Verity focused on the steak as it came out of the oven. Word had just been sent down that Miss Fields had returned. She was probably hungry and would be requesting dinner soon. The girl stuck the thermometer into the steak and examined the dial. It had come out perfectly even. However that was only one half of the process. Next came the seasoning. Other cooks flurried around her, finishing the rest of the meal, adding last touches, checking on her. The activity certainly was nerve-wracking, especially for someone as shy and introverted as Verity, but she forced herself to focus. She had a duty. A pinch of salt, a sprinkle more of pepper and it was complete. Just as she was taught, a perfectly seasoned steak. Verity let out her breath. She hadn't even realised she was holding it. Unfortunately she had no time to celebrate, there was more to be done. 

The word had reached the kitchen, Miss Fields was hungry but she also thanked her staff for working hard. Verity felt a swell of pride in her chest and nodded in appreciation as she looked at the meal. It would do. Verity felt her pulse quicken as she felt a hand on her shoulder. She whirled around and saw that it was, predictably, another cook. He gave a mischievous grin at her obvious surprise. It was only Mikael, he loved to tease Verity about her shyness and naiveté.

"Come on Verity, it was only a joke. Besides, I actually need to tell you that you need to fetch Miss Fields for her meal."

She crossed her arms and looked at him, not in the eyes because that would make her blush and the last thing she needed was another thing for Mikael to tease her about. She focused on his mouth as she responded with her carefully worded response: "Don't do that, Mikael." 

"Ever the closed book, eh Ver?"

"I should go." 

She ignored whatever response he had in mind and walked out of the kitchen. The rest of the very large house was surprisingly cold and she shivered as she brushed her hands along her uniform to straighten it. Her soft footfalls nonetheless echoing as she approached the Alpha's bedroom. Verity sucked in her breath and mustered her courage before knocking lightly and opening the door to find Miss Fields asleep on her bed. She bit her lip and called out, "M-Miss? Miss? Miss Fields, your dinner is ready."