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 re that could kill , and I shook my head frantically , like a doll with a loose spring My fingersced 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 exnation , 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 , hemanded , 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 iming 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 pir 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 aplice really that important to him ? I turned my head slightly toward the King , only to freeze under the icy , using re 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 dered , pointing at the two maids .


    They immediately copsed to the floor , sobbing , swearing and pleading their innocence .


    They insisted they had no ess to His Majestys food , iming 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 offpletely .


    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 , ording 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 beenced 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 exined , 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 muscr chest pressed even closer against my back , trapping me between him and the counter .


    I didnt dare move a single inch or worse , nce at the housekeeper , who stood awkwardly beside me .


    It must be the rut still lingering in his body .


    That had to exin why he was being so … clingy .


    It smells like a foreign substance .


    There are traces of blue powder here , he dered , 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 .