The King and The Maid

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Cali’s POV

There were several rooms at the bottom of the stairs. Mine was the first door on the right. I paused outside my door to gather myself before stepping in. Inside, most of the girls were still awake, buzzing with excitement about tomorrow’s festivities. I felt excited too. This many people gathering in one place was unheard of — it opened the door to a freedom none of us ever expected. By the king’s law, if you found a mate and were accepted, you could leave with your bonded partner once you were marked.

I couldn’t help but think of Harland. Ridiculous, I know — but the way he looked at me, like I was the most interesting thing he’d ever seen… The feeling I get when he touches me is like nothing else. I’ve never felt anything like it before, although I guess that’s not surprising. I’ve never had the chance to be close to anyone like that.

I’d heard rumors about Harland’s adventures with women, though. He’s apparently a big flirt who gets around a lot. I’m probably just another girl to him — another conquest. He’d never be serious about someone like me. I’m nothing.

I shoved thoughts of Harland to the back of my mind. Nothing but pain could come from wanting someone like him — and I’ve had enough pain to last a lifetime.

I walked to my bed and grabbed my pajamas, robe, and toiletries from the small trunk tucked underneath. A hot shower and a quick nap sounded perfect.

As I headed for the showers, someone grabbed my arm.

“Hey,” said Rachel. “I haven’t seen you all day. Are you getting excited for tonight?”

“Sort of.” I shrugged. “Don’t get me wrong, I am excited, but honestly, I’m more scared than anything.”

“Why? Are you worried about the pain or meeting your wolf?”

“Both. I know it’ll hurt — but what if I can’t handle it? What if I don’t like my wolf? What if I never find a mate and get stuck here forever? What if—” I stopped, my breath catching in my throat. My heart rate spiked, my chest tightening. Not now. Not this. I closed my eyes and counted to ten like Rachel taught me. One… Two… Three… Calm, shallow breaths. Four… Five… Six…

Rachel pulled me down beside her on the bed. “You’re going to love your wolf, Cali. No one ever hates their wolf — she’ll be part of you. You are her and she is you. Think of her as your built-in best friend. And the pain? You’ll be fine. Our bodies are made for this. The first time does hurt, but it gets easier. Soon you’ll barely notice the pain of shifting. Just focus on what you can control and leave the rest.”

Seven… Eight… Nine. She was right. I breathed in and out slowly. Ten. “Thanks, Rachel,” I said, finally calm.

Rachel pulled me into a hug, rubbing my back. “You’re welcome. You know I got you, girl.”

I smiled. “Will you come with me tonight? Ivan said I could bring someone.”

“Of course! You know you don’t have to ask.”

“I know. Thanks.” I stood, grabbing my stuff. “Let me shower. I’m hoping to sneak a nap in before midnight.”

“Yeah, me too. Wake me up when it’s time.”

“I will. Sweet dreams — don’t let the fleas bite.” I laughed as I headed up the aisle. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear I heard her eyes roll.

In the bathroom, I remembered the pastries. Rachel must have smelled them, but she’d never say anything. I devoured them too fast to enjoy, but I couldn’t help it — I was starving. My stomach growled, reminding me I needed more.

I showered, got dressed, and crawled under my covers.

The guards killed my father first — tore him limb from limb. I threw up when I found him scattered in my room. My mother’s screams from the cellar were from losing her bonded mate. The death of a mate is the most painful thing a wolf can endure. Her screams would haunt me forever. One of the guards must have taken advantage of her pain, snapping her neck.

I lay on the cold floor next to her lifeless body. The sun rose and set while I stayed frozen in place, in shock, in grief. Both my parents gone. Where do I go from here? How do I live without them? There were no more tears left to cry — no more screams. Just numbness. It consumed everything I used to be.

She looked like she was sleeping — almost peaceful. If I focused only on her face, I could almost pretend she was still with me.

Harland’s POV

I stood there, bewildered. Why did she always run off? One day, I’d figure out how to keep her in one place longer than five minutes.

“Future?” Theo asked eagerly.

“I don’t know yet, Theo — and neither do you. We’ll see. Besides, if she is our mate, then you know what that means.”

Theo fell silent. He knew I was right.

Theo’s my wolf — he’s been pestering me ever since I met that little maid Cali this morning. Begging me to find her, insisting she’s our mate, though he’s not certain — just a strong pull.

I felt it too, but I’m not convinced yet. She isn’t of age — not until midnight tonight. I’ll find her tomorrow. I need to know for sure. I climbed the stairs to my room on the fourth floor. Theo kept flashing me images of Cali — her lying face down on my bed, those unique blue and silver eyes. She’s so beautiful. Petite and too thin for my liking. Her nose, her lips — I want to know how they taste.

I don’t care where she comes from or her rank. I’ve always promised myself I’d accept my goddess-given mate for who she is inside. I could feel myself getting excited — we’ve waited three years to find her, and if this is it, I couldn’t be happier. But if she is my mate? My father will be furious. He doesn’t see mates like I do. He’ll see it as a failure, an embarrassment. He’d rather kill an innocent girl than see his legacy stained.

I’ll keep our little wolf safe, Theo growled. No one will touch her while we draw breath.

“I agree.”

Good, he said.

Cali’s POV

I woke with a jolt, my breathing ragged. Tears streaked my cheeks — I wiped them away, trying to calm my racing heart. The nightmares are coming more often.

I miss them too. But we’re strong. And now you have me to keep you company.

“Who’s there?” I whispered.

Me, silly. Willow. I’m your wolf.

My wolf? That means it’s past midnight. I’m officially an adult. I can feel her — warm, familiar, comforting. I already love her.

Aww, I love you too! So, when do we get to play? Willow asked.

Soon. Ivan should be here any minute to take us outside, I told her, this time in my mind.

I can’t wait! I’ve waited so long for this. She squirmed with excitement.

I got up and nudged Rachel awake. “Rachel,” I whispered, careful not to wake the others. “It’s time.”

“Uhhhhh,” she groaned. “Do I have to? Five more minutes?”

“Sure — if you want to shift in your pajamas, go ahead.”

“Fine. But you’re interrupting an amazing dream, and I expect an apology.”

“We’re terribly sorry. Now get up.”

“Shhhhh,” hissed one of the girls.

“We?” asked Rachel.

“Yeah — I can hear my wolf now. Her name’s Willow. She says she can’t wait to meet you.”

“Hi, Willow. It’ll be my honor.”

It didn’t take long for us to get ready. Ivan arrived and escorted us outside. The night was warm and clear, the stars bright and endless overhead. I took a deep breath, soaking it in. I rarely got to be outside these walls. My heart raced. This was it. No turning back.

Rachel hugged me, standing by Ivan. I nodded for them to turn around and slipped off my clothes, folding them neatly.

It’s going to be fine, Willow promised.

I could feel her excitement. I was excited too — but everything would change after this. I hoped I was ready.

Close your eyes. Calm your mind. I’ll do the rest. Are you ready?

As ready as I’ll ever be, I breathed, closing my eyes. I exhaled slowly, letting my body relax. I could feel Willow take over. Warmth spread through me like sitting beside a roaring fire. Then the pain hit — fire under my skin, bones breaking and mending, joints twisting. It felt like forever but lasted only seconds. I crouched low, my body shaking. Fur sprouted up my arms, down my legs. The pain eased. My mind cleared. I opened my eyes — her eyes.

Watch this, Willow said, then she took off, running faster than I ever dreamed possible across the moonlit castle grounds.