DRESSING THE KING VALERIA 1 : I summon courage from a ce I didnt even know existed and turn around , trying to keep the basket from shaking too much in my trembling hands .
S Sir … the towel … I can rece it with a fresh one .
Im 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 mepletely .
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 .
Dont try to be clever .
He suddenly snatched the basket from my hands , moving it aside with ease while stepping even closer .
That basket had been 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 didnt understand why he was so angry I hadnt even said anything ! No , Sir .
I … Im honored to be your maid .
I dont even know the other Guardians , I murmured , keeping my gaze fixed on his ck leather boots .
The scent of rich , dark wine filled my senses , making me lightheaded .
He was sweaty , his skin glistening as if hed 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 .
Dont 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 whats 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 .
DE DRESSING THE KING << Wait , Your Majesty! Youre 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 , Ill get a clean cloth right away , I said , cing my tray aside and grabbing a white towel to help wrap her injury , Th 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 nced at the pile of bloody , half cut meat on the cutting board .
Honestly , with the staff so short , shed never finish alone .
Ill help you , Fid , 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 their 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 , wasnt his private room .
Hesitantly , I approached the solid ebony door and knocked softly before stepping inside .
I rarely entered this space .
I didnt like intruding on his most personal quarters .
The massive ck canopy bed dominated the room .
A writing desk sat near the center , a ck leather sofa beneath the wide window , and a vast wardrobe that Included the Kings private bath Help me choose something to wear .
I have to attend some damn festival of gratitude to the Goddess , he said , clearly irritated .
Im 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 .
DE DRESSING THE KING I told myself , drawing on what I knew from dressing Dorian for formal events .
His wardrobe was overwhelming an entire walk in chamber filled with elegant , luxurious clothing I rarely saw him wear , given his constantbat 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 muscr 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 hed throw another surprise .
Shame wasnt in his vocabry .
Honestly , I wasnt surprised anymore that his former maids ended up trying to seduce him or worse .
Does he behave this way with all of them ? Well , Im ready .
Im all yours now .
His voice broke my train of thought , teasing andmanding all at once .
I risked a nce , my face still flushed .
Dress me , maid .
If I look ridiculous at the festival , itll be your fault .