"
"Hurry, the guards will open the gate any moment now!"
I stood up and ran towards the food table, straightening the table cloth. There, perfect.
I ran towards the line of maids and joined them right when the doors flung open. I laid my hands on my lap and looked downward, careful not to show any flaws in my stance.
Every year, a majestic ball, celebrating the birth of Aolenoa's third prince would be held in the White Diamond palace. Nobles and royals from all over the continent would travel for this grand time. A crucial time for Aolenoa to boast their achievements. That means for me, a lowly maid, that this was no time for any flaws in my service.
I straightened my apron as the room slowly filled up with nobles and royals adorning beautiful attires. I looked down at my calloused fingers. Like many other little girls, it's a dream to be able to live the life of such elites. Wearing beautiful dresses, throwing money without a second thought- I balled my hand into a fist. Not having to worry about losing your head with the slightest mistake or being burned carrying hot food that you'd never get to even get a bite of. That's the dream. A small sigh escaped my lips as I relaxed my fist. It's useless to harp on it.
The head maid motioned us to leave and, in a beeline, we did. Butlers were expected to serve, maids were to be working in the shadows. After all, maids are an eyesore to elites. Women aren't expected to be as reliable as men. Be it in grace, service or pure capability.
The group dispersed, many of the maids walking back to the residences they serve, others sneaking out to go to the festival in the citadel. But me? I didn't know what to do. At this point of time, Princess Hana would probably be asleep. There'd be nothing to do back at the estate and I'd feel guilty experiencing the festival when Princess Hana can't.
Honestly, I pitied my mistress. She's a member of the royal family and yet whilst her siblings are in the ball, mingling and experiencing one of the many highlights of their grand lives, she's back at the Green Diamond palace- spending her time doing nothing. Again. I detested how the royals treated her. No, I hated their lack of treatment. I mean, she wasn't even sent an invite! My kind mistress deserved the world. She worked harder than anyone, even with such a sick body. Whether in etiquette, academics or looks, my mistress was the best! 10/10 stars from me! Yet, none of the royals realise this. And because of what? Because she's an illegitimate child? Because she's the 13th princess? Because she's a woman?
I flinched, I'd gotten too angry thinking that I'd cut the palms of my hands with my nails.
Ahh.. my nails are too long, I've to cut them. That's unfortunate, I loved having long nails.
I shook my head before allowing a long exhale escape me. Haish, why am I getting so worked up? A maid like me, with no social-economic background can't do anything.
"That's a deep sigh." A smooth yet gruff voice sounded.
I whipped my head to see that a man had escaped the ballroom and into the hallway.
I quickly bowed, my back producing a perfect 90° angle. Why has a noble come here? Oh no, what have I done? I've embarrassed my country in front of a noble!
"My apologies, sir. I did not mean for you to witness such an unsightly thing. I accept any form of punishment." I hurriedly blurted out. My fingers trembled as they rested against my thighs. Oh lord, I hope this time it won't be another caning.
"No, no. It's fine! Really.." I looked up. My eyes widening.
Wow, that man was handsome. He has the most luxurious silver hair, and piercing golden eyes. Wait, those looks-
"My apologies, Second Prince of Burke!"
How could I disgrace myself in front of a royal? Forget caning, displaying such actions in front of a royal could get me killed! I dropped to the floor and knelt before the Second Prince of Burke. My forehead collided with the cold marble floor, the pain subsiding before my fear. My eyes closed shut as my ears perked up- awaiting for the Prince's order of my punishment.
Big hands wrapped around my forearms, and before I knew it I was being hoisted in the air.
I yelped as I came to see the full view of the Prince's face.
"Calm down! I said that it was fine." The Prince smiled at me.
He looked at my shocked expression for a while before awkwardly setting me down. I wasn't even shocked by him picking me up so easily. No, I was more surprised by his face. By heavens, God truly has blessed my fate. Even rumours didn't do his allure any justice. The Prince was stunning. Even with the little illumination from the moon, his beauty still shines through. Just his looks could heal a disease.
Huh, what's this? Why is my head beating so fast? Why is my face getting warm?
