Fourteen

"I leave for one second and you create a riot" Daphne had caught us while we fled the chaotic riot in the kitchen. With a not-so-cheerful face as she dragged us, especially me. To our room in the servant's house. That was after she pleaded on our behalf and promised to correct us with proper punishment.

The guards had no choice but to let us go.

I spoke up, from where I sat "Actually it was up to an hour" she sliced me a pointed glare at the audacity I had to be nonchalant about the whole event.

"...All for a piece of bread." she continued. Her face was in unbelievable disbelief.

Unknown to her I held the piece of bread in my mouth responding, "It's actually good, try it" I munched a mouthful as I spoke, offering her a piece. She swatted the piece from my hands with an angry pout.

"Aww, my bread" I whined, distressed about the wasted piece on the floor. I reached to pick it up regardless but she grabbed my collar tightly bringing us nose to nose. Her eyes twitched repeatedly at me. From her expression, it seemed she had a lot to say but didn't know where to start.

"You seem stressed. '' I pointed out calmly, accessing her face, despite the fact she clearly wanted to rip me apart and be done with me.

"Of course I am. Do you know the trouble you put me through?" She threw her hands in the air dramatically. I shrugged unbothered.

She sighed defeated, "I'm starting to regret taking this job" she muttered to herself rubbing between her brows.

"I wonder why you took it in the first place," I blurted, picking up the piece of bread from earlier. I went to wash it under a tap before throwing it into my mouth. A look of pure disgust was written all over her face.

"Don't ask questions, you don't wanna know" was all I said,

A light chuckle escaped Esme's lips, breaking us from our banter. She doubled over throwing her head back into a fit of laughter.

"I've never had this much fun in my life." She said between laughter. I took the opportunity to lighten the mood.

"See, she gets it." I gestured to a cheerful Esme.

She shook her head disappointedly. "The more I hear you talk the more I get the urge to put you feets under," she said with a cold expression like she actually meant it. Did she?

"That's uncalled for,'' I said in a defensive tone.

Going into her breast pocket she brought a small sheet of paper. A tap on the table next to me. she dropped it.

"This is where you will be serving your punishment for the month" she handed me the paper which I collected, a shocked look evident on my face.

"The punishment was real," I said, stunned by her words.

"As real as my splitting headache from having to be around you," she said with a wry smile. It was her turn to make the small taunting jokes at me. I rolled my eyes.

I read through the paper, "clean the cow shed and the pig sty!" I cried out. Her footsteps retreated towards the door entrance. Not bothering to hide the smirk on her face.

"Yup" she popped the 'p' as she spoke. "Maybe you can think about the consequences before running headfirst into trouble."

I schemed for the end. A particular sentence caught my attention.

"Dust the treasure room?" I looked up from the paper confused.

"It's where the alpha's most prized possessions are kept. And in case you are thinking of something sketchy, the guards will escort you while you clean." She added.

My face lit up instantly with a smile" It's like you know me so well" I said with a sarcastic grin.

Deep down the feeling of fleeing this place scratched at the back of my mind. As I saw the contents of the punishment.

"Maybe it won't be that hard," I said to myself looking at where I would start.

I still had to get the emerald gem. That's why I was here. It was exhausting to think of the work waiting ahead but there wasn't much of a choice.

"You will help right?" I pouted at Esme. She flashed me a shy smile, her hands scratching the back of her neck.

"Um, it's against the rules to help anyone undergoing their punishment." She said with an apologetic smile. My shoulder slouched disappointed.

Later on, Esme left to do her share of the work in the manor while I tried to locate the sites for my punishment.

"First off library"

It took a while for me to locate the library in this large manor. I wiped the bead of sweat on my forehead while I stood in front of the door at long last. Pushing it open I entered.

"Hello" I whispered in a soft voice as I entered. The size of the inner room caught my attention. It was huge. Books arranged in height taller than any person. My jaw dropped in awe.

"Woah" I exclaimed, my voice echoing into the room. There was hardly anyone around. Except for a guy standing next to a counter at the entrance. I strolled to where he stood.

"Excuse me, I am meant to clean here," I said in a polite tone. He has his face on a book attentively immersed in its content and he dismissively waved me away.

"Get on with it" he snapped at me. Not bothering to glance up.

I strolled through the library with my feather duster. Cleaning the dust trapped away in the corner. When I heard a couple of voices in a corner. It was hushed to a silent whisper. But I was close enough to make out their words.

"So the new runt got you in trouble and what do you want me to do?" The first voice hissed coldly.

"She boldly talked down to me. It won't be long before she does the same to you." I recognised the second voice. It was Stacy.

"That's not possible. She dares not-

" You know you have been looking for the person who snuck into the alpha's chambers. Isn't it suspicious she showed up from nowhere?"

It was silent for a bit before the person answered.

"I guess I will pay her a visit then" the book I rested upon while inching closer lost its footing and fell to the ground with a thud. I froze.