CHOOSING A MAID
Damien’s POV
“Alright then, repeat after me.” she commanded with a guttural growl. “I Damien, King of Valthrun, do solemnly swear…”
The oat that followed was a long and intricate one. With each word I said, I could feel a strange binding force within me, chaining me to destroy the Kingdom of Kyrax. As the final words left my lips, a purple energy enveloped both me and Elara. For a moment, everything disappears. After a while, the energy finally receded
“It is done.” Elara released a foul breath and croaked.”the oath is bound. You may go now, King Damien. I will see to the classes of your mate in due time. Remember, if you fail to fulfill your promise, you will die.”
“Thank you.” I said with a curt nod and turned around, striding out of Elara's chambers. As I walked out of the room, the door thudded shit behind me. I could still feel remnants of Elana’s magic clinging to me but I shrugged it off.
Heaving a sigh of relief, I began to walk to no particular destination while my thoughts replayed the scene of the binding spell. I did it, I managed to secure a trusted tutor for Freda. But at what cost? My life? Bloodshed? The fall of an entire kingdom?
On a normal day, I would be bogged down by these thoughts but I felt a sense of calm and peace despite knowing the consequences of the vow I just took. It only took the image of Freda for me to decide that it was worth it. No price was too high for her safety, no sacrifice too great for her happiness. I couldn't care less about the consequences, as long as she remained safe, that was good enough for me.
With a deep breath, I squared my shoulders and continued down the hallway. I had almost forgotten to assign a maid to Freda. My mind swirled as I struggled to pick the best candidate for the job.
Suddenly, a guard quickly made his way towards me from around the corner. He stopped before me and bowed his head deeply
“Your majesty.” He began with respect.
“Rise.” I commanded and he slowly raised his head. “What seems to be the problem?”
“The heads of the noble houses sire. They have arrived.” The guard relayed some very unsettling news that made me furrow my brows. “They are requesting an audience with you, your Majesty.”
“Where are they?” I inquired, massaging my temple as I could already feel a headache settling in .
“They are in the meeting hall sire.” the guard responded.
I cursed silently as I thought about how I was going to address them. I’d anticipated this no doubt but I still felt some semblance of annoyance well up within me knowing that I had to deal with this.
Despite my annoyance, I knew that I had no choice. These were the burdens of a king, they were the responsibilities I had to shoulder since I had forcibly took the crown.
“Very well,” I said “inform them I will be with them shortly.”
The guard bowed again and turned around and strutted to the meeting hall to deliver my message. I sighed and changed directions, headed towards the royal kitchens. These weren't exactly royal quarters, but the head maid, a no-nonsense woman named Agatha, held a firm grip on the domestic affairs of the castle. She was the one who knew who would be best suited to look after Freda.
I reached my destination and strided into the kitchen, all activities ceased and all eyes turned to me. I scanned the bewildered faces of the maids, searching for Agatha. As if on cue, she walked out of the storeroom and froze in place when she saw me.
“Your majesty.” She said, her eyebrows rising in surprise. “What brings you here.”
“Agatha, I require a maid. Someone trustworthy who will see to the needs of…my mate.” I explained my predicament to her.
Agatha raised her brows in shock and took in a deep breath. The maids began to murmur within themselves, curious to know who had been destined to become my mate. Several of the younger maids had disappointed looks on their faces but I couldn't care less. I just needed someone I could trust.
“A…mate, your majesty?” Agatha muttered.
“I want to believe you're not deaf Agatha.” I replied with a pointed glare.
“Oh…o…of course.” She coughed.
“You..you…you and…” She barked out orders, pointing at six maids to step forward.
They scrurried forward, flashing dazzling smiles and adopting regal poses, trying to get my attention but I couldn't care less about their seductive attempts.
“These are our finest, your Majesty.” Agatha gestured at the line-up proudly.
I scanned their faces. Pretty, yes. Trustworthy? Highly unlikely. Beneath those wide smiles, I could sense burning jealousy oozing out. Definitely not a good fit.
“Thank you, Agatha.” I mumbled, already turning to scan the room. My eyes roamed around each maid's face until it landed on a figure at the far end. She caught my gaze and tried to hide behind the back of a colleague, doing everything she could to remain unseen.
“You,” I called out, pointing at her.
The young maid froze in place. The other maids turned around, staring at her with ridiculing glares, clearly not considering her a contender.
“Christie! Front and center, now!” Agatha boomed out an order.
The young woman shuffled forward, keeping her eyes glued to the floor.
“Come closer, child.” I instructed as I observed her curiously, trying to gauge the kind of person she was.
She reluctantly walked a bit closer, her eyes still glued to the floor.
She had the innocent aura around her, this timidity that was absent in most vampires. I scanned her for a few more minutes before finally making my choice.
“You, Christie, will be my mate's maid.” I declared with a firm tone
Agatha's eyes snapped her neck to my direction and the other maids had horrified looks on their faces.
“You…your majesty. I would advise you please reconsider.” Agatha said.
“Oh? And why is that?” I raised an eyebrow, curious to hear what she had to say.
“She's the most… unqualified person for the job. She's quite clumsy, you see, and prone to… mishaps. I wouldn't trust her to dust a goblet, let alone care for your…" her voice trailed off, unable to bring herself to utter the word "mate."
“I don't care. Fill her in on her duties and send her to my chambers.” I commanded. “Do I make myself clear?”
