Between A Rock And A Hard Place

Keira's Pov

I have no way of knowing what questions they will ask her, so how am I supposed to help? 

"You have been reading countless books, you must know the answer to every question they might ask." Princess Lyna says, seeking an immediate answer of how I plan to help her pass the test of wisdom. 

I may have read too many books but I am not the one supposed to answer the questions. 

"I can teach you as much as I can before the test." I suggest, still aware that it won't help. 

The council wishes to test her wisdom, so they will choose to ask questions that will require profound thinking. 

"That's ridiculous. I cannot learn a million things within one night." Princess Lyna argues. "Get your smart brain to think of a better plan before tomorrow. Remember that you will no longer have a job if I fail that test." She says in a stern tone. 

It's like she has already forgotten that I am the one that just helped her pass the test of humility. She is yet to even thank me for it. 

"I will be waiting for your wise plan in my room." She says before turning away. 

I am left standing alone in the courtyard, my mind searching for the difficult plan that will help her pass the test. I don't feel so smart.

"Keira." A voice calls from behind and I turn to see Margret approaching. 

A lean, handsome man walks by her side, the same man that tried to trick princess Lyna into thinking that he could help her win the contest as long as she would willingly share the vital secrets of the angel kings with him once she becomes their chosen wife.

Is he the mate she was talking about? 

"Meet my gorgeous mate, Michael Carey." Margret introduces with a proud smile. "Michael, this is my best and only human friend, Keira." 

Michael extends his hand. "I overheard your conversation with your mistress." He informs. 

My heart skips a beat. Is he going to tell this to the council? Princess Lyna would get disqualified from the contest.

"Why do you help her pass the tests when she treats you so badly?" He questions.

There is no point in denying what he has already seen and heard, I will sound like a fool.

"I am a servant, it's my job to follow her orders." I answer with a shrug of my shoulders.

"She is forcing you to help her cheat her way to becoming the wife of the angel kings, that's way too cruel. I advise that we report this to the assistant of the kings immediately." He says in a firm tone. "They will have her disqualified from the contest and you will be given a job here at the Palace." He assures. 

I shake my head. Does he really believe that the angel kings are such wonderful people? 

"Since I am human your kings would not believe a thing I say. And they definitely wouldn't give hire me." I respond. 

"The angel kings are the fairest and kindest of all beings, Keira. They do not look down on anyone regardless of -" He starts to argue but Margret cuts him short. 

"She speaks the truth. I was there when King Fenris scolded her for the sole reason of being human. He stated that she would not be allowed to work here even if her mistress becomes the queen." She speaks in my defense. 

Having a true friend is awesome. Her gorgeous mate would not have believed my honest words. Now he looks baffled.

"That's so unfair." He mutters, a look of disappointment taking over his face. "You still won't have a job even if you keep helping your mistress. You should demand that she pay you well for every test you have helped her pass." He suggests. "I don't know how else to help you."

"She wouldn't agree to pay for my help, but we made a deal. I will help her with the tests and she will insist on keeping me as her servant after becoming the queen." I reveal. 

"We will end up with a dumb, selfish queen. But I am fine with it as long as you will have a job here at the palace." Margret says then glances at her mate, seeking his approval.

"Your secret is safe with us. I trust that angel kings will come back to their right senses soon." Michael assures. "Especially if they find their true mate." He adds and I have to fight the urge to scoff. 

They already found their true mate, a human servant that would have brought disgrace upon their great kingdom if they didn't reject her immediately. If Princess Lyna passes the test of wisdom, she will become their queen, forever. 

"All the tests of wisdom were the same for all contestants. The council will ask her some questions and she is expected to answer wisely. How will you help her?" Michael questions, sounding concerned. 

"I will make a plan." I say. 

* * * * *

Angel Garren's pov

"The princess is exceptionally good. Would you believe that she gave out her golden necklace to a sick family of beggars?" Our distant cousin, Lady Doria, informs. "I must remind you that none of the other contestants passed the test of humility." She adds in an effort to emphasize on her earlier statement.

Her proud smile speaks louder than words. The brave and beautiful princess of Silverthorn has proved her worth once again. It's clear that she possesses all the good qualities of the queen we had wished for. 

I can't help but wonder why she isn't our fated mate. Which other man is worthy of her perfections?

Her weak human servant is the mate we got. Hopefully the princess won't despise us for that. 

"Not even I have ever surrendered my most precious item to the poor. The princess has a pure heart." Fenris comments. "I would like to be there during her last test tomorrow. It's against the rules we set but she is the already winner." He adds. 

"I too would like to be there, she sounds like an interesting person to watch." Conrad chimes in. 

Why would I miss either? Maybe our presence will motivate her. The test of wisdom is a hard one. Only those who are truly wise can pass.