My first experience of the cold weather and the white snow was strange to say the least.

The snow was soft and it was awfully cold. But it was a moment I never thought I would experience what with the way my life was.

My hand went to stroke the scar on the inside of my wrist and I breathed in deeply before my fingers ghosted over Lucien's Jade ring. 

I stuck my head out of the window, looking at the back of a Fae King in particular. Arion never once during our journey failed to look grand. He was every bit royal and every bit a King of a whole race.

The weather had drastically changed when we entered Casteil but now as we left the boundaries, it was getting warmer.

We were getting closer to Valeryn. And to be honest, there was a kernel of excitement wriggling inside me. Another new land to see and explore. In fact, with the temperature difference, it was only another thing added to my growing list of novel experiences.

I didn't want to accept it, but it was something almost akin to a gift.

"It's getting warmer, isn't it?" Sera beamed at me and I looked at her, nodding. I was already out of my cloak. The sun was brightly shining and it felt good. 

Warm. Like a mother's hug. But it was quickly getting hotter.

"Are you excited to see Valeryn?" 

In the course of these five days of travelling nothing exciting or dangerous aside from the encounter on the first day had taken place but Seraphima remained relentless in her efforts of talking to me. And I'd be lying if I said I wasn't slowly starting to warm up to her despite my lack of words.

"I am, actually." I admitted and she smiled, flashing her pearly teeth.

"You'll love it." She affirmed and I raised my brows. "My brother is a good King after all." The Princess added on a teasing note and I had to smile.

The bumpy ride continued but suddenly all I could see was a vast land so beautiful and alive, that it felt like I was in heaven. I sucked in a sharp breath awed how something so beautiful could exist. So much greenery. 

So much life.

Pinks and blues and reds and yellows dotted the rolling hills and the falling waterfalls were foaming like white milk where the water filled lakes and ponds sparkled like a thousand diamonds reflecting the light. The sun was smiling down upon the beauty.

And slowly.........

That land was burned to ashes. 

There was nothing but a battleground, dripping with red and weapons and bodies laying about. There was smoke and there was darkness. There were cries full of pain, there was wreckage full of hatred. There was a castle that was destroyed; ruined. There were gates that were broken. There was no phoenix rising from the ashes.

So much death.

But there were screams of such agony that I felt my heart tearing apart, as if arrows aimed right at my heart were puncturing through it as I gasped.

Finally out of the vision, I felt my heartbeat match the speed of the galloping horses.

I blinked, my chest heaving as I willed myself to calm down.

Another new vision. Why?

I bit the inside of my cheek wanting to forget the beauty and destruction that I saw. Peeking at Seraphima I saw her gave me a nonchalant smile before going back to looking outside.

That was when I was sure of one out of two things.

Seraphima wasn't fazed by my zoning out and reaction at all. As if she knew of it already. And she certainly did know more about me than I did myself.

But why and how?

The more important question to be answered, thought, was: Could she be trusted? 

•○•

We were in Valeryn.

And it was simply spectacular.

Faint laughter and songs, the thrums of instruments, shiny inventions, unfamiliar decorations - it was all of that and more. It was already past noon and we had till the evening to reach the Royal Palace but now I could feel myself smile at the sights.

We weren't going through the capital of Valeryn - Malaar. But we were weaving from the East side to enter. That was a less attracting and shorter route. Or so Seraphima told me.

We were passing through very small towns and villages but the pathways was called Berop, I learned.

When I asked the Fae Princess why no infiltrators would come through the route, her answer was of useful and new information.

"This path is never unguarded. In fact, the villages we are passing through are homes to most of the border patrol's families and they themselves. There are migrants from Casteil in these borders for they wanted opportunities in Valeryn. And as we all know, Casteil's warriors are tough due to the climatic conditions and their hardships in daily life. But all of these people have the citizenship of Valeryn. They are this Kingdom's people to be protected and they return the favor."

She added, "If any unwanted guest was to pass through these lands, the border troops would be the first challenge and each and every person of these villages would rush. It'd be a small army to face off with at least around four hundred people."

