Rhefa with her striking beauty walked beside the head maid through the busy market streets, their arms laden with baskets of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. As they weaved their way through the crowds, the head maid couldn't help but notice the admiring glances that men and women alike bestowed upon the young maid, but the maid remained serenely unaffected, focused on the task at hand.
Despite her extraordinary beauty, she had stayed under the shadow for a very long time without causing any trouble, even didn't speak about the trouble she face with the royal princesses, as she grow older her divine beauty grow with her which makes the princesses jealous of not having such a pretty face, they deserve such face not a lowly human.
She was a master at blending in with the crowd, always mindful of her place in the palace hierarchy. Her dedication and loyalty to the head maid and to the palace had earned her the trust and respect of the king, and she never gave anyone a reason to doubt her intentions because deep down she knew she was a chaos that shouldn't be discover
As they walked through the market, she seemed perfectly content to let the head maid take the lead. But anyone who looked closely could see the flicker of excitement in her eyes. After all, the crown prince was returning to the palace after 13 years away, and the excitement in the air was palpable. She couldn't wait for the ball to begin, where she would play her part in the grand celebration of his return. She barely remember the crown prince face, the first and the last time she saw him was at garden 13years ago.
They arrived at the grocery shop, the man in charge welcome them "What are you buying from us today milady" he asked. Aunt Margret arrange grocery to the basket Rhefa was holding "How much for the things I picked?" she asked. The man gave a cunning smile "All for 20 gold coins".
Aunt Margaret was ready to remove the grocery from the basket, Rhefa holds her hand "Aunty Margaret, I have got this" she assured her and step forward, the head maid move back a little.
She haggled with the vendor over the prices of the groceries they needed for the ball. The vendor was initially stern, but as he gazed at her radiating beauty, he found himself unable to resist her charm.
He smiled at her and said, "I'll give you a 50% discount, milady. I hope this gesture will bring you back to my shop again." Rhefa smiled at his words "We will always come back if you give us good price" she said and bowed. Aunt Margret hand over 10 coins to the man and they both left the shop. Rhefa couldn't deny the joy she felt as she looked at the full baskets in her hands, knowing that her bargaining skills and natural beauty had helped make their purchases more affordable.
Aunt Margret had taught her the way of the world and even secretly teach her how to read and write even though it is forbidden for a maid to read and write, Rhefa has always wondered where and how Aunt Margret learned how to read but she won't get an answer, Aunt Margret always brushes the question off whenever she asks her.
A smile of satisfaction appears on Aunt Margret face "I raise you well". Rhefa chuckled softly "Yes you did". They walk to the carriage assigned to run an errand for the palace, the coachman bowed and opened the carriage for them.
The head maid, sat patiently inside the carriage with Rhefa as they made their way back to the palace after running errands throughout the city. Rhefa watched as her aunt's face fell upon realizing she had forgotten to visit the seamstress for the princesses's dresses. She could see the weight of responsibility beginning to weigh heavily on Margret shoulders.
With a calm and gentle tone, Rhefa spoke up, "Do not fret Aunt Maggie". I could take care of this task for you and have the dress ready for the evening."
Margaret looked grateful, her countenance lightening. "Are you sure?" she asked.
"Of course, Aunt Maggie . You have a lot to do as the head maid, I will alight here, get the dresses and take a local carriage back to the palace" Rhefa replied, smiling kindly.
Aunt Maggie breathed a sigh of relief, thankful for her thoughtful and capable Rhefa. Her helpfulness, patience, and friendly demeanor made her not only an excellent assistant but also a trusted companion.
The couchman stopped the carriage on Rhefa's request, she alighted from the carriage and waved at the head maid "I will meet you at the palace Aunt Maggie" she said as she liked to call her.
The head maid nodded and signal the couchman to move on, the ball is starting 8:00pm in the evening. There isn't enough time to waste, and the prince will also arrive at the palace today after a very long time, everything should be ready before he arrives.
"Thank goodness, the carriage hasn't moved far from the market before Aunt Maggie realized she forgot the princesses's dresses" she muttered and make her way toward the busy, loud, crowded and noisy market.
Rhefa in her simple white blouse and a navy blue skirt , walked towards the bustling market square. She kept her head down, lost in thought about her mother whom she had not seen in years. She had no idea if her mother was alive or not, and this weighed heavily on her mind.
As she walked down the street, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of her mother, she didn't notice the tall figure walking towards her until it was too late. The two collided, causing her to stumble backwards. The tall figure , instead of helping her up or catching her, sidestepped her which cause her body to hit the ground
She felt a pang of anger and disappointment in the stranger's callous behavior "Watch where you are going young man" She picked herself up and raise her head up to see the man.
The man looked impeccable in his sharp black suit, starched white shirt, and polished leather shoes. His jet black hair was neatly combed back, revealing his chiseled jawline and icy blue eyes. He exuded an aura of charm and sophistication, but there was also a hint of coldness in his demeanor.
"You watch where you are going, if you really want to die I can make your wish come true, you don't have to think about it" he said coldly.
Rhefa scoffed in disbelief "Who told you I want to die, if you know the people I work for you wouldn't dare to mess with me" she boast proudly.
The man slender hand slide into his pocket "I have better things to do" he said and walked passed her like she never existed.
"His face his the opposite of his character, so ugly on the inside, WHAT AN ARROGANT BASTARD" she said loudly for the man to hear, he heard her but didn't react, he went his way so did she.
As he walked through the crowded street, people turned to look at him. Some admired his impeccable style, while others couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He moved with purpose, his steps measured and deliberate, and his gaze occasionally lingered on the people around him, assessing them with a steely gaze.