Sold AS The alpha King's Breeder

Chapter 794

Chapter 5 : What Are You Doing in Here?

"Eliza* It was my third full day at the grand estate of Jared, otherwise known as "His Royal Highness the King of Murderous Criminals," who now employed me as a laundry maid.

I thought that title fit him perfectly, and felt rather clever for coming up with it.

I was used to being around men with chips on their shoulders, like the pompous, arrogant assholes who thought their presence at even the most insignificant archeological dig site was a divine gift from the Goddess herself.

Jared was a bit different, though.

Everyone here worshiped the ground that he walked on.

He wasn't boastful, or rude.

But he was standoffish, cold, and looked at me like I was a disease threatening to spread among his people.

He was suspicious of me, sure.

But I was just as suspicious of him.

That man had secrets, dark ones.

And even though I should have been focusing on my imminent escape, I couldn't help but lean into my undying curiosity about not only Jared, but his lands, and his house.

It was bizarre, really.

My first full day at his house had been spent on strict bed rest overseen by Miriam.

She was sure I'd knocked my brain right out of my skull, and she may have been right.

I definitely had a concussion, but the wound had healed nicely, and quickly, much to her surprise.

She kept me in bed regardless, feeding me warm, hearty meals and always making sure I had a hot cup of tea next to my bed as I let myself spiral into oblivion.

I'd been sure, at least during that first day, that I would be killed, or worse, by these people.

I thought I'd never see my family again, that all of my dreams would be unfulfilled, a life only half lived.

But on my second day, by then fully lucid, I began to shed that fear and the old Eliza sprung back to life, ready to be nosy, searching for answers to the mysteries that seemed to be lurking in every darkened corner of this odd house.

First, I was given clothes—an ankle-length gray homespun dress and a starched white apron.

Miriam tried in vain to tame my hair to no avail, eventually giving up after my curls ripped through the third ribbon she'd used to try to tie it ina neat bun.

The house seemed to lack electricity, had very little in terms of running water and other basic utilities, and was no doubt haunted by spirits only the earty gods could name.

I felt as though I'd been thrust back through time, and had half convinced myself of it before getting my hands on several newer-looking books with the publishing date stamped in fresh ink during a brief stint in the library.

Today was my first day in what Miriam called "the laundry."

tt was a large, stone room on the lowest level of the house with two wide tubs of scalding water that we were meant to stir with wooden paddles to beat the clothes senseless before wringing them out and hanging them to dry.

It was hard work, really hard, and by midday, my arms were trembling with fatigue.

Then came the mending, which was my specialty, according to Jared.

I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, and the single shirt I'd spent nearly two hours sewing back together showed that clearly.

now sticking straight up due to the humidity in the room before sending me on my

was how I found myself with my back pressed against a wall, holding my breath as Archer and Brandt

at least they didn't act like

my defense, this house

get back to the staircase leading down into

rooms were built directly in the center of what must have once been a wide, open foyer, an afterthought it seemed, to cram as many rooms as possible into the

I found myself hiding in the shadow of an awkward, off-kilter commer,

Archer would tease me relentlessly

harmless, of course, at least I thought

with bated breath as he slowly turned back into

and released my death grip on the basket, letting it rest against my

effort of lugging it through the

have better luck leaving the basket

you doing up here?" came a whisper from

laundry maid, was standing looking somewhat shocked and pale only a few yards

as she peered passed

be up here unless

no idea who

in a practiced fashion as she motioned me to

named with her thick, dark red hair.But she was quiet, shy, and a strict follower of the rules.I hadn't been able to get much information

quarters," she continued,

us

things?" I asked, becoming

told me she hadn't gotten close enough to know for herself.She

Silas was so close, he could've

while later, toying with

was sitting down with her back to

"What is his deal?"

"His deal?"

he doesn't like being called an

not one, I guess.I've never

She was giving

Alpha in

that I know of.There's Aeris to the south, of course.The settlement of Newcrest had an Alpha, but I think he’s dead.And to the east

Aeris.

and picking up a needle and thread as Scarlett eyed me,

the Alpha

"Oh, there you are,"

through the doorway, her brow glistening with

of laundry in front of me, this one looking much heavier than the

Jared's room for me dear, will

a look with Scarlett before rising from my stool, nodding my

girl.I do hope Scarlett is being nice to you.She can be a little shy, unless Archer is around,

had gone pink on the cheeks, her eyes slowly

I grabbed the basket and turned toward

hours had passed since I'd run

drink at

with them,

were at least four doors in that hallway, and the one he came out of was likely his

likely to be successful in delivering at least

the door open without any resistance, and had to

basket as I looked around and walked blindly