Chapter 6: Whispers Behind the Throne

The morning after the royal banquet, the palace felt unusually tense. Servants moved through the corridors with greater caution than usual, speaking only in hushed whispers whenever they believed the guards were out of earshot. The arrival of the visiting Alphas had increased security throughout the palace, and every human servant understood one thing—one mistake during the summit could cost them their lives. Micaela silently reminded herself of the rule that had kept her alive for years: stay invisible.

Unfortunately, becoming invisible was no longer as easy as it once had been.

Everywhere she went, she felt eyes lingering on her. Some belonged to curious servants who had heard rumors that the Alpha King had spoken to her more than once. Others belonged to palace guards who seemed to study her a little longer than before. But the gaze that unsettled her the most belonged to Princess Anastasia. Although the princess had smiled politely during yesterday's meeting, Micaela couldn't forget the calculating look hidden behind those emerald eyes.

As she finished arranging breakfast trays inside the eastern corridor, Chamberlain Aldric approached with his usual composed expression.

"Micaela."

"Yes, sir?"

"His Majesty requires fresh tea in the royal library."

Her stomach tightened.

"Immediately?"

"Immediately."

Without another word, she collected a silver tray carrying an elegant porcelain teapot, two crystal cups, and a plate of freshly baked pastries. Taking a deep breath, she made her way toward the royal library.

The large carved doors stood partially open.

Voices drifted from inside.

"The council grows impatient," one man said.

"Let them," replied the Alpha King calmly. "Their impatience does not concern me."

"Your engagement to Princess Anastasia strengthens every alliance in the kingdom."

"An alliance built on obligation rarely survives."

Recognizing that an important conversation was taking place, Micaela hesitated outside the door.

"Come in," the King's voice called unexpectedly.

She stepped inside with lowered eyes.

The royal library looked even grander in the morning light. Several powerful Alphas stood around an enormous table covered in maps. Every one of them possessed the commanding presence unique to werewolf leaders, yet none matched the quiet authority radiating from the man seated at the head of the table.

"Your Majesty," she whispered before placing the tray on a nearby table.

One of the visiting Alphas glanced toward her.

"A human serves inside your private library?"

"She performs her duties well," the King answered simply.

The Alpha raised an eyebrow but said nothing further.

Micaela quietly poured the tea before preparing to leave.

"Remain," the King ordered.

She froze.

"Yes... Your Majesty."

Standing silently beside the bookshelf, she kept her eyes fixed on the floor while the discussion resumed.

"The western territories request additional warriors," another Alpha reported.

"Approve the request," the King replied.

"And the southern rebellion?"

"Handled."

His calm confidence impressed even the visiting leaders.

The meeting continued for nearly half an hour before the Alphas finally departed one after another.

Soon, only Micaela and the King remained inside the vast library.

"You may breathe," he said quietly.

She blinked.

"Your Majesty?"

"You become nervous every time I'm near."

"Forgive me."

He chuckled softly.

"There it is again."

"What?"

"You apologize for everything."

Embarrassment warmed her cheeks.

"Old habits."

"Who taught you to fear so deeply?"

His question caught her completely off guard.

For a long moment, she remained silent.

"Life," she finally answered.

The King studied her carefully.

"Life should not require fear simply to exist."

She couldn't stop herself from meeting his eyes.

"For humans... it does."

Those simple words lingered between them.

The King's expression hardened—not toward her, but toward something far beyond the room itself.

"You may go," he said quietly.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

As Micaela left the library, she failed to notice Princess Anastasia standing at the opposite end of the corridor.

The princess had witnessed everything.

Not the conversation itself—but the amount of time the King had spent alone with a human servant.

"Interesting," Anastasia murmured.

Her personal attendant stepped closer.

"Your Highness?"

"Find out why His Majesty suddenly finds that girl so fascinating."

"We've already begun investigating her."

"Good."

A cold smile appeared on Anastasia's lips.

"No servant becomes the King's favorite without a reason."

Meanwhile, Micaela made her way toward the palace gardens to collect fresh herbs for the kitchens. The gardens were one of the few places inside the palace where she could think clearly. Birds sang from ancient trees while colorful flowers lined winding stone paths. For a brief moment, it almost felt like freedom.

"Beautiful, aren't they?"

Startled, Micaela turned.

An elderly palace gardener smiled warmly at her.

"Yes," she admitted.

"Flowers don't care whether you're human or wolf," the old man said while trimming a rose bush. "They bloom for everyone."

His words made her smile.

"I wish people were the same."

"Perhaps one day they will be."

She doubted it.

Not in her lifetime.

As she gathered lavender and rosemary, a sudden breeze swept through the garden.

Almost instantly, another scent followed.

Warm.

Earthy.

Powerful.

Before she even looked up, she somehow knew who had entered the gardens.

The Alpha King.

He walked alone along the stone pathway, seemingly lost in thought.

When his eyes found hers, he stopped.

Again...

Silence.

Again...

His wolf stirred restlessly.

"Mate."

This time, the King didn't argue with it.

Instead, he simply watched her.

Micaela lowered her head respectfully.

"Your Majesty."

"Enjoying the gardens?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"You smile differently here."

Her heart skipped.

"I... didn't realize I was smiling."

"You were."

For the first time since they had met, genuine warmth touched the King's face.

"It suits you."

Before Micaela could respond, hurried footsteps interrupted the moment.

"Your Majesty!"

A royal guard rushed toward them.

"Princess Anastasia requests your presence immediately."

The smile disappeared from the King's face.

"Tell her I'll come shortly."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

He looked back toward Micaela.

"Return to your duties."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

She curtsied before quickly walking away.

Neither of them noticed the pair of emerald eyes watching from an upstairs balcony.

Princess Anastasia had seen everything.

The King's expression.

His smile.

The way he looked at the human maid.

By the time Micaela disappeared around the corner, Anastasia's pleasant smile had vanished completely.

"So... that's the reason," she whispered coldly.

"A human servant."

Her fingers tightened around the balcony railing.

"If she thinks she can stand between me and the throne..."

A dangerous smile slowly spread across her face.

"She has no idea what she's started."