GABRIELA'S POV

Catrina has been crying for hours since our return from that meeting. "The kings will be utterly disappointed in me," she laments.

Of course she would have passed the test if she were the vessel. She doesn't have the required blood. But telling her that would make her furious and I'll have to explain how I know that. So I keep my mouth shut.

"Maybe you were just nervous today, my lady, we are sure without doubt that you'll pass the next test." The blonde servant, Freya, comforts while her friend nods.

"I'll get you the best wine from the palace to improve your moods, my lady." Adria tells before leaving the room quickly.

Catrina huffs then goes to sit on the edge of the big bed. She snaps her fingers and Freya hurries to kneel by her side. She closes her eyes and relaxes while Freya messages her bare feet to calm her.

Seeing that I am not needed, I turn and leave the quarters. I really want to stay long enough to at least see the other two kings. But how many more tests will Catrina fail before they realize she's not the one they are looking for?

I might as well tour around the palace now that I am free, in places I am allowed to be of course. I might never get another chance.

I stroll around marveling at the stunning architecture of the buildings and inhaling the sweet scents of the flowers.

While going down a hallway full of people. Ahead of me is a servant struggling to balance two overflowing baskets of fruits, she accidentally bumps into an official in ornate robes. The impact sends apples and pears rolling across the polished floor under people's feet.

"Watch where you're going, you clumsy fool!" the official snaps, barely glancing back as he continues on his way.

The poor servant stands frozen for a moment, her face flushed with embarrassment. I quickly kneel down and begin picking up the scattered fruits.

"Oh, thank you," The servant says in relief when she sees I am helping. "I'm Eliza."

"Gabriella," I introduce myself, continuing to gather the fruits. Once most of them are picked up, I glance at the full baskets. "Would you like me to carry one of those for you?" I offer

Eliza's eyes brighten. "That would be great, they are quite heavy."

I lift one of the baskets, and we start walking together down the short path.

"I don't think I've seen you here before," Eliza says sweetly, glancing at me with curiosity. "Have you been hired recently? I'm sure I would have noticed such a lovely face."

I'm a servant of Lady Catrina," I tell proudly. "We arrived one day ago."

Eliza's smile widens even more. "The lady with the special blood?" she asks and I nod in "You're so lucky. You'll soon be a queen's servant." She tells.

Not really, since Catrina doesn't have the required blood. But I must keep that a secret.

"How long have you worked here?" I inquire, genuinely interested.

"About seven years now," Eliza replies. "Not every day is as chaotic as today. Some days, I manage to get through without being yelled at." she adds with a playful laugh.

"It's that bad?"

I want to know what I will be up for incase Caterina luckily becomes the queen.

Eliza nods. "Yes it is. And yet, I wouldn't trade this job for anything. This is the best job you can have as a human even if it means dealing with a few mean officials." she answers. She is so kind and.... unlike Adria and Freya, someone I can be friends with.

I look up ahead and that when I realize we are approaching the grand entrance of the main palace. I stop.

"I can't go past here. I don't think I'm allowed inside," I say, glancing at the imposing big doors.

Eliza frowns slightly but then reassures me. "No, it's perfectly fine if you're with someone who works here."

"Are you sure about that?" I ask. I am dying to see the inside of course, but I don't want to be found somewhere I shouldn't be.

"Absolutely, just stay with me." With her encouragement, I follow her past the foyer and through the entrance.

The inside is a sight to behold. A vast hall stretches out before us, its polished tiled floor gleaming like glass under the soft light streaming in from the tall windows. The walls are smooth and polished white. Above us, the ceiling is a dazzling display of gems arranged to look like a starly sky. It feels like you are standing under twinkling stars.

"Impressive, right?" Eliza asks and I nod, speechless.

She leads us up an impressive gold coloured staircase that curves gracefully toward the upper levels of the palace. At each corner, elegant marble statues stands. The vampire kings must be unimaginably wealthy to afford to build this.

We walk down another long, ornate hallway, whose walls adorned with portraits of stern-looking ancestors of the royal family. She stops at the fourth door on the right, then pushes it open with a gentle push.

"Come on in," she says, her voice warm but slightly nervous.

As we step inside, I'm struck by the sheer grandeur of the room. A magnificent fireplace dominates one end. Two luxurious leather sofas and plush velvet armchairs surrounding the fire place. Heavy drapes frame a wall of windows that overlook a sprawling garden, while a king-size bed draped in sumptuous fabrics sits at the opposite end, piled high with dark and white pillows.

"Whose chambers are these?" I ask.

