All Kings favorite Human

The Mermaid kingdom

AGATHA'S POV

The carriages roll smoothly over the cobblestone path, and I watch as the rugged coastline disappears behind us.

We have just gotten off the huge ship that brought us to this island and climbed into these royal carriages, which are taking us to the palace. My stepsisters are in the front carriage with King Atticus, leading the way, while I sit alone in the second carriage, with his crew riding in the others.

After several more minutes of traveling, a massive barrier stands ahead of the long procession, bringing both the road and the land into an abrupt end. I peer outside and the wall extends as far as the eye can see and it's height is greater than the tallest trees. What looks like watch towers soar almost at the highs of the clouds.

The sound of a trumpet blast comes from the top of one of the watch towers behind the towering wall and Immediately a particular part of the wall at the base rumbles with sounds of moving bricks, the smaller slabs pull in while others rearrange automatically, creating a grand passageway that resembles a tunnel.

The carriages go through the dim tunnel and we emerge out of the other end facing a city so opulent that one would mistake it for the home of gods.

The tall buildings are constructed with gleaming stones and their walls adorned with priceless crystals. Lush, wet gardens grow in the massive spaces between the buildings and clear water flow in them.

There are a few city residents visible not like in human cities where it looks like a beehive. Some curious mermaid children gather on the sides of the paved highways watching the procession. If this is the city, what of the palace?

It doesn’t take long to find out. The horses start to slow down and a very huge, white majestic castle comes into view several metres ahead. The massive iron gates open as soon as the first carriage gets close.

They reveal an incredibly imposing imperial palace, adorned with intricate architectural details.

The convoy halts at the Palace courtyard, and a procession of servants and several officials dressed in divas come to stand in front of the big entrance, ready to receive their king.They bow their heads in respect as King Atticus steps down from his carriage. He turns and gently assists Aileen and Penelope out, his affection for them evident in his tender gestures.

I exit my carriage too, feeling a bit out of place.

"Welcome back, your majesty. It's wonderful to have you back," the lead official says stepping forward alongside two others to meet their king.

"Thank you, Lahore." King Atticus replies. "These are my beloved brides." He says as he motions for Aileen and Penelope to step forward and join him.

He introduces each, and they receive compliments on their beauty and stunning looks before shaking hands with the officials who welcome them warmly.

They all ignore me until one of the three officials asks who the third guest is and the attention of the rest shift to me.

"She's my bride's human servant." Atticus replies, a hint of annoyance in his tone.

The officials nod, but Lahore leans closer to king Atticus, concern etched on his face. “Does she have a disease we should worry about, Your Majesty?” he asks, his eyes scrutinizing me from head to toe.

He thinks I have a disease!

King Atticus frowns, clearly displeased by the question. "I hope not, take her to Malgath. She will know what to do with her,” he orders dismissively and Lahore motions to one of the servant who steps forward. "Come with me," she says and gestures for me to follow.

She leads me away from the palace courtyard and along a narrow path leading behind the big palace.

I glance back just in time to see King Atticus ushering my stepsisters inside the imperial palace, his arm around each of them. A wave of envy washes over me, but I quickly suppress it. That bastard doesn't deserve any of the pain I feel.

Ahead, a smaller building comes into view several metres away and the servant leads our way down a path between vibrant flower gardens, heading towards the golden doors of the small building. The two soldiers on guard open the doors and we go through.

"Who is Malgath?" I ask the servant who is walking fast ahead of me.

"She's the head of all servants and keeps the behavior of everyone in this palace in check," the servant replies over her shoulder.

We enter a hallway and she leads me to a room on the right. Peering in over her shoulder, I see it's a large room with five round tables, all occupied by old and Young servants in uniform.

A tall, stern woman stands at the front. The servant knocks on the doorframe and steps inside the arched opening, I follow. The lady standing notices us and frowns.

"Can I help you?" she asks in a sharp authoritative tone.

I watch all the Servants in the room turn to face us. I hate attention and do whatever I can to draw little to myself. Even though it seems it will be hard around here because of my distinctive features.

"This one has been instructed to report to you for further instructions," the servant says respectfully, gesturing toward me. "She’s our king's bride’s servant."

