Trial
Emily's slumber was shattered by icy water splashing across her face, accompanied by a maid's shrill voice.
"Rise and shine, you lazy wench! You're not here to sleep all day!"
Emily's eyes snapped open, but she bit back a retort, refusing to escalate the situation.
Without a word, she brushed past the annoying maid, Martha, and headed to the servants' quarters to prepare for her duties.
As she dressed in the plain maid's attire, Emily's natural beauty still shone through, attracting unwanted attention.
"Look at her, thinking she's above us just because she's pretty," whispered Abigail, a senior maid.
Emily ignored the jab, focusing on her tasks.
Her assignments took her to various parts of the palace, where she encountered other maids and nobles.
Princess Sophia, notorious for her cruelty, sneered at Emily.
"Look at this peasant, thinking she can serve in our palace. You're not fit to polish my shoes."
Emily maintained her composure, but the princess's words stung.
Later, as Emily rushed to grab a quick meal, she collided with Princess Sophia, sending them both tumbling to the floor.
Princess Sophia's maid, Mary, rushed to assist, glaring at Emily.
"Watch where you're going, you clumsy maid! You're blind with your dirty, smelly body. You want to make the princess filthy?"
Princess Sophia stood, dusting herself off.
"It was an accident, Mary. Leave it."
But Mary continued, "You should be more careful, maid. You're not worthy of serving our royal family."
Princess Sophia intervened, her voice firm.
"I said leave it, Mary. I don't have time for this."
As the princess walked away, Emily rose, her cheeks burning.
Mary whispered to Abigail, "Mark my words, that maid will bring trouble."
Emily's eyes met Mary's, a spark of defiance igniting within her.
But she bit back her retort, knowing better than to engage with the princess's loyal maid.
Instead, Emily focused on her duties, ensuring every task was completed flawlessly.
As the day wore on, Emily's exhaustion grew.
Just as she finished her last task, Mrs. Blackwood, the head maid, summoned her.
"Emily, you're assigned to serve dinner in the grand hall tonight. Be punctual."
Emily nodded, her stomach twisting with anxiety.
As she made her way to the grand hall, Emily encountered Lord Lucas, Leo's younger brother.
"Good evening, Emily," he said, his eyes locking onto hers. "You look lovely, even in that plain attire."
Emily's cheeks flushed.
"Thank you, Lord Lucas."
But before she could respond further, Mary appeared.
"Lord Lucas, the princess requests your presence."
Lord Lucas nodded and departed, leaving Emily to wonder about their conversation.
As Emily entered the grand hall, she was struck by the opulence.
The vampire royal family, nobles, and guards filled the room.
Emily's gaze met Leo's, his eyes intense across the crowded hall.
Suddenly, Victor, the vampire king, stood.
"Tonight, we celebrate a new era of power and unity."
The hall erupted into applause.
Emily's heart sank.
What did Victor's words signify for her future?
Why was leo looking her at her like she did something bad and like he wants to devour her not in a bad way ?
It made her body tingle all over ðŸ¤
To Be Continued...