"King Aston's," Eliza replies, glancing back at me. "Just be careful where you step, his majesty hates dust on his white carpets."

I nod, feeling both awed and intimidated by the lavish surroundings. Following her lead, I place the basket of fruit on the ornate table beside hers. Eliza starts sorting through the ripest pieces and transferring them into a grand pantry.

Drawn to the artwork lining the opposite wall, I wander over to admire each piece. They are stunning, the artist must have been 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 beautiful Arts that I don't even notice the change in light when the door opens, or the presence of a third person in the space.

"Who the hell are you?" an angry voice questions from behind me.

I turn to see . . . wait! Is that one of the vampire kings? I can't help gawking at the beautiful man. Not because he looks any different from the King I met, but because his outfit is a little outrageous for a king.

He's in a white outfit, it's tight and stylish. When I say stylish, I mean, baffling kind of stylish. The coat is a full neck and long sleeved adorned with gleaming gold buttons. But one shoulder has been intentionally left out and one can see the flawless skin beneath. It is a little longer on one side, but instead of looking awkward, it looks uniquely designed.

The pants are a little tight too but not much as to make one stand out in the wrong way. They too are missing something, the front parts of the knees. Well, it's one conspicuous, stunning style for an insanely hot man. Damn if I can't clearly trace the shape of his well toned body!

His facial features are an exact replica of the king I met yesterday, except that his hair is not braided and has a silver hue.

"My lord," Eliza exclaims as she quickly bows deeply.

I follow suit, my heart pounding.

"I asked you who you are and why you're standing in my quarters," he repeats, just as harshly as the first time, his sharp gaze fixes on me.

I doubt my lips can move, and if they do, I will say something inappropriate that may make him cringe.

"Your majesty," Eliza interrupts quickly. "She helped me carry these heavy baskets up here. She's lady Catrina's servant."

The man steps closer, his expression growing even more disdainful than his brother's had. The intoxicating scent of him fills my senses, and I fight to suppress the urge to inhale deeply.

"Who hired a warthog?" he sneers. "She's hideous even for a human and smells like a street dog."

I feel my stomach twist with humiliation. I glance at Eliza, who looks shocked and uncomfortable but determined not to intervene further.

"You're not qualified to work here," he snaps.

Qualified? I am a human servant like many others. Why does he find my presence repulsive?

My hands tremble slightly as I struggle to respond. "My mistress doesn't mind that I lack qualifications," I manage to say, forcing confidence into my voice. "She says I'll learn, your majesty."

"A filthy human like you cannot serve our queen," he retorts coldly.

I swallow hard, fighting not to show any emotion under his piercing gaze.

"You should be grateful to even breathe the same air as she does," he continues scornfully. "But I suppose she is kind enough to hire even the most repugnant creatures."

I hang my head in embarrassment and Eliza shifts uncomfortably beside me . His words sting like daggers, and despite my efforts to remain stoic, tears begin to gather behind my eyes.

"Yes, your majesty, she is quite kind." I whisper, my voice barely audible.

He strides past me, casting a dismissive glare over his shoulder. "You're still here?" His voice is deep and harsh, laced with irritation.

"Leave before I change my mind and have you dragged out of the palace gates! And remember to bathe and clean your clothes if you will be around people; personal cleanliness is mandatory for anyone staying in this palace." he adds coldly, making it clear that my presence is an unwelcome anywhere near him. He is right, my dress is old and stained in some parts, but I do not stink!

I simply nod and bow my head, shame and anger making it difficult to think. Eliza's glare is sympathetic as I walk by her to get to the door.

Tears sting my eyelids as I quickly make my way out of the huge building. Just because he finds me unactractive doesn't mean I am ugly.

GABRIELLA'S POV

We stand aside as Catrina quietly eats her delicious breakfast of fluffy scrambled eggs, bacon and a mug of fresh animal blood. It doesn't seem to be improving her mood though. Yesterday's shame still lingers, her confidence is completely shaken.

Lady Calypso hasn't shown up so we are not sure whether or not Catrina will be facing another test today and I can see the anxiety in her eyes. We still prepared her early incase Lady Calypso comes calling.

I also have been thinking the whole night, of what the handsome king I met yesterday said, that I am not qualified to work in this palace or for their future queen. My fellow servants mentioned the same thing. Which means I'll have nowhere to go if Catrina becomes the vampire king's wife. I don't want to loose my job and end up being a slave to some cruel vampire.

I'll find a good moment to plead my case with my mistress, I'll promise that I can learn quickly.

Someone knocks on the door just as Catrina finishes her breakfast.

