“What?” I ask still puzzled by the prince’s sudden question. His expression is unreadable, as if he’s hiding an agenda beneath that calm facade.
“What kind of food would you love to eat? I know you said you love eating anything, as long as it’s edible? But at least mention one for now.” His voice is laced with amusement, but there’s an undertone of something else- curiosity, perhaps?
“I don’t think it’s necessary to tell...”
“Just say it. Can’t I treat my new servant to a meal to welcome her? I do that for all my new maids.” His words are casual, but the glint in his eyes suggests he’s not one to take refusals lightly.
“I’m totally fine, Your Highness,” I insist, adjusting my tone to be more respectful. The guards are already glancing my way, their brows raised in silent warning.
“You don’t talk back to me. Didn’t they tell you that?” His voice hardens, and I suppress a sigh. What on earth is his problem? Is he really going to force me to eat just because I mentioned food as a hobby?
I decide not to say anything more. The tension lingers, but thankfully, his bodyguard returns, holding a small, metallic box.
“What’s the next destination, Jeremy?” the prince asks, his tone brisk.
“Your Highness, you are supposed to head to princess Ferrior's birthday,” the bodyguard replies.
Princes Ferrior, she is the queen of beauty from the neighbouring Kingdom, Charna kingdom _ she and the prince have a thing.
I’ve heard a lot about these royal families, mostly from my late uncle who was a knight and spent much of his time at court. The stories he told me seem to come alive now that I’m here.
“Take her back,” the prince orders suddenly, his gaze flicking toward the guard controlling the carriage horses.
“Your Highness, if we take her back with the carriage, what will—”
He cuts him off sharply. “Since when do anyone question me? I don’t understand why people are suddenly talking back at me. Since when?”
His sudden outburst catches everyone off guard. Moments ago, he was grinning like a fool, and now he looks like he might murder someone. Is he referring to me? He must be.
The guard flinches, fear evident on his face. “My apologies, Your Highness, for my lack of good manners,” he says, bowing deeply before hurrying toward the carriage. It’s as if even a moment’s delay might cost him his life.
I follow the guard silently, choosing not to utter a single word. Why did the prince bring me along in the first place? Was it just to ask about the kind of gift he should buy for Princess Ferrior?
• “Why is he so mad suddenly? Everyone has been saying he’s in a good mood today. What now—mood swings?” the carriage guard complains on the way back, his tone bitter.I keep my mouth shut. Gossiping about the royal family is strictly forbidden, and I have no intention of breaking that rule.
“Why did he bring you along anyway? Since when does he carry servants around? And now I have to take you back and then return for him. What kind of work is this? Why aren’t you saying anything?” he asks, turning to look at me when he notices my silence.
“I don’t gossip, especially not about the prince,” I reply curtly. I prefer minding my own business.
“Hah! Just because you’re new, you think you can follow all the rules. Let’s see how long that lasts,” he scoffs.
I ignore him. After a few minutes, we arrive back at the palace. The massive metal gates swing open, and the carriage horses clip-clop inside. I step down from the carriage as the guard turns around to head back.
As I walk toward the mansion, I pass a statue of an old man—likely the late king. His stern expression seems to follow me as I move closer to the grand entryway.
Waiting there is the woman who had given me instructions earlier. Her face is a mix of irritation and relief.
“Where have you been? We looked for you everywhere and thought you had run away. Not that there’s anywhere to run once you are in here,” she says sharply. “You left the buckets and all the dirty rags in the prince’s room! The queen went in there and was furious. We couldn’t find you, so they replaced you. Now you’ll take over another girl’s position in the flower garden. She was assigned there earlier, but you’ll be replacing her. Your new job is to gather fresh flowers, water them, and arrange them in the mansion’s vases. You’ll also help maintain the garden with the others. Hand over those clothes; you’ll get another ones for your new role.”
“Really? I don’t have to work as the prince’s servant anymore?” I ask, trying to hide the mix of emotions swirling inside me.
