Chapter 49

Third Person POV

“…see, didn’t you?” The maid giggled with her coworker.

“Alpha Lionel is so different. I’ve worked here for 6 years. He’s always been so unapproachable.” The other maid remarked.

“You’re telling me. He’s never been rude. Not like some of those other people I’ve worked for.” Said the first maid.

“Oh no! I didn’t mean anything bad by it. I just wouldn’t call him someone…too familiar with his staff.” The second maid spoke quicky.

“I know, I know. Don’t get your underwear in a twist now.”

There was the sound of fabric being thrown. Then more hushed giggling. “Seriously though, I didn’t know Alpha Lionel knew how to smile.”

“I thought I’d inhaled too much cleaner the first time I saw it. By the Moon goddess, the man’s smile makes him look so much more handsome!”

The maid who spoke first replied. “I know Daphne, it made me want to swoon.”

Daphne snorted. “Oh please, a hot plate of dumplings makes you swoon, Riley.”

Riley ignored her. “We all know who’s responsible for making Alpha Lionel happy.”

“I’ll admit, I didn’t really care either way about Ms. Lupa. Just another person to clean up after. The real shock was finding out the woman knows how to properly look after her own room!”

More laughter sounded from inside the guest room they were lightly attending to. Daphne and Riley had become quick friends as they were often paired together for the lighter cleaning tasks. The older servants did not want to work with two young newcomers.

Riley’s light-hearted mischief paired strikingly well with Daphne’s calm and task driven personality. People rarely paid attention to the young women. Unlike today’s silent shadow.

“I was a little excited. When I heard she wasn’t one of those snobby women circling around Alpha, Lionel, I thought she’d make good entertainment.” Riley admitted.

Daphne huffs. “Well, that’s for certain. But I can’t complain about the changes around here. Feels less like I’m walking on eggs shells all the time.”

“Daphne! Don’t you have a sense of wonder? It’s like a fairytale come true!” Riley exclaims.

“You’ve lost it.” Daphne tells her friend.

“No, hear me out. A commoner off the streets is recused by a handsome Alpha-”

“Riley, that’s not-” Daphne tries to interrupt.

“-only to find out she’s been raising his secret daughter! Then she comes around, and everything changes like an enchanted castle coming back to life!” Riley finishes with shining eyes.

“…an enchanted castle? Really?” Daphne judges.

“She’s our Cinderella! Just you wait and see.” Riley cries.

“I don’t know about that. But I do think she’s pretty good for Alpha Lionel.” Daphne offered amiably.

Riley practically crows in triumph. The maids refocus their attention of their task. No more words pass between them.

The shadow moves away from the door. Passing undetectably between various servants as they walk through the halls of the mansion.

“…they were practically holding hands at the dinner table.”

“…heard them flirting the other day. They’re as subtle as a rock, aren’t they?”

“…I’ve lost staring contests with my brother long before those two quit staring at each other.”

“…So adorable? They look like a perfect family sitting all together. Alpha Lionel evens sits with Ms. Lupa and does homework with the twins.”

“…can’t be long now. I’m sure they’ll announce their courtship any day now. It’s so obvious.”

“I’m happy for them. I know Ms. Lupa isn’t one of those rich ladies, but I wouldn’t mind being her personal maid.”

Everywhere they walked, the shadow heard conversations like this. All centered around the same topic. Alpha Lionel and Lupa’s changing relationship.

‘Mistress will not be happy about this,’ they thought.

Their mistress would need to be informed immediately of the new developments. Luckily, their shift was at its end. They pulled out their phone.

To xxx-xxx-xxxx

I need to speak with you right away.

There was no reply. The spy did not worry. Their mistress would inform the gate guards.

As expected, then the spy was let through the gate without issue. But they knew better than to take the main doorway. That entrance was for honored guests, not lowly servants.

The stairwell the spy took was dark and dusty. One that not even the regular servants used. Perfect for the mistress’ spy to enter and exit without being seen.

The dark stairwell led to the mistress’ private parlor. Deep in the heart of her own mansion. Not even used by family.

There mistress sat. Waiting with a plain tea set. Plain, used only for those of low status like themselves.

‘Mistress is generous,’ thought her spy. Their mistress always prepared refreshments to her servants for their hard-earned work. Not all masters were willing to do the same.

It was a silent invitation. But the spy knew better than to join their mistress without verbal orders. They waited.

The mistress sipped her tea. A knowing expression alit in her face. Effortless enjoy the power she wields.

“Oh dear, do sit. Enjoy quick sip before we get down to business.” The mistress commands.

The spy sits and does as ordered. Allows a small kernel of pleasure at the taste. Then awaits their mistress’ further instructions.

“Look at you…such an obedient dog. One who knows their place.” The mistress says dryly.

The spy does not reply. Such comments lost their sting ages ago. The mistress saw to that.

“Go on then. You know better than to waste my time on trivial matters. What is so important that I need to know?”

“Mistress, Lupa is succeeding in her seduction. Their relationship has changed…they have gotten closer, more intimate. All the servants are speaking of it.”

The mistress’ eyes flare. The air is hotter for a moment. She bares her teeth.

“How dare she?” She growls.

“Does that commoner think she can waltz in and destroy everything worked for? That I’ve sacrificed for? I think not.”

The spy holds their breath. Not wanting to provoke the angry wolf while sitting so close. The mistress has always had a bad temper.

The mistress catches a whiff of their fear. Annoyance flits across her eyes. But then her attitude changes.

She reaches a hand out to cup their chin. “My clever Jade, you’ve done so well by bringing me this information.” She praises.

Jade trembles a little. Proud that she has pleased her mistress. Relieved that her mistress will not take her anger out on her that day.

“You run along now. You sound like you’ve had a tiring day. Get some rest, I will have plenty for you to do soon.”

Jade nods. “Yes, mistress.” Then slips back into the stairwell.

The woman kindly expression drops the moment her spy disappears. She places her hand delicately on the table. Lightly traces her claw along with embroidered lace tablecloth.

“That peasant has gone too far. That stupid mutt Cora overplayed her hand.” She comments to herself.

Then she sighs. “Perhaps that was for the best. Better to know the weak link than to be caught unaware.”

The woman stands. Runs her hand down her dress to straighten out any wrinkles. Then idly walks over toward her wall of pictures.

Her own faces stares back from multiple photos. The slow progression of her life captured in moments. Even more famous faces stand beside her…heads of clans…princes, princess…ambassadors…inventers…so many of her accomplishments and connections.

‘I still could have done more if I’d had the time,’ She thought with regret.

She moves her attention to those of her loved ones. Briefly looks at the faces of her less accomplished cousins. Smiles victoriously.

Takes in an older image of her mate. Her powerful, ambitious mate. The only one worthy enough to stand by her side as a partner in life.

Her expression softens further as her eyes land on her children. The accomplishment she valued above all else. Her own legacy to leave behind once her life fades.

“My handsome boys…” She says lovingly.

They had gotten their good looks from her mate. His genes being the only area he won above her. She did not begrudge him over it…much.

Her eldest boy inherited his charisma and slyness from her. He played his part well. He was her joy from the moment she had birthed him.

But her youngest…her youngest was her pride. That boy had defied all expectations and risen higher than anyone. He was her best accomplishment to the world.

But then came that woman…the one that made Lionel defy her will.

“I don’t care what I have to do…I will make that girl leave.” Lionel’s mother declares.