"That might be Lady Calypso." She gasps anxiously. "Hurry, let her in." She orders and I rush to open the door.

Lady Calypso saunters into the room and we all bow our heads slightly in respect as she halts at the centre of the room.

"Good morning?" She greets.

Catrina forges a smile. "Good morning M'lady."

"I'm here to take you to your next test. I trust that you're still eager to prove that you are the vessel to the vampire kings, right?" She says and Catrina smile reappears as she vigorously nods her head.

"Yes, I will prove that I am the vessel. I promise to pass the rest of the tests." She affirms.

Lady Calypso appears pleased by the response. "I haven't told the kings about your failure in the first test, I assumed you were just nervous since it was your first test. I spoke up for you in the council and got you this one more chance." Her voice grows serious. "But if you fail again, I will have no choice but to report your failure and request a retest of your blood."

Catrina's face goes pale at this news even as she nods slowly. If she fails this test it will completely ruin her chances of being selected to be the bride and queen of the powerful kings.

"Now, let's proceed," Lady Calypso declares, and we follow her out. Unlike yesterday, there's no carriage waiting for us in the courtyard, so it seems this test will take place within the palace grounds.

We pass several buildings within the vast fortress before I realize we are heading to the farthest one. This building is smaller than the others, and there are no servants around, only guards at every corner. Lady Calypso pushes open the heavy door, and we step inside.

The dimly lit interior is lined with rows of large cages, each one bolted shut and eerily quiet. There is scent of dampness and something foul of what might have once occupied these confines.

"What is this place?" Catrina asks as she looks around nervously.

Lady Calypso turns to her, "This is where you will face your next test," she replies. "You must prove not only your worth but also your courage."

Just then, a petrifying howl reverberates through the entire room, shaking the walls. Everyone except Lady Calypso and the two guards who have followed us in freezes in fear.

"What... what is that?" Catrina stammers as we follow lady Calypso to the last cage at the corner to see a wolf-like beast with scales instead of fur and a mouth full of canines. It's enormous, at least eight times the size of a man and its talons are like daggers. Though it is chained and muzzled, it growls fiercely as Lady Calypso approaches.

"This is a troll," she explains. "They are extremely rare and ferocious. But with just your scents, you can tame it. If you manage to control it, you'll prove you are worthy of our kings."

This is madness! If she steps inside that cage, she could be mauled to death.

Catrina stiffens, unable to speak.

"Do not show fear," Lady Calypso commands. "You have one chance to show you are the vessel."

She signals a guard to unlock the cage and the man step forward with a heavy keyring.

"If this is my only chance to impress the kings, I'll do it," Catrina declares stepping forward and I feel panic rise within me. If she ends up getting mauled to death which is what is what likely to happen, it's all going to be my fault. She thinks she has the portion, which she doesn't.

I step forward and grip her arm. "Don't do it," I shake my head at her.

"Release her immediately," Lady Calypso shouts at me. You should not leave your scent on her. The beast mustn't detect any other scents on her, it might become brutal." I pull away quickly.

The guard turns the key in the lock with a loud click, and Catrina faces forward again as the door creaks open slowly.

"Step inside," Lady Calypso urges and ignoring my warning, Catrina steps forward. Her desperation to impress the kings is not letting her use her common sense.

"Walk closer, let it smell your scent," Lady Calypso advices and Catrina unwisely inches closer to the beast even as it growls fiercely. We all stare intensely, waiting to see what will happen.

It let's out a loud snarls, straining against its chains, muscles rippling beneath its scaled skin. I fear those chains won't hold for long.

"Kneel before me, you ugly beast!" Catrina commands.

Instead of kneeling, the beast lunges violently, and the chains finally loosen. It surges forward. Catrina lets out a piercing scream, stumbling backward until her back hit the cold metal bars of the cage.

"Stay calm!" Lady Calypso shouts, but Catrina shakes with terror as the beast approaches her.

"Should we help?" one of the guards asks nervously, but Lady Calypso ignores him, focused on the beast and waiting to see what it will do.

It's growls intensifies and it seems like it will attack and maul her at any second.

"Get me out of here!" Catrina screams, instinctively recoiling against the cold metal bars.

"Obey her you freaking monster!" I shout in frustration. And then something unbelievable happens.

The beast seems to hear me, it turns its massive head in our direction and it's eyes wanders until they find mine.

Astonishingly, it begins to lower itself down, curling up like a massive scaled dog at Catrina's feet. Everyone starts whispering, a wave of shocked voices growing louder within seconds.

"I did it!" Catrina screams in delight.

