"Get out of my sight," Azerin said coldly.
Riven's jaw clenched, but he quickly lowered his head, suppressing the anger in his eyes. "I told the Master that I've lost my way," he said, keeping his tone polite. "If possible, I'd like him to show me the way out."
Azerin didn't even look up. "Just go straight and turn left. You'll come across a marble idol, take the right turn from there. You'll find the exit."
He paused before adding, "Also, your duty is to serve me. The butler will brief you on your responsibilities."
Riven nodded silently and bowed with stiff formality before stepping out of the room.
As the door clicked shut behind him, Azerin exhaled heavily and set the document aside on the desk. Bracing his hands on the edge, he leaned forward, closing his eyes for a moment as he tried to steady his breath.
"Why isn't he telling the truth? Am I being too soft on him?" Azerin murmured under his breath.
His gaze drifted to the disorganized desk, a chaotic mess of papers and open files. With a quiet sigh, he began tidying it, gathering the scattered documents, stacking them neatly, and returning the files to their designated spots in the drawers.
Once done, he sank into the leather chair behind the desk, running a hand through his hair in frustration.
"Did I make a mistake by letting Riven into this place?" he muttered. "I could've killed him… but then I'd never uncover the Queen's true intentions."
His fingers moved absently, picking up a file from the newly organized stack. With a furrowed brow, he opened it, his eyes scanning the contents inside it.
~~~~
Riven finally completed the laundry work assigned to him. His hands throbbed with pain, the skin pale and sore from hours of scrubbing.
"I feel so tired," he muttered under his breath, swiping a damp hand across his forehead. "And strangely… hot."
Dragging his feet toward the main hall of the mansion, he caught sight of a group of servants huddled together, whispering among themselves. Curiosity tugged at him, and he moved closer, quietly eavesdropping.
"What? The Alpha was attacked again?!" one of them gasped.
"Yes," another replied. "I saw Doctor William arrive just a while ago."
"But didn't Alpha Azerin get attacked a few weeks back, too?" a third voice chimed in, filled with concern.
"I wonder who would dare to make an enemy of our Alpha," murmured a fourth.
Riven's brows drew together in a tight frown. 'Someone's trying to kill Azerin… but why?' His thoughts raced back to the night they first met when Azerin had suddenly dragged him into that bar. 'Was he running from someone back then, too? Was I just a shield for him to blend in? Did he kiss me just to protect himself?'
He shook his head hard, trying to cast the thought aside.
'No. Don't go there, Riven. Don't overthink it. You're just a servant here now.'
'Given his arrogant personality, anyone would like to be his enemy. But as far as I know, many fear Azerin. So, whoever this enemy is must have a deep grudge against Azerin,' Riven thought and began walking away.
He stopped near the staircase when he heard the house butler asking the servants what they were doing in a group. Everyone scattered away while Riven simply stood there.
"Riven, Alpha has called for you in his room," the butler mentioned.
"What does he want now?" Riven muttered with an annoying expression. But seeing the sharp glare from the butler, he quickly switched his tone. "I thought Master would rest after getting checked by the doctor."
The butler didn't answer and simply walked in. Riven followed his steps closely and stopped at the door's threshold.
"Alpha, Riven is here," informed the butler.
"Send him in," Azerin said.
The butler glanced at Riven, who stepped up and walked inside. He tilted his head when the doors suddenly shut before looking in the direction where Riven was present.
"Why are you naked?" Riven frowned; his eyes fell upon his abdomen, where the bandage was wrapped.
"I'm wearing trousers. Get your eyes checked," Azerin said. He grabbed the shirt, wearing it with great care.
"Why did the Master call me?" asked Riven.
"Someone from the hotel recognized you in the morning, and the warriors are on their way to arrest you," Azerin informed him.
"What? Why?" Riven panicked. "Master, you will keep me safe. You promised me."
"I never promised you that," Azerin let the top buttons of his shirt remain open and stood up.
"What? But you did—"
"Riven, I'm giving you a chance. Why don't you tell me the truth about why you approached me? Why did you appear out of nowhere? Were you the one who stabbed me last night?" Azerin accused, his sharp gaze fixing on Riven's.