The Beginning of My Nightmare (1)

"Righteous Noble"

They say becoming a noble was a gift. It was also my dream but never my goal, especially not because it was forced upon me.

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My name is Amiya and I am an ordinary citizen of the Celis Kingdom. My mother was a palace maid and my birth father was unknown.

It was also a time were a war between the North and South broke out.

During my 18th birthday and the honorary celebration of the kingdom's success for the war, I was given a privilege to attend a party at the palace as a maid and there I met Solon.

He was a son of a Duke and the childhood friend of the Prince. He was kind, sweet and handsome that most of the women in the kingdom wants to be his partner next to the Prince.

As a part of the knights who are serving the King, he was also invited to the party. He came along with the Prince and with that said, all women was swooning over to get their attention.

I, on the other side, was doing my job as a servant when I suddenly bumped into Solon.

I don't even have an idea where did he came from as he suddenly just appear out of no where. There was also a lady beside him and she was giving me a disgusting look as he tried to drag him away but he just stand still and smiled.

Solon moved closer to me which made me close my eyes.

Then I heard the lady beside him laughing as it turns out that he was just trying to grab a drink behind me. Solon gave me a warm smile despite the embarrassment that he made me feel.

He was kinda weird but he seems nice.

It was then, when the Prince made his way to Solon while blushing really hard.

It was pretty entertaining how these two interact with each other.

The Prince looked at me but when our eyes met, he looked away. He was as red as a tomato.

"How cute..." I mumble as I don't even dare telling it even if I want to as I value my life.

I don't want my head to start rolling on the ground as the would be the end of me.

The two of them started bickering as Solon teases the Prince and as much as I wanted to see more, I had to do my job.

I bid them goodbye but they didn't seem to care so I just left.

The party went as planned and as the night goes deeper, it becomes busier. I sneaked out to get some fresh air and to rest for a while so I went to the back of the palace garden to hide.

It was my secret hiding place as it was hidden way back in the garden that no one seems to care at this area at all. No guards and no maids. My mother introduced this place to me while telling me this was where he met my father.

She never mentioned his name nor anything about him so I assumed he was someone from the palace as well. Maybe a knight or a gardener? Who knows.

I sat under a tree and in front of me, there was a beautiful pond that reflects the moon light. It was a beautiful scenery and it lifts up my mood.

I took my time resting while appreciating the view when I heard someone approaching my direction. I panic as I never expect that there would be other people aside me and my mother to know this place.

I hide behind the bush and there I saw Solon and the Prince. They were out of breath as if someone was chasing them.

"She didn't follow us right?" the Prince asked while catching his breath.

Solon nodded and gave him a light punch in the arm.

"That was so cowardly of you haha." Solon laughed.

The Prince gave him a glare as he sat on the grass.

"What can I do? I just feel so speechless when I saw her. I didn't even know she was working in the palace then there you are, just casually stealing her away from me." the Prince grumbled.

Solon laugh whole heartedly.

"What do you mean stealing? I was just getting some drinks!" he said as he sat beside the Prince.

I didn't really mean to eavesdrop but I can't just risk my safety if I go out to run so I quietly hid behind the bush with no choice.

"Lies! You're trying to seduce her! I saw it! You were smiling like a wacko!" the Prince exclaimed in frustration while grabbing Solon's collar in a joking manner.

"Calm down little prince. I will not steal your woman hahaha!" Solon said, teasing the Prince.

The Prince just gave up and lay down.

"I couldn't even ask for her name." he mumbled.

"Amiya." Solon said.

I was shocked with what I heard.

Me? No way...

I couldn't even process what I am hearing. The Prince? Me? No...

There must be another woman with the same name as I do. There is no way a Prince would like a servant like me.

I was still in the process of getting my self together with what I heard when a garden lizard suddenly appears in front of me.

I freaked out and had no choice but to run away. But instead of running on a different direction, I mistakenly took the other way.

The two men looked so shocked to see me appearing out of no where rushing towards their direction and there I just found myself soaked in the pond.

I was a total mess...

The two of them was speechless.

"Uh... H-hello your highness... Little duke..." I stuttered.

I'm doomed.

"A-Amiya?" the Prince said. He was still in shock.

"Did you just hear what we talked about?" Solon asked not letting the Prince breathe. He was then smacked by the Prince.

I couldn't help but laugh. I am so doomed. I know, but I think I'll die happy haha. Though this is not the time for this, I need a plan to escape.

"Lizard! There was a lizard!" I said said while pointing at the bushes where I was hiding to divert their attention.

"I was resting there when a lizard suddenly pops out and I ran and fell over the pond." I rambled hoping I can get out of this situation quickly.

They both laughed at my actions.

"Are you okay?" Solon asked as he extend his hands to me.

I hesitate for a while but I took his hand not that long as I was shivering in cold.

The Prince just kept silent while blushing.

Solon offered his coat but I refused. I can never pay if I messed that up, it would cost the whole fortune of my family if I take it but he insisted so I had no choice.

I just hope I won't be mistakenly get arrested for stealing a noble's clothes.

"We should go back." the Prince said.

I bid them goodbye thinking I can go on my own way but I did not expect them to bring me along.

I was just too stunned to speak.

Now that we reached the palace, people are now throwing hate upon me. They may not be vocal about it but their eyes are trying to criticize and kill me by the looks.

I walk passed my mother who was currently serving the food and when she saw me, she was so shocked as she even dropped her tray.

I just muttered her 'sorry' as I don't have a choice.

The two men brought me in a room with a lot of maids and they asked them to do something and left me alone with them.

I was scared as the maids were glaring at me at first then they did what they were told.

I was forced to dressed up as a noble and was given a full make over.

I was speechless. Although I did not have a choice, I felt a little glad as this was my first time dressing up with such a luxurious dress.

I might not be able to do this next time so might as well enjoy the moment.

The Prince entered the room and scanned me.

Literally...

He was then followed by Solon along with the lady that I met during the early evening.

They all looked surprised on how I looked so I feel so embarrassed.

Does it look weird? I think.

"You are beautiful." the Prince said as he bowed his head and ask for my hand.

I don't know how to react. Why would he bow down to me!? I can get killed if the King sees this! I hurriedly took his hand and let him stand straight and then he smiled but I panic.

What just happened?

He leaned closer to my ear and whispered...

"You are mine, Amiya..."