, my steps careful and deliberate as I moved toward the cooking area.

Cooking had become a skill I had honed over the years, a lifeline during my time in the dungeon. My memories of Lucian’s favorite dish from our past, when we were still entwined in love, stirred in my mind. It seemed fitting to attempt that dish now, my first practical application of the cooking knowledge I had acquired.Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

Engrossed in the task at hand, I lost myself in the flow of cooking. The presence of someone else in the kitchen faded into the background as I focused on bringing the ingredients to life. Little did I know, Ena was watching, waiting for the opportune moment to execute her intention of humiliation.

As I hummed a tune, my heart lighter despite the circumstances, I turned to grab a plate from the spot near where Ena was seated. In an instant, it happened – Ena’s leg obstructed my path, and before I could react, I stumbled over the obstruction. The fall was abrupt and harsh, my face striking with the floor. The pain spread, and a bruise formed near my left eye.