I don't like the once-over that lady margarth shoots me. Her stern gaze alone makes me want to run.

"A human servant?" she asks, her voice dripping with disdain.

"This is not the human kingdom, so you’ll do as I say," she continues, glancing at me. "I’m assigning you to Lilith here. She’s been working here for quite a while. She’ll get you a uniform, explain the rules, and show you around so you can start working right away."

I nod and smile over at the now standing Lirith. She smiles back. She has red hair and a plump figure, and she seems far more approachable than the others.

"Follow me," Lirith says, turning to leave the room. I do as instructed and don't make eye contact with any of the others in the room.

She leads the way down an ornate hallway, and past several doors before she speaks

"What's your name?"

"Agatha," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Welcome to our kingdom, Agatha." She pauses and tilts her head slightly to look back at me. "You have rather unusual features for a human."

I immediately tense, expecting the usual judgmental and degrading comments to follow but instead she adds, "Your hair and eyes are absolutely stunning!"

I blink in surprise, a genuine smile spreading across my face. No one has ever complimented my looks before except for king Atticus, of which I can bet my soul he didn't mean it. Lirith seems like a sweet person, someone I can handle. Should I ask her to be my friend? How desperate will it sound? Maybe I can go round and round until she gets the hint.

"How long have you worked here?” I ask as we stop in front of a massive door. Lilith pulls it open, revealing a room filled with shelves stacked with uniforms from floor to ceiling.

“A few moons,” she replies, grabbing a measuring tape from one of the shelves.

She begins taking my measurements as she continues to speak. " Unlike the Humans our kingdom is structured by a very strict hierarchy. At the very top are the royals, then the sirens who protect us, followed by the traders. We servants are at the very bottom."

My eyes widen. “So we just serve everyone else?” Someone please take me back to my fellow humans.

“Exactly!” Lilith nods. “But don’t worry, it’s not all bad.” Her reassuring smile eases my anxiety.

“Try these on,” she says, handing me three pairs of uniforms. I take them and walk to the only table in the room, setting them down as I slip out of my dress.

Something catches my eye. A parchment tacked up high on the wall.

“What’s that?” I ask curiously.

“Oh, that’s the list of regulations you’ll need to follow as a servant. I was going to show it to you after you’re dressed,” she explains.

I step closer to the wall, squinting at the faded text. It’s old, and most of it is barely legible.

“Let me read it for you,” Lilith offers, stepping forward to pull the parchment down.

"You're to obey these rules to the letter. Fail to do so and I can assure you that termination will be the least of your worries," she warns and a chill runs down my spine. That sounds like a threat.

“Don’t worry, though. When I first started working, I felt just as lost as you probably do now. It gets easier, I promise,” she adds, her beautiful smile softening the warning.

“I’m fine with rules,” I reply, trying to sound more confident than I feel.

"Very good," she responds with a grin. “Rule number one: You shall not approach any Royals unless directed to do so.” She pauses, watching my reaction. I nod, relieved. Keeping my distance from the Royals sounds easy enough. I have no desire to be near them, expecially my stepsisters and my mate.

“Rule number two: Any attempts at flattery, insult or assault on a royals will result in severe punishment.” I nod again, feeling a sense of relief. This is easy, flirting with them is the last thing on my mind. Lirith has made it clear that they are far above us, and most of them are likely entitled and rude bastards just like their king.

“Rule number three: You must obey all orders from the Royals and those of higher ranks without question.” I nod my head once more. It is the duty of a servant to obey their masters orders.

Lirith sets the parchment down on the table. “The rest of the regulations are posted in the servant quarters. You’ll want to check them out when you have a moment.”

“Got it,” I say.

"You better remember those three rules most, because breaking them will have severe consequences," she informs in a warning tone, motioning for me to go ahead and put on the uniform.

I nod, slips off my dress and puts on the simple white shirt and brown skirt dress.

I smooth my hands over the rough fabric. "How do I look?" I ask, glancing up at Lilith.

She gives me an encouraging smile. "Like one of us."

I'm not sure if that's a compliment, but I'll take it. At least I don't look completely out of place.

"Now, let's get you to the servant quarters so that I can show you around the palace," Lilith says, leading me out of the uniform room and down another hallway.