CHAPTER 39.Ragnar.

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Akira stood in the middle of the room, her eyes gazing around to ensure she had arranged everything just as Rex had asked. The last thing she needed right now was the arrogant little boy's nagging. Her mind was more occupied with thoughts of Beth and how she hoped to be done with Rex's room so she could return to Beth’s quarters and check on her friend.

For the last few hours, she had been arranging Rex's room—just the same amount of time and effort she had put in yesterday. Each time she finished, he made sure to turn it upside down. If it wasn't transformed into a clubhouse for himself and the other pups, it was a karaoke stage for his friends or even a changing room before hunting. In truth, Akira was tired of the whole ordeal of sweeping and scrubbing the floors every day when he was away, but who could she tell?

Rex was a royal, an heir to the Grand Alpha throne. Reporting him to his father wouldn’t do any good since Prince Dominus could barely control him. Furthermore, reporting him would only create an enemy between them; he was already too cocky and arrogant, and she didn't want to give him a reason to hate her. Akira wasn’t ready for that, so she’d rather not breathe a word to either Brevin or Dominus.

Finally, Akira walked out of the room, gently closing and locking the door behind her before making her way down the hallway, straight to the kitchen. She had just one more task for the day, and then she would be free—the dishes.

She stretched her arms above her head, muscles pulling tight as she tried to work the ache out of her back. A few more breaths and a jerk of her leg gave her just enough strength to keep moving. She quickly hastened her steps, making her way down.

By the time she reached the kitchen, she was a little late. The next maid she was paired with to wash the dishes was already at it. Akira narrowed her gaze at the sink, which was stacked high with greasy plates. The next one was filled with goblets. Seeing the pile-up, her heart sank, but of course, it was her turn today—there was no running away. Without complaints, she rolled up her sleeves and set to work immediately.

The little whispers and gossip from the other slaves weren’t any of her business. She was more focused on finishing up so she could check on Beth. None of them liked her, so she didn’t bother paying attention to their gossips; she just hoped that her friend wasn’t still curled up in tears.

She scrubbed, rinsed, and soon started to stack each plate faster, just so she could be done as soon as possible.

But then Madam Estelle walked in, her eyes sweeping over the girls. Once her gaze fell on Akira, she swallowed hard.

“You there.” Her voice broke the silence, urging Akira to come to her.

Every slave turned their head to Madam Estelle, except Akira.

She didn’t bother, knowing full well that she barely called her. She preferred the least likable slaves over her.

“Nia, I am talking to you!” Madam Estelle snapped, grabbing Akira's attention at once.

Akira turned to her, mind racing as she wondered why she was being called.

“Drop those plates. I have work for you in the dark hallway,” she said to Akira.

Akira’s eyes darted around. “Dark hallway?” she repeated, surprised and confused at the same time. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but I don’t know where that is.”

“And I am also done for the day. I’ve almost finished the dishes; I was just about to leave.”

“Are you daring to question me?” Madam Estelle snapped, her voice rising until the whole kitchen hushed. She stepped closer, eyes narrowing. “Don’t think being defended by Prince Brevin gives you privilege. You will do what I say when I say it.”

She swallowed hard, her gaze lowering quickly. She wanted to argue that she was done for the day, but arguing with Madam Estelle would only bring her more trouble. As much as she wanted to see Beth, she hoped whatever Madam Estelle wanted in the dark hallway would be over quickly so she could go to her friend.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know the hallway,” Akira finally cried out.

Madam Estelle smirked, a cruel satisfaction curling her lips. “She will take you there right now.” She pointed to the slave next to Akira. “Take her to the dark hallway and rush back to wash the dishes immediately.”

“What would I be going there to do?” Akira paused, turning to her. “What job would we be doing over there?”

Caught off guard, Madam Estelle pressed her lips together. “That’s none of your business. Go there and wait for me, I will decide what you’ll be doing when I get there.”

With that, Akira nodded.

“Good.” Madam Estelle flicked her wrist as if shooing away a fly.

“Nora,” she snapped at the slave next to Akira. “Take her there, show her where the hallway begins, and rush back here immediately.”

Akira swallowed hard. The back passageway. She had never heard of the place they were taking her to. Something in Estelle’s tone sent a cold shiver down her spine, but she wiped her wet hands on her skirt and followed Nora, her feet dragging behind.

Nora, who was ahead, glanced back at Akira. She looked a little nervous, her lips parting slightly as if she wanted to warn her about something, but then she decided against it and kept walking.