Don't blame me

Ellie blinked multiple times, unconsciously retreating into the chair as if she was trying to become one with the non-living object.

She didn't understand what the woman was asking. Can she what? Taste her? In what sense? Her blood or what? Considering Jenna was a vampire, Ellie wanted to believe she was talking about blood. But why did it sound like she wasn't?

"Speak. Don't you dare play dumb when I ask you a question."

"I don't understand your question," Ellie responded, shocking herself with how low and jittery her voice came out.

Jenna finally wore a smile. "I see I scared you. I didn't mean to do that. Forgive me. You see, I actually like you, a lot, and will want to know more about you." She pulled open one of the drawers on her right and brought out a bottle of wine. "I'll like us to be friends. Can we be friends?"

'NO!!!' Ellie screamed in her mind but stopped herself from uttering any audible word.

"Can. We. Be. Friends?" Jenna probed again with a harsh voice, and a deadly glare directed toward Ellie.

"Yes." Another timid response flew out of Ellie's lips. Her hands grabbed tightly onto the armrest of the chair as she readied herself to flee should there be a need to.

She didn't know why the woman was bringing out the wine. She hoped it was not for her because that one she would reject without thinking twice.

"Awnnn… that's so nice of you." Jenna grinned. "Let's drink to our new friendship, shall we?"

"I'm sorry, ma'am. I don't drink."

Jenna glanced at the wine bottle. "I have non-alcoholic wine if you prefer."

"I don't drink at all." Ellie shook her head.

"Not even water?"

"I drink water but I'm not thirsty now."

"A sip wouldn't hurt."

"Yes, it would. What is your problem, Jenna?" A different voice echoed from the door, a male this time, and Ellie released a breath of relief even without knowing who it was.

How was she supposed to reject water from someone who was bent on making her have it?

An amused chuckle escaped Jenna's lips. "Your pet finally got to you. That was fast. It seems your bond is growing stronger."

"Stay away from my girls. You have no business with them." Enrique spoke, walking toward the chair where Ellie sat.

"Why stressing? I only wanted to know more about her." Jenna complained like an offended child.

"Get up," Enrique instructed Ellie, and she didn't think twice before obeying. She looked at the face of the bald man, who she recognized as the one that had fed her earlier.

"You answer to nobody in this palace, apart from me and Master Storm. If any other person needs your attention, ensure they get permission from me first. Understood?"

Ellie nodded her head three times in response.

"You'll just get her killed." Jenna rolled her eyes.

"I'll love to see you try." Enrique grabbed Ellie's wrist, and the first thing that came to her mind was, 'Not again.'

But this time, Enrique didn't drag her. He only pulled her slightly to get her to start walking, then led her at a normal walking pace out of the office, and out of the quarters.

"I'll take it from here. You can go back to your normal duties." Enrique spoke to Mary, who was standing a distance away from the building, waiting for them.

Mary nodded and walked away, while Ellie quietly followed Enrique, who led her in a different direction.

They advanced until they arrived at the largest structure Ellie had seen in her entire life. A three-story, cream, and gold-colored building that she was sure would house a quarter of the entire population of Alada if she wasn't exaggerating.

"I believe Mary has told you all you need to know. And in case she hadn't, then you should know that you have been promoted from being a palace prisoner to a palace maid. This is the main palace, and your place of duty is the Master chambers." Just as he said this, they stepped through the main entrance door, and a level of beauty Ellie had never seen attacked her sight.

She completely forgot about the sudden discomfort she felt when she heard the word "Master chambers", and the strong objection that roused in her heart because of it.

Decorated in two shades of grey, with varying gold symbols scattered everywhere, the walls screamed elegance and magnificence.

Ellie's feet literally came to a halt as she moved her eyes around the house in awe. The place was comfortable to look at because she had a thing for black and gray colors due to the calming effect they had on her.

"Come on. There's no time for sightseeing. You can do that after I'm done." Enrique pulled her as they headed toward the elevator, stopping her from fully admiring the place or getting enough details.

They arrived on the third floor, and Ellie was thrown into darkness. It wasn't a complete, black-as-night darkness, but it was close to that.

All the curtains were drawn, and by the effective way they prevented light from entering the space, Ellie could guess they were made from extra thick fabric.

"This is the Master chambers." Enrique finally let go of her hand, and soon, she heard the click of a switch.

A few light bulbs came on, dimly lighting up the entire place. True to her thoughts, black, thick velvet curtains lined the wall, completely blocking out light from penetrating.

"There are eight rooms here, including the master bedroom, and you are required to keep the master bedroom, and two others which I will show you, in good shape."

A frown overtook Ellie's features as that strong objection returned to her heart.

"There are rules you must follow whenever you are in this area. Number one, never open the curtains." Enrique stated before Ellie could voice her thoughts.

"Why am I required to clean the master bedroom?" She finally probed, still frowning, and pulling Enrique's attention to her.

"When you see Master Storm, you can ask him. But don't blame me if you lose your tongue after that."