“Yes. And it’s your own fault,” she snaps, assuming I’m disappointed.
Truthfully, I don’t know how I feel. Part of me is relieved. I won’t have to deal with the prince’s unpredictable moods or constantly be under the scrutiny of the royal family.
Working in a garden feels far less demanding, and gender doesn’t matter there. But another part of me feels strangely sad for some reason.
The flower garden is breathtaking. Vibrant blooms in every color stretch as far as the eye can see, bordered by lush green grass. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to lie down and lose yourself in its beauty.
“Welcome to the team! It’s better having you here than that brat they sent earlier,” a boy says, walking up to me. There are several other people—both men and women—working in the garden. They seem relaxed, even cheerful.
“Thank you,” I reply shyly, playing the part of a naive girl.
“She kept saying she deserved your position, even though she wasn’t chosen. She begged the queen until she was assigned to the prince. Where did you go, anyway?” a girl asks curiously.
“Uh...never mind. What’s my task?” I ask, eager to change the subject. They explain my responsibilities, and I get to work. Pruning, watering, and arranging the flowers is surprisingly enjoyable. There’s no pressure, and everyone is friendly.
After finishing my tasks, I finally allow myself to lie on the soft grass. The gentle breeze and floral scents lull me into a peaceful sleep.
○○I wake up to the sound of loud voices around me. Blinking, I open my eyes slightly—only to find myself in the garden, the prince's guard glaring at me.
▪
“So you think you came to this palace to have fun?” The guard’s voice is harsh as he looms over me, his glare sharp enough to cut through steel. “Dozing off in the flower garden and smiling in your dreams like a princess. Well, just know you’re in big trouble.”“Why?” I ask, sitting up abruptly, startled by his tone. My heart races as I wonder what I could have possibly done wrong now—I’ve already finished my work for the day.“The crowned prince wants to see you,” he announces and turns on his heel, walking away as if his message were the end of the world.“Why? I’m not his servant anymore. I was reassigned to the garden,” I reply, trailing after him, trying to make sense of this sudden summons.“I don’t know. Why don’t you find out for yourself?” he retorts, dismissing my questions with an air of indifference.With no other choice, I follow the familiar path to the mansion, climbing the grand staircases and navigating the winding hallways until I reach the prince’s chambers. The gua
A month later,I'm finally familiar with the palace-most of its rules, the endless duties, and the peculiar crowned prince.I've stopped questioning his odd behavior. Maybe that's just who he is- possessive with his maids and unpredictable. It's not my place to question him anyway.This morning, he left with the king to mediate a conflict in the Tabana Kingdom. Fighting over power, and as always, our king is the one they turn to for resolution.He's the most respected, wise, and powerful ruler in the region. When he speaks, even rival kingdoms listen.With the prince gone, I wander aimlessly around the palace, my thoughts scattered. I don't understand him. His actions and words often confuse me, leaving me with ideas I shouldn't even entertain.Yet, despite his strangeness, I like him. He's friendly to me in a way no one else has ever been.When he's free, we spend hours talking about nothing important, quarreling over nonsense.For the first time, it feels like I've made a real frien
After so much struggle, I finally reach the heavy metal door of his room to inform him that the evening meal is ready. The guard steps aside silently, his ever-watchful eyes following my every move.I knock. No response.I was told they returned some minutes ago, so he must be inside. But why isn’t he answering?I knock again, louder this time, but the silence remains.“Is he in?” I ask the guard who stands like a statue at his post. This one rarely speaks, though they all exchange shifts regularly.He nods, offering no further explanation.If he’s inside, why isn’t he answering? Unease churns in my stomach as I debate whether to enter. Something feels… off.Finally, I decide to open the door. The hinges creak as I step inside, my movements hesitant.He’s standing near the window, his hands clasped behind his back, staring outside toward the field where I had been earlier.“Your Highness, the evening meal is ready,” I announce, keeping my tone respectful. Despite our usual banter, I k
