True to Maddie's words, feeders were assigned their own special rooms, Bella thought as she looked around at the space that Lady Vivian had said would only be hers "for a while" before walking away. Boxes she'd brought from her kingdom lay scattered around. The room wasn't as big as the one she stayed in on the ship, but it was cozy and had everything she needed.
While Bella was busy looking around, trying to distract her mind from thinking about the process she would soon undergo to become a feeder, the door suddenly swung open with a loud bang. She froze.
Standing at the entrance was a beautiful red-haired human girl, glaring at her as though Bella had stolen something precious from her.
"Hm," the girl scoffed. "Arya was right—you're quite a good-looking one." Her tone made it clear she wasn't complimenting Bella at all. Bella's instincts—sharpened from years of being bullied—told her immediately that this girl would likely become a problem. Best to show she wasn't an easy target.
"Thanks for the compliment," Bella replied politely, just enough to irritate her further. "Who are you? Last I checked, this is my room, not the intruder's."
"I didn't know there was a culture here where people pop out of nowhere, barge into rooms, and then start complimenting the hostess," she added sarcastically.
The red-haired girl laughed loudly, as though Bella had just told a joke.
"You know, Arya misjudged you," she said. "She said you looked innocent and probably stupid. But it seems there's a little fire in you after all. Let me warn you—if I want, I can make you disappear without a trace."
Bella blinked at that. Why would a human be able to threaten her so confidently? Even Lady Vivian had barely acknowledged her despite her obvious dislike. Then it clicked—this girl was likely a feeder too… probably a favored one.
"You're his mistress," Bella blurted.
"Oh, seems you are quite smart," the redhead said with a wicked glint in her eyes. "Beautiful, graceful… a hidden little fierceness… a sharp tongue… and—mm—innocence." She circled Bella slowly, scrutinizing her. "And let me guess, playing a hard fish to catch."
Bella's heart skipped, but she forced herself to stand firm. What did this girl even want from her?
"I don't plan on being his mistress," Bella said.
"That's another way to draw his attention," the girl replied smoothly. "Damien gets bored easily. He's always looking for entertainment—something new, beautiful, interesting, and challenging. He likes to make things bend to his will. The more something despises him, the more he wants it. And when he gets it… he breaks it."
"You don't have to worry about me snatching your position," Bella shot back. "And even if I do, I'd make sure not to end up bitter like you."
"Oh, little fawn," the redhead laughed, mocking her. Her laughter alone annoyed the usually calm Bella. "I'm someone who goes to his bed regularly ever since I became a woman," she whispered seductively. "Your presence doesn't cause even a ripple on my calm stream."
"Then why do you sound threatened?" Bella challenged.
The red-haired girl scoffed, pursing her red lips. "I hate when his attention is divided, even for a little while. I'd advise you not to make yourself my enemy. We humans know how fragile our lives are." She walked toward the door, then paused. "And one more thing—I don't consider you a threat. Not yet. If you survive Vivian's schemes… maybe I will."
She left.
Bella collapsed onto the ground, exhausted. Her arrival alone had dragged her into palace politics. Damien!! She gritted her teeth. That man—his mere presence had caused so much trouble in her life already. Such a promiscuous man, she thought. A mistress while being betrothed… poor Lady Vivian.
But then she remembered—didn't the redhead mention Vivian's "schemes"?
Should she be worried for her life?
"Hahhh…" Bella groaned, kicking her legs in frustration.
"Bella, are you okay?" Maddie burst in, rushing to her. Bella quickly sat up straight.
"Are you okay?" Maddie repeated, touching her forehead with concern. Something in the gesture reminded Bella of Lumi.
"I'm fine, just… tired, that's all."
"I know a new environment can be strange and scary," Maddie said gently. "But don't worry—you'll get used to it."
"But what if it consumes me?" Bella muttered, falling back onto the ground again.
Maddie immediately helped her sit up. "Hey, it's not that bad, trust me. Well… except missing your parents, and maybe a few threats here and there. But what's life without challenges, right?"
"Thanks, Maddie. You're right. Life and challenges go hand in hand. So tell me about the red-haired bitch who goes around giving people friendly threats."
Maddie blinked, surprised by Bella's choice of words, then burst out laughing.
"I never expected you to say that! But if the red hair you're talking about is the infamous Miss Joline, then you're absolutely right for calling her a bitch."
"Miss Joline? Who is she? Tell me about her," Bella asked.
"She's the king's mistress—his longest-time blood feeder and probably his favorite. She must be under his protection. None of the king's other feeders have survived that long."
"So she's… favored?" Bella said, dread filling her voice.
"Not just favored—she's special," Maddie said. "Their relationship is strange. She's human, and he's a pureblood vampire… plus he's betrothed to Lady Vivian, who also lives in the castle."
"Yes, I met her."
"Well, seems you've met most of your rivals already," Maddie joked.
"Eww, I don't plan on being his mistress," Bella said with disgust.
"Exactly! You should aim higher—maybe his legal wife. The king is good-looking after all."
"Not everything that glitters is gold. I'd never take a seat in his harem."
"Speaking of Miss Joline—even Lady Vivian treads carefully around her. People who offend her tend to… disappear."
"Okay…" Bella muttered, mentally reviewing if she'd offended her during their earlier confrontation.
"Tell me about the process to become the king's blood feeder."
"Oh, that's easy—or so I've heard. They take you to the royal clinic. Your blood is drawn and tested. If it meets the three criteria—pure, clean, and delicious—you pass."
"That's it?" Bella asked, shocked.
"Yes, that's all! I heard it from people who went for testing."
"What if my blood fails? I heard His Majesty told Lady Vivian to dispose of me."
"He WHAT?!" Maddie shrieked. "Then we just have to hope you pass the test!"