LYCANS TRAINING VALERIA Vale ! Walking toward the training gym , I heard the hurried voice of Juliette behind me the maid who had always been kind to me .
Hi , Jul … wait ! Youre going to trip and fall face first ! I exclaimed, grabbing the large basket of laundry she was carrying before she nearly toppled into it .
Whew ! I thought you wouldnt hear me ! How are you feeling ? Still in pain ? she asked , looking me over as if searching for injuries .
In pain ? I blinked , confused .
Yeah , the housekeeper said yesterday when I asked about you that you werent feeling well and had gone to your room .
Oh , Val , you missed everything ! she exclaimed excitedly , then glanced around the hallway before stepping closer to me , whispering .
I tensed slightly at her closeness , always expecting people to criticize my scarred face , but Juliette never seemed to care about that Let me tell you His Majesty was furious yesterday ! There was a whole scandal in his chambers with those women you selected ! Her eyes sparkled , brimming with gossip .
They didnt want to leave and caused a full blown rebellion .
His Majesty dragged them out and threw them naked in front of the castle without a care ! Oh , it was humillating every servant was at the windows , whistling and offering them money for the night ! The entire staff came out to watch them cry and scream like maniacs .
And get this when they started insulting you , His Majesty finally reacted and roared so loudly that one of them … well , lets just say she wet herself .
They shut up immediately , as if their mouths had been sewn shut , and they were carted off in the garbage wagon ! Oh , it was hilarious ! Juliette burst out laughing , thoroughly enjoying the humiliation of those women .
Honestly , you missed a show , but look on the bright side you got rid of cleaning the substance that the cow releases she teased , winking at me .
I suddenly remembered what had happened with the King in the woods , kneeling in front of him , my mouth open .
All of Aldrics substance had ended up in my stomach .
I coughed awkwardly , trying to dispel my impure thoughts Yeah , the housekeeper told me I wouldnt have to do the selections anymore , I replied as we walked together down the hall , speaking softly .
Oh , they wiped the floor with the housekeeper ! His Majesty called her to the throne room , and she came back looking like a serial killer worse than usual , Juliette whispered conspiratorially .
I figured it was because she had sent me to choose those women .
I just hoped the housekeeper wouldnt hold a grudge against me for it .
Well , thanks for checking on me .
Im feeling better , I said , stopping .
I supposed the whole not feeling well story had been an excuse to explain my absence during the drama .
35 LYCANS TRAINING Im heading to the gym to deliver a letter to His Majesty .
The gym ? Oh , Im so jealous ! Id love to see all those hunks sweating and beating each other up .
Must be eye candy galore ! Juliette ! Get going before you get yourself into trouble one of these days , I scolded , pushing her playfully as she stuck her tongue out like a mischievous child and walked off with her laundry .
Take a peek for me and tell me all about it ! she called back , making me shake my head .
No matter what , she always managed to make me smile .
1 continued toward my destination , descending the stairs .
The gymns were located in several of the castles underground levels .
I paused in front of a sturdy metal door , hesitating about entering a space filled with men .
But maybe it was just His Majesty training alone .
I pushed the door open gently , revealing stairs that led down to an enormous circular arena in the center .
Two burly Lycans were exchanging blows of every kind .
The atmosphere was dim , with only the fighting area illuminated by large hanging lamps .
The air reeked of sweat , testosterone , raw strength , and savagery as the two muscular , sweaty bodies clashed , each trying to overpower the other .
I descended the stairs cautiously , searching for the King .
I didnt want any trouble , but , as usual , trouble seemed to follow me like a magnet .
Hey , thats cheating ! one of the Lycans suddenly shouted Id never seen him before .
He seemed younger , with dark brown hair and piercing green eyes .
as they Thats why I hate fighting pups .
They always end up whining , the bald , bulky Lycan grumbled irritably as shoved each other apart .
Then the younger Lycan looked toward me , and his face lit up as if hed seen heaven .
A sinking feeling of bad premonition washed over me .
Hey , maid ! Come over here , youll be our judge ! Youll decide whos the strongest ! No , I just … Wait ! I protested , but he dashed up the wide stairs in no time and grabbed my hand , dragging me into the battle arena .
Youre insane , Dave ! Let her go , now ! the burly Lycan roared as soon as he got a good look at me .
as he His face was full of panic , as if I could knock him out with a single punch .
It might have been amusing if I didnt realize he wasnt scared of me .
He was terrified of someone else .
An enormous , ferocious wolf who could show up at any moment .