SAVED BY THE LYCAN KING novel Chapter 30

ELISE'S POV

One hot afternoon, I crouched down by a flower bed in the garden, cleaning up the mess.

I had been given specific instructions by Gina to do this. Each movement I made had me in pain. The past few days been hectic for me, and I was exhausted.

I had been working from dawn till dusk, doing chores that left me drained and numb. Gina was ruthless when it came to sending errands. As I bent down to gather the leaves into a pile, a familiar voice called out my name.

“Elise!” I looked up, and there he was—Ferris.

At the sight of him, I gasped. I had never been so happy to see someone in my life.

Looking at him felt like a breath of fresh air. Despite everything, seeing him made me feel hopeful. His presence was a reminder that there was still someone who cared about me.

“Ferris,” I whispered. With a huge smile on my face, I started to walk towards him. But before I could reach him, two guards blocked my path. They grabbed my arms.

“No!” I protested, trying to break free. “Let go of me!” The guards didn’t listen. They dragged me away.

I twisted my head to look at Ferris. Tears filled up in my eyes as our gazes met.

He looked shocked. “Elise” I heard him say.

The guards dragged me inside the palace and took me to Gina's room.

What did she want now? More work for me to do? I couldn't take this treatment any much longer.

I was exhausted. They knocked on the door then pushed me inside the room.“Well,if it isn’t our little garden maid,” she said mockingly. “Did you speak to the Lycan King?"

I looked at her" No “

"Good. Because if you do, I’ll make your life even more miserable than it already is. Do you understand?”

I nodded, tears slipping down my cheeks.

Gina’s smile widened. “Good. Now, I have a new task for you.” She gestured to a large pile of dirty clothes in the corner of the room. “Wash these. By hand. And make sure they’re spotless.”

My heart dropped to my stomach at the sight of the huge pile. By hand? We had washing machines.

“But…” I started to protest.

“No buts,” Gina snapped. “Get to work. Now.”

******

Washing clothes was more exhausting than I thought it would be. I sat outside, scrubbing each piece of Gina's clothes despite the exhaustion felt.

As I walked, I could hear the sounds of their laughter. I finished the laundry in silence. My vision was blurred with tears. I felt like my life was crumbling down right in front of me.

When I was done, I gathered the supplies I used and headed back to the palace. My heart ached with every step I take, but I didn't want anyone to have the satisfaction of seeing me break.

As I entered the palace, I saw someone I hadn't seen in a long time - Lady Elena, Jackson's mother. She's a mature woman with kind eyes and a comforting presence.

She had always been kind to me. “Elise, dear,” she said as soon as she saw me “How are you?”

“I...I’m fine, Lady Elena,” I replied with a bow "Good day" She eyed me up and down.

She looked at me with concern... She sighed, shaking her head "Oh Elise, what have they done to you?"

I bent my head, trying to hide the tears that filled my eyes. I didn't know what to say. Before I could open my mouth, the sound of footsteps were heard. Jackson appeared before us. He had a cold expression on his face.

“Elise, get out,” he ordered.

“Jackson! That’s no way to speak to her,” Lady Elena scolded him.

“It’s okay, Lady Elena,” I said, forcing a smile. Lady Elena always treated me good. But I'm divorcing Jackson and need to stay away from her too.

“I should go.” I walked away, feeling Jackson’s eyes on me.