My head snapped up at that, what the hell? Oh no! I don't wanna work for the prince under his careful watch all the time! What if I get caught? And I can't stay in here forever!
No, no please, Queen mother, don't send me to go to work for him, I'll flatter you every day but don't him take me away! I mentally prayed but of course, she granted his wish.
She said, "Sure. Though I'll miss you, Kim, you will help Shen and protect him for me, right?"
I was horrified at this idea but I plastered a fake but convincing smile of pleasure and gratefulness and said, "I'll do everything in my power to fulfill your wish, your highness!"
They talked a little more and then dismissed me. From tomorrow on, I'll be working the prince. And my work will be.....wait what will I do? Would I just serve the meals to the Prince as I did for the Queen? That will be the best! Let's wait for tomorrow and pray for the best. I can't think of what will be the worst!
I came to my chamber and I was extremely tired to talk with anyone so I ignored other curious servant's questions about today's occurrence and pulled the cover over my head and tried to fall asleep.
But sleep didn't come instead thoughts of my life here made me a little depressed. How many days will I be stuck here?! I can't get a proper bath here, I go to the shower late at night when everyone goes to sleep. I have to stay very alert all the time for anyone coming. How I miss the hot bath at home and all those pretty dresses I had that made me think unnecessary luxury. But now I only own two uniforms and 2 normal spare clothes of men! I'm feeling homesick. While thinking of home, I slowly sink into unconsciousness.
(The next morning)
I woke up this morning earlier than usual as today my work will be on a different schedule that I don't know yet and I have no idea what works I will be doing. I went to report to Master Kang at 6 in the morning, as I was told. He is the one who takes care of the prince's schedule. He told me I was to be the prince's server from now on and have to remain present beside the Prince all the time!!!
HELL! That's what I brought upon myself!
I fearfully asked Master Kang what all the time meant for. He said, "Of course, it meant every waking hour." He said it like duh! As if I should have known it already!
I felt like banging my forehead against a wall that instant. How can I go back within 2 months?
Oh, now I'm supposed to take the breakfast in his chamber which was brought in front of the hall by a maid, after testing it with silver needles and my sense!
I did my work silently and took the food inside and greeted his majesty. I tried to calm my nerves as I felt the prince noticing every movement of mine. Surely he can't be suspecting me already, right?!!!!
As I finished my little test and found nothing wrong and reporting it to his majesty, I stepped aside from the table. I was looking at my feet when he spoke. I couldn't remember if he had ever spoken to me before. My eyes shot up at him. He asked, "Where did you learn about poisons?" It didn't felt like a question, rather a demand as his deep voice was full of authority and expression grave.
I kept my face bored and neutral as I replied, "I had an old master who taught me everything about poisons."
Wishing he wouldn't ask about my master.
He didn't. He asked, "Why did you learn about poisons?"
I said, " It interested me so I did all I could to learn about it, your highness."
He just nodded and looked at me with an unreadable expression. Then I looked down, afraid of that piercing gaze that threatened to uncover all my secrets...
When I looked up again, he was eating his meal. He didn't ask me anything else for the rest of the day. I spent my free time sitting in the corner of the hall, reading books and he worked with loads of files. I tested his foods when they came and while he ate his lunch, I was allowed to leave for an hour to do my things and had to return to my post in time.
But having less work didn't mean I could let my guards down or stop worrying for a second! I have so little time but how am I gonna get out of here? People who start working permanently here, can't get out unless they are kicked out as punishments!
Yes, I'll do something that will make them kick me out! But what if they sentence me to death instead of throwing me out of here?!!! This was a bad idea. Very bad one!
And I'm not alone that I can put off my disguise and vanish the servant Kim's existence. Min Ha is also here and without many disguises except for her identity!
If we escape and they come looking for us, they can easily recognize her! So, I have to leave properly so that no one comes looking for us later.
From time to time I went to see Min Ha and spend some time with her and we share information. Today when I went to meet her in front of the female servants' quarter, all the other female servants' there were gossiping, giggling, and stealing glances at me! Min Ha explained to me that in their mind, I was the youngest, unmarried and handsome male server with such a high rank!
It was so awkward!!!
Sorry to disappoint you ladies, I'm not a charming young man! I'm as much as a lady as you are!