The Alphas bond

Cobs

I sit on the bed in my new room, not sure what to do, grasping my bag. I look around, but I'm not sure what to do.

Why am I here?

If I touch anything else, will someone come flying out of the closet and slap me again?

Beta Seth assured me that this is my room and I can do whatever I want, but I am still hesitant. I can't help but think that this is all a huge mistake.

Mrs. Worchestshire, or whatever her name was, mentioned that she thought I was meant to go to the maids' quarters, and while Beta Seth said that was incorrect, I can't help but think maybe someone will come and take me there soon.

I don't want to get too comfortable in here in case I have to go, but this is the nicest room I've ever seen.

I haven't been sitting here too long when there is a knock at the door.

I look up, and a girl with brown hair and wide hazel eyes is staring at me, just her head sticking in the door. "Hello, miss," she says. "May I come in?"

"Yes, of course," I say, starting to get up.

"Oh, no, sit!" she insists, flying into the room like a flurry, a small, contained tornado. "I'm Poppy, Miss Isla," she says with a small bow of her head. "How do you do?"

I hesitate to respond because I'm not used to being addressed this way, but then I say, "I'm f-fine, thank you."

"Good! Beta Seth sent me to take care of you. I will be your personal maid. So... what can I do to assist you, miss?" She stands at attention with her hands folded in front of her.

I don't know how to respond to her because I have never had anyone bring me anything in my life, not since I was a child and needed my mother's help. "I don't know," I admit to her. "Do... do you know why I'm here?" The last part is a whisper.

Poppy laughs, and it sounds like a melody. "No, miss, I'm afraid not. But don't fret. I'm sure there's a good reason you don't know. Now, let's see... food is on its way from the kitchen. I hope you like whatever they prepare for you. Let me take your bag."

I look down at the pathetic bag I'm clutching in my hands, my knuckles white.

"May I?" she asks, extending a hand.

I don't want to let go of it, but I do. She takes the bag from me and looks through it.

Poppy shakes her head. "It's no problem. We have plenty of clothes in the castle. We keep them in case guests forget their bags. Or so they say." She takes my things over to the armoire and puts them away. "Although, I have to say, I think it's also in case they are robbed on their way to the castle. You know, there are plenty of rogues out there. And some Alphas who can't seem to remember who is king." She shakes her head, and I'm surprised at her words. I didn't know that there were any Alphas who would rise up against the Alpha King.

"At any rate, I will go get you more clothing. You should have a regal wardrobe. Whatever you need, we will get for you, even if it needs to be made. Beta Seth said that you are to be treated as the finest ladies in the castle."

My eyes bulge. "He did?"

"Yes, he did. Now, what size do you wear?"

I have no idea. I shake my head. "My mother makes my clothes."

"Well, do you mind standing up?"

I manage to slide off the bed, and she looks me up and down.

"Tiny thing, aren't you!" Poppy proclaims.

She's rather thin herself, and she is much taller than me. My hands are trembling a bit, and I don't know what to do with myself. I've only been here a few hours, and I already miss my family.

"What happened to your face?" she asks, staring at the spot where that woman hit me.

I can only shake my head. I don't want to tell her.

"Oh! That's why they hauled Mrs. W. out of here by her hair, isn't it?"

"By her hair?" I ask, swallowing hard. I can hardly believe it.

"Yes! She deserved it anyway, the awful witch! She treated everyone like that." Poppy shakes her head. "Well, it's good she's gone. Now, why don't I go draw you a hot bath so you can soak? You've had a long day. Then, I'll go get you something proper to wear, and you can eat something and lie down."

"All right," I mutter, even though I'm fairly certain the king himself will be in soon to tell me it's time for me to go home-or go to the maids' quarters.

Poppy goes into the bathroom, and soon enough, I hear water running and smell roses. She comes back a moment later with a big grin on her face. "Do you need any help getting undressed?"

"No, thank you," I say. I can't imagine needing help with the gown I have on.

But then, rich people are... strange.

"All right. Do you need anything else before I go?"

"No, thank you."

She smiles with a quick nod. "I'll be back soon."

"Thank you, Poppy," I say before she goes.

She waves and then heads for the door, and I can't help but think that we might be friends-if I stay here.

Even if I do end up being a maid.