THE KINGS CUNNING VALERIA Elena , shut your mouth already and go with the servant take Edward to his room so he can rest ! Michael , go fetch the doctor inmediately , and we will talk later , you and 11 the Alpha began barking out orders . I stayed silent behind Aldric , frowning , with nothing else ould do. I watched as they carried the pup away , his cheeks showing more color and the bleeding stopped , which eased my It seemed I was the only one who had witnessed that mans cruelty toward his brother , and I was in no position to interfere in their family matters . I truly hoped I had misinterpreted the situation . Your Majesty , what a shameful welcome . I apologize to both you and your maid . My youngest son was born with hes quite a rare weakness in his legs , very unusual for our kind , and he cannot walk properly . Even so , miss , mischievous and always manages to get into trouble . He will recover soon , dont worry , The Alpha continued to apologize , bowing in front of the King If it werent for His Majesty , they would have likely called me a nosy gossip directly . I snapped out of my thoughts , lifting my head to meet Aldrics gray eyes . Would you prefer we stay at an inn ? Would you feel more comfortable elsewhere ? I was shocked by his question . That would be a direct insult to the Alpha , all for my comfort . My gaze shifted to Alpha Garret , who stared at me with wide eyes , clearly unable to believe that a mere servant might ruin all his efforts to win Aldrics favor . His face shifted into one of pure pleading . Eyes on me , Valeria . Forget about the others . Tell me our luggage hasnt even been fully unloaded yet , Aldric pressed , unyielding Miss Valeria , youll be far more comfortable in the mansion than in an inn . Weve prepared a spacious room for you , with a private bathtub and everything , the Alpha chimed in , blatantly trying to bribe me . And I remembered very well what had happened in the last inn . The King had managed to arrange for us to share a room , even though I later discovered that several rooms had been vacant since the afternoon of our arrival . Aldric waited patiently , arms crossed over his chest . If I didnt know him so well , might have even been touched by his apparent concern . I know exactly what youre plotting , Your Majesty . Its better if we stay . I wouldnt want the Lord to feel slighted because of me , I replied , meeting his sharp gray eyes as they stared into mine . Not this time , King Aldric . I wont let you play the same card again , I thought proudly , convinced of my cleverness . Go to the carriage and give instructions for our belongings . Quinn and Celine are unfamiliar with these details , he finally responded , and I nodded , walking away . THE KINGS CUNNING +25 BONUS Curiosity got the best of me , and I glanced back , catching him speaking quietly with the Alpha , who nodded eagerly before summoning one of his servants . My blue eyes locked with Aldrics for a moment , and I could swear I saw a mocking glint in his eyes , his always serious lips curling into a subtle , seductive smile . The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end . What was this shameless seducer plotting now ? Is everything alright , Valeria ? Quinn asked me softly , concerned , as I reached the carriage where our things were being unloaded . I nodded without giving much explanation or speaking further . The last thing I wanted was more trouble with his sister . I wasnt afraid of her , even though she was much stronger than me , but I was tired of being the source of tension when all I wanted was to go unnoticed . But as always , what I wanted and what came out of the Kings enormous arrogance were two very different things . The inside of the Alphas mansion was just as luxurious and elegant as the exterior . He quickly led us to the second floor . Here you are , a very comfortable and spacious suite . Bring in all the luggage ! the Alpha ordered the servants as he opened a large wooden door , inviting us inside . Aldric entered first with him . Wait , those are my things . You can leave them in the hallway , I instructed one of the servants . Apologies , miss , but we were ordered to bring everything here . Your room is right next to His Majestys , the servant responded , leaving me stunned . I glanced along the wall again , but no , there was no other door in the hallway only the one leading into Aldrics chambers . Something felt very wrong . I stepped inside just in time to hear the Alpha finishing his tour . D Are the arrangements to your satisfaction , Your Majesty ? he asked Aldric , who , in truth , looked more than pleased . Yes , very satisfied , I must say , he nodded . Excuse me , Alpha . Where will I be sleeping ? The bad feeling in my chest only grew stronger . Of course , Miss Valeria . Right this way , he replied , struggling a bit to slide open a wooden partition door , revealing a much smaller adjoining room . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!