THE ALPHA'S HUMAN MATE

CHAPTER 10: A DAY OFF

ELARA'S POV

Digging my head deep into the soft, comfortable pillow, I almost moaned at how great it felt against my skin.

This was the best sleep I had ever had in my entire life, but I knew it had to end because I needed to wake up to reality and realise that I was still a slave with work I had to attend to.

I yawned, stretching my hands and body, the pain of yesterday completely gone. With the feeling of being re-energised, I got down from the bed, immediately tidying up the bed and the room.

I was about to make my way out to get my cleaning supplies when a note on the table caught my eye.

Going over to where the table was, I picked it up.

A small gold card with well-written, black-inked handwriting.

Thankfully, I was taught how to read, so I was able to know who the note was from and what it said.

“You are free for the day; rest up.”

A giddy feeling took over me. I wasn’t sure what to think about the mercy and kindness the king had shown me.

This was the first time a beast was actually worried about me, and for some reason, the thought of him being worried about me touched my heart.

Now, I wasn’t sure if it was an act or not, but I knew I was getting swayed.

Holding on to the paper, I walked out of the room to the king’s door, hovering around it.

Not having the courage to face him, I carried on with my journey back downstairs to the maid’s quarters.

I changed into my spare uniform, leaving my room.

I scurried through the hallway, doing my best not to draw unwanted attention toward me.

Hearing the chatter before I could see it, the noise only grew louder as I rounded the corner.

Getting to the maids’ lounge, I found Amara and Jasmine already there, having a conversation amongst themselves.

Carrying a tray of my food, I walked over to them.

“Hey,” I said with a smile.

They both turned their heads, and their eyes instantly met mine with smiles on their faces.

“Hey,” Jasmine grinned widely.

She was always so energetic.

“What are you all doing?”

“We’re just talking about our choices and what it would feel like to live with freedom and not have to worry about other people for once,” Amara replied.

“Because we were worried and didn’t see you at dinner. Imagine the surprise on our faces when we kept banging on the door, trying not to alert the guards while also hoping you were still alive in there. We were worried out of our wits when we opened the door and found it empty.”

“What is going on, Elara? You won’t tell us what is going on or what hurt you yesterday.”

“I’m so sorry for worrying you and Jasmine, but I’m fine,” I smiled. “I promise, so you don’t have to worry about me.”

“It’s inevitable not to worry, not after yesterday. Do you have any idea what could have happened if Madam Rosalie had found out, or worst-case scenario, Seraphina? You know she is out to get you,” Jasmine told me. “Thanks to the heavens, she is gone and out of our lives.”

My brow creased, and I glanced at the two of them, wondering what she meant.

“What do you mean, out of our lives?”

Amara waved her hand, urging us to lean in so that no one would be listening to our conversation.

“It was early this morning when we heard a commotion outside the hallway, which caught everyone’s attention, waking us from our slumber. I had gone outside to see what was going on, with other maids already there.”

“There, standing in the hallway with guards surrounding him, was a Greek god. His skin was clear and shining; you would almost mistake him for an angel if not for the guards addressing him as their king.”

She said it cheekily.

“You know, I always thought the ladies were exaggerating about the king’s beauty, but their description did him no justice…”

“Amara, focus. You are getting off track. You were telling Elara about what happened a few hours ago,” Jasmine muttered, snapping her out of her daydream.

“Right, right. You know how I get.”

She gave a sheepish smile.

“So, he had stormed into the maids’ quarters with guards, looking for Madam Rosalie. I have no idea what she could have done, but he was pissed. Like, really, really pissed.”

“There was fear in everyone’s eyes. No matter how handsome he was, I could have sworn I peed myself.”

“Who wouldn’t?” Jasmine chirped.

“We are talking about a powerful, merciless man feared by both his kind and ours. I felt my heart beating fast when I heard a muffled scream and Madam Rosalie being dragged out of her room, her face swollen and unrecognisable.”

“After he left, everyone was scared to move, with no clue as to what could happen next.”

My heart stopped for a moment.

Madam Rosalie?

Darius had done that?

My fingers tightened around my cup.

Could it be because of me?

The thought made something strange stir inside my chest.

“What’s your plan for today after work?” Jasmine asked, glancing at me.

I bit my lip, not knowing how to tell them I had been given a day off without raising any suspicion.

“Hmm, I don’t know yet. Why do you ask?” I replied, changing the subject.

“The king is having guests over tonight. I heard they were part of the royal family, and with Madam Rosalie locked away, I just know it is going to be hectic.”

She took a bite of her bread.

“I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind helping us in the kitchen today, that is, if you are okay and done with your chores early.”

I sighed, knowing there was no way I could turn her down.

“Fine.”

“I told you she was going to help.”

“You are the best, Elara.”

Amara and Jasmine both said it at the same time with smiles on their faces.

“Thank you so much, Elara,” Jasmine gushed, pulling me into a hug.

“What time do you need me?” I asked, glancing at them.

They both looked at each other for a brief moment, like they were pondering my question, before Amara turned to look at me.

“I think five should be more suitable since we need to start preparing dinner by six.”

I nodded, taking a sip of water, and we carried on talking amongst ourselves till it was time to resume our duties.

We all walked out of the maids’ lounge and back to the kitchen to rinse our plates before going our separate ways.

I waited for the hall to be cleared, and after I was sure no maids were lingering around the hallway, I walked back to my room.

Plopping myself on my bed, I had absolutely no clue what to do.

This was the first time I was ever given a free day, and I had no idea how to use it.

So, I decided to sleep till it was time to help Amara and Jasmine with their kitchen duties.

By the time I woke up from my sleep, it was 4:30 p.m., which meant I had thirty minutes to freshen up before going back to the kitchen.

When I got there, the kitchen was filled with maids running around, busy with different tasks.

I was able to spot Jasmine and Amara.

“Thanks to the heavens you are here, Elara. I feel like I’m going to faint any moment from now,” Jasmine muttered, handing me a bowl of flour.

“Can you help knead the flour?”

“Sure,” I answered, watching her retreat as she carried on with her work.

I stood at the far end of the kitchen, kneading the flour, while Amara was placed in front of the sink, doing the dishes.

The night was drawing near, and the maids were rounding up with the meal.

The guests were said to have arrived and were already taking their seats at the dining table.

“Elara.”

Jasmine called out, walking towards me.

“I know you already helped out, but can you help me one last time?”

She begged, giving me her best puppy eyes.

I sighed.

“What is it?”

“We are short on kitchen staff because other maids still have some work left to do. Can you help serve dinner with the king and his guests? Amara will be there with you.”

“Please, please, please.”

I frowned, not sure if I wanted to go to the dining room, knowing Darius was there.

“Please, Elara,” she continued begging. “I would have gone myself if I wasn’t so busy.”

“I don’t know what to do, Jasmine. I have never been in charge of serving a royal meal before,” I said.

I was sceptical.

“It’s easy. All you have to do is place their meal on the table and fill their cups anytime you notice their drinks getting finished.”

“Fill it up again,” she explained. “That’s all you have to do, then wait around in case they need anything else.”

She shoved a tray of plates into my hands.

“Thanks.”

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart while chanting everything Jasmine had told me.

It’s easy.

It’s easy.

Just follow Jasmine’s instructions, and you will be fine.

I said to myself, forcing my legs to move forward.

Leaving the kitchen, I followed Amara, who was in front of me, and we walked in what I assumed was the direction of the dining room.