From Slave To Queen (Athena and Michael) novel Chapter 9

Chapter 9

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I nod as I watch them move. The younger one has coppery hair; she reminds me of Abigail’s curls. A feeling of closeness forms in my chest. She takes out a long white dress, as sheer as the one I’m wearing. The older one approaches me with hesitant steps and gestures to begin undressing me.

“It’s okay, ma’am, I can do it myself.”

“Oh, miss, don’t call me ma’am.” She tries to undo the knot of the dress at my neck. “And don’t

The garment falls and pools at my feet. I step aside, and then the younger one crouches to remove

“May I know your names?”

“Our names aren’t important,” says the younger one.

“I insist. I’d like to know who I’m dealing with.” I hesitate a moment. “Besides, you’re human.”

“We are.” They nod. “I’m Naida and she’s Clarissa.”

“Elara,” I reply.

this is

my shoes.

our job.”

We know.” Clarissa places her hands on my head. “The whole castle whispers about you and the six hundred rubies

your hair–loose or tied up?”

“Loose.”

Cost. How

would you

like

The woman nods and begins to undo the crown of braids that rested on my head. Meanwhile, Naida slides the dress over my body. It leaves shoulders bare, and the sleeves cling halfway down my arms before falling in a cascade. She wraps a jeweled belt around

my

Wais

“Aren’t these dresses a bit too much?”

“The master likes you to wear them.” A coppery lock falls over her forehead and she tries to blow it away. “He wouldn’t let someone saw you in rags, it’d be a disgrace.”

you

dress

poor

If

she leads me

I feel my hair tickle my back as the last of the braids is undone. Clarissa massages my scalp, and when she sees I’m fully dressed again th

to the vanity stool. I look at my reflection–I look flawless. Those vampire women did a good job trying to hide my deplorable appearance. Four days of illness don’t leave you with the best skin or undereye circles in great shape.

One of them brushes my hair while the other retouches my face powder and applies red lipstick with soft dabs on my lips.

N

“You said the whole castle whispers about me—isn’t this normal for you? I’ve heard that Master Cassian changes bloodmaids quite frequently.

They exchange a meaningful look.

“He’s never paid that much for anyone, considering how fast they wither.” It’s Clarissa who speaks while her fingers work to gather some strands and clear my face. To be bought for that amount, and by a Pure no less…”

of

my

Of course, it’s obvious he must be a Pure. A Diluted one would never have so many privileges or riches. Pures are those who are born as they are, obviously from the union of two other Pures. On the other hand, there are two ways to get a Diluted one. The first is if a vampire and a human have a child–something that rarely happens since it’s considered a disgrace to the race. The other is when a vampire turns a human, which sadly happens often.

I don’t know many differences, just the most important ones. A Diluted can never walk in sunlight unless they want to turn to dust. That’s why Pures are so dangerous–you can find them anywhere, at any time. A Diluted can be killed with a white oak stake blessed with holy water. Yes, that water that’s becoming scarce since no one blesses it anymore. A Pure? No. Among them, two factions have formed that are usually bitter enemies. I’ve heard that sometimes, when we feel the earth shake, it has nothing to do with Mother Nature–it’s them, fighting each other.

“I don’t feel honored,” I spit. “I didn’t want this–no one does. It doesn’t matter who buys me or for how much, I still feel miserable.”

“Of course.” She corrects herself immediately. “I didn’t mean to offend. I understand no one would choose this fate.”

Naida looks at her companion disapprovingly.

“Is the entire staff human?” I ask in an attempt to ease the tension.

They nod silently.

“I thought they’d be of his kind.”

Silence follows, and then they burst into laughter, which they quickly suppress, looking around to see if anyone else witnessed their outburst.

“Miss, the things you say The younger one crouches and adjusts my neckline. I look at her strangely. “Vampires think our work is far too low for them. They would never work with their hands. The only task they consider worthy enough to do themselves is security.”

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12:18 PM

Chapter 9

That makes me feel more contempt for them. My parents are humble people who work to keep three children fed, and knowing they think that’s something disgraceful boils my blood.

“And how did you end up working for him?”

They share a knowing glance.

“I asked him for the job–or rather, I asked his right hand,” Clarissa answers. “At first the master was reluctant to have human employees, but he eventually accepted. After all, we make his life easier. We do what they don’t want to do with their hands, things that aren’t worth their unlimited time. Back then, my mother was very ill and I needed the money to buy medicine. When she died nearly ten years ago, with no children or husband waiting for me, I saw no reason to leave this place.”

Naida clears her throat, trying to dissipate the melancholy that’s wrapped around the three of us.

“Drystan brought me here. He found me in an alley after some drunk men beat me and stole everything

I cover my mouth with my hand.

“God, that’s awful, Naida…”

“Don’t mention God–he hasn’t listened to us in a long time.”

I had-

-even my clothes.”

struggle

We fall silent, as if that last sentence was a blow to the head. They continue working on my appearance with such diligence that I str recognize myself each time my eyes briefly meet my reflection.

“You’re ready now.”

to

Ysternum

They encourage me to stand, move the stool away, and I gently touch the fabric of the dress. The V–shaped neckline plunges down and stops at my waist, where the stones on the belt shine. I’ve never looked so beautiful and elegant before. I smile at my reflection and quickly wipe it away when the feeling of hypocrisy overwhelms me.

“One last thing.”

Their hands approach me, one working on my neck, the other on my ears. When they step back, a ruby necklace rests on matching earrings.

“Rubies for the ruby queen,” Clarissa jokes.

my collarbo with

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They vanish quickly the same way they came, offering a small curtsy before leaving. The door remains open, and one of the famous guards appears -the ones who will now be responsible for watching over my safety… or for keeping me in place, without any chance of escape.

I take a deep breath and leave the room, passing by the guard. I don’t need to look closely–one small movement is enough to tell he isn’t human. If the bloodmaids‘ security were left to humans, it would only be a matter of time before one sympathized and helped you escape. I walk down the hallway following his steps, and soon another joins us. They flank me on either side. We descend the grand staircase, and I see the candle flames flicker in the enormous rustic chandelier, where crystals fall like drops–so shiny I wouldn’t be surprised if they were diamonds.

I take my final steps toward the dining hall where I’m expected for dinner, heart pounding. I feel it in my throat, threatening to fall to my feet if I dare part my lips. One of the guards opens the door for me and waits. I hesitate for a few seconds, and the sound of a shrill giggle is what pushes me forward.

The door closes behind me and the scene leaves me stunned, frozen in place. A golden–skinned woman with a dazzling smile is sitting on Cassian’s lap. He looks at her with what might be a smile, although to me it looks more like the sneer the devil gives before consuming your soul.

The girl doesn’t stop letting out flirtatious giggles as she shifts on his lap. Cassian caresses the bare skin her violet dress leaves exposed and looks at her with half–lidded eyes. Honestly, I think he’s paying more attention to the vein in her neck.

I clear my throat to catch his attention and end this awkward moment.

“Elara.” My name slips from his lips so slowly it seems like he’s savoring every syllable. “Join us. I was starting to miss my new toy.”

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