GABRIELLA'S POV

It's been six long days since Catrina and the others sent their blood to the palace. There has been no news of whose blood was found to be the portion. I feel relieved because Catrina will never know what I did. If she ever does I will be dead.

As I enter the kitchen, I catch sight of a very magnificent carriage rolling into the compound through the window. Its polished wood and gold decorations gleam under the light of the sun. Three men in flowing robes step down and approach the front entrance of the house.

My stomach churns with worry. The men

do not look like the usual guests Catrina's parents brings around. They look like they are from the palace. Can it be that they discovered that the blood that was taken from this house was of a human and not a vampire? My master's would immediately figure out what I did and have my head cut off.

I resume my tasks until I hear the stern voice of Catrina's mother call my name.

"Yes?" I respond, stepping back into the living room.

The men in refined robes are already seated on the couches. They would not be here unless something happened.

"Go get Catrina. Tell her to come right away." my mistress instructs.

I make my way up the staircase.

I stop outside Catrina's room and knock.

When no one answers on the second knock I crack the door open.

Catrina jumps in shock while letting go of the mirror she was holding in front of her face. Luckily it falls on her soft bed.

"I told you to always knock first you idiot!" she shrieks.

"I knocked twice, my lady." I defend before she finds something to throw at me. "Your mother asked me to bring you downstairs. The Kings' servicemen are here again."

At that, Catrina springs up from the bed, hastily checks her face on the small mirror one last time.

She leads the way back to the living room where she greets the three impeccably dressed men with a wide smile before joining her parents. I want to leave and run as far as I can. But leaving now would arise suspicion as I am needed in the room incase the guests need anything.

"Is this your daughter, Catrina?" One of the men asks, his voice curious.

"Yes, this is my only daughter," Catrina's father replies in an anxious voice.

The men smiles.

"I am going to go straight to revealing the purpose of our visit. Your daughter sent her blood to the palace for testing six days ago," the guest says, his eyes moving back to Catrina. My heart beats so hard that I feel it might leap out of my body.

Did they find out the blood did not belong to a vampire? If so I am literally a living corpse.

"Your daughter's blood was found to be the thing that our great kings have been searching for for so long. We believe she possesses the special blood, the portion, therefore she is the Vessel and of course the mate of Vampire kings!" the man announces.

A stunned silence envelops the room as shock registers on every face. Catrina's blood is the portion?! But . . . it is not her blood that I took to the Kings' servicemen!

Her blood spilled on the floor if the kitchen and I refilled the bottle with my blood, human blood! How can it be the portion?

I cannot tell them the truth now. Because what I did is a punishable crime. And who would believe that it is indeed my blood that they claim to be the portion? I am a pathetic human!

"My blood is the Portion?! I am the Vessel they have been looking for all this time?" Catrina gasps, her hands flying to her mouth.

The men from the palace nod, and suddenly the air is filled with jubilant cries.

"I am the most special of all women! I am the mate of the mightiest of Kings! I will forever be their beloved queen!" Catrina screams in sheer delight.

Her father rushes forward and envelops her in a tight embrace.

"Yes! Yes! My daughter you're the best of all women! I am so proud of you!" he exclaims, lifting her off the ground. Her mother hugs her as soon as he lowers her back to the ground.

"I have never doubted how special you are. Now your name will be known by every member of this kingdom!" she happily praises.

To say I am shocked is an understatement. Whose blood did they even test? It was my blood that was taken to the palace. But it has always been said that only a vampire can have the portion, because humans do not get mated to Vampires, least of all to mighty Kings.

The other man clears his throat loudly and the family finally settles down with elated smiles still plastered on their faces.

"The Vampire Kings will be sending a caravan to escort your daughter to the great palace in two days," the guest informs.

At this news, the family beams with more joy. "This is the greatest honor! You have no idea how happy we are," Catrina's father tells, his voice filled with pride.

TWO DAYS LATER

GABRIELLA'S POV

I never told my masters what I did, so we are on the way to the great palace. The woman with the special blood is also supposed to be the mate of the Vampire Kings. I wonder what will happen since it is not Carina's blood that was brought to the palace. Of course there won't be a mate bond between her and the Vampire Kings.

