NO ONE WANTS THEIR HEAD ON A PIKE

The pain in my body lessened as soon as I applied the salve Anya gave me. It worked faster which made me suspect that it was magic. I didn't believe that they had given the salve from the goodness of their heart, it was so because they do not want anyone knowing about what I do. Anya had warned me more like threatened me to keep my mouth shut about what had happened or else she was going to be draining my blood and that of my family, then afterwards I was kicked out.

I applied the salve to my aching parts and then I went back to the servant quarters where most of the servants were already asleep which was the only good thing that seemed to have happened to me ever since I got here. Heading over to my bed, I laid down to catch some sleep because dawn was fast approaching.

The next morning, I woke up feeling better than I did last night. After cleaning up, I went about my chores which seemed to have lessened because I was now part of the maids who took care of the king and the prince. Even Katrina was surprised about my turnout and I couldn't tell if she was happy or pleased with my promotion.

The other maids didn't bother to hide their disgust at me. The other maids whispered and glared at me, their jealousy and disgust palpable. I could sense their resentment but I paid it no mind. I had no desire for the attention or favor of the king. His presence still made me uneasy despite the relative privilege of being in his service.

I carried out my duties with efficiency and discretion not letting what the other maids said get to me. I took care of the rooms, making sure both the king's rooms and chambers were clean and their clothes were pressed. I did everything while trying very hard to focus and not think about what was going to happen tonight.

The training I had with the prince tonight was what was all on my mind. I had no idea what I was training for, they wouldn't say but I suspect it had something to do with the ruby and the rune markings that was on my wrist.

I stared down at my wrist, wishing I had an idea of what it means or what it means to Corion and his friends. If I can figure that out, then I can figure out a way to get it off me and maybe hopefully, the prince will have mercy and let me go?

Hard pass that one! There's not an ounce of kindness in his heart! I thought to myself as I still remembered the way he sat still, watching Anya beat me knowing fully well that it wasn't a fair fight, fucking sadistic bastard! I seethed quietly as I made my way to the kitchen to prepare his food and maybe I will spit inside if it, that what he deserves after last night anyway!

Feeling slightly better with my little revenge plan, I moved through the halls of the castle. The clatter of dishes and the murmurs of the courtiers provide a comforting backdrop to my thoughts. But as I made my way back to the kitchen, a sound caught my attention.

Turning a corner, I saw a girl struggling with one of the guards. Her face was contorted with fear, her eyes wide with panic. It was clear she was in trouble and it's not my business. I've got two hungry royals to attend to and I should check on the progress with the cooks, so it's not my business!

Walk away! Walk away! Walk away! I told myself and it was what I intend to do when I heard a whimper from the girl. I turned only to see the guard gripping her wrist as he yanked her towards him. Oh blessed oracle! I groaned inwardly before my legs started walking in their direction.

"You know when a woman says no, it means no!" I drawled out causing two pairs of eyes to land on me, "Unless of course, you do not speak the language then I'll be happy to translate in whatever language you speak."

The guard raised two bushy brows at me. "And who are you?"

"Ah, so we do speak the same language, I'm glad." I said with a relief smile, "Who I am, isn't important to you. What's important is you should let her go, she's not interested in whatever you are offering!"

Bushy brows eyed me, looking at me before deeming that I wasn't much of a threat. "You should mind your business, you filthy human!" He said fixing me with a hard glare turning to look back at the girl whose face was still etched with fear.

With a wary sigh, I walked forward grabbed the guard's hand that was holding the girl, and pulled it off her. Bushy brows eyes widened as he stared at me, "How dare you lay hands on me you filthy hu…" His words fell a grunt because I twisted his wrist to the side eliciting a small yelp from him as I shoved him away.

"You okay?" I asked turning to look at the girl who still looked frightened.

I was about to check her for injury when I suddenly heard a growl. I turned only to see two glowing amber eyes glaring at me, well shit! I thought to myself as I seemed to have temporarily forgotten what I was dealing with here.

Instinctively, I pushed the girl behind me. Not sure what I could do since the girl was a werewolf and she could hold her own if she wasn't so scared, but I decided to protect her still. I geared myself for a fight just as soon as the werewolf glared at me, removing his claws.

"You are so dead!" The werewolf made a promising threat just as he was about to lung at me but luckily we got saved.

"And what exactly is going on here?" She asked fixing us all with a sharp stare.

Bushy brows immediately calmed himself down, and the girl behind me, relaxed a shoulder, understanding now that we were both safe. Bush brows gave me a look before turning to look at Katrina who was still glaring at him.

"Nothing, nothing at all!" He said before he walked away but not before giving me a look that said this was far from over.

"And why are you both still standing there?" Katrina asked, "How about you start moving before the king decides whose head will look good on the pikes next!" Well, that was enough to get me moving and to sober up because let's face it, no one wants their head on a pike!