Lira's heart pounded in her chest. Like thunder and lightning. She could hear her heart beat in her ears and the vibrations that sent shivers down her spine. The 10th Prince had directly asked her to follow him, which she elegantly did. She shifted off her knees, which secretly trembled within, but she ignored the pins and needles. Not even a hand to lift her, very ungentlemanly like, realising the inequality in status, who was she. Merely a servant for the rich and high status. It would be her lifetime's great fortune and luck if she could get a man with such high status to assist a servant.
He guided her towards the pavilion, and gestured her to stand behind his chair. Elegantly she placed her hands in front of her, Lira shifted her head straight ahead towards the rows of servants. Just after her comfortable shift of position under the shade a slightly feminine voice purred.
"Your pick is rather divine my Prince. Your taste in women aren't lacking." He was Lord Axel. A nobleman that's more commonly known as the second oldest son of Abraham Yule. The richest merchant in Mitcha. They control 35% of the trade within Mitcha. Although his family owned a business but as the second child he will never be the successor. So he decided to enter the Royal Palace as a Deputy Advisor for Palace guards and servants. His attraction towards the same gender is well known but he made an almost unseen movement - he licked his lips towards Lira.
"You're graceful words are too precious." The 10th Prince offered two Heart Servants among the remaining crowd for Lord Axel, even though he was practically drooling at the man fanning servants in their drenched see-through gowns. On the other hand the war man, General of the North. He was rather young for a General, even so handsome would not be an adjective for him. But his strong muscular body was definitely on a whole different level. The 10th Prince also gave him two rather beautiful Heart servants. His deep voice thanked the Prince pleasantly for his generous offering.
The 8th Prince was the one to dismiss the selection gathering, "You're all dismissed." He was referring to the remaining kneeling women, who had one fate - to become Palace Servants.
"Great Thank You 8th Prince." The Servants spoke in unison.
Even though Lira and the 10th Prince were the same age, he seemed rather young and simple-minded. It made him seem gentle in a way.
"You said your name was Lira," The 10th Prince murmured while he guided Lira to her new home.
"Yes, 10th Prince." Lira blushed a little. It had been a while since she had a conversation with a male. It's been 2 years already, since... Stop no. She wasn't going to think about it anymore it was the past; and she wants to live for the present, and strive for her future.
She kept a respectful distance between her and the Prince. She was the servant and he was the master being behind him was natural.
His cute, small dimples on his cheeks shone brightly as he turned behind towards Lira. His feet swiveled quite quickly, Lira immediately stopped walking.
"What books are you interested in?" He joyfully chimed.
"Flower in the Mist," she softly giggled. It was a silly story about two lovers who had reunited after a war.
His expression suddenly became serious, and longing marked his glare, "Really, I've read it before it's a very thrilling book full of adventure." He hesitated, "But I bet you haven't read Strings to the Top, the story about a man thriving for his goal on becoming a scholar."
She gave a sensible smile, "I know that book too well."
Thankfully the conversation ended there as they continued their journey to the 10th Prince's chamber. Lira found the Prince rather charming and interesting, but only thought of him as a little brother. His energetic self was rather adorable, but that gaze in his eyes when he became serious. It made her feel - intrigued.
"Lira this will be your new home," The 10th Prince sung. It was. Beautiful. Stunning. Elegant.