The Alpha King's Mind Reading Maid (Cecilia) novel Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Leopold’s POV

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I watch a flurry of emotions fit across the face of my new maid, and keep my own expressionless.

Reading body language isn’t exactly my strong suit, but I sense her unease. I almost wish I was more oblivious.

“You hesitated,” I say, trying to sound less accusatory than I feel, and failing miserably. Although I don’t want to command with intimidation alone, I need to demand a certain level of respect from all of my subjects, especially those working in my palace.

She needs to feel able to speak honestly to me when I call her to do so.

“Are you afraid?” I ask.

Cecilia closes her eyes slowly and opens them again, but is still unable to meet my gaze.

“I am willing to serve you as a personal maid, Your Highness,” she replies, her words cautious.

“That wasn’t what I asked,” I say. “Are you afraid? That I might kill you?”

She finally looks up at me, making piercing eye contact. I feel my breath catch in my throat, in spite of myself. “I am nothing but honored to be granted this opportunity to personally serve my king.”

There’s something about this girl that draws me in, makes me curious yet wary of tumbling too far and falling into the gravitational pull of her own world. It’s as if something deep inside me is straining to reach out and touch her, if only to make sure she’s real.

I’ve never felt this way before, and it puts me on edge. I cannot allow myself to make hasty decisions, nor can I waste time entertaining the idea that we are mysteriously connected.

Even if some lowly Omega slave daughter were to be my True Mate, so what?

Would I be so foolish as to throw away tradition and royal principle to let my inexperienced heart decide what to do? Would I run from my duties and permit my fickle emotions to control my rulership?

I deal more than enough with my wolf taking over my body and forcing me to make thoughtless decisions. I don’t need a juvenile crush, if that’s what this is, dictating my actions and making me look weak.

All this notwithstanding, she intrigues me. I’d do well to at least keep her close for now, at least until it becomes evident whether she really has proven herself a worthy maid or if the events of this morning were the consequence of beginner’s luck.

“Serve me well,” I tell her. Then, something compels me to add, “If your service meets my expectations, you may be rewarded accordingly.”

“Rewarded?” she asks.

“In return for work well done. This isn’t a job that any normal palace slave can do, as you must know. Tell me what you would like, and I’ll see if it can be arranged.”

I pause, thinking, before making another important addendum. “Anything within reason. Think of it as a demonstration of gratitude… and a source of motivation for you to put your best efforts forward.”

Cecilia bites her lip lightly, and I almost smile. It must be her tell when she’s deep in thought. After a few seconds,

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her face brightens

“If it’s possible, Your Highness, I’d appreciate the chance to return home and visit my family,” she answers.

I mull it over and exhale. “All right. If you have proven your ability to serve me well, after three months you will be allowed to go home for one week.”

“Th-thank you, Alpha King Leopold,” Cecilia stammers in awed excitement.

I give her a curt nod, which seems to register as an effective reminder to maintain composure and professionalism. Stifling a grin, she stands straight, then bows deeply.

“I’ll serve you to the best of my ability, Your Highness. I won’t let you down.”

“That’s good to hear,” I reply. “Now, please go find Landon and tell him the news. He will show you to your new quarters, where you can get yourself cleaned up.”

She bows again. “Yes, Your Highness.”

“Oh, and Cecilia? You’d do well to begin familiarizing yourself with the palace. You’ll be spending most of your time here, either at my side or close by.”

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