4: New duty

Elaine’s POV

I don’t know how long it had been, but it must have been more than a day when the guards decided to check on me. My bones were colder than ice because they made sure to bathe me in ice water every time I dried off.

One of them started untying me with rough precision while I gritted my teeth to keep from yelping in pain, knowing they hated it when I screamed. They’d make the punishment ten times worse if I did, a lesson I learned the hard way. Learned nonetheless.

“You are going to the palace to work as a servant. That is going to be your last punishment if you don’t ruin Prince Killian’s engagement party,” the other guard gruffed out, as though he didn’t want me to leave. Wicked dog.

“One wrong move from you, and you won’t like it back here. Understand?” the one untying me demanded.

I weakly nodded, not trusting myself to do anything other than raise my head. I don’t have a voice anyway. They had mocked me throughout my time here for not being able to make any sound but apart from my 'appalling' screams. I have a husky tone, so what? I can’t even talk.

I was escorted to the palace in a tinted black car. I wasn’t able to see anything, not that I had the strength. They didn’t even let me shower, only thrusting a uniform in my hand and telling me to get to work in the kitchen as the event was starting soon.

While I was working, cleaning the glass cups as I was instructed, two girls came to stand beside me. I recognized them from school, but they never bothered to talk to me. They were also wearing the same uniform as me.

“Hi, I’m Tessa. I don’t expect you to answer me; I know you can’t talk. I just wanted to say I like you. I have a sister, and she is mute too,” she said, giving me a friendly smile.

“And I’m Lana, pleased to meet you,” the other one said, her smile less large but genuine.

My chest blossomed with something akin to joy, then it deflated because I have never had friends before. This is so random for someone with vast trust issues. I mean, even my family members don’t want me around them because I’m mute and unattractive.

Nevertheless, I gave them both a nod, then Tessa went on to tell me they volunteered to work here since they won’t be getting any invitation as the peasants of the kingdom. I listened to them rant about how they have always wanted to attend an event in the palace and whatnot.

The party was in full swing when Leah walked inside with the twins behind her, talking about how they should add something to Killian’s drink. I was behind the counter on the floor cleaning up a glass cup that broke.

“Hailey, you should add it. You have an innocent face they won’t notice, and make sure that useless mute serves it to him,” Leah said while rummaging through her bag from the sound of it.

“What if he chooses her?” Halle asked with a gasp of horror that pierced my chest. She is my half-sister, for goodness sake.

“You think I will let that happen?” Leah let out a malicious laugh before they all strutted out.

I stayed hidden for a good minute to make sure they had left. I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding, then stared down at the little golden thing that dropped on the white counter. That was what Leah had put in Killian’s drink to make him choose her as his bride.

Weren’t they dating already? He was going to choose her even though I am his mate.

The thought of him taking her as his mate when she isn’t made something harsh cut at my insides. I blinked away whatever it was, knowing I cannot have feelings for Killian. He is a monster and an animal. I am human and a mute. He won’t ever accept me. Ever.

Tessa walked into the kitchen right then and saw the little golden drop that Leah had left. She came forward, smelled it with their power, then her eyes widened. She looked between the thing on the counter and me.

“Where did you get this potion from?” She asked, her eyes still wide.

“I didn’t,” I signed to her since she understands the basic ones.

“Who did?”

“Leah,” I mouthed several times before she caught on what I was saying.

“It is a love potion. Do you know who she wants to serve it to?” Tessa’s throat bobbed as she swallowed.

“Killian.”

“We are fucked!” Tessa almost screamed, then said, “We need to make sure she doesn’t give it to him. He will unwillingly choose her as his mate.”

I don’t understand why she is panicking. It’s not like Killian is going to become the king after he chooses this. His older brother is already the king; he will have to wait a very long time before taking the throne. Leah won’t become a queen anytime soon either.

But I gave Tessa a nod, took a tray filled with werewolf drinks that had made me nauseous the entire night, coupled with how sick I was. I’m not sure my mother even asked where I was. Or if she is even happy I wouldn’t be back home for once.

Pushing the thought aside, I stepped out of the kitchen, making my rounds around the guests when Hailey dragged me to the side. I know she is about to go through with Leah’s command, so I listened as she told me how to make sure Killian gets a particular drink.

“If you mess this up you won’t like it.” She said then stalk off.

I hastily retreated to a secluded corner, my heart pounding with urgency as I scribbled a note to Killian on a small piece of paper. My hands trembled as I wrote, the words spilling out in a frantic rush, warning him of the love potion hidden in one of the drinks.

I pleaded with him not to consume it, knowing the dire consequences if he did. I think deep down I also don’t want him to choose Leah… I want him to choose me.

With trembling hands, I folded the note and approached Killian, my eyes pleading for understanding as I offered him the paper. He took it, his gaze flickering over the words with a furrowed brow. I held my breath, hoping against hope that he would heed my warning.

But as I watched in dismay, he glanced up at me, a shadow of mockery passing over his features before he raised the glass to his lips and took a sip. My heart sank as he drank the whole thing in one gulp.