CHAPTER 4 The First Test

GABRIELLA’S POV

MORNING

“I have to look irresistibly beautiful incase I meet with any of the kings while outside.” Catrina says, dropping her night robes so I can help her fit into one of the new dresses.

It has neither sleeves nor straps. She has to hold her breath as I tighten a corset around her waist to make it look incredibly tiny. She also didn’t take the delicious breakfast provided…but the final look seems worthy of the discomfort as one would think she has the curves of a goddess.

Lady Calypso had said that today will be the beginning of her tests, so we were up before dawn. Catrina is determined to quickly pass the tests, so as to impress the kings.

I am almost done styling her hair when we hear a knock. I rush to open the door and lady Calypso walks into the room followed by two younger women in Servant uniform.

Catrina rises and bows her head in respect.

“This is Maya and Adria, they are both humans and will be your additional servants.” Lady Calypso informs and the two women submissively bow to Catrina.

“I also assume you have rested well and that you’re ready for your first test.” She says and Catrina confidently nods her head.

“Good, follow me.” Lady Calypso says and turns to lead the way out. We follow behind with the two new servants. I’m glad I will have less work now.

Catrina wears an excited smile as servants and officials stop to stare at her. By now everyone thinks that she is the Vessel, with the special blood.

Lady Calypso leads us outside and towards the palace courtyard where a very magnificent carriage awaits.

“Once your done with the tests and we have confirmed you’re indeed the vessel, you will be allowed to join the kings in the main palace.” Lady Calypso tells, pointing at the massive white building.

We settle into the back of the carriage while Catrina and Lady Calypso occupy the front. The carriage rolls out of the palace gates.

“Where are we going?” Catrina curiously asks.

“For your first test, you must negotiate a peace treaty with the leader of the rogue vampires,” Lady Calypso replies.

Catrina’s eyes widen in horror. “But they’re violent, they don’t reason with anyone and kill without hesitation!” she complains.

That’s true. I have heard of both humans and vampires who have lost their lives by confronting rogue vampires. They are uncontrollable and their bloodlust is insatiable.

“Yes, they are dangerous and unpredictable. But if you are indeed the Vessel, the scent of your blood will have a calming effect on them,” Lady Calypso answers. “Your blood carries power that can influence even the most feral creatures. The kings will be immensely proud if you succeed.”

Catrina visibly relaxes, a determined smile replacing her fear. “I shall make the kings proud.”

“Good,” Lady Calypso says looking impressed.

My stomach churns with worry. Catrina thinks she has the special blood, but she doesn’t. Those rogue Vampires might kill her.

There is nothing I can do to help her now. I cannot tell the truth and risk getting beheaded for the crime of sending my blood to the palace instead of hers. I can only hope that she will come out of that meeting alive.

Soon the carriage passes through imposing black gates. Within the high walls stands a solitary dark house at the center

When the carriage halts, two guards step forward to open the doors. “Your Servants will stay here while we go inside,” Lady Calypso instructs. Catrina nods eagerly, stepping out. She is so eager to please the kings that she doesn’t seem scared as before.

She follows Lady Calypso and the two guards toward the entrance of the house. My heart is left throbbing hard in my chest. I would die of guilt if she dies.

Once they have disappeared inside the structure, I turn to the two new servants. I would like to get to know them and decide on our working arrangement and maybe even build some sort of a friendship even though my stay in the palace depends on if my mistress will survive this test.

“I’m Gabriella,” I say, extending my hand with a warm smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”

They exchange glances, their expressions hardening into frowns.

“I just thought it would be nice to get to know each other and plan how we are going to work. After all, we are now all in service to her Highness,” I tell trying to be as polite as I can.

“We are servants, you are not,” The one with the blonde hair scoffs, emphasizing the ‘not’.

What does that even mean? I lower my hand feeling like an absolute idiot.

“And we don’t have to divide work since you won’t work here for long.” The other says, a smirk spreading across her face.

“What do you mean?” I ask, confusion etched on my face.

The blonde rolls her eyes as if I should already know. “The palace hires experienced servants for royals. Lady Catrina will soon be queen, and guess who won’t have a job?” She laughs.

“You are being rude,” the words tumble out before I can stop them. “I may not have your experience, but I’ll learn,” I reply despite their laughter.

“Good luck with that,” the blonde scoffs, turning away.

So basically they mean that I’ll not have a job as soon as Catrina becomes the queen because the palace won’t hire me. But I know Catrina will keep me. I have been her servant for over ten years. I will however not banter back and forth with them about it , they are too rude to be worth my time.

After what feels like ages of sitting in the carriage while they chat and laugh loudly, I finally see the door of the house burst open and Catrina storm out. The confident look she had on while going in is completely gone and has been replaced with a very furious look.

And Is that blood on her face!

I leap from the carriage and rush to her. “Are you hurt, my lady?” I call out, offering her my handkerchief. There is blood smeared across her lips.

“That monster attacked me,” she snaps taking the handkerchief.

At least she is alive. But doesn’t that mean that they have discovered that she doesn’t have the special blood?

Lady Calypso emerges from the house behind Catrina, urging her gently, “Calm down, my lady. This was unexpected.”

Catrina looks up, her face expressing anger.

“I was talking to him nicely, but the monster tried to grab my neck.” She complains.

“Stop whining. To become a reputable wife of our great kings you must possess strength and confidence.” Lady Calypso replimands. “Please get in the carriage so we can take you back to the palace,” she adds in a softer tone.

Reluctantly, Catrina allows me to guide her back to the carriage while the other two servants assist her inside.

“Does this mean I’ve failed my first test?” Catrina asks anxiously as Lady Calypso settles beside her.

“I shall only reveal the results of your performance to our kings for now,” Lady Calypso replies in a tone of finality.

Catrina looks so furious and embarrassed that her hands are literally shacking.

KING ROWANS POV

“Let me get this straight, you’re telling us that we have a mate who is a human girl, and she’s not the one with the special blood?” My twin brother, Aston, huffs in exasperation.

I nod. As absurd as it sounds, I am certain that the human girl I met yesterday is our mate. Her sweet, alluring scent was faint but unmistakable, leading me right to her.

“You do realize how ridiculous that sounds?” My other twin, Kian asks. “The one with the special blood is meant to be our mate. It’s something that cannot be changed.”

“Maybe this time things are different,” I say.

We have always yearned to find our mate, not just for companionship but for the power that comes with the blood she carries, it is a key to renewing our mighty strengths and securing our rule over our kingdoms, but never had we anticipated being mated to a human girl. Humans are our servants and slaves, nothing more. She looked utterly unremarkable.

I had mistook her for the vampire female that we were informed might have the portion.

“Such a mate bond will bring forth the greatest shame upon us. I suggest we not let anyone know of this until we are certain that what you are saying is true.” Kian spits, his voice laced with contempt.

“Fortunately, she isn’t the one with the special blood. We can reject her secretly and perform a spell to transfer the mate bond to the vampire girl who possesses the portion.” I suggest and my brothers nod in agreement.

“We should also have Calypso carry out the tests more quickly so that we can marry the Vessel before anyone learns that a human might be our mate.” Kian adds.