When she enters the pavilion, she is greeted by three beta female maids together in perfect synchronization. "Good afternoon, Miss Silverfang."
"Welcome to your new humble abode, we apologize for the sudden change of accommodation." the one at the middle says as she does the curtsy. A stereotypical Asian servant and probably around in her mid 60s, that's the impression Maridawn thinks of her.
Then she blinks, surprised that people can be curtsy in this modern age. Did Dimitri request for this?
"My name is Ping, I will be assisting you to make you a perfect omega for the king. Have you eaten yet, Miss Silverfang?"
If anything, Maridawn is too weary rather than hungry from the long trip. " We have eaten before reaching here. However, I hope Dimitri has already appointed me your greatest masseuse."
"That will be Mr. Greymound who will take good care of that, Miss Silverfang," she responds with a firm nod.
Maridawn glances at her alpha attendant who in return suppresses a huge grin on his face. "Is it because we're understaffed?"
"Quite the contrary, we have a lot of helpers waiting for upcoming omegas. Forgive me, I wasn't being specific. Mr. Greymound is by the far the best at giving massages in this palace."
From behind, the beta maid at the right turns to hide her giggle fits before the other maid slaps her behind.
Ping glares at the two young maids before they have gone back to their position.
"I apologize for that, Miss Silverfang. Anyway, we will give you a tour tomorrow as soon as we improve the interiors within this pavilion."
Maridawn decides not to correct her that it is more of a cottage than a pavilion but instead she says, "I would like to go to my room, please. And Dimitri, I'll like to see if you are deemed worthy to be my next favorite masseuse." There's a light tone of musing in her voice.
Dimitri just smirks. Not the cocky look that Maridawn is used to seeing around alphas but more eager to please her. "Of course, Miss Silverfang. I'll do my best."
Satisfied with his answers, she allows herself to be guided by the young maids as they gesture her to her room.
<<<>>>
As soon as his omega of jurisdiction leaves with the maids, Dimitri turns to give Ping a wide smile. "So what do you think of our omega, Madam Ping?"
Scowling, Ping's features haven't changed even the slightest as she says, "Prideful, yes.She does have an aura of an alpha. However, it won't attract the king if she acts like this."
"Even if her beauty is beyond incomparable?"
She raises her brow, looking at Dimitri with suspicion. "I don't remember you saying that to any woman, young master."
He places his knuckle under his chin as he contemplates. "Haven't I?"
"Even the most beautiful omega and the king's favorite doesn't give you any interest. So it's quite a surprise for me, young master." She then coughs.
"Going back to the topic, indeed she is all around appealing, that I start to question if it was because of her alpha family heritage. However, the king's ideal mate is that of a submissive woman. If by chance, she was chosen by the king, we wouldn't know if her head is still attached to her neck the next day."
"I'll make sure it won't happen, Madam Ping," he says as he walks past her. "Excuse me, I have to do my duties as her alpha attendant."
"Remember, young master," Ping says, this time in a whisper. However, with Dimitri's keen ears, he could hear her easily. "The walls have ears, any slightest mistake and your cover will be blown."
He doesn't respond as he heads to Maridawn's bedroom.
<<<>>>
"So what do you think of your new home?"
"Do you want my honest long answer or a compromising one?" Then, she groans as Dimitri touches the heel of her left foot. The sound doesn't sound the slightest pain but rather, the opposite.
"An honest answer to help evaluate myself as your attendant," he replies, cheerfully and unfazed with the groans and sultry sounds that release from her full lips.
"I will—" She moans again. She tries to suppress her own voice, by muffling her mouth with the bolster pillow, her pale flesh turning crimson each time those talented fingers press the aching parts of her feet, like she always wanted.
'Good Lord, even the best masseuse in the Silverfang manor is nothing compared to his skills!' She thinks as she presses her face further to her bolster.
"Does it hurt, Miss Silverfang? I can give a light massage instead." In his mind, he takes a mental note that the latest concubine is sensitive. It's a plus point for making her the king's ideal bedmate.
"N-no need," she mutters under the mattress. She needs to compose herself before answering him. "Now, as I was saying, this pavilion is more of a summer cottage than a real pavilion. The ambience m-might remind you of h-home," she stammers as he presses the sensitive part of her feet. "H-hey, was that intentional, Dimitri?" She growls as her head turns to face him.
He just gives her a light-hearted laugh as he raises his hands. "Oh, sorry. I find it amusing seeing you riled up from my massage. I won't do that again."
"And why is it 'amusing' for you?" She gives him a death glare. Her blue-gray eyes glimmer as her brows cross paths.
And Dimitri, the playful type, slips out what comes to his mind. "You're cute, Miss Silverfang."
She reflexively scoffs at that comment. "Over the years, I've been called beautiful or anything that defines beauty. But cute? You overstep the boundary there, Dimitri."
He just gives a nervous laugh. "Well, I guess I did, huh? I apologize for doing that."
But this only makes Maridawn smile, a genuine one that Dimitri catches immediately.
"I wouldn't like it if you would apologize, Dimitri. If I'm going to see you everyday, I don't mind if you are "true" to yourself with me."
"After all," she leans on him, looking him in the eye. She gives him a coy smile, as she playfully teases his tie. "That's what makes a true prideful alpha, just by being yourself."