Even though the new handmaiden the Alpha had assigned to her was diligent—attentive to her needs, industrious, and obedient—Lena could not help but long for Milicent.
Milicent had been more than a mere servant. She had been a companion, a confidante, perhaps the sister Lena had never known.
She had not yet thanked the Alpha for saving her. In truth, she had scarcely left her chambers in days.
“Thank you, Lord Jaime, for granting me your time,” she said quietly, rising to her feet in an effort to see him to the door.
As they stepped across the threshold, the corridor beyond was alive with activity. People moved about with purpose, tending to their duties, yet many paused to greet her with warmth and familiarity.
A far cry from how they had received her upon her arrival.
Dorcas, her ne