I tucked that information into my mind and proceeded to think over how well the Fae guarded their Kingdom.

In comparison to Celera, Valeryn seemed to indeed have a better infrastructure. Perhaps it's because they are all so cunning and witty.

Vampires tend to be more blood and lust driven.

I could see some people milling about and shopping by the set up sellers. The land was starting to turn green the deeper we went and I could feel myself smile.

•○•

The sight of the Royal Palace of the Fae was majestic.

I remembered how I felt when I saw the Celeran Palace.

I was so sure of a life of confinement and pain but I found something entirely different. Though an escape hadn't been on the cards, it would be a lie to say I hadn't felt my mind change when I met Lucien and Damien. Don't even mention the riddles Queen Kesla spoke of or the Alpha wolf. And then Sera and Arion were in the picture too.

But looking at the glittering palace that reminded me of glass dipped in all shades of purple and silver, I knew what my strategy would be for a better life with answers.

"It's breathtaking." I bit the inside of my cheek and Sera beamed.

"I know, right?" She looked satisfied at my reaction as the gates over the bridge opened and people continued bowing to their King leading the company.

"Though there's a Palace whose beauty is unparalleled by any." My gaze locked with the Fae Princess' only to find her almond eyes swirling intensely. "Was." She corrected. "Will again be. It's complicated." She chuckled.

Not for the first time, I felt like I should've known what she was referring to. But I didn't.

Queen Kesla's vague words about something starting made way into ky mind again.

"Things are set into motion already. Not the way it was supposed to be, accepted, but it's done."

I shook my head. I'd ponder over it later again.

I went back to seeing the Palace that spanned a huge distance. It was shimmering in the sunlight and though it looked fragile, I had no doubts that it was stronger than the glassy look it gave off.

When we all stopped and Princess Sera went out, I followed her lead.

Setting foot on the cobblestone, I glanced at who had helped the Princess down, only to find her hand encased in a bowing man's.

When he lifted his head, his eyes were lowered. With a voice deep like the ocean's, he addressed her.

"Princess Seraphima. Welcome back."

I thought she said she did not like anyone. But the way she looked at the said curly haired, bulky man, I could see something in her eyes.

"It is good to be back, Leon." Then she smiled a me, the said man let go of her hand. "This is Leon, my bodyguard."

I was tempted to raise a brow. 

A secret romance between the Princess and the Bodyguard? Not so bad....

I wondered why he hadn't accompanied her to Celera then. I politely bowed my head at the curly haired man in a show of acknowledgement. When I got a look at him, his eyes were trained on me before he curtly smiled, curved ears pointing.

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance." He was stiff, almost stone faced but that seemed necessary.

Before I could respond, I felt a presence invade my personal space. 

"How do you find Valeryn so far?" His breath was hot against my cheek and I bit the inside of my cheek, gripping the dagger, trying not to shudder.

"Good." I was being to the point. No use in being amiable. Besides, I don't feel like I would be someone who could go around making friends.

Without a reply, Arion stepped forward, smiling at his sister. His russet hair was still styled but the wind has messed it up. A strong urge to run my hands through his hair overcame me but I swallowed it.

With General Marcus, Councillor West and Minister Farrell by his side, the party that had accompanied us scattering after a well coordinated bow, I watched as they left.

The moment between the grey-eyed Arion and me was long gone and now before me stood the start of a Fae King. 

"Shall we go in then? I'd like to know all I've missed in the last three weeks." Arions's voice had my breath catching. 

Sera gave me a smile, her ocher hair curled and pretty as the heat increased. "Let's head in, Cara." 

As we walked up the stairs, I observed around. There was a meticulate precision in the establishment of the Palace. Beautiful as it was, the towers on the far ends were stone for sure. Suddenly, a voice interrupted my careful inspection and the conversation Lean and King Arion were having.

"You're back, Your Highness." 

My eyes snatched on a pink tulle gown that was fluffed out, cinched at the waist, a beautiful figure, nut-brown hair in a fancy updo. And a voice slightly breathless but holding joy.

