Riya's eyes narrowed as she waited for an explanation. Anna and Georgia exchanged a nervous glance before Anna spoke up.
"We may have, uh, 'acquired' some of Lita's freshly baked apple pies," Anna admitted, trying to sound nonchalant.
Riya's expression turned stern. "You mean you stole them, don't you?"
Georgia nodded sheepishly. "We just couldn't resist the smell. And they're really, really good."
Riya sighed, shaking her head. "You two are impossible. I swear, I'm going to have to keep a closer eye on you."
Just then, Lita appeared with a tray bearing two steaming hot pies. "Masters, I brought the pies as requested," she announced, her eyes wide with innocence.
Riya raised an eyebrow. "Ah, Lita, I see you're aware of the, ah, 'pie situation'?"
Lita nodded, still looking innocent. "Yes, ma'am. I was instructed to bring the pies to the masters' room."
Anna and Georgia exchanged a relieved glance. They had managed to avoid getting caught... for now.
Riya smiled wryly. "Well, I suppose I'll just have to make sure you two don't get into any more trouble. Now, let's get back to work. We have a lot to do before the alpha's arrival."
The four of them headed back upstairs, Lita carefully balancing the tray of pies. As they walked, Anna and Georgia couldn't help but sneak glances at each other, both of them thinking the same thing: they had gotten away with the pie heist, but for how long?
Later that day, the palace was abuzz with activity. Servants scurried about, polishing silverware and dusting furniture. Riya oversaw the preparations, ensuring everything was perfect for the alpha's arrival.
Anna and Georgia, meanwhile, were tasked with helping Lita in the kitchen. They spent the afternoon chopping vegetables, stirring pots, and generally getting in the way.
As the sun began to set, the palace grew quiet. The servants retired to their quarters, exhausted from the day's preparations. Riya, Anna, and Georgia gathered in the sitting room, waiting for the alpha's arrival.
Lita entered with a tray bearing a selection of teas and pastries. "Masters, I brought some refreshments," she announced, setting the tray down on the coffee table.
Anna and Georgia exchanged a look, both of them thinking the same thing: Lita's pastries were almost as good as her pies.
Just then, the sound of horses' hooves echoed outside. Riya stood up, smoothing her dress. "It seems the alpha has arrived."
Anna and Georgia followed Riya to the entrance hall, where they found the alpha, resplendent in his formal attire, standing beside his horse.
Riya curtsied, her head bowed. "Welcome, Alpha. We've been expecting you."
The alpha nodded, his eyes scanning the room. "Thank you, Riya. I see you've done an excellent job with the preparations."
Anna and Georgia exchanged a look, both of them thinking the same thing: the alpha seemed... different. More relaxed, perhaps.
Riya smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Thank you, Alpha. We've worked hard to ensure everything is perfect."
The alpha nodded, his gaze falling on Anna and Georgia. "And who are these two?"
Riya gestured to them. "This is Anna and Georgia, two of our guests."
The alpha's eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable. "Ah, yes. I've heard of them."
Anna and Georgia exchanged a nervous glance. What did the alpha mean?
The alpha turned to Riya. "I believe I'll retire to my room now. It's been a long journey."
Riya nodded, curtsying again. "Of course, Alpha. I'll show you to your room."
As Riya led the alpha upstairs, Anna and Georgia exchanged a look, both of them thinking the same thing: this was going to be an interesting night.