"Look!" Catrina exclaims in awe and removes her feet from my lap as she stands to have a look at the great palace through the carriage window.

I follow her gaze, and it's easy to see why she is so amazed. One can see a very massive, imperial white castle, with towering walls. Surrounding the main castle are two other storey buildings, towering above all other things beneath.

I wonder how magnificent the inside of that palace will be if this is just the outside.

"Now that's the home I always deserved. Is it not stunning?" Catrina says in delight.

The events of the last two days, since the news arrived that her blood was the portion, have been a whirlwind. Her father threw a grand celebration to honor his daughter's newly found status. The party lasted the entire two days.

This morning, an impressive entourage of royal guards arrived in three lavish royal carriages, ready to escort Catrina to the palace. I barely had any time to bid farewell to my family as Catrina's mother demanded that I must escort her daughter here and carry on serving her. I might not see my family for a long while.

The carriages starts to slow down when massive wrought-iron gates comes into view. They creak as they open, revealing a grand courtyard paved with polished obsidian stones. The carriages rolls into the vast courtyard which is dominated by a central fountain made of black marble. Water flows from the mouths of stone dragons into a basin filled with shimmering red liquid, an homage to the royal lineage. Surrounding the fountain are benches carved from ancient woods.

I have never seen anything so magnificent. If this works out well Catrina will soon be the queen of this paradise. I wonder how long it will take for the Vampire kings to learn that she doesn't possess the special blood. They will be greatly disappointed if they do. They have been searching for their mate for far too long.

The carriages halts near the front entrance of the first building and Catrina starts to panic.

"How is my hair and make up? Better tell me the truth because I will be very angry if my looks doesn't impress the Kings," she frets.

"Your hair and make up are still good," I reassure. I can imagine she must be very nervous to meet the powerful kings.

I quickly hold the tail of her magnificent dress as a guard opens the door of the carriage. We didn't bring any luggage of her own. The kings' officials assured us that everything she needs will be provided.

The front doors of the palace opens and an elegant, older woman steps out. She walks forward briskly to meet us.

"Welcome to Everleen palace, the home of the great vampire kings. My name is Calypso and I am in charge of welcoming you and preparing you for the role you have to play in this kingdom," she introduces while gazing at Catrina. "But before that, I would like to congratulate you for possessing the special blood," she adds.

Catrina appears exhilarated by the praise as she happily smiles.

"Follow me so I can show you to your guest room where you can rest. I imagine you had a very long journey," The lady says turning to lead the way inside. I grab my single bag and follow, my eyes drinking in every detail of the opulent surroundings.

Inside is a paradise, rooms are enormous and beautifully decorated.

"If I may ask, when will I be meeting my mates?" Catrina asks, referring to the Vampire kings as Calypso leads the way down the hallways.

"You will meet them as soon as you complete a few tests to prove that you are truly the vessel," Calypso answers.

Catrina's smile fades and get replaced by a look of worry. "But my blood sample was tested and it proved I am..."

"The blood test alone is not definitive dear. You must undergo further evaluations that will also involve testing the power of your blood. These steps are necessary to confirm you are indeed the Vessel." Lady Calypso replies.

Catrina had hoped to meet the Vampire king's immediately after she arrives, but it seems it may take longer than expected. Which is good because she doesn't have the special blood.

I thought the kings would also be eager to meet their mate, but it sounds like they are only interested in her special blood. I'm sure Catrina doesn't mind, she will after all have the wealth and the special status of the their wife and queen once they marry her.

"This will be your quarters for now," lady Calypso announces as we stop in front of a beautiful golden door. She ushers us into a lavish room with a king-size bed, a very massive closet with full length mirror and other exquisite furnishings.

"There's another bed for your maid in the next room. We'll provide two more servants for your comfort." Lady Calypso informs and Catrina nods and smiles in gratitude.

"We have also provided everything you'll need, including elegant clothing that reflect your new status.They are in here." She opens the massive closet and Catrina gasps at the exquisite dresses and fur coats hanged inside.

"They look truly beautiful! The Kings must cherish me indeed," she says, walking to take a closer look at the clothes.