Everyone stopped and I finally looked at her face. A smile graced her full lips and she approached Arion with a blush tainting her cheeks. "I missed you, Your Grace."

Arion's eye caught mine and a slight widening was evident. His grey eyes darkened like he was just remembering this woman in front of him had existed. Those breathtaking eyes was telling me that I'd been the only woman on his mind. It made butterflies flutter in my stomach but not for long.

I felt vexed at the way she spoke, the way she walked towards him, the way she looked at him like he was her world. That's when I also noticed the underlying greed in her green eyes and the fake coat of her every breathless word.

"Lady Katherine." 

Arion and Seraphima addressed her at the same time. The stoic expression on Arion's face made me wonder how he could have the playboy's reputation with such a face for such a beauty - not that I'm complaining. If anything his stiff posture made me feel at ease.

The way Princess Sera called her though.....it was obvious she held dislike for the fake court woman. I never thought Sera of all people could ever dislike anyone or talk in a tone that was laced with nothing but disgust for anyone - no matter how good or bad - in the short amount of time I've gotten to know the kind Fae Royal. But apparently, this Katherine female brings out a different side of our sweet Princess.

I resorted to silently watching.

Lady Katherine didn't respond to Sera but bowed, holding her pink gown upwards, deeply in front of Arion as he sighed. General Mark looked on as though it was a bit amusing while Councillor West rubbed his temples. Minister Ferrell simply took his leave muttering 'I'll see you all later.'

"I hope you fared well during this time." Arion spoke, a small curl to his lips that made me want to wipe it off his face.

Katherine tucked a stray hair strand behind her hair, looking down. "I managed. But I'm happy to have you back." She smiled almost shyly.

Leon closed his eyes besides us and I wondered how his stoic face managed that. When he opened his eyes, he looked at Sera. I followed his gaze and saw her barely containing a snarl. Her lips were pulled down, disgust evident on her face under the pretense.

"You really do not know when to give up, do you?" The Fae Princess' voice cut the thick tension.

Only to add more tension.

I bit the inside of my cheek as the thought of Arion with some woman - especially her - made me want to use my dagger for different purposes.

So strange.

Katherine glanced at Sera, her fake smile slipping a bit and she then coming back as she flashed her shining teeth. "Your Highness, you wouldn't know how it feels to miss someone you love. So kindly do not interfere in our conversations."

Love?

I almost gagged and had to gulp while Sera's eyebrow twitched. Yet Arion only looked away. But not like he was leading her on and wouldn't deny what she was claiming. No, more like he couldn't bear to waste one more moment on her.

His stormy grey eyes flashed to mine just for a brief moment. As if to convince me that what this woman was saying was utter crap. I don't know why he felt the need to make it clear, but then I couldn't express the relieved clenching of my heart at the sincere reassurance either.

"I'm sure, Katherine." Seraphima was gritting her teeth subtly and then tossed her soft hair behind her shoulder, proceeding to moving on and up the stairs, disregarding her presence entirely and showing that she was not worth even the title of a 'Lady'.

I rather liked how Sera waved her off because when Katherine's eyes fell on me as I followed my Princess up the stairs, her face scrunched in a snarl, nostrils flaring slightly.

Everyone had started moving up and nearing the entrance gates of the Palace, Katherine left behind.

Until she decided to comment of the very new addition, that is: Me.

She fell in stride with us, an overwhelming scent of perfume embracing us and Leon even cleared his throat in discomfort. I resorted to breathing through my nose.

Overuse of perfume becomes overbearing, Lady Katherine.

"Why have you brought a worthless human slave with you?" She snickered. I inwardly sighed and pulled the tunic hem a bit lower in discomfort at the attention she was bringing upon me.

Her question, though, was met with utter silence at first except for the clicking of boots and heels as we walked on.

I was naturally curious about who she was and I was positive I would soon know, but for now I was getting the gist of it.