“How wrong?” he repeats asking, his question surprising me. What does he mean by that? How wrong? I mean, it’s wrong in every possible way.“It’s just hugging. Why are you making such a fuss about it? Why are you acting like I’m harassing you?” His voice lowers, but his grip doesn’t loosen. “You were hugging me back a few minutes ago. So, why are you fighting it now?”“This is wrong,” I repeat, my voice firmer this time.But he ignores me, as if he hasn’t heard. I stand frozen, speechless, the sound of his drumming heart filling my ears.“Can you feel my heart, Maya?” he asks softly. “This is what happens every time you’re close to me. Even when I just think about you.”I want to say something, anything, but the words seem to have abandoned me.“I’m attracted to you, Maya,” he continues, his voice raw with vulnerability. “I’ve fallen in love with you. You’re the reason I rejected Princess Ferrior. Because, for some reason, I’ve realized the kind of person I truly want. Not just someon
Three days gone, and I haven't seen Michael around the palace. Just where is he when I need him the most? He said he'd get me out of this place, so why has he disappeared all these days?I've been avoiding Prince Arthur with all my might, though it’s nearly impossible since all my duties revolve around him.Every moment around him feels like walking on a tightrope, and I’m terrified of what might happen if I slip.Right now, I’m walking toward the knights' quarters to check if Michael has returned. I’m praying so hard that tears start rolling down my cheeks. I feel helpless.Running away on my own isn’t an option—not with guards posted at every corner of this place."You again? I told you to tell me the problem you have so I can help you instead of him, but you refused," says the nosy knight I always run into when I come looking for Michael.“Lucky you… he’s back,” he adds, and my heart leaps with hope.“Where is h—” My words catch in my throat as Michael steps out of one of the door
He doesn't give up. His lips hover close, trying to connect with mine again. I turn my head slightly, my body trembling as I fight the urge to give in. How long can I resist?Instead, he pulls me into another embrace again, holding me so tightly it feels like he never plans to let go."Ar...thur..." I whisper his name, my voice barely audible. I didn't mean to call him that-it just slips out. I feel his lips curve into a smile against the side of my neck.He tightens his hold on me, and my body stiffens."This... this is wrong. Please... let me go. It's really wrong..." I finally manage to say, though it takes everything in me to get the words out."I love you," he whispers. "I really love you. Please, tell me your fears. I'll fix everything. Then we can be happy together.""You don't understand..." My voice shakes."How can I understand if you won't tell me? My love, please, say it. Whatever it is, just tell me," he pleads, his tone soft yet desperate."You won't love me anymore if I
It's been hours since Madin managed to escape the palace, and the situation is beginning to raise suspicion. The tension among the servants is palpable.Everyone knows that when Prince Arthur discovers Madin’s absence, it won’t be taken lightly.Inside his chamber, Prince Arthur is lost in thought. He hasn't summoned her since their encounter earlier in the day because he doesn't want to seem overbearing.He’s also been preoccupied, replaying the scene in his mind—the moment he kissed her. She didn’t resist. In fact, she leaned into him, closing the gap.The memory alone makes him smile like a fool. He sits on the edge of his bed, brushing his fingers over his lips, recalling the warmth of hers."She must feel something for me too," he murmurs to himself, the words soothing yet puzzling. "But why does she keep refusing to admit it?"The thought frustrates him, the smile slipping from his face. He clenches his jaw, the question plaguing his mind like a relentless storm. His musings are
It's been two days since Madin disappeared, and the atmosphere in the palace is heavy with unspoken questions and unease.Arthur hasn’t left his chambers except for the occasional appearance at the king's insistence.Even then, his presence is a shadow of the man the court once revered. Gone is the confident, composed prince who commanded every room he entered. Now, he is distracted, irritable, and burdened by an ache he cannot escape.Arthur sits by the window, staring out at the vast fields that stretch beyond the palace grounds.His eyes, red from lack of sleep, search the horizon as if Madin might suddenly appear, walking back toward him. The memory of their last conversation replays in his mind endlessly."Why?" He mutters to himself, his voice hoarse. "Why would you leave like this?"He grips the edge of the window frame, the cool wood grounding him momentarily. His mind is a storm of emotions—guilt, anger, confusion, and a yearning so deep it terrifies him.Madin’s absence fee
