IELA

return from that meeting. "The kings will

oesn't have the required blood. But telling her that would make her fu

re without doubt that you'll pass the next test." The

ace to improve your moods, my lady." Adr

s her fingers and Freya hurries to kneel by her side. She closes he

stay long enough to at least see the other two kings. But how many more tests

hat I am free, in places I am allowed to be

ng architecture of the buildings and in

two overflowing baskets of fruits, she accidentally bumps into an official in ornate robes

fool!" the official snaps, barely glan

face flushed with embarrassment. I quickly knee

says in relief when she see

ts. Once most of them are picked up, I glance at the full bask

"That would be great,

, and we start walking to

tly, glancing at me with curiosity. "Have you been hired r

trina," I tell proudly.

special blood?" she asks and I nod in "You're so

sn't have the required blood.

ked here?" I inquire,

as chaotic as today. Some days, I manage to get through

that

be up for incase Caterina

st job you can have as a human even if it means dealing with a few mean officials." she

lize we are approaching the grand e

ink I'm allowed inside," I say, g

ures me. "No, it's perfectly fine if

ng to see the inside of course, but I don'

h her encouragement, I follow her pa

er the soft light streaming in from the tall windows. The walls are smooth and polished white. Above us, the ceiling i

?" Eliza asks and

oward the upper levels of the palace. At each corner, elegant marble statues s

ortraits of stern-looking ancestors of the royal family. She stops at

ys, her voice warm b

ther sofas and plush velvet armchairs surrounding the fire place. Heavy drapes frame a wall of windows that overlook a sprawl

bers are th

k at me. "Just be careful where you step, h

her lead, I place the basket of fruit on the ornate table beside hers. Eliza st

en really skilled. I can't help but think how wonderful it would be to work in such an beautiful place. I'm so lost in the be

?" an angry voice que

gawking at the beautiful man. Not because he looks any different from t

eck and long sleeved adorned with gleaming gold buttons. But one shoulder has been intentionally left out and one can see

too are missing something, the front parts of the knees. Well, it's one conspicuous, stunning

f the king I met yesterday, except that hi

exclaims as she q

it, my hear

ng in my quarters," he repeats, just as harshl

hey do, I will say something inapp

. "She helped me carry these heavy baske

ful than his brother's had. The intoxicating scent of him fill

. "She's hideous even for a huma

lance at Eliza, who looks shocked and uncomfo

lified to work

nt like many others. Why does

doesn't mind that I lack qualifications," I manage to say, forc

ou cannot serve our qu

not to show any emotion

she does," he continues scornfully. "But I suppose she i

y beside me . His words sting like daggers, and despite my ef

s quite kind." I whisper,

over his shoulder. "You're still here?" His v

u will be around people; personal cleanliness is mandatory for anyone staying in this palace." he adds coldly, making it clear

aking it difficult to think. Eliza's glare is s

ay out of the huge building. Just because he