Veronica.
“What do you mean the human is still alive!?” I thundered when a maid let it slip while she made my hair for the day. She flinched, taking several steps back, her fear reflecting in her eyes. No one spoke for a while, all of them exchanging wary glances amongst each other. Pissed off, I stood to my feet, stalking towards her. “Repeat what you said. How did you know she is alive?!” I seethed through gritted teeth, my voice radiating my anger.
The maid promptly lowered her gaze, taking two steps back. “I heard rumors that the human slave the Shifter Kings purchased survived her night with them. A-and when I went to ask around, the maids confirmed it. She’s alive and well.” She rushed out, her voice hushed. I looked around, resisting the urge to rake my hands into my wall combed hair. I couldn’t believe it! How is she alive!?
“B-but… That’s impossible!” I muttered to myself, still finding it hard to believe. For centuries, no one has ever come out of the Play Pen alive! How did she manage to!? I immediately snapped my head to look at the maid and she lowered hers, her body slightly trembling. “Do the Kings already know about her?” I asked.
“I believe they do.” She muttered. My anger intensified, my body shaking with rage.
“Even Caspian?” I asked, my eyes widening. I heard he had returned a while back. She slowly nodded her head, refusing to meet my gaze. Fuck!! I should have gone out to check her body and made sure she was dead! How did she survive!?
I paced around for a while, biting my fingernails as I thought of what to do. Suddenly, I stopped, glancing at the maids who had retreated far away out of fear. “Where is she now?”
“She’s in the maid’s quarters now. She’s recuperating.” Another maid answered. I snapped my hands, going back to sit down on the chair, my breath coming out in a huff.
“Quick, finish dressing me up. I need to see her right away!” I said aloud, my voice betraying my urgency. They scurried closer to me, promptly getting to work as they combed out my hair, braided it and applied various, pins and gems to it so it sparkled. By the time I was through, my beauty was so vibrant it almost masked the anger brewing underneath. And I was very angry.
I stood to my feet, picking up my fan and walked out of my chambers with steady, purposeful strides. My maids rallied around me, making sure to keep a considerable distance as they followed me. Before long, I had arrived at the room where the maids informed me she was staying in and without bothering to knock, barged in.
The human girl was lying on the bed, and she seemed to be taking herbs that was being given to her by a much older maid. They froze when I walked in, not expecting the interruption. My eyes immediately zeroed in on the girl seating on the bed and though I loathe to admit it, she was rather pretty. Her long dark brown hair fell loosely around her, her face small and innocent looking, with pale skin that was dotted with freckles at the tip of her nose. Not to mention the big torqouise eyes that radiated pure beauty. She looked too innocent for her own good.
“Everyone, get out!” I ordered loudly. The maid who was seated in the room looked surprised at first but she finally rose to her feet, dropping the bowl she was holding on the table and began to walk out. She bowed when she was close to me and I soon heard the door closing, leaving just me and the human girl alone. The silence stretched on for a while, tense and stifling as I glared at her.
“Who are you?” She finally muttered, her expression turning grim. I scoffed, raising my head, my shoulders squared.
“Can’t you guess already?” I muttered, my voice sickly sweet. A light frown appeared on her face as she thought of what to say.
“No. I know the Kings aren’t married so they don’t have queens. So, who are you?”
My eyes widened at her words but I fought to remain cool. I can not let this puny little thing get the best of me. “My name is Veronica Lightlark. I am the Shifter’s kings mistress. Their only mistress.” I stated punctuating every word. Her eyes widened slightly and a light blush stained her cheeks.
“Oh… I apologize for my impertinence. I didn’t know that.” She muttered as she gave a low bow. I gave her a smile while clenching my fists together, willing myself not to lash out on her yet.
“So, you’re the slave girl the kings purchased, are you not?”
“Yes…” She muttered lowly. “My name is lienna.” She added as an afterthought.
“Don’t care.” I announced as I moved closer to her. She watched me warily, moving backwards when I leaned in to take a whiff of her scent, her eyes growing wide with disbelief. She smelled ordinary, just like any human would smell. Displeasure began to simmer in my veins. She’s human, so how the hell did she survive?
“You survived the Shifter Kings.” I suddenly said, taking a step back from her.
“Fortunately, I did.” She murmured underneath her breath but I heard it all the the same. My fingers itched to pull at her hair but I held it in as I continued speaking.
“In case you don’t know, this has never happened before. You must be feeling very proud of yourself.” I said and she frowned, probably wondering why anyone would be proud of something like that. If only she knew.
“Anyway….” I drawled, walking back to the door. “You should know that your survival isn’t in any way good news.” I said as I turned to look at her and Mt her already peering at me. “If I were you, I would stay very far away from the Shifter Kings.”
My expression turning serious, I added. “You must not let them catch you again or this time you might not survive it.” I said, my voice sincere. Because, in a way, she really shouldn’t. Her expression seemed to mirror whatever she was thinking and a satisfied smile appeared on my lips. “Do you understand?”
“Yes, I do, your highness.” She added quietly.
“Good. I’ll take my leave now. Have a good recovery.” I said before turning around and leaving the room. The maids who came in with me, immediately fell in steps with me as I walked out.
She better take heed of my warning. Or else…