Most Presentable Servant

She saw the family happily seated, waiting for her to serve them, just like she was always meant to do. Lily couldn't even look up to meet the females' eyes which were filled with disgust and hatred for her, otherwise she wasn't sure if she wouldn't break down.

She pushed the trolley and began serving them. Luckily, they ignored her as it looked like there was a more important matter to discuss.

"I'm guessing you all know that this year's moon harvest is going to be hosted in the palace?" Alpha Jederek said.

The three ladies looked surprised to hear that, especially Valerie. "The palace?! Are you serious?!"

"Are we going to see the king?!" Tessa almost screamed. It looked like they were all excited to see the great king for the very first time in their lives. Most noble Alphas of packs had never stepped foot into the palace before, perhaps the king just found them useless.

"Hmm," he hummed a reply, picking up a cup of juice to drink.

Lily heard all what they were saying. She did hear yesterday that they were going to see the king. However, she didn't know that they were hosting the celebration at the palace. Well, it only made sense. Such king wouldn't want to leave his comfort zone just for a mere gathering.

"Oh dear, we haven't even prepared gifts for the king or the other guests. We can't just go there empty-handed!" All Luna Valerie ever cared about was their image, and tonight seemed to be the perfect opportunity to restore that, especially in the great king's eyes.

"Yes, but the important thing is that the king would be choosing a bride at the ceremony tonight," Alpha Jederek continued.

"Oh really? Well it's about time we had a Luna-Queen," Valerie smiled.

"Indeed. Daughters of many noble Alphas would be coming and one of them would be chosen tonight. Whoever gets to be chosen gives the family a high chance of being favored by the king himself."

Luna Valerie's eyes flew wide, already knowing what her husband was hinting at.

"It would be highly favorable for us if one of our daughters were to be chosen tonight."

The two daughters' eyes widened as well as their lips parted in nervousness.

"I was hoping if Tessa could prepare herself for tonight-"

"Father! No! I don't want to be the bride of that wicked king!" Tessa immediately cried out, looking terrified already.

"Shut your mouth!" Alpha Jederek glared at her, making her stop wailing in an instant. She quickly glanced at her mother for help, who instantly felt sympathy for her.

"Do we really have to win the king's favor through that way? Couldn't we try another path?" she asked, trying to reason with him. But Alpha Jederek simply used a napkin to patiently clean his mouth as if he hadn't heard what his wife just said.

"There is no other way." He answered. 

"But why me?! Why can't she be the one?!" Tessa pointed at her sister Jessie, who had been silent the whole time.

"Your sister has found her mate and will be getting married to him in a few weeks. You however, has found nothing. It seems you aren't tired of playing around with different men, are you?" Tessa met her father's cold glare that silently told her he knew everything. She quickly lowered her eyes in embarrassment.

"Father please!!" Tessa cried again, as the rumors of the cursed king poured down her mind. She had heard about the king and how cold hearted he was. She had heard of how he killed people just to amuse himself! He even slaughtered his own family without thinking twice, he could do worse to her!

"You dare question my order?!" Alpha Jederek slammed his palms on the table, causing her to shut her mouth whilst trembling.

"With you being the queen, we can become the queen family and be highly respected," he explained.

There was silence at the table.

"Are there no other questions?" Alpha Jederek asked, but no one spoke again.

"Well then. If that matter is settled. There shall be no more to discuss. Valerie, see that your daughter is well prepared for tonight," Luna Valerie slowly nodded her head.

Lily, who had been silently enjoying what was going on, especially the humiliation Tessa had faced, as well as the fact that there was a chance that she could be the bride. At least, one of her problems would be out of her hair and gone for good. She suddenly heard her name.

"Lily, you will be going with us."

Lily's eyes flew wide as she looked at Alpha Jederek, including the family.

"Why does the wench get to go with us?" Valerie asked with a deep frown on her face. Hoping her husband wasn't going to say that it was an order declared that every Alpha's daughter must be present at the ceremony. Because so goddess helps her, she would!-

"I heard that every noble Alpha shall be coming with their most presentable servant to specially serve their guests tonight. It would be rude of us not to bring any servant," he said and stood up to leave the table.

Lily's grip on the trolley tightened and her teeth clenched. Sometimes she wondered if she was really going to work to death. All she wanted right now was to just be alone. But that was too much to ask, it seems.

As she began taking away their plates, she heard Tessa wail. "I can't believe this mother! I know for sure that I will get picked, i don't want to be that heartless king's bride!" Lily couldn't help but silently roll her eyes.

"And who knows if he looks old and ugly? Just because he's immortal doesn't mean he can't look old and ugly!" Tessa cried, feeling irritated already just by the thought. 

"You will have to accept your fate. Now, instead of thinking about that, start thinking of how to win the king's favor tonight!" Her mother scolded, making Tessa sigh, before glancing up at Lily who was silently cleaning the table.

A sly grin suddenly popped on her face as she spoke, setting her own problems aside. "Oh well, It seems i have no choice. But at least I'll get to watch our dear little Lily make us proud by serving our guests tonight."

Lily heard her and silently wondered what she meant by that. But they had already left the dining room, leaving her alone. She finally sighed, feeling drops fall from her eyes but she quickly wiped them away and continued to clean the table. After she was done, she rolled the trolley out of the room.

When Lily was finally done with the rest of her chores, she laid on her bed feeling exhausted. She didn't even know how the day had gone by so fast and it was already evening.