Bound To The Goddess

The Palace Gates

Chapter 3: The Palace Gates

The wagons came at dawn.

Lithia was scrubbing the courtyard when Maren ran out in a silk dress. Her stepmother wore jewels.

"Move aside, servant," her stepmother sneered. "The King's summons is for girls of noble blood. Not filth like you."

Lithia's hands froze in the water. "But the letter said 18 to 20. All girls—"

"Quiet!" her stepmother snapped. "You're not going anywhere. Stay here and clean. Maybe the house won't burn down while we're gone."

The wagon rolled away. Maren waved from the window.

Lithia was alone.

That night she cried into her pillow. The dream came again.

"Goddess..." the voice whispered. "Why aren't you there?"

Who are you talking to? she thought.

Two days later, the guards returned. Angry.

"Report to the King," the captain said to her stepmother. "The Goddess was not among the girls."

Her stepmother paled. "What? But my daughter—"

"Silence. His Majesty is displeased."

In the black castle, Drayk slammed his fist on the throne.

"She's not there," his general said. "We tested 100 girls. Nothing."

Drayk's red eyes narrowed. The prophecy said she was 19. In a human village.

"Then we look harder," he said quietly. "Send spies. Check every house. Every servant."

He stood. "Find the servant girl, Lithia. Age 19. Bring her to me. Quietly."

"Undercover, my King?"

"Yes," Drayk said. "Before our enemies find her first."

Outside the village, Lithia was still scrubbing.

She had no idea the Vampire King was now looking for her.

And that he was coming.

To be continued...