Chapter 24.

Darian called for the frumpy old lady to show me around and she did, though with a scowl deeper than her wrinkles. She was clear to mention the parts of the house that were too good for my presence, such as the kings office, his bedroom, the meeting hall and then she opted to disclose that the attached building was much more suitable for people like me. She opened the door to my new room. The immediate smell of chlorine hit my face followed by a strong whiff of rubbing alcohol. It was like they had scrubbed every inch of the room with strong chemicals, either to mask my scent and make it sure it didn't stick to anything or they were trying to mask someone else’s. Perhaps there was a girl here before me. I couldn't imagine I was the first to be chosen as his mate after his wife’s death years ago. She grunted behind me and eagerly let out a warning. “Be as little as possible and maybe you'll live to see your next birthday,”  I turned around and watched her shrinking lips press together i