A Hidden Threat

UNKNOWN POV

I followed many of my fellow servants to the throne room, where the Emperor has gathered us for an emergency meeting before the end of the first morning shifts.

*’It's so strange that he called us here so suddenly. It must be very important. Oh! I hope I will have the chance to see Prince Ryu…’* I think to myself, curious and giddy at the possibility of serving my *first love.*

Each of the servants gathered in an organized group in front of Emperor Basilius, their faces covered in a curious glow. He sat upon his throne intently, gazing at the large crowd of servants reluctantly.

“Come in, come in. Settle down.” The Emperor commands us, the crowd of servants grows steadily silent. Here and there the click or tap of heels on the floor was heard throughout the quiet room.

“As many of you know, my eldest son Drystan has returned from war.” He states from his throne, with a happily serious expression.

“But what I have not announced yet is that he brought something very important to the future of our kingdom back with him.” He interlocks his hands in front of his face as many servants begin to whisper, some attempting to guess what he was alluding to.

*’He always take dramatic pauses… it must be something terrible.’* I click my tongue silently, watching the emperor tap his chin for a few moments before taking a small breath and speaking again.

“My son has found our *Vestal!*” Abruptly, he stands and claps his hands together happily. Many gasps follow his actions, whispers spreading here and there. For a moment the information passes right over my head, I feel completely numb and oblivious.

My face contorts in realization… *’**The Vestal…**’* Irritation and anger flood my mind as the crowd around me applauds and cheers. My ears ring with fury, and pain.

*’That stupid tradition is real? This means… she might choose Ryu. No… she **will** choose Ryu. How could she not? He’s handsome, smart… and just perfect.’* My heart sinks deep in my chest following my immediate outlandish assumptions, the Emperor’s loud voice continues despite my mental aches.

“She has entered her heat *early*… it’s unfortunately because of the early arrival of the Blood Moon. We thought there would be more time, but now that things have sped up we will be pushing to have the Ball take place tomorrow night.” Small groans and ‘hmphs’ are scattered here and there.

*’Surely I am not the only one feeling upset about how one of the princes will no longer be a bachelor.’* I wonder, my eyes skimming the faces around me. They do seem irritated, but.. it’s likely because they will be overworked in order to make the unnecessary event possible. I doubt anyone loves Ryu as much as I do, not even that wench from before could compare to me.

“Each and every one of you will be working around the clock to make this possible.” He furrows his brows and begins down the steps towards the large crowd of servants. *’Exactly what I thought he would say.’* I let out a small ‘tch’, internally laughing at his predictable attitude.

“I need three volunteers, to attend to Princess Illyria for the Ball.” The crowd goes silent, I wasn’t sure if it was from their fear or from outright shock.

*’The vestal is a **Princess**??’* I thought, feeling just as shocked as everyone else. Not only had the eldest prince found the vestal, but she was also royalty and most likely an Heiress of the fallen kingdom.

Suddenly two hands went up, and my eyes immediately darted in their direction, following their abrupt movement.

“We volunteer your Grace.” A gentle, yet.. feminine male voice states. “It would be an honor to serve her highness.” I watch closely as a young Dhamphir with curly brown locks steps forward, before bowing in front of the emperor. His tailcoat flowing softly behind his tall, tan, and slim yet muscular figure.

My eyes felt as if they were bulging from my head, he was so **handsome.** He was very easy on the eyes, but something was off about him…

I shook my head from the thought of this man's beauty, *’Not as handsome as Ryu…’* reminding myself with a chuckle. *’Im obviously not his type anyway.’* I rolled my eyes as I watched him drool over the Emperor's male aid.

*’How is it that the finest of men, always seem to be gay or taken! Sheesh.’* I thought slightly frustrated, remembering my sour history with all of the men in my life. Every boyfriend I had ever had, was either gay, or using me. In fact most of the straight men I was with, had made me the other woman! A cheating man is no man at all, or at least… that's what my mother told me.

That was… until I met Ryu. He was so kind, thoughtful, charming, and handsome. Everyday for twelve years he would tend to the animals in the stables, and we would talk here and there. Each conversation, melted my heart more and more. It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with his gentle spirit.

