Fated To Rise

Chapter 3

My heart didn't stop hitting hard with questions that I couldn't provide answers to.

I was interrupted by another knock. Fear cropped me, leaving me wondering who it could be.

Getting to the door, it was another maid. “You are assigned to clear the hall. Be quick with that” she snapped and walked away even before I could open my mouth to speak.

Anger swept through me, I wanted to call her back but slowly I pulled my hand down.

Without any delay, I walked down to clean the grand hall.

Even as I scrub the grand marble floors of the palace, I feel the maid's eyes on me. She was watching. Waiting. Plotting.

"She won't last a week," I heard someone murmuring as I passed.

I keep my head down, pretending not to hear what she said, but the words carve into my skin like daggers. I know I'm not welcome here. Not by the maids, not by the warriors, and certainly not by the former lovers of Killian Wolfe. And not by Killian himself.

And yet, I have no choice. Survival demands I play this game carefully and well. One misstep and I’ll disappear, just like the girl before me. And my unborn child would be gone too.

Madam Yvette has made it clear to me—I owe her my life. But debts in this palace are deadly. And Killian... Killian is watching me far too closely. Any misstep he would use it against me

“You missed a spot.”

I freeze hearing that voice, my grip tightened around the cloth as his voice sends a shiver down my spine.

Killian is standing over me, with his piercing golden eyes gleaming with something unreadable. I swallow my gut.

Quickly I wipe the marble again, my heart pounding heavily. “I’ll clean it.” I murmured, my eyes blinking multiple times.

He kneels suddenly, so close that I can feel his heat. “You're a trembling little one.”

I hate that he’s right. I force myself to stay still, to meet his gaze and to breathe properly.

“Only fools aren’t afraid of you.” I murmured.

He smirks and flashed a smile across his face. “Smart girl.”

Then, as quickly as he appeared, he’s gone. I exhaled heavily. Clearing off the sweat that had built up on my forehead.

I turned to see the maids, standing over there and their eyes glancing at me.

The damage is done already —everyone saw our interaction. And now, they see me as a threat.

That night after scrubbing the floor, I returned to my tiny chamber, exhausted, and weighed down my hands. But before I could collapse onto the straw mattress, the door swung open again.

Three women step inside. I recognized them all. They are former mistresses of Killian.

Studying their faces, I saw the smiles are sweet, but their eyes are deadly.

Sitting up on the mattress, my mind was racing with questions.

“We brought you something,” one of them spoke up, holding out a cup.

The scent of warm tea fills the room.

My stomach tightens, and my mind races with questions.

Why are they offering me tea? I am just a personal maid. Something is fishy about the offer.

I stare at the drink for a while, then at their expectant faces. If I refuse, they’ll see it as an insult. If I drink…

Instead, I take the cup and let it slip through my fingers while my eyes are stuck to theirs. I didn't want to believe they just offered it to me.

Then I came up with a plan…

Holding the cup with my fists slightly, the cup fell and crashed onto the floor, tea spilling everywhere.

The woman in the center stiffens with anger written over her face. “Clumsy, aren’t you?” she yelled.

I meet her gaze, with a cold voice. “My hands must have been shaking.”

They were all furious and challenged me.

Only one she accepts with a slow, wicked smile on her face.

“This isn’t over. Just watch your back.”

She turns, leading the others out. I lock the door behind them, pressing my back against the wood as my heart pounds. Why would she offer me tea and yet be aggressive if it poured away if it wasn't suspicious.

It’s only just begun. If that is what it takes for me to protect myself here, I will do more.

The next day, I’m called to Killian’s chamber.

The guards push open the heavy doors, revealing the grand room. My heart was beating fast, sweats rising over my body. I was scared and filled with many questions in my mind. What if they reported me to him last night?

Getting to the room, Killian stands by the window, his hands clasped behind his back. He doesn’t turn as I enter.

“Why did you come here?” he finally asks.

I swallow hard, filled with confusion, he sent for me and now he is asking why I am here. “I didn’t come here by choice.” I tried saying but he cut me short.

He chuckles, with a low and dark voice. “No. But now that you’re here… what will you do to survive? Do you know the rules?” he asked.

I clench my fists, my heart is beating heavily. “Whatever it takes.” I responded. I have learnt to be bold when around him.

He turns then, his gaze burning into me as he stares into my eyes. “Good. Because you’ll need that resolve.”

He steps closer, raising my chin up with a single finger. “But tell me, Serena… what are you hiding?” he asked.

My blood runs cold, I wanted to snap his finger off my chin. I wanted to walk away. But none could do it.

Killian isn't someone to message around with. The question reels in my head. Staring at his eyes. He was monitoring whatever my facial expression does.

“I should ask why you choose to make me your personal assistant maid”

He only smirked, moving his left hand across my waist.

I took some steps backward. Shaking my head.

“Protecting you” he murmured.

What does he mean by protecting me?