Chapter 135: Thorn in Her Flesh

Maya took off her apron and mobcap. She handed them to one of the maids in the kitchen as she watched the last of the trays leave. It had been a while since she worked so hard in the morning and she would be lying if she said she didn’t miss it.

She had expected to face some difficulties with the maids but they all focused on their tasks. No one complained or refused orders. It was fast, efficient and they finished cooking with time to spare.

"Good job, Margaret," she said with a grin as the maid walked toward her.

"Thank you, My Lady," Margaret replied and stopped in front of her mistress. She lightly tapped Maya’s forehead with a white napkin. "That was the last of it. You should go have breakfast. We will clean up here."

"Are you sur—"

"Please," Margaret said with a stern look. "You have done more than I approve of. They can handle the rest. We still have lunch and dinner to worry about. You’ll be late for breakfast if I let you have your way."

Maya laughed. "Very well, Margaret. I’ll be off now."

She looked around the kitchen one last time. The counter was filled with dirty pots and unfinished ingredients. The tables the maids used to chop the vegetables and other ingredients also needed cleaning.

However, the maids who weren’t in the dining room had already begun cleaning. One of them stacked the empty pots, while another took the dishes to the washing areas.

"Lady Maya," Margaret called.

"I am off, Margaret," she replied and walked toward the doors. She glanced back one last time before she exited and made her way toward the main section of the house.

She adjusted her dress and hair as she walked, making sure nothing was out of place. She could pick up the smell of smoke from the stove but it didn’t smell strong enough to require a bath.

She had half expected Alaina to show up at the kitchen while they were cooking but not even Bess was in sight. She had been cautious because Alaina had heard about it from Palmer but she never appeared.

"If it isn’t the enemy," Alaina’s loud voice pulled her from her thoughts.

Maya sighed as she lifted her head. Was it impossible for Alaina to ignore her? They were on opposite sides with the dining room between them. They were both still some distance away but for some reason, Alaina had to draw her attention.

She was alone—Theo wasn’t in sight. As much as she wanted to be sympathetic to him for having such a terrible fated mate, he still decided to be with her.

Maya cautioned herself not to judge too harshly; she had heard the fated mate bond was so strong that even rejection didn’t always completely sever it.

She wondered if she had a fated mate somewhere. She stopped herself from thinking more about it, as it didn’t matter. She would always choose Keenan, no matter what.

"Ignoring me and smiling so smugly about it, huh?!"

Maya pushed open the doors and walked into the dining room. Palmer was standing to the side; the table was set with several dishes they had cooked this morning.

She took a deep breath, enjoying the smell of chicken, eggs, veggies, bread, and tea. She could also pick up the smell of honey to use with the tea.

She was smiling as she walked to the table. She winced slightly as the arrangement of the plates and cutlery pulled her out of her immersion but it didn’t stop her from being proud of herself.

"Lady Maya," Palmer greeted her with a pleased smile.

"Good job, Palmer," she praised as she took a seat.

"No, that’s for you. I don’t think we have ever made breakfast so fast before." Her eyes sparkled as she spoke.

"Please, Palmer. Agnes—"

"I am not eating anything made by the enemy," Alaina said with a glare as she sat down. "You could have poisoned it."

"You don’t have to eat," Maya replied immediately. "Actually, I think you shouldn’t. I may have poisoned it." She had been trying to ignore her but as always, Alaina was a thorn in her flesh.

Alaina’s eyes darkened, and then she looked at Palmer. "Did you just hear what she said? She admitted to poisoning the food. This is the kind of person you’re letting into the kitchen of the Alph—"

Winnie pushed the door open with a loud sound as she noisily walked into the dining room. "It smells so good, Maya."

"Winnie," she called in relief as she turned to look at her.

Winnie rushed forward and took her seat next to Maya. "I can’t believe you made all this so quickly. I am sure it tastes as good as it smells. Just how early did you have to wake up?"

"I didn’t do it alone. The maids were really help—"

"Of course, you didn’t cook it!" Alaina cut in. "Acting like you cooked the entire meals yourself."

Winnie merely glanced at her sister before she continued speaking. "Don’t forget to send me lunch," she replied. "It’s a shame you can’t come with me today."

"I’ll come another day, and I won’t forget."

"Traitors," Alaina muttered under her breath but none of the women paid her any mind.

"Also, don’t forget, it’s tomorrow," Winnie grinned.

Maya gasped. "I am scared."

"Me too, but your food will give me courage."

"Winnie," she chuckled. "I don’t think that’s how food works."

The door opened again and Keenan walked in with Theo behind him. His brows furrowed lightly as he took in the dining room. When his gaze rested on her, the furrow grew deeper.

"Alpha Keenan," she mumbled with a light nod before turning away.

"Alpha Keenan!" Alaina yelled as he took his seat, ignoring Theo who had rushed to her side. "How was your night?"

"Fine," he replied curtly as he took in the table. "Did you cook all these?"

Maya felt her soul exit her body as his intense eyes locked with hers. She couldn’t tell if he was confirming or judging. He hadn’t looked pleased from the moment he walked in. Did he not like it?