Chapter 7 The Rich And Selfish

• ELLA'S POV
• We anxiously sit in our mistress's chambers waiting. Just moments ago, she was urgently summoned to the alpha kings main palace, and she has been gone for what feels like an eternity. She didn't even have a chance to take her usual morning bath or enjoy her breakfast. I wonder what could have gone wrong. Maybe the other two alpha kings are also in need of being healed and couldn't wait.
• "She's coming!" Asher, who has been keeping watch at the grand window facing the main palace courtyard exclaims. "But she's not alone."
• What? Has she brought one of the kings back with her? I doubt so, those incredibly handsome kings would never set foot in the guest quarters.
• Few minutes later the door swings open and Princess Hellen enters followed by Sir William, the king's assistant. The expression on her face is far from joyous.
• Asher and Julia rush towards her, concern etched on their faces. They both anxiously inquire if everything is alright. Princess Hellen takes a deep breath before responding, her voice filled with a hint of distress, "Everything is fine, but I need my servant Ella to come with me."
• My eyes widen in shock. Have I unknowingly done something to upset the alpha kings?
• I follow closely behind Princess Hellen and Sir William as they lead the way into the grand palace hallway. Nervously, I muster the courage to speak up. "My lady, have I done something to upset you or the kings?" I nervously inquire from Princess Hellen.
• "It seems that my spell only temporarily healed the effects of the curse on the king, rather than fully lifting the curse itself," she explains, her voice filled with disappointment. "But I have spoken to the kings and explained that you possess the power to pass on my spell's power and heal them. We have agreed to continue this until we find a way to completely lift the curse."
• Just as she finishes speaking, Sir William opens the imposing doors to the same royal dining hall we had been in the previous day. Inside, the three alpha kings are seated around the expansive table, a sumptuous breakfast laid out before them. I halt behind Princess Hellen and bow respectfully. None of the kings even glance in my direction as they invite her to join them.
• A pang of envy stirs within me as I stand there, feeling invisible and insignificant.
• Growing up, you could say I was emotionally neglected the same way. No matter how I tried to do good I was always the child that everyone did not want. Mother's favorite was my younger sister cora. She used to call her, her princess. She was also my extended family's favorite, and I was no one's favorite, I was just Ella.
• I always felt unwanted. Unwelcomed, not only by my mother but my sister too. I felt like a stranger looking in, never a part of the family. Cora barely talked to me and mother would go to great leagth to downlight snub me. The only person who accepted me and loved me for who I was my father, but he was barely ever there because he and mother were divorced.
• A few months later the small relationship I had with cora and mother became completely non existence when cora phased and I did not, the same day we also received the news that our father had died. I never got to know how, where or how father died because mother claimed I was the one bringing bad luck into her beautiful family just before kicking me out. Her last words to me were that I am dead to her just like my stupid father. That the only child she cares about is my sister.
• I did lie earlier to my mistress when I said that my mother was dead too. I have not seen or talked to her or my sister in years, after all I am dead to them.
• "Ella."
• I didn't realize I had drifted off until Princess Hellen's loud voice snaps me back to reality.
• "Sorry, m..y lady." I strutter.
• "Never mind," she says nonchalantly to the kings, "she can be a bit dense sometimes, but she can still get the job we need done." I feel a wave of embarrassment wash over me as the kings' piercing gazes bore into me.
• Princess Hellen turns her attention back to me, her tone now more serious. "The kings want to know what you desire in exchange for helping pass my spell's power," she asks, her words catching me off guard. They are willing to pay me? And I can ask for anything? Maybe I can ask for a few coins so that I can improve my closet, I think but then I hesitate. If the moon goddess had really bestowed such power upon me, it doesn't feel right to sell it.
• "I don't mind," I reply, my voice filled with genuine sincerity. "If I truly have the ability to do what you claim then I am more than happy to help, my lady.." The three kings narrow their eyes and exchanging unreadable glances at my answer. Even Princess Hellen seems taken aback by my response.
• "Never mind," she says with a light laugh, addressing the kings. "I teach my servants to be selfless, just like me, always willing to lend a hand wherever they can." However, deep down, I know that Princess Hellen is far from selfless.
• "Come stand here," princess Hellen commands, pointing to a spot near the kings. My heart race as I obediently walk forward to the designated place. The air around me grows heavy with their intoxicating scents. Up close, they look even more stunning, almost god-like and unreal. It is hard to believe that such beauty can be cursed.
• "I will recite the words, and you will hold the hands of the kings," Princess Hellen instructs, taking my right hand in hers.
• Hesitantly, I raise my hand towards the king sitting on my left side, who I believe to be King Kian. He wears the same black boots he had worn the day we met in the library.
• "Do we really have to touch?" he suddenly asks Princess Hellen, his voice dripping with disgust.
• "Unfortunately, yes, Your Majesty. It will only be for a few seconds. You can wash your hands afterwards." Princess Hellen replies and my heart sinks. What is wrong with touching my hand? Do I smell bad? Of course not. It is becoming increasingly clear that they simply despise people like me, the lowly ones.
• Finally, he raises his exquisite hand, his long fingers delicately wrapping around mine, just as Princess Hellen begins chanting in a language I don't understand. I struggle to focus on her words, but all my attention is consumed by the touch of King Kian's hand. His skin is soft and warm, yet firm against mine. Lost in my own thoughts, I nearly drift off into fantasy imagining what it would be like if he were... Suddenly, Princess Hellen abruptly stops, and I snap back to reality and the king immediately releases my hand. I glance down in time to witness the skin of his hand turning as pale as milk.
• The same happens to the other two kings after I touch them. Their hands, which had a little rash, now look smooth.
• "You truly are remarkable and talented, princess of Silverdale," King Aleric compliments, as they all three rise from their seats smiling. They approach and instinctively, I step out of their way, for their eyes are fixed solely on my mistress who can't contain her smile.
• "You are a woman unlike any other. We consider ourselves fortunate that you answered our call," King Reagan says in the sweetest of voices, his lips brushing against the back of Hellen's hand as he places a tender kiss upon it.
• Their amorous smiles directed at her makes my heart swell with jealousy. They are stunned by her beauty and entranced by her talent.
• Princess Hellen bows slightly. "I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be your guest and saviour, Your Majesties. I have enjoyed every moment here and I am even reluctant to leave." She responds.
• The kings exchange a knowing glance, their smiles growing even wider. "Then you shall never leave," King Kian speak softly. "I would be personally honoured to show you around."
• "I would be so honored, yo..ur majesty. Princess hellen nods excitedly. I imagine there is nothing greater than to have one of the most goodlooking alpha king himself self declare he wants to spend time with you.