Meredith.
I was exhausted.
The so-called tour of the estate had dragged on longer than necessary, covering endless halls, courtyards, and rooms I had no real interest in.
By the time I returned to my chamber, my body felt like it had been wrung dry. The moment my head hit the pillow, I sank into sleep, not caring about anything else.
When I finally woke up nearly two hours later, the sky had dimmed slightly, and my stomach grumbled in protest. Lunch was waiting for me on the dining table, but the presence of Madame Beatrice ruined any appetite I might have had.
Her eyes, always sharp and assessing, followed my every movement as I ate. A cold weight sat in my chest. No matter what I did, I could never relax around her.
She was a silent force pressing down on me, like a chain I couldn’t shake off. So, when she finally stood and left, a breath of relief escaped my lips.
Madame Beatrice left me in the company of Azul, Deidra, and Kira.
At first, I was skeptical—Deidra and Kira were practically strangers to me. But as a few hours passed, I realized they weren’t as rigid as I thought.
Away from Madame Beatrice’s presence, they were easy to talk to, lighthearted even.
Eventually, Deidra and Kira excused themselves to fetch some mid-afternoon snacks, leaving me alone with Azul.
I took the chance.
I turned to her, studying her face, searching for any signs of resentment. "How did you fare after my father drove you away?"
Azul blinked at the question, then smiled softly. "I went back to my maternal home. My uncle took me in. I picked up crocheting." A small chuckle escaped her. "So, I was fine."
I exhaled, relieved. I was worried Azul wouldn’t have any place to go to after being unjustly sent away. It had been a guilt I carried for years. Now, I could let it go.
Still, there was one more thing that unsettled me. "Did my mother really send for you?"
Azul’s smile deepened. "She did."
I frowned. "You are sure?"
She nodded. "She sent me a letter, asking me to come take care of you now that you were marrying Alpha Draven from the Mystic Furs Pack."
I stared at her, disbelief clawing at my thoughts. It didn’t make sense. My mother had never been the type to offer kindness to me, so I still doubted her actions.
Before I could press further, Deidra and Kira returned, carrying a stainless tray. The scent of fresh fruit filled the room.
"We brought guava and watermelon," Kira announced with a grin.
Deidra set the tray on the dining table and pulled out a chair for me.
I hesitated, then took a seat, picking up a slice of guava. The pink flesh looked soft and juicy. I took a bite, chewing slowly, nodding in approval. "It’s good."
Kira exchanged a look with Deidra, then said, "They came straight from the tree."
I nodded slowly. The guava was actually really sweet.
As I ate, I asked, "How long have you both worked for the Oatrun family?"
Kira responded, "Since we were teenagers."
I hummed, filing away the information. Then, the air in the room shifted.
The door opened, and Madame Beatrice stepped inside. Immediately, Deidra and Kira fell silent and moved away from me, as if afraid to be caught too close.
Behind Madame Beatrice stood the doctor. It seemed he was very dedicated to healing my scar.
"It’s time to tend to your injury," Madame Beatrice announced.
I swallowed my sigh and stood, moving to the vanity area. The doctor greeted me politely, then opened his bag, retrieving supplies.
"This may sting a little," he warned as he pressed an ethanol-soaked cotton pad against my wound.
The burn was sharp, but I remained still. I was used to enduring this level of pain.
He examined the cut. "Thankfully, your wound hasn’t been infected."
Next, he dipped his fingers into a small container and spread a cooling balm across my cheek. The sensation was soothing, but all I could think about was wiping it off the moment he was gone.
When he was done, he sealed the container and turned to Madame Beatrice.
"She needs to apply this twice daily."
Madame Beatrice reached for it, but I snatched it from his hand. "I will do it myself."
No one objected, but I felt Madame Beatrice’s gaze linger on me.
As soon as the doctor left, I excused myself to the bathroom.
Inside, I bolted the door, stood before the mirror, and lifted the hem of my dress. I swiped the fabric across my left cheek, rubbing the balm away.
Two minutes later, I emerged, only to find the other maidservants back, with a tailor and a collection of new dresses.
One by one, I tried them on, enduring thirty tiring minutes of adjustments and scrutiny. By the time it ended, the sky outside had begun to darken. Then Madame Beatrice announced it was time for a bath.
Deidra and Kira led me to the bathroom, but when I stepped inside, I froze.
The bathtub was filled with milky water. The scent of lavender, rose oil, and vanilla hung in the air. A luxurious bath.
I stepped forward, inhaling the sweet fragrance. It was too much—too prepared. Like an offering on an altar.
Something wasn’t right.
After bathing, I was dressed in one of my new gowns instead of a nightdress. I frowned. "Why?"
"The Matron’s orders," Kira said simply.
A strange unease settled in my stomach.
When I stepped back into the room, I saw a food trolley being unloaded onto the dining table—several sumptuous dishes, a bottle of wine, two glasses.
Two.
I narrowed my eyes. Then I turned toward Madame Beatrice. She stood near Azul, giving her instructions on what to pack for the trip tomorrow.
"What is happening tonight?" I asked, trying to ignore the rapid beating of my heart.
She clasped her fingers together, her gaze sharp. Then she smiled—a smile that wasn’t a smile. "The Alpha is coming for dinner."
I stiffened. Then the question left my mouth before I could think. "Why?"
Madame Beatrice’s eyes bore into mine, a silent warning in their depths. Then, without breaking her gaze, she gave the next order.
"Deidra. Kira. Apply the healing balm again and touch up her face with powder. The Alpha is on his way."
I clenched my jaw.
My stomach twisted. Draven was coming. For dinner. And I had no idea who had invited him—or why. But one thing was certain. Nothing good ever came from being in a room with him.