Troubles

GABRIELLA'S POV

"Fetch me a pen and a paper. I must write to my father that I am to be the queen of Everleen." Catrina orders with excitement as soon as we step back into her quarters. Freya hurries off to fulfill her request.

It's funny how she has already declared herself queen when she doesn't know how the last test will turn out. It could end up being the time we get caught. And I'm sure the kings would punish us harshly.

I turn and leave her quaters. I have a lot to explain to my friend Eliza.

I luckily find her outside on her lunch break and we quickly move to a quiet spot behind the big castle.

What exactly did you do in that room? You healed that boy with your blood. The only person who can do that is the ve.." She pauses, probably realizing how ridiculous it sounds to say I am the vessel, considering I am human.

"You're right. I have the special blood, the portion. And I'm also the mate of the vampire kings. But you cannot tell anyone," I reveal, watching her eyes widen in disbelief and confusion.

"Then why is your mistress the one getting credit of being the vessel," she asks in a worried voice.

"Because no one would believe a human like me is the vessel. I'm helping her pass the tests," I reply.

"Why do you help her pretend to be the vessel when she treats you so badly?" Andria questions.

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

"I need my job." I answer.

"She is blackmailing you to helping her cheat her way to becoming the wife of the vampire kings while it's supposed to be you. That's too cruel. I advise that we report this to lady Calypso immediately." she says in a firm tone. "The kings will immensely punish her and you will be rewarded." She assures.

I shake my head. Does she really believe that the kings are such noble people? I have met all three of them and none of them is fair or kind.

"Since I am human the vampire kings would not believe a thing I say, especially when it's an accusation against their future queen. And they definitely wouldn't reward me." I respond.

"The kings are the kindest of their kind, Gabriella. And if you really are their mate -" she starts to argue but I cut her short.

"They rejected me, Eliza! You were there when King Aston made it clear I couldn't work for their queen." I tell.

Now she looks baffled.

"That's so unfair." she mutters, a look of disappointment taking over her pretty face. "Then 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." she 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.

I will gain nothing from being their rejected mate, so helping my mistress become their chosen wife is wiser.

"We will have a very evil, selfish queen. But I am fine with it as long as you will have a job here at the palace." she says.

"Please don't tell anyone anything I have told you." I urge.

"Your secret is safe with me." she assures.

"You know a chalice of her blood will be required for vowls during the wedding. How will you help her?" Eliza questions, sounding concerned.

"I will figure it out." I say.

* * * * *

KING KIAN'S POV

"The vessel successfully healed sir William's son. I just sent for his father to come collect him," Lady Calypso, informs. "It only took her minutes. Her blood must be more powerful than of any vessel before her." She adds in an effort to emphasize on her earlier statement.

Her proud smile speaks louder than words. Our beautiful vessel has proved her worth once again. It's clear that she possesses the very thing we require most, the portion.

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

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

"She must be very compassionate as well to agree to cut herself to heal someone she doesn't know," Aston comments. "I would like to be there during her last test tomorrow. It's against the rules we set but she is already proved she is the one we have been looking for." He adds.

"I too would like to be there, would love to meet her sooner." Rowan chimes in.

Why would I miss either? Maybe our presence will motivate her. The last test is always the hardest.

******

GABRIELLA'S POV

I hear lady Calypso's voice before I enter my Mistress's quarters. What is she doing here so late? She can't be asking Catrina to take another test today, can she?

"You have one more test to pass, and then I will declare you fit to be the wife of our kings," Lady Calypso tells Catrina. " I am here to talk to you about the test beforehand because a huge gathering will be there to watch and we want everything to go smoothly." She adds.

"What will it be about?" Catrina eagerly asks.

"It is the most important test of all. The great oracle will assess your destiny as the vessel through your blood. It will be painful, but you must endure it without embarrassing the kings in front of their guests," Lady Calypso answers. "You'll give your blood on the spot to ensure it's fresh."

Catrina appears confounded, but she nods before lady Calypso can notice her apprehension. Pain and Catrina don't mix well.

"I should also let you know that the vampire kings will be present during the test." Lady Calypso says and I freeze.

Were they not supposed to only meet the vessel after she has passed all the tests? It's against the rules for them to be present during the tests. But I guess that them being the makers of the rules they can alter them whenever they feel like.

Helping Catrina with them and other guests in the room will be extremely difficult.

"Are you sure they will be there?" Catrina exclaims excitedly, unaware that their presence complicates things for all of us.

"Yes. They are very proud of you and want to meet you sooner," Lady Calypso replies.

Once Lady Calypso leaves, Catrina turns to me with worry in her eyes. "I can't fail my last test, Gabriella. It would be so embarrassing with the kings there. What should we do?" she asks, seeking an immediate solution.

Lady Calypso said the blood must be given on the spot, so how can I help?

"I'm thinking," I reply even though I'm not sure there's a way out of this one.

"I'll wait for your plan in my room while I find a nice dress since the kings will be there," she says before turning away.