The Alpha King's Mind Reading Maid (Cecilia) novel Chapter 144

Chapter 144

Leopold’s POV

I sat in the parlor, my temple throbbing with a headache that formed earlier this morning. Landon went to announce the three women I’ll be speaking with before the event. It’s tradition to select three women right off the bat, from either the Alpha’s daughters or the concubines, to get to know first

Of course, I will be speaking to all of them at some point during the night, so I didn’t see the point of this meeting. But Landon was insistent that we keep things according to tradition.

There was a knock on the parlor door, bringing me out of my thoughts. I straightened as Landon opened the door.

“Vivian is here, Your Majesty,” he announced.

I nodded at him, giving him the go-ahead to let her in without actually speaking

She entered the parlor, her eyes shifting around with uncertainty for a moment. I don’t allow many in this parlor. It’s in a private sector of the palace; considering tonight is the consort ceremony, I thought maybe it wouldn’t hurt to stretch some of my well-crafted rules.

Landon stepped out of the room, closing the door behind him.

“Your Majesty,” Vivian said, curtsying. “It’s an honor that you have chosen me to be one of the first to speak with you. I truly feel unworthy.”

I studied her for a moment, my eyes assessing. Women like Vivian, who seem to feel entitled without proving themselves, intrigue me. It made me wonder what she truly wanted.

“Take a seat,” I said, motioning for the couch across from the coffee table.

She frowned when I motioned for that couch instead of the empty spot on the couch right beside me. But she didn’t argue, which honestly surprised me. She walked over to the couch I gestured towards and lowered herself into the seat, trying to remain as graceful as possible.

I let the silence stretch between us a bit longer as I assessed her. Her confident posture, as if she already owned the space, irritated me, though I kept my expression neutral.

“You enjoy attention,” I said finally; it wasn’t a question, but an observation.

The corner of her lips curved, and she leaned back on the couch.

“You’ve noticed?” She asked, a teasing glint in her tone. “I’m glad it at least caught your attention, Your Majesty.”

“You’ve made a name for yourself,” I commented.

She seemed to take that as a compliment.

Her posture straightened slightly, her shoulders easing as if she had just been confirmed in something she already believed.

“I worked hard for it,” she said. “It’s not easy standing out in a place like this. But I’m the only concubine that happens to be a Alpha’s daughter as well.”

“Is that so? And yet I’ve seen no signs of your father,” I said, my brows raising, suspicion flickering in my tone. “Or so none have claimed you as their daughter.”

I’ve had the displeasure of having to dine with the Alphas and their daughters last night, and it wasn’t something I wanted to remember. Landon had to talk me off the ledge a few times before I completely lost it.

However, despite my irritation last night, I knew with certainty that Vivian wasn’t amongst the group.

+15 Bonus

Her smile faltered at the mention of her father, but she recovered quickly, probably thinking I hadn’t noticed it.

“He wasn’t able to make it, I’m afraid,” she said. “But he sends his best.”

I don’t respond right away.

“And you believe you have the right to be queen?” I suddenly asked, my tone remaining even.

She blinked at the question.

1

“I believe I am the only one capable of being queen, Your Majesty,” she replied.

“You think highly of yourself.”

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