Exchanging Vows: The Swapped Wife Is a Top Shaman novel Chapter 7

Chapter 7: Chapter 7

Ivy’s Point of View

I left the council chamber with my head held high and my maid Nell trailing behind me. Poor Nell had been terrified all morning, ever since word of the scandal reached the servants’ quarters. She kept shooting me worried glances, her hands twisting in her apron.

"Miss Ivy," she whispered as we walked through the corridors, "are you alright? I heard what happened. I can’t believe Miss Seraphina would do something so horrible."

"Believe it, Nell." I kept my voice low. "And keep your eyes and ears open from now on. We can’t trust anyone in this pack."

Nell nodded, her round face pale but determined. She’d been my personal maid since I was twelve years old. Brought from the Crescent Moon Pack to serve me. She was one of the few people in this world I could actually rely on.

The heir’s residence was located in the eastern wing of the Silvermoon Pack estate. It was a beautiful building, all white stone and climbing roses, with a private courtyard and its own entrance. The home that should have belonged to Seraphina.

Now it was mine.

But as we approached the front gate, I heard voices. Loud ones. Arguing.

"What’s going on?" I quickened my pace, Nell hurrying to keep up.

The courtyard came into view, and I stopped short.

Three of Seraphina’s maids were carrying trunks and boxes out of the residence. Heavy wooden chests that I recognized immediately. The ornate carvings on the sides, the gold leaf trim, the Silvermoon Pack crest emblazoned on the lids.

Those were the bridal gifts. The dowry that the Silvermoon Pack had prepared for the heir’s wife.

And they were trying to steal them.

"What do you think you’re doing?" I strode forward, my voice sharp enough to cut glass.

The lead maid turned. I recognized her as Petra, one of Seraphina’s most loyal servants. She had a pinched face and mean little eyes that always looked at me like I was something she’d scraped off her shoe.

"Oh, it’s you." Petra’s lip curled with disdain. "We’re collecting Miss Seraphina’s belongings. These are her bridal gifts."

"Excuse me?"

"Her bridal gifts." Petra spoke slowly, like I was stupid. "The dowry prepared for the heir’s bride. Miss Seraphina is the one who married Young Master Bastian, so these belong to her now."

"Is that so?" I crossed my arms over my chest.

"Yes, that’s so." Petra lifted her chin, smirking. "You can send someone to Young Master Bastian’s residence to collect your own things. I’m sure they’re much more... modest. Befitting the daughter of a Beta."

The other maids snickered.

Something hot and sharp twisted in my chest. Not hurt. Not anymore. Just cold, clean anger.

"Put them down."

Petra blinked. "What?"

"I said put them down." I stepped closer, and Petra actually took a step back. "Those gifts were prepared by Alpha Alaric for the wife of the heir to the Silvermoon Pack. And in case you’ve forgotten, the heir is Dominic Ashford. Not Bastian."

"But Miss Seraphina—"

"Seraphina is married to the second son." I smiled, and it was not a nice smile. "Which makes her the wife of the second son. Nothing more. I, on the other hand, am married to Dominic. The firstborn. The heir." I tilted my head. "Which means I am the future Luna of this pack. Not her."

Petra’s face went red. "You... you’re just a Beta’s daughter! You have no right—"

"I have every right." I cut her off. "Now put down those trunks and get out of my residence before I have you thrown out."

Petra sputtered. "You wouldn’t dare! When Miss Seraphina hears about this—"

"Nell."

My maid stepped forward instantly. "Yes, Miss Ivy?"

"These servants have been disrespectful to their betters. I believe that warrants correction."

Nell didn’t hesitate. Her hand flew out and connected with Petra’s cheek in a sharp crack that echoed through the courtyard.

Petra staggered back, her hand flying to her face. Her eyes were wide with shock, tears springing up from the sting.

"How dare you!" she shrieked. "How dare you strike me!"

"How dare you disrespect the future Luna of the Silvermoon Pack?" Nell shot back, her voice steady despite her trembling hands. "You should be grateful Miss Ivy is merciful. Anyone else would have you whipped."

The other maids had gone pale. They quickly set down the trunks they were carrying, backing away like I might order them beaten next.

Petra’s face twisted with rage. "This isn’t over," she spat. "Just wait until Miss Seraphina hears about this. She’ll make you pay!"

"Then go fetch her." I waved a dismissive hand. "I’ll be waiting."

Petra shot me one last venomous glare before turning and storming out of the courtyard, the other maids scrambling after her.

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