Chapter 27
27
~Elara’s POV
I froze, my mouth opening then closing, shocked. The best position he could give me… personal secretary? My chest tightened, and my cheeks burned as I tried to steady my racing heart. I really do look like an assistant… I bit my lip, hiding the small, embarrassed laugh that threatened to escape. Okay… I’ll… agree to it.
He gave a small, almost amused nod. “Yes. You’ll be my personal secretary p>
I pushed my chair back slowly after finishing my meal, my fingers brushing against the polished wood of the dining table as I stood. I bid him goodbye, and I left the dining room quietly, careful not to disturb the orderly line of maids bustling about. The soft carpet muffled my steps as I returned to my room. I leaned against the doorframe for a heartbeat, closing my eyes, relishing the silence and the faint scent of the flowers I’d noticed in the room earlier. It was a small comfort, a tiny bubble of peace I could claim before the world demanded me back.
Morning arrived slowly, the first light of the sun spilling across my bed like gold dust. My eyes fluttered open to the sound of soft knocks on the door.
“Good morning, Luna,” a calm voice greeted. “I am Melissa, head of your maids. These are the ten ladies Alpha Darlon assigned to you p>
I sat up, blinking at the neat line of women standing in the doorway. Their uniforms were crisp, their posture impeccable, but their eyes softened slightly at my shyness. My throat tightened, and I nodded quietly, murmuring, “Th-thank you p>
Melissa smiled gently. “Your water for bathing is ready, and everything else has been arranged. We’ll take care of what we must, and you simply enjoy your bath p>
I hesitated, my hands gripping the sheets. Enjoy? How can I enjoy anything when I’m so… so small here? I forced myself to swallow the lump of anxiety in my throat and followed the maids. The bathtub was enormous, the water steaming and filled with floating petals that gave off the sweetest scent I had ever inhaled. I sank slowly, letting the warmth embrace me, letting my mind drift for just a second. The tension in my shoulders eased, though the nervous energy never fully left me.
Afterwards, I dressed carefully, choosing a modest outfit, hoping it wouldn’t draw attention but would at least let me feel slightly capable. The maids guided me to the dining room again. I spotted the empty seat across from where Darlon usually sat, and my chest tightened. He had already left for work. My lips pressed together, and I murmured to myself, Of course… what did I expect? This is just a deal. Nothing more.
I tried to eat quietly, my hands trembling slightly as I held my fork.
The clink of the door startled me, and I looked up to see an older man bowing politely.
“Good morning, Your Majesty,” he said. “I am Fridolf, your driver appointed by Alpha Darlon from today p>
I nodded quickly, my heart skipping. He was older, taller, and something was imposing in the way he moved, but I swallowed my unease. I can’t make him lose his job. He’s just doing his duty.
The maids carried my bag to the car as soon as I was done with my food, and Fridolf opened the door for me. I hesitated, stepping inside.
We moved in silence, the city rushing past the windows like streams of light. I kept my eyes fixed on the passing scenery, trying not to focus too much on the growing anxiety in my stomach. I have no idea where Darlon’s company even is, I thought, and I felt the weight of my inexperience pressing down.
“Um… Fridolf,” I said after a moment, my voice timid but clear. “Could you let me know when we’re about five minutes away from Alpha Darlon’s company? I… I don’t know the area p>
He gave a small nod, his hands steady on the wheel. “Of course, your majesty p>
I exhaled, letting a tiny bit of relief seep in. The car continued its smooth ride, the hum of the engine and the faint scent of polish grounding me in the moment.
Minutes later, the streets opened up, and the buildings grew taller. I pressed my palms together on my lap, heart picking up speed.
“About five minutes, your majesty,” Fridolf said, glancing briefly at me through the rearview mirror.
I nodded, biting my lip to keep from trembling. “Thank you… Really p>
“I’d like to be dropped here,” I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper.
I’d rather avoid… unnecessary attention.
Fridolf’s eyebrows lifted, and I caught the faintest flicker of surprise in his eyes. He bowed lightly. “Alpha Darlon specifically instructed me to take you to the office p>
I shook my head, forcing a small smile. “It’s fine. We can keep quiet, and it’ll be okay. No trouble.” My voice wavered slightly, and I hoped it sounded confident.
I pulled out my phone quickly. “May I have your number? I’ll meet you here when I return p>
Fridolf nodded, bowing again, his expression unreadable. I tucked my phone away, feeling a bit safer knowing I could coordinate without drawing any attention.
I opened the car door and stepped out carefully.
I adjusted the strap of my bag and started walking, my steps careful on the pavement. The streets were busy, cars humming past, people moving quickly around me, and I kept my head down, trying not to draw attention. My chest felt tight, and my stomach twisted with nerves. I had no idea exactly where Darlon’s company was, but I trusted the directions Fridolf had given me.
“Five more minutes,” I whispered to myself, repeating it like a mantra to calm my racing thoughts.
The buildings around me grew taller as I neared the main avenue. The sound of my shoes echoed slightly against the concrete sidewalks, and I tried not to imagine anyone recognizing me. Every glance from passersby made my stomach jump.
I took a deep breath, adjusting my posture as best I could. My heart thumped like a drum, and I silently reminded myself, It’s just the office. You can do this. Just go in, do your job, and no one needs to notice you.
The Darlon logo finally came into view, gleaming on the glass facade of the massive building. I paused for a moment, staring at it. The sleek metal frame, the clean lines of the architecture, the glass walls that reflected the sunlight, it was breathtaking, intimidating, and utterly foreign to me all at once.
I swallowed, straightened my shoulders, and walked the last few steps toward the entrance. The sliding doors parted, and a soft whoosh greeted me as I stepped inside. I could feel my hands trembling slightly, so I gripped the strap of my bag tighter and took another careful step forward.
The receptionist behind the pristine desk looked up immediately, her eyes flicking over me with a mixture of curiosity and mild disbelief. “Yes? How can I help you?” she asked.
“I… I’m here as Alpha Darlon’s personal secretary,” I said, my voice quivering slightly. I swallowed hard, trying not to say his name too loudly. “I… I don’t know my way around yet p>
The receptionist’s gaze hardened, and her lips curled into a faint, disbelieving smirk. “Alpha Darlon doesn’t need a personal secretary, last I checked p>
I froze, my hands tightening around my bag strap. Oh no… please don’t make a scene… just let this be fine p>