Gareth leaned back in his chair, a smug grin on his face as Liana paced the small room. Her golden hair was tied back, her normally pristine attire replaced by a plain servant’s dress. She looked every bit the part Gareth had orchestrated for her, and the sight both amused and satisfied him.
“This wasn’t part of the plan, Gareth,” Liana snapped, her hands clenching into fists. “You said I’d be positioned to get closer to Kaelan, not scrubbing floors and serving wine like a common maid!”
“And yet, here you are,” Gareth replied smoothly, his tone mocking. “You refused the marriage I arranged. This is the next best way to stay close to Kaelan’s pack—and to Mira. Or would you rather go back to your father in disgrace?”
Liana stopped pacing, her jaw tightening. She hated Gareth, hated the way he always seemed one step ahead, but she hated her humiliation more. Swallowing her pride, she forced herself to remain calm.
“How long do I have to play this role?” she asked, her voice clipped.
Gareth shrugged. “As long as it takes. You’re a maid now, working in the house of one of Kaelan’s most trusted advisors. That gives you access and an opportunity to observe. Use it wisely.”
Liana glared at him but said nothing more. She knew he was right—this was her only option if she wanted to get closer to Kaelan and reclaim her place.
***
The next day, Liana moved about the advisor’s grand home, her hands busy with tasks she had never imagined herself doing. Polishing silverware, dusting bookshelves, carrying trays of food—every chore was a blow to her ego, but she bore it with a determined facade.
It was during one such task that fate seemed to intervene. As she balanced a tray of tea and biscuits, the door to the drawing room opened, and none other than Alpha Kaelan himself stepped inside.
Liana’s heart skipped a beat. She hadn’t expected to see him so soon, and the sight of him in his formal attire, his presence commanding as ever, made her stomach flutter.
Her opportunity had arrived.
With deliberate carelessness, Liana maneuvered toward him and feigned a stumble, sending the tray clattering to the floor.
“Oh! I’m so sorry,” she gasped, dropping to her knees to gather the fallen items.
Kaelan turned at the commotion, his brows furrowing. “Liana?” he said, his voice laced with surprise.
She looked up, feigning equal surprise. “Alpha Kaelan? I—” She hesitated, playing her part perfectly. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
Kaelan stepped forward, his confusion evident. “What are you doing here? Why are you… working as a maid?”
Liana lowered her gaze, a practiced look of humility crossing her face. “My father sent me,” she said softly. “He believed I needed to atone for my behavior—toward Mira, toward you. This… this is my penance.”
Kaelan’s expression softened slightly, though suspicion lingered in his eyes. “Atone? That’s… unexpected.”
She stood, brushing off her apron. “I deserve it,” she said, her voice heavy with false remorse. “I made mistakes, Alpha. I let my pride cloud my judgment, and I hurt my sister. This is my way of making amends.”
Kaelan regarded her silently for a moment before nodding. “Mira has forgiven more than most would. You should speak with her if you’re truly repentant.”
“I will,” Liana replied quickly, her eyes widening with carefully measured sincerity. “How is she? Is she… happy?”
Kaelan’s jaw tightened, and he nodded curtly. “She’s well,” he said, though his voice betrayed an undertone of tension. “If you’ll excuse me, I have business to attend to.”