"What do you mean 'we'? I was under the impression your alpha was in charge of this?" I ask, confused.

"That was the original plan, but because of the change in circumstance, I will be the one accompanying you," he answers cooly.

"Change in circumstance?" I question.

"There is something that requires my personal attention," he says, not giving any further explanation.

"What about the kingdom? don't you need to be here?" I question again.

From what I know, travel to the kingdom of Ikkina is quite long, depending on the mode of transportation. Him leaving his position for such a long time would be quite a drastic risk to take. Especially considering that it hasn't been long since he ascended to the throne.

"Malcolm will take over my duties for the time being. Under his reign, the lack of my presence will be hardly noticed." If I was listening so intently, I would have missed the bitter tone in his voice as he said that.

My eyebrows scrunch in confusion, not recognizing the name he just mentioned.

Ahh, Its beast man!

"Also, why do I need to train?" Considering all the scars and hard muscles on my body and the familiarity I felt when I held the sword that night in the basement, I had been well trained in fighting before I came here.

What am I thinking? They sent here me to assassinate the king, of course, I would be well trained with swords.

"It's been a month since you started working here and have not trained a day since being put in the dungeon. I don't want you to be rusty when we leave. It's going to be a rough mission," he says, crossing his arms over his chest.

My eyes follow his actions distractedly. Realizing my mistake, I clear my throat and look back at him again.

"Mission? Wasn't it just an investigation to find the source of the...umm...assassination?" I mumble the last words, ashamed.

"As I said, the circumstance has changed. There is something else I have to do. We will further discuss this. For now, I have to leave. Anastacia is waiting for me inside." He says dismissing me.

Just like that, my curiosity is washed away with a bucket of ice water.

"Yea right. Ok." I was itching to ask him more about this Anastacia but stop as I did not want to make a fool out of myself. Quickly turning around, I pick up my steps, wanting to be as far away from him as possible.

The rest of the party was a blur. My mood took a dive south hearing him mention Anastacia. I didn't even bother smiling and acting extra sweet to the guests. As soon as the ball ended, the guests were escorted to the Great hall where the diner is served. Fortunately, I was excused from my duty and the second batch took over. We were allowed to have dinner with the guests and retire early to bed. Before moving to the common hall with fellow housemaids for dinner, I sneak a peek at the guests dining in the main hall.

The king was sitting in the head of the table with Anastacia to his right. The worst thing was, Anastacia actually seemed to be a nice lady. Granted, she was sort of closed off and smiled only when needed. But despite all that, every single one of her smile was genuine and I couldn't find myself to hate her.

I scold myself for trying to find fault in her for no reason. Women shouldn't be hating on fellow women. We should be supporting each other. Sighing to myself, I tear my eyes from them and move towards the common hall.

Lucky for me, the food served for us was the same as the one made for the guests. Humming happily, I pile my plate with roasted chicken, oven-baked pasta, garlic shrimp, sweet chili salmon and top it off with black bean corn salad. I look down at the heap of food on my plate. Most of them are high in protein, exactly what a growing werewolf like me should eat.

Taking a seat, I slowly munch on my food, taking time to enjoy each dish. Making small talk with the other housemaids, I realize that most of them have been working for the castle for years and will only leave why they are old and grey.

"The retirement plans are great. Helps us live our remaining years in peace. The work is hard, but it really helps us support our family, so it all works out," a girl named Stella says. The others bob their heads in agreement with her words.

I wander my eyes along the length of the hall, watching others as they fill their plates quietly and proceed to eat with their friends. Eyes droopy and shoulders hunched with tensed muscles, every one of us was tired to the bone. But despite the very exhausted ambiance, I could see that every single creature was at peace here. They were treated and compensated well. Smiling, I continue eating, happy to be surrounded by such kind, hardworking creatures.

Walking back to the room, I groan out loud thinking about the training tomorrow. I am excused from my morning duties. But still had chores to do for the latter half of the day. It's going to be hard working right after training, with sore muscles.

This is life.

Walking into my room, I immediately strip out of my dirty clothes and move to the washroom to take a shower. I turn the old metallic dial. It creaks under the steady pressure of my hands. I flinch as the first drops of cold water lick my shoulder blades. They relax on their own accord as the water slowly turns hot. A small hiss leaves my body as the now hot water touches the sore spots on my body. I lean against the icy wall as my legs threaten to buckle with exhaustion.

Letting my eyes fall shut, my lips part and I inhale deeply. Beads of wet, hot tears start falling from my eyes one after another. I let them fall freely as a silent cream blocks my throat like a lump. The now hot scolding water surrounding my body, bringing flashes of images and sounds I once remembered; images of fire and sounds of screams. Screams of a man.

As quickly as they appear, they fade away. The fat tears falling from my eyes do not stop. They seem to go on even as I dry myself, change into clean clothes, and lay on my bed.

I lay my cheeks against the cool fabric of the pillow, the cotton hungrily drinking my never-ending tears. I think about every other night that I lay in the same spot thinking about my past. There is this void in my heart that I can't seem to put my finger on.

This was cruel, the punishment fate has placed on me; not knowing who you are but your body remembering every pain you have endured and replaying them over and over. Pain and darkness surround me as I slowly succumb to the call of sleep.

I stand before my door, hands tightly gripping the metal doorknob. The sun would rise in a few minutes and it was almost time for my training. I take a deep breath. The events of last night left me rattled. I did not expect myself to break down like that. The timing was so random it left me confused about what could have triggered such a reaction. At this point, I am not sure what path life is taking me. But I am thankful that I made this far.

I want to survive.

And I will survive this. All of it.

I pull the door open with new-found strength.

Let's kick some ass. Preferably the kings.

***

Had a bad day. I guess the second half of the chapter reflects my mood.

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