ARE YOU PLANNING TO POISON ME ? VALERIA With that pressure weighing on my shoulders and trying not to focus on the fact that he was only wearing boxers , I began testing the clothing options I had selected .
Hmm , too in … The gray matches his eyes , but not the pants … This detail doesnt work ..
I was so absorbed in holding the garments against him , measuring and matching , that I hadnt realized I was voicing my thoughts out loud .
This one looks too short … Would this belt fit you ? I asked , suddenly raising my head and immediately realizing how close we were .
I was practically pressed against the King .
A drop of water from his damp hair fell onto my lips , and the way this Lycan was staring at me made my heart race .
uncontroHably .
Everything about this screamed danger .
What exactly am I doing ? I I apologi- Try it on me .
Lets see how it fits , he cut me off , spreading his arms wide .
The gesture was clear : Come and test it yourself .
Swallowing hard , I stepped closer , gripping the leather belt tightly as I wrapped it around his waist .
It was impossible not to brush against his bare skin .
The tip of my nose barely grazed his solid chest , from which that intoxicating wine scent radiated so strongly .
As my fingers worked to adjust the belt , I could have sworn heard a low growl rumbling above my head .
I could feel him inhaling my scent or maybe it was just my paranoia acting up .
I gulped nervously , struggling to focus on the task while he remained perfectly still , offering no assistance whatsoever .
It … It seems to fit , I murmured , my voice shaky .
You need to fasten the buckle to be sure , he challenged , his voice even lower .
Hes not even wearing pants , why am I fastening the buckle ?! But I kept my frustrations to myself and forced my trembling hands to finish the task , securing the belt around his waist .
Which was nearly impossible , considering the hard , unmistakable outline beneath his boxers was far too prominent and far too close for me to ignore .
That rich scent of wine was making me lightheaded .
Yes , this one … this one is definitely the right choice , I dered , exhaling a shaky breath of relief .
Do you like this outfit , Sir ? I stepped back immediately , retreating to safer ground .
1/4 ARE YOU PLANNING TOPO SON MET * RE BONUS .
If you like it , then its fine .
I hate those formal robes .
The morefortable the clothes , the better , he replied , and I nodded , realizing I had chosen correctly .
He was clearly a man of action , not decoration .
Valeria … Have you ever been mated to a male before ? he asked suddenly , his voice dropping a shade deeper .
I froze .
My back was turned to him as 1 folded the extra clothes , and I fell silent for a few seconds .
I didnt want to talk about Dorian or anything from my past .
L … My mind raced .
Lying to him would be dangerous .
Its fine .
You dont have to answer .
I only hope hes dead .
Because if hes alive and dares to im you , hell wish he was dead .
The way he said it , so cold and possessive , as if I belonged to him it made my skin prickle .
King Aldric was deeply possessive of his things .
We fell into silence as he grabbed a towel and began drying his hair .
We But Dorian wouldnte for me .
No male would im me I was nothing now a scarred , broken woman .
No longer beautiful or desirable .
This is the full outfit , I said , motioning toward the final selection .
It will match perfectly with these boots , Sir .
I was ready to leave , eager to escape this charged tension .
Where are you going ? His voice stopped me cold .
My stomach twisted as a terrible feeling settled in my gut .
If you start something , you finish it .
Come here dress your King I turned back slowly , only to find him standing tall , brushing his damp crimson hair back with hisrge hands , his muscr arms flexing , every inch of him powerful and overwhelming .
Red and ck tattoos stretched over his chest , where pale pink nipples stood out against the Ink .
And lower still , his sculpted abs led down toward a thin trail of light hair disappearing beneath his boxers .
And there it was his prize , muchrger than expected .
Reluctantly , I forced my legs to move toward him .
Why did have to be the one doing this ? Because youre the maid of a spoiled Lycan King , thats why ***** Ill taste it in a second .
Its not necessary , Im in a hurry .
Are you going to poison me ? he suddenly questioned , his sharp gaze piercing me as he sat at the table , ready to eat .
N no , of course not , Sir ! I stammered immediately .
He gave a brief nod and began eating .
I withdrew to my usual corner , standing silently as he finished his meal and returned to his chambers .
I was busy collecting the dishes when a heavy leather pouch hit the table beside me with a dull thud .
( 17.
ARE YOU PLANNING TO POSON ME The soft clinking of gold coins echoed from inside .
Thats your payment .
You may leave the castle tonight .
Theres a festival in the pack .
Perhaps youll find something you want to buy , he said from behind me .
My … payment ? I whispered , hesitant to even touch the bag , which was clearly overfilled .
The The housekeeper never mentioned Id be paid- Why wouldnt you be ? Youre not a ve .
I always pay my maids .
That is your reward .
If you need more , you ask me directly , he stated , his tone blunt but direct .
Something twisted painfully in my chest .
The truth was , I did feel like a ve here .
I never expected him to actually give me money , let alone this much .
1 heard his footsteps retreating and spun around quickly .
Thank you , Your Majesty .
Im very grateful for your generosity , I said , bowing respectfully .
His boots suddenly stopped in front of me .
He remained silent always silent like he was contemting something unspoken .
I was about to thank him again when his rough , calloused hand suddenly rested on my head .
He stroked my hair awkwardly , as if I were a pet .
I stood frozen , head bowed , unsure how to react .
Had I just … been promoted ? As long as you remain loyal , you may have whatever you desire from me , Valeria .
But never , ever think of betraying me .
Believe me , I really wouldnt want to have to separate that pretty head from your body .
Of course .
It wouldnt be the King without a threat mixed in Atst , he left the room .
Only then did I exhale , releasing the tension from my lungs .
My life was a constant rollercoaster of stress and confusion .
I stared at the gold pouch on the table .
I wouldnt waste it .
This … this was my escape n my lifeline for the day I finally had to run .
But I never imagined how soon that moment woulde .
It waste at night as I walked through the dim corridors , guiding myself with a single candbra .
A long coat hung over my nightdress , along with my old , wern slippers .
All these clothes had been provided by the housekeeper .
I was heading to the Kings chambers .
I had forgotten to change his bedsheets earlier , and he was notoriously meticulous about them .
Figuring he would still be at the festival , I quietly entered his quarters .
In the faint glow of candlelight , I retrieved the fresh linens from the closet and began stripping the massive bed .
The eerie silence of the room was broken by a beastly grow that made my blood run cold .
I froze , ncing toward a dark steel door tucked into the corner of the room one I had never noticed before .
OT ARE YOU PLANKING TO POISON ME ? The terrifying sound echoed from behind it , a low snarl so menacing it made my stomach twist painfully .
I reminded myself not to be reckless .
Not to be curious .
But against my better judgment , I grabbed the candbra and moved toward the partially open door .
It creaked as I pushed it , revealing a narrow , spiraling staircase descending into darkness like a descent straight into hell .
I made the mistake of going down .
And what I discovered in that basement … would change my life forever .