Chapter 5

Rae

I tried to pick up the tray but I froze as the doors creaked open, and Von’s cold eyes landed on me.

“What are you doing here?” His voice was sharp.

“I…I was bringing your—”

He raised a hand, cutting me off. “I didn’t ask for excuses. Leave. Now.”

I nodded quickly, backing away, but the weight of what I’d overheard suffocated me.

As I walked back to the kitchen, the words of the councilmen replayed in my mind. ‘Take her as your breeder. Kill the girl after the child is born.’

I didn’t want to die.

By the time I reached the kitchen, my decision was made. I had to escape. Anna was scrubbing dishes, her sleeves rolled up, as she hummed softly to herself.

“Anna,” I whispered, stepping closer. “Can I ask you something?”

She glanced at me, raising an eyebrow. “What is it?”

“This palace…it’s enormous. Where’s the nearest exit?” I asked in a low tone, glancing behind my-back to ensure no one was close by.

Her hands paused, the water dripping from her fingers. “Why do you want to know that?”

I hesitated, thinking of what to say.

When I didn’t respond, her face darkened. “You’re planning to run away, aren’t you?”

I nodded. “I can’t stay here, Anna. If I stay, I’ll die.”

“What do you mean by you will die?” She asked, and stared at her. I didn’t know if I could trust her. It was best if I didn’t say a word.

“I just can’t stay here anymore I don’t deserve to be treated like this.” I said as I regained myself from my thoughts.

“The queen is dead, and you wouldn’t have to face any torture from her.” She pointed out.

“What of the head maid?” I questioned, “And the hybrid king. They both treat me like trash. I can’t continue like this Anna. Please help me.”

“Fine, but running away is risky and if you get caught—“

“I won’t.” I stopped her halfway. Anna explained how I would leave the palace, I was about to thank her when the head maid stepped in.

“What are you whispering about? Get to work.” She turned to look at me, and I dropped my head then her eyes fell on Anna. “Come with me.”

I went about my work and waiting for nightfall. Once, I noticed everywhere was quiet at night, I crept through the corridors, following Anna’s earlier directions.

My breath hitched as I reached the winding gate. I was about to be free.

“Seize her.” A deep, familiar voice stopped me. I turned slowly, my heart sinking as I saw Von standing behind me with Anna by his side.

I spun on my heels, trying to dash for the gate, but two guards appeared out of nowhere, seizing my arms. I struggled, kicking and clawing, but their grip was tight.

“Thank you, Anna,” Von said turning to look at her. “For letting me know about her little plan.”

I felt the air leave my lungs. “Anna…why?”

She didn’t respond, only lowering her gaze as Von’s men dragged me back into the palace.

“Take her to my chambers,” Von ordered.

“No!” I screamed.They shoved me into Von’s room, slamming the door behind me.

Two maids entered moments later, with a bitter look on their faces.

“The King instructed us to get you ready for him.” The first maid said.

She grabbed me roughly, forcing me into a tub of steaming water.

“Be still,” one of them snapped as she scrubbed my skin harshly.

“I’m sure you’re happy that your plans finally worked.” The first maid said.

“Plans?” I said confused.

The other maid sneered. “You think we don’t know? You killed the queen. All so you could have the king to yourself.”

“That’s not true!” I protested, but they ignored me, yanking my hair as they washed it.

When they were finished, they tossed a silken dress at me. “Put this on. The king will be here soon.”

I reluctantly changed, my hands trembling as the door opened, revealing Von. He reeked of alcohol, his steps unsteady as he entered the room.

“Lie on the bed,” he commanded.

“No,” I whispered, shaking my head. “I don’t want to be your breeder.”

He scoffed, a cruel smile playing on his lips. “So, you were eavesdropping on me?”

“I only came to give you food when I—,”

“Silence—“ He stopped me midway.

“I don’t want to end up dead.” I said remembering his words. “Just let me go.”

“You don’t get to decide; what you want. You’re a maid, and from today you will be my breeder.”

He approached me, his hands rough as he grabbed my shoulders and pushed me onto the bed.

My heart raced as he stripped away my clothes, his weight pressing down on me.

“Open your legs,” he growled.

Tears streamed down my face as I hesitated.

“Don’t make repeat myself.”

I listened to what he said, and pain tore through me as he entered, but then sudden he stopped.

“You’re…a virgin,” he said, in a shocked tone. “Just like…Calister.”

His words trailed off, his expression shifting from anger to something almost vulnerable. He pulled away abruptly, his hands trembling as he backed toward the door.

“I can’t do this…you remind me of her,” he muttered, slamming the door behind him as he left.

I lay there, shaking. I replayed the incident over and over again until it finally stopped haunting me.

I didn’t know I had eventually fallen asleep. It was the sound of Von’s voice that woke me up.

“Get up!” He yelled. “You have a visitor.”

“A visitor!” I repeated in shock. I didn’t have any family. My parents were dead. Neither did I have any siblings.

So who was the visitor?

When I got downstairs, my eyes grew as it landed at the figure standing in the throne room.

“Damien!” I gasped in shock.