But when he met *her*.. He wouldn’t give me even a second glance. He never cared for me, yet all I could do was love him. I couldn’t make it go away. The warm feeling that appeared in my chest every time I was near him just kept growing, and I knew I could make him feel the same way…

My thoughts were interrupted by another soft voice, but this one was light and womanly. Her tone so soft that it floated through the air.

“Yes, it would be an honor to serve the Princess your majesty.” Next to the male Damphir, a young female dhampir with incredibly long and straight hair followed his actions and stepped forward. Her highly tied, light brown ponytail brushed her hips as she bowed in unison with him, and her dress flowed so long it touched the tile around her feet. She couldn’t be older than fifteen.

*’I have never seen them before…’* I thought to myself, realizing that those two servants must either be new or work in a higher up station than me in the castle. Either way, I too needed to get involved in serving the Princess. *’If I can get her alone, I might be able to get her to leave the palace… And possibly scare her into stepping away from the position of Vestal.’* I contemplated, knowing I would need to work the details of my plan out later. This might not be easy, and hopefully.. I won’t have to do this the messy way.

“I need one more servant to attend the Vestal Princess.” Emperor Basilius states, expectantly watching the crowd of servants. Most of them cower, or seem bored with this gathering all together.

*’Now is my chance…’* I think as I shoot my hand up in the air, shoving down the arm of the girl next to me who was also in the process of raising her hand to volunteer. “I volunteer too, your Majesty.” My tone was loud, sharp, and direct.

“Wonderful! It’s settled. The three of you report to Elouise, who will take you to my daughter’s chamber for further explanation. They will be waiting to instruct you on your duties and responsibilities.” He ushers us away with a wave of his hands, before returning to order around more servants. My lips felt numb from the shock of the words that I just spoke, am I really doing this?

A tall, slim woman stepped forward elegantly and bowed to his majesty. She was dressed in a deep royal blue servants gown, indicating that she was a head servant of the Emperor himself. She gestured for us to follow and began to walk hurriedly, saying nothing as she made her way through the throne room doors and down the hall. Her wrinkled face remained in a straight, poise line the entire way across the castle and into the women’s hall. Her fairly short grey hair bounced with her steps.

The clicking of our heels against the hard tile was the only noticeable sound around, here and there the young man would whisper something to the young girl as we walked. I continued to walk ahead of them, ignoring when they would sway back and forth.

*’I must find a way to get rid of the Vestal.’* I thought to myself, the pain in my chest growing along with the stress in my mind. I won’t let anyone take Ryu away from me. *’She ruins my plans… if I can get rid of her then It will eliminate the chance that she chooses him as her mate.’*

I look up as the leading servant stops and knocks on a large, golden, ornate door. The door opened slowly, just behind it was Gaia Bellford. Princess Ira’s *head servant.*

*’Shit!’* I hold my breath, realizing how rash my decision to attend the Vestal was. How could I be such an airhead! He even mentioned us going to the Princess’s, and it went right over my head all because I wasn’t focused!

I hang my head towards the floor and bite my lip inconspicuously. *’I completely forgot about Princess Ira, she will definitely recognize me and have me removed from this job if I don’t do something quickly!’*

I hurriedly tied my long black hair up into a messy topknot. Then just as swiftly, I pulled my dark green scarf from my skirt pocket. I had previously brought it in case I grew cold from the breeze outside, and tied it around my head as a bonnet. It completely covered my dark hair, and for now I hoped it would make it harder for me to be recognized. I took a deep breath and held myself high, shameless even.

*’She won’t notice me right? I’m wearing more makeup than I used to… and my hair is much longer and darker…’* I nervously fiddle with the edge of my brown corset behind my back, as we make our way into the room. The door is closed behind us, and I stand beside the younger servant.

Princess Ira and Princess Calithea step towards us swiftly, side by side examining us. We bow in unison, and re-poise our standing.

Princess Ira stops in front of me and speaks softly, with intense eye contact and a strange dark tone in her voice. “Introduce yourselves, and your servant ranks immediately.”







*A/N: Hey readers! Im so glad I can bring this story back! as many know I had some personal things come up which delayed the updates of 'Harem of the Stolen Princess', but I can officially say that it WILL be updating regularly on Tursday evenings! (central time zone.) Please, follow my facebook (@authorickkyvickie) and/or instagram (@ickkyvickie) for more live updates and fanarts of our lovely characters! Thank you so mich for your support, and keep reading! I have much spice in store!! ;D*