Warnings

Khalshara's point of view 

The sun ray seeped carelessly through the only window in my room, a harsh reminder that Luna's big day was just a day away. The tension of last night's argument with Luna Grace still weighed heavily on my mind. I had returned to my room last night with the thoughts of getting some sleep before daybreak. However, sleep had eluded me, and I'd spent the night tossing and turning.

To clear my head, I decided to do the day's chores to tire myself. I thought I would be able to take some rest if my body was tired enough to keep those thoughts out of my mind. Nonetheless, reverse was the case because I still couldn't fall asleep.

With thoughts still racing through my mind, the melodious songs of the chirping birds filled my ears. Until a disturbing, heavy knock disrupted it. With weary legs and heavy eyes, I got off the bed and walked to the door. Truth be told, I would have loved to be all alone this morning, sorting out the thoughts on my mind. But I know that is only my wishful thinking because privacy is not a type of luxury I can afford. Maybe in some other places, but not in this house anyway.

I opened the door to see Linda with a stern expression on her face. "Brandon is here," she announced, her voice low and urgent. "Remember what my mom said last night. Stay away from him."

I dipped my head in a nod and was about to shut the door when she dragged me by the arm, "Don't forget!" She whispered before releasing me. 

I hurriedly washed up and changed before heading downstairs. I had already spent the time I was supposed to rest doing other chores. Now, I can't even rest if I want to because of the ongoing banquet preparations. When I got to the living room, I saw Brandon standing at the entrance. He was standing straight with his hands folded at his back like the gentleman that he was.

Walking into the living room made the previous night scene play in my head once again. And a heavy sigh escaped my lips at the thought of losing Brandon's friendship.

"Brandon," I called, a few steps away from him.

The young man turned to me with a grin on his face. I was about to send him a smile when I heard some clear their throats. 

Already down the stairs, I looked up to see it was Linda. When my eyes met with her, she pointed two fingers at her eyes and then directed them towards me. It was a sign that says, 'My eyes are on you.'

I gulped.

At the same time, Brandon called, "Hey Khal, what's wrong?"

I watched Linda walk away before directing my gaze to the young man waiting for me. "It's nothing, Brandon. I thought I forgot something."

I lied.

An innocent look formed on his face when he said, "Is it something important? I can wait for you here while you go look for it."

I hurriedly shook my head, "It's nothing important, Brandon. Let's go."

Brandon and I soon got to work. We instructed the kitchen on the sort of delicacies to prepare. According to what my father said during the meeting, the Lycan King and his people might arrive a bit earlier than the banquet day.

So, we must make sure to have everything prepared before hand and in abundance. While Brandon worked on other parts of the preparations, I prepared the residence at the eastern wing for the Lycan King and those coming with him.

I also made sure to prepare more rooms at the main residence, just in case those at the eastern wings are not to some of their likings.

Then, with the help of Brandon, I carefully selected maids to serve the Lycan King. Thankfully I had the help of my brother's beta, or else the maid wouldn't have listened to me.

I could even hear how most of them hurled insults at me, "Who does she think she is to boss us around like this?"

"I would do anything to beta Brandon, even if it means listening to this idiot. I just want him to look at me."

"Imagine an illegitimate daughter behaving like she is the boss of us."

"I wouldn't have listened to her if not for Beta Brandon. This is the only chance I get to see his handsome face."

Still, I was unfazed and only concentrated on what I was doing. Hopefully we finish in time so I can finally take a long rest before the banquet begins tomorrow.

Occasionally, some of Linda's personal maids would bring different dishes for Brandon. But they never added mine, unlike yesterday. I could already guess that she was trying to punish me for what I did yesterday.

That made me realise that Linda had listened to the conversation between her mother and me last night. I applaud her skills of staying well hidden to the extent of me not even realising her presence.

"Beta Brandon, here is from my lady to you. She asked the kitchen to specifically prepare this for you," the maid said, smiling at Brandon while throwing dirty looks at me.

Brandon accepted the food with thanks. The maid was about to take her leave when he asked, "What about Khal's? You didn't bring her food for the two times you brought mine now."

Still with a smile on her face, the maid turned to face him and said, "Beta, my lady has instructed us not to bring her any food since she claims to be on a diet."

What?

Me? On a diet?

Since when did I tell Linda I was on a diet?

What a liar she is!

Brandon turned to me with questioning eyes, "Why are you on a diet, Khal? I mean, you look fit enough. I don't think you need to shed any more fat."

Although he tried to be as polite as possible, I could tell what he meant indirectly. It was obvious I was skinny and pale. In fact, I would be termed a walking skeleton if I managed to shed any more flesh.

It's not like I had any to share anyway.

I was about to respond when the maid stared intently at me, her gaze almost piercing into my soul. I could already tell what she had in mind.

Nice to see Linda has successfully taught one of her apprentices how to threaten someone with such a demeaning gaze.

So, I answered, "Yes, Brandon. I'm trying to keep fit."

The maid sent me a hypocritic smile before leaving us. 

All thanks to Linda; that was how I was unable to eat throughout the entire day. 

We finished the rest of the preparation, and it was finally time for Brandon to leave. "Goodnight Brandon. Thanks again for today." I appreciated his kind help with a forced smile.

I wouldn't even have smiled at him at all. But I had no other choice because I don't want him to notice anything. However, I was wrong.

"Aren't you walking me out?" He enquired, a playful smile forming on his face.

'Of course I would love to work you out, Brandon,' I wanted to say.

But I didn't dare to.

Not when Linda was evidently hiding in her wolf form, glaring at me behind one of the trees in the walk way.

"I'm sorry, Brandon. But I wouldn't be able to walk you out today. I'm tired."

I was sincerely tired. I haven't been able to shut my eyes for the past forty-eight hours.

Brandon sighed; his confusion was palpable. "Is everything okay, Khal? You seem different today."

"I mean, the way you spoke and acted towards me today was quite different compared to yesterday." He added.

I suppressed the urge to heavy a sigh. "No Brandon. I'm just tired. That's all."

Brandon didn't pressure me. He only dipped his head in a nod and said, "Alright, Khal, you go rest. I'll see you at the party."

I responded with a smile and waved him bye as he left. 'Let's say our goodbyes here, Brandon, because I wouldn't even be attending the party,' I thought within myself, watching as he walked further into the night.

I turned to leave for the house when I saw Linda already standing behind me, her eyes blazing.

"Why didn't you tell him never to look for you again?"

"Because I know it was only the birthday preparation that brought us out together. Now that the preparation is finished, we don't have any more reason to see." I responded.

Linda walked towards me. She placed her hands on my shoulders and whispered, "Remember, you are nothing but a maid of this family human. Don't bite off more than you can chew."

And with that, she left, leaving behind her low, menacing whisper lingering in my mind.