ARE YOU PLANNING TO POISON ME ? VALERIA With that pressure weighing on my shoulders and trying not to focus on the fact that he was only wearing boxers , I began testing the clothing options I had selected . Hmm , too plain … The gray matches his eyes , but not the pants … This detail doesnt work .. I was so absorbed in holding the garments against him , measuring and matching , that I hadnt realized I was voicing my thoughts out loud . This one looks too short … Would this belt fit you ? I asked , suddenly raising my head and immediately realizing how close we were . I was practically pressed against the King . A drop of water from his damp hair fell onto my lips , and the way this Lycan was staring at me made my heart race . uncontroHably . Everything about this screamed danger . What exactly am I doing ? I I apologi- Try it on me . Lets see how it fits , he cut me off , spreading his arms wide . The gesture was clear : Come and test it yourself . Swallowing hard , I stepped closer , gripping the leather belt tightly as I wrapped it around his waist . It was impossible not to brush against his bare skin . The tip of my nose barely grazed his solid chest , from which that intoxicating wine scent radiated so strongly . As my fingers worked to adjust the belt , I could have sworn heard a low growl rumbling above my head . I could feel him inhaling my scent or maybe it was just my paranoia acting up . I gulped nervously , struggling to focus on the task while he remained perfectly still , offering no assistance whatsoever . It … It seems to fit , I murmured , my voice shaky . You need to fasten the buckle to be sure , he challenged , his voice even lower . Hes not even wearing pants , why am I fastening the buckle ?! But I kept my frustrations to myself and forced my trembling hands to finish the task , securing the belt around his waist . Which was nearly impossible , considering the hard , unmistakable outline beneath his boxers was far too prominent and far too close for me to ignore . That rich scent of wine was making me lightheaded . Yes , this one … this one is definitely the right choice , I declared , exhaling a shaky breath of relief . Do you like this outfit , Sir ? I stepped back immediately , retreating to safer ground . 1/4 ARE YOU PLANNING TOPO SON MET * RE BONUS . If you like it , then its fine . I hate those formal robes . The more comfortable the clothes , the better , he replied , and I nodded , realizing I had chosen correctly . He was clearly a man of action , not decoration . Valeria … Have you ever been mated to a male before ? he asked suddenly , his voice dropping a shade deeper . My back was turned to him as 1 folded the extra clothes , and I fell silent for a few seconds . I didnt want to talk about Dorian or anything from my past . L … My mind raced . Lying to him would be dangerous . Its fine . You dont have to answer . I only hope hes dead . Because if hes alive and dares to claim you , hell wish he was dead . The way he said it , so cold and possessive , as if I belonged to him it made my skin prickle . King Aldric was deeply possessive of his things . We fell into silence as he grabbed a towel and began drying his hair . We But Dorian wouldnt come for me . No male would claim me I was nothing now a scarred , broken woman . No longer beautiful or desirable . This is the full outfit , I said , motioning toward the final selection . It will match perfectly with these boots , Sir . I was ready to leave , eager to escape this charged tension . Where are you going ? His voice stopped me cold . My stomach twisted as a terrible feeling settled in my gut . If you start something , you finish it . Come here dress your King I turned back slowly , only to find him standing tall , brushing his damp crimson hair back with his large hands , his muscular arms flexing , every inch of him powerful and overwhelming . Red and black tattoos stretched over his chest , where pale pink nipples stood out against the Ink . And lower still , his sculpted abs led down toward a thin trail of light hair disappearing beneath his boxers . And there it was his prize , much larger than expected . Reluctantly , I forced my legs to move toward him . Why did have to be the one doing this ? Because youre the maid of a spoiled Lycan King , thats why ***** Ill taste it in a second . Its not necessary , Im in a hurry . Are you going to poison me ? he suddenly questioned , his sharp gaze piercing me as he sat at the table , ready to eat . N no , of course not , Sir ! I stammered immediately . He gave a brief nod and began eating . I withdrew to my usual corner , standing silently as he finished his meal and returned to his chambers . I was busy collecting the dishes when a heavy leather pouch hit the table beside me with a dull thud . ARE YOU PLANNING TO POSON ME +25 BONUS The soft clinking of gold coins echoed from inside . Thats your payment . You may leave the castle tonight . Theres a festival in the pack . Perhaps youll find something you want to buy , he said from behind me . My … payment ? I whispered , hesitant to even touch the bag , which was clearly overfilled . The The housekeeper never mentioned Id be paid- Why wouldnt you be ? Youre not a slave . I always pay my maids . That is your reward . If you need more , you ask me directly , he stated , his tone blunt but direct . Something twisted painfully in my chest . The truth was , I did feel like a slave here . I never expected him to actually give me money , let alone this much . 1 heard his footsteps retreating and spun around quickly . Thank you , Your Majesty . Im very grateful for your generosity , I said , bowing respectfully . His boots suddenly stopped in front of me . He remained silent always silent like he was contemplating something unspoken . I was about to thank him again when his rough , calloused hand suddenly rested on my head . He stroked my hair awkwardly , as if I were a pet . I stood frozen , head bowed , unsure how to react . Had I just … been promoted ? As long as you remain loyal , you may have whatever you desire from me , Valeria . But never , ever think of betraying me . Believe me , I really wouldnt want to have to separate that pretty head from your body . Of course . It wouldnt be the King without a threat mixed in At last , he left the room . Only then did I exhale , releasing the tension from my lungs . My life was a constant rollercoaster of stress and confusion . I stared at the gold pouch on the table . I wouldnt waste it . This … this was my escape plan my lifeline for the day I finally had to run . But I never imagined how soon that moment would come . It was late at night as I walked through the dim corridors , guiding myself with a single candelabra . A long coat hung over my nightdress , along with my old , wern slippers . All these clothes had been provided by the housekeeper . I was heading to the Kings chambers . I had forgotten to change his bedsheets earlier , and he was notoriously meticulous about them . Figuring he would still be at the festival , I quietly entered his quarters . In the faint glow of candlelight , I retrieved the fresh linens from the closet and began stripping the massive bed . The eerie silence of the room was broken by a beastly grow that made my blood run cold . I froze , glancing toward a dark steel door tucked into the corner of the room one I had never noticed before . OT ARE YOU PLANKING TO POISON ME ? The terrifying sound echoed from behind it , a low snarl so menacing it made my stomach twist painfully . I reminded myself not to be reckless . Not to be curious . But against my better judgment , I grabbed the candelabra and moved toward the partially open door . It creaked as I pushed it , revealing a narrow , spiraling staircase descending into darkness like a descent straight into hell . I made the mistake of going down . And what I discovered in that basement … would change my life forever . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!