sl

re what to do, grasping my bag. I look

to be a breeder? The breede

l someone come flying out of

can do whatever I want, but I am still hesitant. I

was meant to go to the maids' quarters, and while Beta Seth said that wasn't

rtable here, I wil

e nicest room

here too long when ther

l eyes is staring at me, just her head sticking in

e," I say, star

ke a flurry, a small, contained tornado. "I'm Poppy, Miss Is

used to being addressed this way, bu

ersonal maid. So... what can I do to assist you, miss?" she as

, not since I was a child and needed my mother's help. "I don't know," I admit to her. "Do... d

I keep telling myself t

t fret. I'm sure there's a good reason, if you don't know. Now, let's see.... Food i

ag I'm clutching in my hands,

asks, exten

but I do. She takes the bag

begins to put them away. "Although, I have to say, I think it's also in case they are robbed on their way to the castle. You know there are plenty of rogues out there. And s

. I will get what I can, but we will see that you have everything that you need. Al

n earth would someone like Alpha King Maddox need a breeder? I've never seen the man, but I've heard whispers of him from time to time. Ruthless, cut throat, the kind of man who makes

why

. Now, what

ake my head. "My mot

you mind s

of the bed, and she

ren't you!" Po

ands are trembling a bit, and I don't know what to do with mysel

" she asked, staring at the

my head. I don't

uled Mrs. W. out of her

, my eyes wide. I ca

"Well, it's good she's gone. Now, why don't I go draw you a hot bath so you can soak? You've had a

mself will be in soon to tell me it's time for me to go home-or g

nning and smell roses. She comes back a moment later with a b

y. I can't imagine ne

le are...

u need anything e

thank

e and says, "I'

ppy," I say be

t help but think that we might be friends-if I s

*

ad

dering what he's doing in my office when we are meant to hav

h a fist. He's at least twenty-five years my senior, maybe more, and it's e

e that in a cou

lpha takes

Alpha Kin

hand from his mouth. "I do appreciate you letting us stay here for a

my desk. He still hasn't answered my que

uld get straight to the point, then?

say that he most certai

g about the... conflict that is going

t wanting to get into it right now

it would be best for the people if they had something to celebrate, so

e is going with this, but I don't want to attempt to guess because if it is where

etting at?" I f

the strain as if it also wants to protest whateve

ing to say, and exactly what he should

e stoic, I glo

he is ripe for breeding. She could give you an heir, Your Majesty. It would be good for the kingdom. Zabrina

k in my chair, remembering what Seth alwa

o the way Alpha Ernest mentioned the girl he brought me, though there was n

the girl was a

ade any mention of tha

made it clear that I didn't intend to marry agai

im," he says,

him, anticipating

a ball. The mate bond was not strong, but it was there. She rejected

cting one's mate has con

ry was attacked shortly thereafter, but we were vict

from the rejection?" This goes a

ard her complain of,"

an wasn't actually her mate. Losing my mate h

er end is if the Moon Godde

to take another Luna, Alpha Jo

e asks. "Our kingdom must h

sharp. "Why don't you let me han

feels it is necessary to tell me, "Of course, but... know that t

his eyes. "I hope that those Alphas who are speaking against me u

r. No, nothing like that. We are all loyal

t I don't

e I trust a

re your daughter is a lovely person, but I am not looking for a

me as he says, "Yes, of course, Alph

ell. He offers his hand, and I shake

it, I refill my glass. I need to go get ready for dinner soon. I am so

it goes down. Maybe Alpha Erne

s my inhibitions, I begin to think maybe it's ti