"I will leave you to try them on and see if they fit. I can get them replaced if they don't," Lady Calypso says. "Also, your tests will begin tomorrow. I will now leave you to rest." she adds before heading for the door.

Once she leaves, Catrina eagerly begins trying on the dresses one by one, admiring herself in the large mirror with delight. She seems too lost in her excitement to worry about the tests she has been told about.

What if she must have the special blood to pass those tests?

* * * * * *

GABRIELLA'S POV

I fill the grand basin with warm water and smell all the soaps arranged in the artistic display before selecting one that smells a little familiar.

Then I realize the the herbs provided are not rosemary, Catrina's cherished bathing herb. She is allergic to the ones they have provided. Back home, I used to gather fresh rosemary from the garden, perhaps I can find some in the palace gardens.

"My lady," I call, stepping back into the lavish bedroom. "I must fetch your herbs from the garden. They're not the ones provided here."

Catrina barely glances away from the mirror. "Do as you wish, servant," she replies dismissively.

I nod, leaving the opulent chamber. I walk through the winding pathways, until I reach one of the smaller gardens near the palace walls. And sure enough I find the herbs among blooming flowers.

I squat down and begin to dig around the base of a plant. After a few moments of effort, I unearth a handful of fragrant roots.

"What are you doing?" A thick, husky voice suddenly questions from behind and I spin around instantly.

To my surprise, I find myself face-to-face with a tall, handsome man dressed in a sleek silver outfit that does so little to hide his athletic build.

I openly gawk at his gorgeous face, spellbound. I have never seen a man so beautiful before. His long, black hair is intricately braided, his skin is pale and smooth, almost ethereal, giving him an otherworldly glow that enhances his haunting beauty. The absence of fat beneath his flawless skin accentuates his sharp jawline, making it even more pronounced and chiseled. If he wasn't right in front of me, I would say he is not even real.

He clears his throat, and I realize I'm just standing there, mouth agape like an idiot ogling him. I scramble to my feet, brushing dirt off my dress as heat floods my cheeks.

"There is dirt smudged on your cheek." He observes in an amused voice. He has a beautiful voice too.

"Thank you! I didn't notice," I stammer, embarrassed. "Who are you?"

The question seems to surprise him and he strides forward to stand at the edge of the garden. His devine scent fill my nostrils. He smells nice too, way too nice. Better than any fragrance I have ever smelled.

"I'm king Rowan."

I freeze in shock.

One of the vampire kings! "Oh! I'm so sorry! I didn't know!"

"Your majesty," I quickly lower my head and bow.

"No need to apologize, " He says, his voice almost sweet. " What are doing in the gardens at this hour?"

"To get this," I hold up the herbs. "My mistress is quite particular about her baths."

"You're not Lady Catrina?" he asks slowly, his smile fading.

"No," I reply feeling suddenly self-conscious under his penetrating gaze. "Lady Catrina Is my mistress."

"You are a human servant?" His words come out sharp, laced with disgust and panic surges through me.

What have I done to provoke his anger?

I see his hands clench.

"I'll now return to my mistress, your majesty." I say and quickly turn away, hastily making my way away from him, heading towards the entrance.

I don't slow down until I'm safely back inside the building we were ushered in.

Did he mistake me for the Vessel? Why? He seemed so disappointed when he learned that I am a human servant.

I can hardly believe that I stood face to face with one of the vampire kings. He is breathtakingly beautiful, but extremely rude as well.

Actually he was pleasant to me until he learned that I am a human Servant, therefore not the Vessel. How can he be that confused when all vampires can smell their mates?

"What took you so long?" Catrina demands as soon as I walk back into the room.

"I met one of the vampire kings," I inform and her eyes go wide in surprise.

"How . . . What did he look like?" She screams the question.

"He looked beautiful, more beautiful than any man I have ever seen." I answer honestly.

"And I am mated to three of them!" She says with an excited smile. "I can't wait to be done with those tests so that I can meet them." She adds.

I don't know why I feel a pang of envy.

I need to remind myself that it's her

they think has the special blood. They will love every piece of her. At least until they learn that an accident happened and it is not her blood that even reached the palace.

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.