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“How much longer is this going to take?” I demanded breathlessly. “I can’t keep her in there much longer!”
The workers looked at me warily, their faces streaked with paint and plaster, sweat lining their brows and hair.
“One more day at most, Alpha,” the head worker promised.
“I will hold you to it, or you won’t get that bonus I promised you,” I growled, spinning around to find Grisella.
I didn’t like keeping things from Zephy, but in this case, it was necessary. Unfortunately, the surprise I had planned was taking much, much longer than I had anticipated, and my bride was getting understandably antsy in the process.
I found the housekeeper in the foyer, barking orders to the staff, keeping them in line as always.
Everyone stood more erect as I entered the hall, their eyes fixed straight ahead.
“The Queen is coming out tomorrow,” I informed them, directing my words primarily at Grisella. “If I get a whiff of insubordination from anyone—anyone—they will be on the street without severance or reference. I will ensure that you don’t work anywhere in Mystara for the remainder of your life. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, Alpha.”
I stared at Grisella, waiting for her assent. She merely stared back at me.
“Grisella, I haven’t heard your response,” I said quietly. “Do you understand me?”
The aging housekeeper balked at me, blinking. “I heard you.”
“But do you understand?” I demanded. “This is Queen Zephyrine’s house, not yours. Not mine, even. Hers. Her and our children’s. You will abide by her commands today and every day.”
Grisella paled and quivered at my tone, but my gaze did not falter.
“I won’t stand for any insolence from any of you. One whiff of defiance, one hint…” I left my voice to trail off, but the meaning was unmistakable.
There would not be a replay of what had happened with Stralia, not ever again.
“I want any concerns brought directly to me,” I went on. “No matter is too insignificant. If some of you had spoken up sooner, all of this could have been avoided already—not that we don’t all bear some responsibility for the part we played.”
I swallowed thickly, my own guilt at not having sent Stralia away still burning at me. “But what’s done is done, and all we can do is plan for the future now.”
“Yes, Alpha,” Grisella and the other servants chorused again, the remaining staff eager to please.
“Good.”
I pivoted away, making my way toward the kitchen, where I almost ran directly into Heddy, who, as always, tripped over his feet in an effort to steer clear of me.
“Goodness, Alpha!” he choked, bowing excessively, over and over, in apology. “Forgive my clumsiness—”
I stopped in place, putting my hands squarely on his shoulders.
“No, Heddy,” I told him flatly. “You must stop this at once. You have nothing to be sorry for. In fact, you are getting a promotion as of today.”
Heddy raised his head in shock, blinking his rheumy eyes in surprise. “A p-promotion?” he stumbled. “What?”
“You must have heard that Coraline is no longer with us. You will take her place as head cook. You have been loyal and trustworthy. And you make a mean pumpkin risotto. In fact, I think you should make some for our celebratory dinner tomorrow night. The Queen is coming out tomorrow.”
Heddy gulped. “Tomorrow?” he echoed. “Already?”
“She’s been cooped up all week and is getting quite antsy. If she remains in our suite much longer, I fear her nervous energy will blow the roof clear off.”
“We wouldn’t want that, Alpha.”
“No, we wouldn’t,” I agreed. “You’ll see about that risotto. I happen to know it’s the Queen’s favorite. She’s quite fond of you, Heddy.”
