MALIA’S POV
At first, I was so engrossed in my delectable meal that the words easily passed me by and I only heard it when the lady recited it again.
Gradually, I dropped the spoon and raised my head to look around, just so I could have a glimpse of who she was addressing.
What I wasn’t ready for was to see the lady standing directly in front of me. But I still didn’t immediately think she was speaking to me until I looked around to make sure I was the only person she was looking expectantly at.
Even at that, I intentionally refused to speak a word because the manner she spoke sounded offensive.
“She is new he…..” Mary, the petite kitchen staff volunteered to reply but was cut off immediately.
“I wasn’t addressing my words to you. In front of me is a being with a perfectly normal-shaped mouth so I believe she can speak” She was speaking to Mary but for some reason, had her gaze still drilling holes in the side of my face.
I sighed lazily and shifted my gaze to her face for the first time. She is beautiful, there is no denying that. The fierce red hair marched her rosy flawless skin. The air of confidence that surrounded her was the type of someone who was stunning and knew they were stunning.
But I have spent a fair number of years being a Luna in the palace so of course, confidence doesn’t move me. With a tone of utter disinterest, I conversed.
“My name is Malia” My reply was curt and I could very well see that it conveyed the message I wanted it to. I wanted her to know that I was the least affected by whatever she was trying to prove. And above all, I did not give a single shit about it.
“I do not give a damn about your name. Who are you and why are you here?” She put her hands on her waist in a protective stance while I continued to stare her down with my gaze.
“I believe I just told you who I am. I am Malia. Why am I here? Purely coincidental” I replied.
I did not want to give her the satisfaction of thinking she could easily talk me into answering her questions. I did not get easily manipulated unless I allowed myself to be.
She wasn’t satisfied with my answer and it showed all over her face. Gradually, she was beginning to lose her shit.
“What the fuck do you mean by purely coincidental? I asked you a simple question and require a very direct answer. Be very careful not to step on my bad side ’cause the outcome is going to be severe” She warned.
I thought I had already stepped on the bad side. I guess I needed to put more effort into this.
“Apologies your Majesty, she is clueless…”
“Silence!! And learn to not speak out of place, peasant” She yelled toward Mary, who retreated to her working corner without a single word again.
“Your Majesty?” I muttered inwardly to myself while giving her a once-over. So she is of high rank around here. Well, guess who doesn’t care?
I opened my mouth to tell her how it would be very suitable if she shoved her post and opinion down where the sun doesn’t shine but decided against it last minute.
Today was my first day here and I shouldn’t be causing trouble already. I should not act as a headache to the person who saved me cause I knew he was going to be contacted if I acted in any strange way.
“Your Majesty” I swallowed the lump of bitterness in my throat and muttered.
“There must have been some form of misconception here. I am new to this place It hasn’t been up to twenty-four hours since my arrival. I apologize for any form of disrespect issued against you” With each word that left my mouth, I felt like banging my head to the nearest wall.
But thankfully it seemed to have the desired effect on her without me having to “beg” further.
“You should know your place next time”
And just like that she was waltzing out of the kitchen, disappearing like she was never present before. My gaze lingered on the entrance even after she left, wondering within me just how much influence she had. I frankly had a lot to learn about this place, then again I just arrived and it was fair that I knew nothing just yet.
“This is not someone you should joke around with” one of the Chefs spoke just after she stepped out of the kitchen.
“You do not want to be in her bad side, dear.”
“You do not want to associate with her at all” Mary lamented like a concerned mother.
I truly don’t understand how some people are able to act so kind and warm with everyone they meet. It is so beautiful to watch, especially when it is channeled on you.
“I got carried away by how rudely she interrupted us. I mean it doesn’t hurt to be a little bit civilized” I remarked with a nonchalant shrug, shoving a spoon full of delicious rice into my mouth.
“They are mostly like this. Those at the top. We just have to be careful with crossing them” She responded.
“Who is she anyways?”
“The Alpha’s mistress and will be crowned Luna in the upcoming week.
She is not the type to be messed with, stay away from her” Mary warned, a form of dread in her voice. Like she had known firsthand how the said mistress could be.
At the mention of mistress, my mind immediately zeroed in on Zade and his ex, spoiling my mood right on the spot. I swallowed the lump in my throat and focused my attention on the food in front of me.
“I will keep that in mind” I replied curtly with a soft, forced smile.