"It’s been days now. When are you planning to get rid of that kid?” the king asks sharply, his voice cutting through the quiet tension of the dining hall.Prince Arthur, seated across the table, stops chewing. He hasn’t had much of an appetite in weeks, but tonight, the king’s question robs him of the little will he had left to pretend.“I will, Father,” Arthur replies curtly, pushing his chair back and standing. He strides out of the dining hall without another word, leaving his meal untouched.Since the truth about Madin’s identity was revealed, Arthur has been a shell of himself. The next day after the revelation, he forced himself to wake up and carry on as though nothing had happened. He resumed his royal duties, maintaining the mask of strength and control that his position demands.But inside, he is crumbling. He hasn’t spoken about Madin, not to his father, his advisors, or even himself in the rare moments of solitude he allows. The palace is abuzz with whispers, the truth a
It’s been a month since Michael took Madin to his brother Jack’s home in a neighboring village. While the family treats Madin with kindness and understanding, he feels anything but safe or at ease. His mind remains trapped in the torment of leaving the palace, a place that held both his greatest fears and the person he cannot stop thinking about. Each passing day feels like an eternity, and the weight of his guilt and longing is crushing.He often sits by the window of the small, modest home, staring at nothing. The world outside is a blur of sounds and colors, but none of it reaches him. Every thought circles back to Arthur. Every memory, every word, every smile—they haunt him relentlessly. Sometimes, in his darkest moments, he thinks death would be kinder than the agony of living with this unbearable pain."Madin," Jack's voice cuts through the suffocating silence. Jack enters the small room, his face lined with worry, his voice trembling as he speaks. "We have a serious problem
It's been two days since Madin disappeared, and the atmosphere in the palace is heavy with unspoken questions and unease.Arthur hasn’t left his chambers except for the occasional appearance at the king's insistence.Even then, his presence is a shadow of the man the court once revered. Gone is the confident, composed prince who commanded every room he entered. Now, he is distracted, irritable, and burdened by an ache he cannot escape.Arthur sits by the window, staring out at the vast fields that stretch beyond the palace grounds.His eyes, red from lack of sleep, search the horizon as if Madin might suddenly appear, walking back toward him. The memory of their last conversation replays in his mind endlessly."Why?" He mutters to himself, his voice hoarse. "Why would you leave like this?"He grips the edge of the window frame, the cool wood grounding him momentarily. His mind is a storm of emotions—guilt, anger, confusion, and a yearning so deep it terrifies him.Madin’s absence fee
It's been hours since Madin managed to escape the palace, and the situation is beginning to raise suspicion. The tension among the servants is palpable.Everyone knows that when Prince Arthur discovers Madin’s absence, it won’t be taken lightly.Inside his chamber, Prince Arthur is lost in thought. He hasn't summoned her since their encounter earlier in the day because he doesn't want to seem overbearing.He’s also been preoccupied, replaying the scene in his mind—the moment he kissed her. She didn’t resist. In fact, she leaned into him, closing the gap.The memory alone makes him smile like a fool. He sits on the edge of his bed, brushing his fingers over his lips, recalling the warmth of hers."She must feel something for me too," he murmurs to himself, the words soothing yet puzzling. "But why does she keep refusing to admit it?"The thought frustrates him, the smile slipping from his face. He clenches his jaw, the question plaguing his mind like a relentless storm. His musings are
