phin

but cold. It was clearly prepared for the f

deeply than it should have, stirring a familiar coldness buried within this

aside. There was no r

s Luna from now on," Alfred said respectfully. "I have assigne

n into a minor pack family loyal to the Beaumonts' political rivals. Her chin was held high, her eyes flashi

rn respect in this castle myself. And establishing authori

sitting at the dressing table and studying

poured a glass of water, and placed i

ched the side of the glass wit

but impatiently took the

I said again, my

t. She clenched her jaw and we

," I said, lifting the glass to

the tray, creating a jarring clang. "Do you think you can just do whatever you wa

other servants, who peeked i

ce her, my eyes like ice. "What did

ado wavered, but she still muttered

r. "But all you need to know is that from this day fo

only failed to do your duty but have dared to openly defy your mistress. Tel

knew that in Gideon's castle, there was o

scared to speak, her b

n do it right." I picked up the glass from the table and, under

neither hot nor cold. If you make another mistake," I paused, my voice laced wi

. She grabbed the pitcher and pra

s, pretending they hadn't seen anything. But the lo

sent. Killing the chicken to

water, her hands trembling as she offered it to me. Then

ke you. You're replaced. Have Alfred assign me two m

en granted a pardon, kowtowin

tone, Gideon's second-in-command and chief Beta officer-a stern, scarred military str

y servant in the castle submit to her," Ry

r the first time, a flicker of genuine interest crossed his cold, silv

lever pawn. Now, it seemed this pawn mig