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 . Am I that unpleasant to you ? He shot me a cold glare that could kill , and I shook my head frantically , like a doll with a loose spring My fingers laced 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 explanation , 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 , he commanded , 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 claiming 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 pillar with his arms crossed over his chest . MY MAID IS NOT GUILTY +25 BONUS Sir , did he say who gave the orders ? I asked him respectfully , even in the dim light , his golden eyes were sharp and clear . 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 accomplice really that important to him ? I turned my head slightly toward the King , only to freeze under the icy , accusing glare 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 . Ill keep this brief . You two are the main suspects . You can speak now , or Ill drag you both to the dungeons , Aldric declared , pointing at the two maids . They immediately collapsed to the floor , sobbing , swearing and pleading their innocence . They insisted they had no access to His Majestys food , claiming 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 off completely . 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 , according 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 been laced 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 explained , 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 . +25 BONUS 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 muscular chest pressed even closer against my back , trapping me between him and the counter . I didnt dare move a single inch or worse , glance at the housekeeper , who stood awkwardly beside me . It must be the rut still lingering in his body . That had to explain why he was being so … clingy . It smells like a foreign substance . There are traces of blue powder here , he declared , 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 . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!