Zephirah looked up at Alfonzo, surprised by his sudden and unexpected display of adoration. Her eyes widened slightly. She hadn't expected the atmosphere to change so quickly, and for a split second, she didn't know what to say.
The rumor that the Crown Prince had hired a new maid quickly spread like wildfire throughout the palace's halls. With their love of rumors, maids and other staff members excitedly whispered the story, passing it from ear to ear until it became the topic of conversation for the day. Every whisper that circulated added a new element of fascination to the rumor mill's buzzing supposition.
Curiosity-seeking looks, and whispered talks could be heard in the kitchens, among the blooming gardens, and even within the opulent rooms. This new maid, who was she? Was the girl one among them? How was it that she had the Crown Prince's interest? The atmosphere was thick with conjecture and presumptions, creating a tapestry of untruths and delusions.
