MY MAID IS NOT GUILTY VALERIA He simply carried me princess style from the bed , and no matter how much I told him I could walk on my own , it went in one ear and out the other .
Hold on tight , he ordered when I didnt know how to position myself against his solid chest .
Hesitantly , I raised my hands and wrapped them behind his strong neck .
Closer .
Am I that unpleasant to you ? He shot me a cold glare that could kill , and I shook my head frantically , like a doll with a loose spring My fingers laced behind his neck .
His powerful heartbeat echoed against my side , and I fought the urge to let my eyes wander over his masculine features .
That fiery red hair swirled and danced with his every step through the castle corridors and down the stairs , as if he carried no weight at all .
His skin felt so warm , and that intoxicating scent lingering hear my nose teased my senses .
Had he already controlled his rut ? Or would I soon have to drag more of his lovers out of the castle by their hair ? Dont be afraid , he said suddenly .
Point to whoever you think is guilty , Valeria .
We had stopped before the massive kitchen doors .
Fine … And you … what will you do to that person ? Ill kill them , of course , he replied without further explanation , kicking the door open as he stormed into the room where the entire staff was trembling , waiting The scent of fear filled the air , and tonight , more blood would be spilled .
Your Majesty , Ive gathered the entire kitchen staff as you ordered , the housekeeper immediately announced , approaching us .
She looked at me strangely , just like everyone else .
And honestly , I was embarrassed to still be in the Kings arms .
He walked to the side and set me down on a chair , grabbing another one to sit beside me , exuding such a deadly aura that even I felt its weight pressing down on me .
Now , Valeria .
Tell me every detail of what happened when you came for my dinner , he commanded , and I didnt hesitate to recount everything from the beginning .
When I reached the part about the maids , I looked directly at them .
Both had their heads lowered , fear clearly clutching their hearts .
Then , I went to the housekeepers home , but she wasnt there .
Those men claiming to be guards captured me .
Yes , they were low ranking warriors from the pack , responsible for patrolling the forests borders .
I identified them , and the one who survived confirmed it as well .
Suddenly , I froze in surprise , noticing the Lycan Quinn standing In the shadows , leaning against a pillar with his arms crossed over his chest .
MY MAID IS NOT GUILTY Sir , did he say who gave the orders ? I asked him respectfully , even in the dim light , his golden eyes were sharp and clear .
No.
He refused to confess , even under torture , Quinn replied , his gaze shifting toward the King beside me .
I assumed His Majesty Aldric had been the one to interrogate him .
And yet … he didnt break ? Was his accomplice really that important to him ? I turned my head slightly toward the King , only to freeze under the icy , accusing glare he was giving me .
What did I do now , Your Majesty?! I dropped my head immediately .
When Maid Valeria came to my house , Your Highness , I had stepped out for a moment .
Thats why she couldnt find me , the housekeeper defended her side of the story .
Fine .
Ill keep this brief .
You two are the main suspects .
You can speak now , or Ill drag you both to the dungeons , Aldric declared , pointing at the two maids .
They immediately collapsed to the floor , sobbing , swearing and pleading their innocence .
They insisted they had no access to His Majestys food , claiming it was only the cook , the housekeeper , and me who handled it .
Sir , if I may add I already searched their rooms and clothes .
There was nothing suspicious , the housekeeper interjected .
Please search my belongings too .
I dont want any doubts about my innocence , I added quickly , noticing the hidden suspicion in his eyes .
Thats not necessary , Aldrics sharp voice cut me off completely .
At that moment , the back door of the kitchen opened , and the woman who had ripped the hearts out of those ment in the forest walked in .
She looked powerful .
I wasnt sure what kind of wolf she was I had never seen a female Lycan before .
She greeted the King with respect and then handed a document to Guardian Quinn .
Sir , according to the packs records , that warrior was … the brother of your cook , Quinn stated after reading the report .
Bring her here .
NOW ! Aldric erupted in fury .
Yet … I still had doubts .
If the food had been laced with that aphrodisiac , why didnt I feel anything when I tasted it ? Thats why , to me , the two maids were the prime suspects .
Trose from my seat , limping slightly toward the royal kitchen staff .
Whats going on , Valeria ? the housekeeper asked , frowning as she approached me .
Something doesnt add up , maam .
I tasted the food the cook prepared and it didnt affect me at all , I explained , and she immediately unlocked the storage cablet .
We began searching for anything suspicious , even tasting leftovers .
Nothing seemed tainted with any aphrodisiac 13 MY MAID IS NOT GUILTY Let me help you .
1 froze when I heard that low , husky voice behind me , so close that his breath caressed the back of my neck .
Your Majesty … with all this space , why do you have to stand so close to me ?! I wanted to cry without tears but instead focused on steadying the trembling in my hands and keeping my mind on the search .
Theres a strange scent .
Faint , but I can detect it , he suddenly announced .
I watched as his hand reached out toward the silver serving trays used to cover the food .
Of course , when he leaned forward , his muscular chest pressed even closer against my back , trapping me between him and the counter .
I didnt dare move a single inch or worse , glance at the housekeeper , who stood awkwardly beside me .
It must be the rut still lingering in his body .
That had to explain why he was being so … clingy .
It smells like a foreign substance .
There are traces of blue powder here , he declared , flipping the tray reveal the concave underside the part that always remained above the food , out of sight .
The one spot I would have never thought to check .