Chapter 4

The towering gates of the hybrid king’s fortress loomed over me as I was escorted into Von Dax’s kingdom.

The minute we entered into the palace, Von didn’t spare me a glance as he summoned the head maid, a stern woman with cold eyes named Agnes.

“Take her to the servants’ quarters,” Von ordered curtly. “Show her the ropes. She’s one of yours now.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Agnes replied.

As Agnes began to lead me away, a woman appeared, her striking beauty impossible to ignore. She was regal, her long silver hair cascading over her shoulders. She also happened to be pregnant. Her piercing blue eyes locked onto me as she spoke.

“And who is this?” she asked Von.

“The new maid,” Von said without looking at her.

The woman’s lips curved into a sly smile. “Perfect. We already have enough maids in the kitchen. I’ll take her as my private servant.”

Von’s eyes flickered to me briefly before he nodded. “Do as you wish.”

Before I could process what had just happened, a man in armor approached Von, whispering something in his ear. Von nodded, excusing himself.

The woman, who I quickly learned was Queen Calister—Von’s wife turned to me with a commanding glare. “Follow me.”

I trailed behind her, my heart pounding as we entered her chambers. Inside was another maid, a young girl with bright red hair who looked just as terrified as I felt.

“Anna,” Calister said sharply, “teach her everything she needs to know. I expect her to be competent by tomorrow.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Anna replied with a bow.

As Calister left the room, Anna gave me a soft look. “Come on,” she said quietly. “I’ll show you around.”

Anna walked me through the queen’s quarters, teaching me how to prepare baths, arrange clothing, and serve meals.

“There’s one rule you must never forget,” she whispered as we worked. “Never disobey the hybrid king or queen. Their wrath is…” She shuddered. “Unforgiving.”

By evening, I was tasked with preparing Calister’s bath. My hands shook as I tested the water, ensuring it was perfect. When the queen entered, her expression darkened immediately.

“The water is too hot!” she snapped, her voice echoing in the chamber.

Before I could apologize, her hand struck my face, and she shoved me forward, forcing my head toward the steaming bath.

“I’m sorry, Your Majesty!” I cried, tears streaming down my face.

“You will learn,” she hissed, gripping my hair tightly.

Suddenly, the door burst open, and Von entered. Calister released me and turned to him, her demeanor shifting instantly to one of innocence.

“She attacked me, Von,” Calister said, her voice trembling. “And you know I’m carrying your child. She could’ve harmed me and the baby!”

Von’s piercing gaze fell on me. “Is this true?”

“No!” I gasped, shaking my head desperately. “I would never—”

“Enough,” he barked. “Guards, take her to the dungeon.”

The guards dragged me away. The cold, damp dungeon became my home for the next two days, the darkness swallowing me whole. Staying in the dungeon just remained me of how much my life has been a mess right from the start.

After losing my parents in the crossfire, everything just went downhill. I have been forced to live alone, picking up the pieces of my broken heart. Now, it seemed I was going to be subjected to a life of sadness despite my beauty, realizing this broke me deeply.

When I was finally released, I was feeling a bit weak. I haven’t had anything to eat or drink in two days, and when I decided to do so I was stopped by Queen Calister.

“What are you doing?” She asked as she stepped into the kitchen.

“My queen, I just wanted to have something to eat before I come up to your chambers.” I said with my head bowed.

“Eat!” She scoffed. “How dare you think of eating when you haven’t served the queen?”

“I’m sorry my queen.”

I heard her grunt, followed by it was the sounds of her footsteps. She was getting closer, and closer once she finally did, she yanked my hair.

“I want my dinner prepared and served. I also want a hot bath waiting for me afterwards. Have I made myself clear?” I nodded my head, and she let go.

That evening, as I served Calister her dinner, she threw her cup at me, the sharp edge cutting my cheek.

“Fetch me another,” she ordered.

As I turned to leave, a sharp cry of pain stopped me in my tracks.

Calister clutched her stomach. “The baby,” she gasped. “It’s coming! Call Von!”

Without hesitation, I ran to Von’s office. When I entered, he glared at me. “What are you doing here? Get out!”

“Your Majesty,” I said quickly, “the queen is in labor. She’s in pain!”

Von’s expression shifted, and he barked orders for his men to fetch the doctor.

I stood outside the queen’s chambers with the other maids, my hands trembling as muffled screams echoed through the halls.

Hours passed before the doctor emerged, his face pale.

“She’s losing too much blood,” he said grimly. “We may lose both the queen and the child.”

Von’s voice was sharp. “Do whatever it takes to save them!”

But moments later, the news came: both the queen and her unborn child were dead.

Von’s roar of grief echoed through the palace. He smashed furniture and hurled objects across the room. When the councilmen arrived later that day, they found him brooding in his chambers.

I was handed a tray by Agnes and told to serve the king and his guests. As I approached the door, I paused, hearing raised voices from within.

“You need an heir,” one of the councilmen said. “The hybrid royal bloodline must continue. Without an heir, the kingdom will fall.”

Von’s voice was icy. “And what do you propose?”

“We’ve heard of the beautiful girl living under your roof,” another councilman said. “Take her as your breeder. No one needs to know the truth. Announce that the child is Calister’s, once the baby is born. Then kill the girl and declare the queen’s death.”

Silence hung heavy in the air before Von’s voice broke it. “Fine,” he said finally, his tone lifeless. “I’ll do it.”

I gasped as the tray slipped from my hands, the sound of the porcelain echoing down the hall.