DRESSING THE KING
1091 Words
VALERIA
I summoned courage from a place I didn't even know existed and turned around, trying to keep the basket from shaking too much in my trembling hands.
S Sir … the towel … I can replace it with a fresh one.
I'm sorry for mentioning it, it was just … just a harmless conversation … I had no idea what else to say, my heart pounding wildly as he took a step closer, his shadow enveloping me completely.
He was a giant, dominating every inch of space around me. A wall pressed against my back, cutting off any chance of retreat.
Answer my question, Valeria.
Don't try to be clever.
He suddenly snatched the basket from my hands, moving it aside with ease while stepping even closer.
That basket was my only shield of defense !
Do you prefer being around another guardian ? Perhaps the handsome Quinn ? You were practically dazzled staring at him.
The danger in his voice was unmistakable.
I didn't understand why he was so angry. I hadn't even said anything !
No , Sir. I…'m honored to be your maid. I don't even know the other guardians, I murmured, keeping my gaze fixed on his black leather boots.
The scent of rich, dark wine filled my senses, making me lightheaded.
He was sweaty, his skin glistening as if he'd been training too.
Liar, he growled suddenly, his voice low and rough.
I tensed as his fingers gripped my chin, forcing me to raise my head.
My bangs shifted, revealing my scars, and shame twisted in my chest as I met his piercing, steel gray eyes.
Whether you enjoy being my maid or not, since you walked into my quarters, you belong to me. Don't think for a second you can choose someone else, Valeria, he warned, leaning even closer.
His breath fanned my face, and my gaze helplessly flicked toward his cruel, sensual lips.
No one is allowed to touch what's mine.
You answer to me alone.
If another guardian or anyone asks you for anything, you tell them no.
Do you understand ?
I nodded, swallowing hard.
He was so close, overwhelming me, forcing me to stay on my toes just to hold his gaze.
For a moment, he seemed to be analyzing something.
His sharp eyes lingered on my face, and I could never tell what was going on in that dangerous mind of his.
The tension only broke when he finally released me, stepping back and storming down the corridor like a wild beast.
I stared after him, his sweat-soaked back flexing under a navy sleeveless shirt clinging to his powerful frame.
My gaze trailed lower along the thick muscles of his arms, and then I noticed something.
Wait, Your Majesty! You're taking my basket!
The kitchen was usually lively, buzzing with servants gossiping, but today, it felt half empty.
I remembered Juliette had mentioned getting the day off for the packs' festival.
Not that it mattered to me.
My entire world now revolved around serving King Aldric.
So, I continued preparing the dinner trays as usual.
I was carrying a tray of dishes when a sharp cry startled me. Looking toward the stoves, I spotted a maid bent over, clutching her hand as blood dripped onto the tiles.
I rushed over and saw a deep cut on her palm, likely from chopping meat.
Hold on, I'll get a clean cloth right away ," I said, placing my tray aside and grabbing a white towel to help wrap her injury.
Thank thank you, she hissed, wincing in pain as I pressed the cloth against the wound.
Goddess … how am I supposed to finish chopping all this meat today ?
I glanced at the pile of bloody, half-cut meat on the cutting board.
Honestly, with the staff so short, she never finished alone.
I'll help you, Fidela, came another voice from behind.
One of the other maids had stayed behind on duty.
Seeing the situation was handled, I returned to my task, carrying the dinner tray upstairs to the King.
His room was as dark and foreboding as always, like the lair of a beast.
Half shadowed, with heavy drapes drawn, it felt more like a prison than living quarters.
I set the dishes carefully on the dining table, arranging everything properly when his voice called from beyond his bedroom door.
Valeria .
Come here .
His deep, guttural voice made my stomach twist.
I had learned something since being here. His other bed, the one where he took his lovers, wasn't his private room.
Hesitantly, I approached the solid ebony door and knocked softly before stepping inside.
I rarely enter this space.
I didn't like intruding on his most personal quarters.
The massive black canopy bed dominated the room.
A writing desk sat near the center, a black leather sofa beneath the wide window, and a vast wardrobe that included the King's private bath. Help me choose something to wear.
"I have to attend some damn festival of gratitude to the Goddess ," he said, clearly irritated.
I'm going to shower. Find something in the closet.
And just like that, he disappeared into the bathroom, leaving me to figure it out alone.
Come on, Valeria. Remember, you were Luna once … even if it was a lie.
I told myself, drawing on what I knew from dressing Dorian for formal events.
His wardrobe was overwhelming, an entire walk in the chamber filled with elegant, luxurious clothing I rarely saw him wear, given his constant combat attire.
I selected a few outfit options and returned to the bedroom only to freeze in horror.
The first thing I saw was him.
Naked Completely exposed, facing away from me as he bent slightly to slide on his boxers.
His muscular back flexed, powerful and scarred, but my gaze traveled lower to the heavy balls between his legs as he pulled the fabric up .
I snapped my gaze away , mortified , face burning .
With this man , you never knew when he'd throw another surprise.
Shame wasn't in his vocabulary.
Honestly, I wasn't surprised anymore that his former maids ended up trying to seduce him or worse.
Does he behave this way with all of them ? Well, I'm ready.
I'm all yours now.
His voice broke my train of thought, teasing and commanding all at once.
I risked a glance, my face still flushed.
Dress me , maid .
If I look ridiculous at the festival, it'll be your fault.
- Writer