GABRIELLA'S POV

"Congratulations, you just passed the second test." Lady Calypso tells Catrina, looking quite impressed.

"Yes!" Catrina, Adria and Freya exclaims in elation.

I'm still too shocked to join them. My mind is confused about what tamed the ferocious beast. It definitely wasn't her command which seemed to agitate it more. She does not have the portion, yet the monster stopped when I shouted.

It's my blood that was brought to the palace. But the question is, can it actually be that I am the vessel? But If I am, that also means I should be the mate of the vampire kings!

Vampires don't mate with humans, especially not royal vampires. Neither of the two kings I have met so far looked at me with admiration or love like a mate should. I'm confused about what all of this means.

"I will make sure to inform the kings of this great success. They will be greatly impressed." Lady Calypso tells as we all make our way out of the structure. Catrina giggles in exhilaration.

Sounds like she is going to be greatly rewarded for something she didn't do.

"You have just two more tests to pass and I will declare you the vessel and ready to be the wife of our kings." Lady Calypso adds as we finally arrive back at the lush palace entrance.

Lady Calypso makes her way back to the main palace, while we follow listening to an overly joyous Catrina whispering about all the exquisite things she will have once she becomes queen.

She is so close to achieving what every woman desired the most, becoming the queen of this kingdom.

KING ASTON'S POV

Our mate is a beautiful human. I've seen many pretty women in my time, but none compare to her. She has those big, innocent eyes and a nice body, the kind of body that men love, the kind of body that I would devour in a heartbeat. It's a shame she's just a lowly human. To us, humans are lower than the dirt beneath our feet. They exist only as slaves or servants for the lucky ones.

"If you felt the mate bond too, then it's clear we've been mated to a stupid human," Kian says, his tone dripping with disdain. He's the only one of us who hasn't met the human girl yet.

I smelled her enchanting scent as soon as I entered my quaters. It was faint, but it appeased my senses more than anything. It's amusing how her weak human senses didn't even recognize the powerful, unwelcome pull between us.

"This is the greatest shame," Kian continues, disgust evident in his voice. "Once we transfer the mate bond, we'll strip her of her job and send her away so no one ever hears of this."

"Calm yourself, Kian. Stripping her of her job is like condemning her to a life of misery, she will end up a slave to some ruthless idiot." Rowan says.

And he's right. For her kind, being a servant is a very big privilege, being a slave or a concubine to our kind is a fate worse than death. She'll be forced to serve in any way her master desires, whether in the mines, on her back or on her knees.

"Good! If she's pretty as you said, she'll not lack a vampire master to service. We didn't ask for this, we didn't ask to be mated to her," Kian says definitely.

Just like me kian has no sympathy for useless beings. But a part of me do pity the human and would be against stripping her the job, but we are the vampire kings, it would be extremely disgraceful if she stays around and people gets to knows a human was our mate.

Rowan lets out a heavy sigh. "Still, it will be heartless to strip her of her job. I know you feel no love for the human and frankly, neither do I. But we both know she won't survive long as a slave. Surely we can do better than this."

"Whatever you do with her, brother, I care not," Kian states flatly. "Whether she lives or dies is of no concern to me. We'll transfer the mate bond to the beautiful queen of our kind that's all that matters to me."

There is a loud knock and Lady Calypso ushers herself into our imperial royal dining. She is our loyal assistant and the one we saw fit to conduct the tests of finding the special woman with the portion.

"Your majesties." She bows in respect coming to stand before us.

"I hope you brings us good news." Rowan says.

"I bring you the best of news your majesties." She answers with a prideful smile. "I am pleased to report that Lady Catrina might just be what you have been looking for years! She just passed the second and most challenging test." she announces. "She was able to tame the beast."

We exchange glances, thrill of relief coursing through each one of us. "This is wonderful news!" Kian exclaims, his voice filled with joy.

So it's true what Rowan claimed. Our mate and the vessel could indeed be two different people.

It puzzles me why we were mated to that useless human instead of to her incredible mistress. The mate bond is a shame and our vessel needs to understand that she is the one that our hearts values.

"Let's gift her some jewelry from our stores," I say decisively. "It's important she knows how grateful we are that she came to us."

"Choose the finest pieces," Kian adds, and Lady Calypso nods before bowing and making her exit.

"Now that we are sure we have the one with the portion I suggest that we summon our human mate and simply state our rejection." Kian says and I and Rowan nod in agreement.

"Now we will have a noble and a very special and courageous bride to marry after the despicable mate bond is broken. None of the other women we know would face a troll and command it . She is definitely a special one." Rowan says with a dreamy look.