Slowly, a voice sending shivers down my spine drawled, "I thought I'd made it clear that the word 'slave' isn't mentioned in this Palace." His eyes burned into Katherine's and she put a hand on her chest, gulping. However, I was glad that Arion hadn't personally picked me out or mentioned my name but simply reprimanded Katherine in an aloof manner, his statement directed at each slave. Otherwise it might've brought me bad attention from the woman who claimed to love the person that who brought me out of the clutches of vampires.

Before Katherine could defend herself, Princess Seraphima spoke, rather coldly might I add. "And Cara is my personal Handmaiden so I'd appreciate if she is treated with the respect she's due."

I kept my eyes lowered, head bowed, hands folded.

Katherine swallowed, her jaw tightening. "I see. I apologize, King Arion."

I realized I liked seeing her being reprimanded, especially by Arion. For I'm sure Sera wouldn't dislike a person without any reason. And slowly I was beginning to see why.

It was not because Katherine was after her brother but rather the way she carried herself with a snobbish air and no regard for others. Fake smiles disguised as real and beauty to cover greed were evident to sharper, observant eyes.

General Mark humorously chuckled and I observed the silver haired man shaking his head at his King who gave him narrowed eyes. This only brought on a tinge of red to Lady Katherine's cheeks and she bowed.

"I shall see you later at the table, Your Highness."

When her eyes briefly flitted to mine, I knew despite the way Arion and Sera had spoken of me, Katherine already disliked me for the fact that her comment on me got her humiliated in front of such important peers.

So of course, I was more than glad to see her go.

"Well, My King, that was long overdue. Though I'm sure you've hardly seen the last of her." Councillor West sighed, his eyes flickering to Arion who entered the doors of the glass Palace, not replying.

I fully agree.

As I crossed over the threshold of the Valeryn palace, something inside me flickered to life. My heart skipped a beat and I knew.

I knew staying in this Palace would be just like Celera.

Mysteries waiting to be unraveled by me rested in this place that called out to me. I was now affirmative that after my stay in the Celeran Palace, it had grown on me in a twisted way. But the Fae Palace had rooms urging me to explore them.

Sera walked besides her brother, meaning I was just a few steps behind, taking in the surroundings so new to me.

My eyes stopped on the King's strong back and he tilted his head a bit.

His stormy grey orbs locked with my jade green ones and it was clear as day to me he agreed.

We'd been silently communicating, just with our eyes and it made my connection to him stronger. 

Arion spoke low enough, barely moving his lip but I heard him. Like he could sense the shift in the atmosphere of the Palace when I entered.

His words made me gulp, my heart beating faster. "You're going to change everything, aren't you?"

I saw Sera smile from the corner of eyes, her red lip lifted mysteriously as she chuckled and Leon's intense gaze made me hyper aware that they were once more leaving us in the dark.

With a smirk that painted my cheeks in red, Arion looked back ahead.

But was I truly going to change anything?

Well, for one I was no longer a slave.

Let's forget escaping. Let's climb the social hierarchy from now on.

•○•

AN~

Okay. So we have two new characters introduced - Leon and Katherine. Any thoughts? Lol and there was much more mentioned in this chapter.

Any favourite parts you truly enjoyed, do let me know!

So what do you think will her new life as a Handmaiden in this Fae Palace with the mysterious people be like? Interested in knowing just how much more things can get complicated?

I sure hope you had fun reading the chapter and don't forget to vote and comment! Thanks!

Hey guys! I'm so sorry for this excessively late (but very long) update! I've just been super busy and will be till at least May. But then I can focus more on My book because I sure as hell will not leave it incomplete haha.

So sorry. And as you might have figured, I update once in two weeks but this was slightly altered this time. Bear with me!

But on the bright side.....

We hit 2.1K votes today and I'm just so so overjoyed! We're also nearing 10K views which is just whoa! Thank you so so so much for your continued support, dear readers! Each vote and each comment makes my day so thank you! So many new readers and voters have been gathering and people are adding my book to their libraries, it lights up my day!

And to all my silent readers, again, please do vote on all the parts you read lol. Alright then, till next time!

~Skyler