He doesn't give up. His lips hover close, trying to connect with mine again. I turn my head slightly, my body trembling as I fight the urge to give in. How long can I resist?Instead, he pulls me into another embrace again, holding me so tightly it feels like he never plans to let go."Ar...thur..." I whisper his name, my voice barely audible. I didn't mean to call him that-it just slips out. I feel his lips curve into a smile against the side of my neck.He tightens his hold on me, and my body stiffens."This... this is wrong. Please... let me go. It's really wrong..." I finally manage to say, though it takes everything in me to get the words out."I love you," he whispers. "I really love you. Please, tell me your fears. I'll fix everything. Then we can be happy together.""You don't understand..." My voice shakes."How can I understand if you won't tell me? My love, please, say it. Whatever it is, just tell me," he pleads, his tone soft yet desperate."You won't love me anymore if I
Three days gone, and I haven't seen Michael around the palace. Just where is he when I need him the most? He said he'd get me out of this place, so why has he disappeared all these days?I've been avoiding Prince Arthur with all my might, though it’s nearly impossible since all my duties revolve around him.Every moment around him feels like walking on a tightrope, and I’m terrified of what might happen if I slip.Right now, I’m walking toward the knights' quarters to check if Michael has returned. I’m praying so hard that tears start rolling down my cheeks. I feel helpless.Running away on my own isn’t an option—not with guards posted at every corner of this place."You again? I told you to tell me the problem you have so I can help you instead of him, but you refused," says the nosy knight I always run into when I come looking for Michael.“Lucky you… he’s back,” he adds, and my heart leaps with hope.“Where is h—” My words catch in my throat as Michael steps out of one of the door
“How wrong?” he repeats asking, his question surprising me. What does he mean by that? How wrong? I mean, it’s wrong in every possible way.“It’s just hugging. Why are you making such a fuss about it? Why are you acting like I’m harassing you?” His voice lowers, but his grip doesn’t loosen. “You were hugging me back a few minutes ago. So, why are you fighting it now?”“This is wrong,” I repeat, my voice firmer this time.But he ignores me, as if he hasn’t heard. I stand frozen, speechless, the sound of his drumming heart filling my ears.“Can you feel my heart, Maya?” he asks softly. “This is what happens every time you’re close to me. Even when I just think about you.”I want to say something, anything, but the words seem to have abandoned me.“I’m attracted to you, Maya,” he continues, his voice raw with vulnerability. “I’ve fallen in love with you. You’re the reason I rejected Princess Ferrior. Because, for some reason, I’ve realized the kind of person I truly want. Not just someon
After so much struggle, I finally reach the heavy metal door of his room to inform him that the evening meal is ready. The guard steps aside silently, his ever-watchful eyes following my every move.I knock. No response.I was told they returned some minutes ago, so he must be inside. But why isn’t he answering?I knock again, louder this time, but the silence remains.“Is he in?” I ask the guard who stands like a statue at his post. This one rarely speaks, though they all exchange shifts regularly.He nods, offering no further explanation.If he’s inside, why isn’t he answering? Unease churns in my stomach as I debate whether to enter. Something feels… off.Finally, I decide to open the door. The hinges creak as I step inside, my movements hesitant.He’s standing near the window, his hands clasped behind his back, staring outside toward the field where I had been earlier.“Your Highness, the evening meal is ready,” I announce, keeping my tone respectful. Despite our usual banter, I k
A month later,I'm finally familiar with the palace-most of its rules, the endless duties, and the peculiar crowned prince.I've stopped questioning his odd behavior. Maybe that's just who he is- possessive with his maids and unpredictable. It's not my place to question him anyway.This morning, he left with the king to mediate a conflict in the Tabana Kingdom. Fighting over power, and as always, our king is the one they turn to for resolution.He's the most respected, wise, and powerful ruler in the region. When he speaks, even rival kingdoms listen.With the prince gone, I wander aimlessly around the palace, my thoughts scattered. I don't understand him. His actions and words often confuse me, leaving me with ideas I shouldn't even entertain.Yet, despite his strangeness, I like him. He's friendly to me in a way no one else has ever been.When he's free, we spend hours talking about nothing important, quarreling over nonsense.For the first time, it feels like I've made a real frien