"How old are you?" The Prince asked, his voice echoing through the hallway.
"I'm 13." I answered hesitantly as I stared at my feet, ashamed to look at the sculpture of a man in front of me.
"I'm 17- It's hard, huh; being in a room full of nobles ?" The Prince continued.
I raised my head and took a peek at the Prince. I didn't expect a royal to be so… carefree? He's a Prince, it's almost forbidden to speak to a maid informally but here he is, talking to me as if a friend.
"Surely, I wouldn't be able to experience something so lavish" My cheeks grew red at my stutter.
Frankly, being questioned by snobby nobles isn't a 'lavish experience' but it's a Prince I'm talking to. I'd be dropped as a baby if I said "yeah, old nobles are no better than hungry pigs."
"Haha! These nobles keep asking me about marriage. So uncomfortable." He shuddered. I giggled before hurriedly composing myself. Even to royals, nobles are a bother to them. No surprise there.
The Prince looked down at me. A mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Yeah, I mean they're so old! Why would I want to be arranged to them or their old daughters! I'd rather-" The Prince's voice grew closer. I stopped breathing when I felt the Prince's breath on her ears.
"Marry a beautiful maid with the most gem-like green eyes." He continued, his breath tickling my ears.
Even being in such a dark hallway, it couldn't hide the redness of my cheeks.
The Prince chuckled looking at the mess he created. As if I wasn't already a mess, the Prince had to add a blushing mess on top of that. His voice and hot breath drew me over the edge. I was speechless, only a flood of "I" could pour from my mouth.
In the distance, the sound of violins began to play.
"Huh. That's my que." He declared, standing back up straight.
"I never seemed to catch your name." He asked. I never realised he was so tall.
"Love." I squeaked.
The Prince's eyes widened. He began laughing.
"Haha, Love? What an amusing name." He covered his mouth with his hand as he tried to suppress his laughter.
The Prince took a moment to regain himself before smiling gently at me.
"Well then, goodbye my Love." He continued, giving me a slight peck on my left cheek. "
Love ended her story as I stared at her in shock. I was speechless. Damn girl, that man's got game. Barely an hour with Love and he could already tease her with marriage. Wow, that's some confidence.
"That's….interesting…" I responded.
Truly, this wasn't what I was expecting to hear from Love when I asked her to tell me of her experience with Prince Aldrin.
Frankly, I expected that Love would tell me that Prince Aldrin stood up for her when she made a mistake but no, instead she's talking about this awkward flirtatious encounter.
"Miss! Please don't look so disgusted!" Love whined.
I, uncomfortably, smiled at her. I mean-this truly wasn't what I expected when she said that he was "polite and didn't look down at me." She can't expect me to be accepting of her very cringey experience with Prince Aldrin.
But alas, what can I do? This is probably every maiden dream. A handsome Prince flirting with a commoner- it's almost vomit inducing. How cliche.
"And so? You fell in love with him?" I flatly asked.
Love turned red in an instant. In the dark mine, with only the dim light from the oil lamp, I could clearly see how flushed she was. Love spouted a few "how could I do so?", "I wouldn't dare!" and, my personal favourite," The Prince won't ever see me that way."
Like damn, I asked a question. Not a freaking inquisition.
The mines echoed with silence again as Love calmed down. Her bashful expression was soon washed down by pain. I felt bad for her. Talk about a miserable first love. I'd like to say I understand but my first love wasn't a Prince who flirted with me- someone who has no chance with him at all, and only for it to turns out that he betrayed my whole country and I find out only when he and his soldiers come to hunt down any last survivors of the country he betrayed.
My disgusted expression softened. I wrapped my left arm around Love's shoulders and brought her closer to me.
"Ahh, that sucks! First love always ends in such miserable ways! My first love? He had a partner and yet he still had the gall to lead me on!" I rambled.
"Lead you on?" Love asked, it seems my attempt to take her mind off of Prince Aldrin worked.
"Yeah- he gave me hopes of getting into a relationship with me! When in reality, he already had a dame!" I continued.
"But miss, I've been with you since you were young. I don't know of such a man."
Oh, I messed up.