The cold morning breeze blew gently, pushing the huge ship forward. The sky above was bright and clear, slowly shifting toward noon. Bella stepped out of the cabin, her eyes wandering curiously as she walked toward the deck. The sailors' eyes followed her—some filled with admiration, others with curiosity. Their stares made her uneasy, and she clutched her dress nervously as she moved toward one of the maids she recognized from the bathroom earlier.
"Hey," Bella greeted softly.
The maid turned. Her eyes were a pale red. The realization struck Bella,she was a vampire. Why would a vampire be a servant? she wondered.
The maid's expression turned cold. She scoffed quietly.
"Just because you're the king's blood feeder doesn't mean you can approach us, human," she hissed before walking away.
Bella stood frozen. So… her status was that low? The nearby sailors stared, making her cheeks burn with embarrassment.
"Ignore her. She's a vampire. That's where her arrogance comes from,she just jealous you took her spot" a voice said.
Bella turned to see a brown-haired girl with large bright eyes and short pixie-cut hair that made her look boyishly charming. From her brown eyes , Bella could tell immediately she was human.
"Oh," Bella managed.
"My name's Madeline, but call me Maddie," the girl said cheerfully.
"I'm Bella. Just… Bella," she replied with a small smile. She was relieved someone was willing to speak to her.
But Maddie's earlier words lingered in her mind.
"Earlier, when you said I took her spot… what did you mean?" Bella asked as they walked toward a quieter part of the deck. They sat on a bench away from the others.
Maddie let out a small laugh. "Oh ,Before the king left Romovia for Cavemire, his blood feeder was poisoned. Her blood became contaminated. I think someone was trying to poison the king indirectly."
Bella's eyes widened. "So… what happened to her?"
"She was executed. Rumor is she took a the herb that contaminated her blood so it would kill the king,but than why would someone dig their own grave?" Maddie said, shaking her head, unaware of how Bella's thoughts were spiraling.
"After she died, the king needed a replacement. On his way to Cavemire, he fed from Arya–the one who just snubbed you."
"But… isn't she a vampire too?" Bella asked, confused. "I thought blood feeders were supposed to be human."
"You mean half-vampire," Maddie corrected. "She's not a full vampire, let alone a pureblood. But she and the others still act like they're superior."
Bella's eyes widened again. "There are… different types of vampires?"
"Mm." Maddie nodded. "Purebloods are the originals. Then there are the turned vampires–the ones with paler eyes. And lastly, the half-breeds, like Arya. They're half human. The only reason they're valued is because their blood is sweet enough for nobles and royalty."
Bella nodded slowly, unsure where she fit into any of this. She was half mermaid, half human–born with legs–but Damien still recognized her as mermaid the moment he saw her.
Maddie misread her silence as fear and leaned closer, reassuringly:
"But don't worry. The king's blood feeder gets special treatment. Good meals, private quarters… no vampire is allowed to feed from you except him, if you are lucky enough you could serve him in bed ," she added mischievous wriggling her browns.Bella's face cringed in disgust at the idea.
Bella noticed the flicker of envy in Maddie's eyes when she mentioned food. But was good food really worth being fed from daily?
"So I wouldn't have to work?" Bella asked.
"Of course not. Why do you think so many people want to be blood feeders?" Maddie replied.
Because they're foolish, Bella thought—but she only gave a small nod.
"So all I would be doing is… baring my neck to the king every day?"
"Yes. Though there are rotations. Your feeding time will probably be nights time, since the last one was the night feeder."
Bella nodded. At least she wouldn't be drained dry.
"When will we reach Romovia?" she asked changing the topic.
"By tomorrow morning. I'm actually glad I was chosen to escort His Majesty it feels like a vacation."
"Thank you," Bella said sincerely. "For answering my questions."
"Oh, it's nothing. My friends will love you," Maddie said with bright enthusiasm, grabbing Bella's hand.
But then she looked over Bella's shoulder and stiffened. Arya was approaching.
"I have to go," Maddie whispered quickly, standing. As she passed Arya, the half-vampire shot Bella another disdainful glare before walking away.
Maddie turned back and silently mouthed: Ignore her.
Bella sighed, turning her gaze toward the sea, watching the waves roll and break.
Her new life was not going to be easy.
Not even a little.
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