Aurora sat quietly on the edge of the bed, her gaze sweeping across the lavish room she had been given. She traced her fingers along the smooth fabric of the quilt, marveling at the elegance that surrounded her. She couldn't help but think, This is a maid's quarters? The delicate carvings on the furniture, the polished wood floors, and the plush curtains made it seem more like a guest suite in a nobleman's house than a servant's room.
Shivering, she pulled her thin shawl tighter around her shoulders and moved closer to the crackling fireplace. The heat kissed her frozen skin, but it wasn't enough to chase away the lingering chill. She had been cold ever since Lucas had rescued her in the forest. The memory of that night flashed through her mind-a blur of terror and adrenaline.
Her hand brushed against her temple as she recalled the way Lucas had effortlessly slashed the beast, he must a very skilled fighter she said to herself. How is it possible for someone to be so perfect? she wondered.
His sharp features and piercing eyes had been etched into her mind since the moment he had pulled her from the brink of danger. But she quickly shook herself. No, she thought firmly. I'm his servant now. I can't afford to think like this.
Aurora had always prided herself on her independence, but Lucas had unravelled her carefully guarded resolve in less than a day. She frowned, clenching her fists. I can't let him have this power over me.
The sudden sound of footsteps broke her reverie. Her heart leapt into her throat as the noise grew louder, closer. A sharp knock at the door sent her pulse racing.
Aurora stood, her movements hesitant as if each step toward the door weighed her down. She opened it slowly, her breath catching in her chest when she saw who stood before her.
A stunning young woman, no older than her early twenties, stood in the doorway holding a neat bundle of folded clothes. Her sleek black hair was pinned elegantly at the nape of her neck, and her bright hazel eyes sparkled with curiosity.
"I was instructed to bring you these," the woman said, her voice light and melodic.
Aurora accepted the clothes with a polite smile. "Thank you," she murmured.
The woman tilted her head, studying Aurora with a friendly gaze. "You must be new here," she said. "What's your name?"
"Aurora," she replied, her voice a little steadier now. "Aurora Santos."
The woman's smile widened. "Nice to meet you, Aurora. I'm Hillary."
"Hillary," Aurora repeated, nodding. "It's nice to meet you too."
Hillary gave a small bow before turning on her heel. "Good luck," she called over her shoulder as she disappeared down the corridor.
Aurora closed the door and turned her attention to the clothes in her hands. It was unmistakably a maid's uniform: a navy-blue dress with a crisp white apron, a belt to cinch the waist, and buttons running down the front. She sighed, her fingers running over the fabric. So this is my life now.
Her eyes drifted toward the adjoining bathroom. The door was slightly ajar, revealing hints of ornate tile work inside. With a resigned sigh, Aurora gathered the clothes and stepped into the bathroom, her breath hitching as she took in the space.
The bathroom was like something out of a fairytale. Gleaming silver fixtures and marble countertops adorned the room. A clawfoot tub sat at the center, surrounded by gilded mirrors and intricate tile patterns. Aurora felt like she had stepped back in time.
She stripped out of her damp clothes, warmed by the fire's proximity, and reached for the basin of water that had been left for her. A sharp gasp escaped her lips when she touched it-it was icy cold, biting against her skin.
Aurora hesitated. She had always preferred warm baths, but here, in this strange place, she had no choice. Gritting her teeth, she poured the water over herself, gasping with each frigid splash. It was over quickly; she had never bathed so fast in her life.
Back at the dressing table, she inspected the uniform more closely. Despite her initial reservations, the dress fit her perfectly when she finally put it on. The apron tied neatly at her waist, and the length, which she had feared would be too short, stopped just above her knees.
As she stared at her reflection, Aurora barely recognized the woman looking back at her. Gone was the girl from the forest. In her place stood a maid ready to serve.
---
On the other side of the castle, Lucas strode into the royal chamber where his brothers, Alden and Ryan, were already waiting.
"You're late," Alden said sharply, rising to his feet. His amber eyes bore into Lucas with a mix of irritation and disdain. "Must you always keep us waiting?"
Lucas ignored him, settling into his seat with practiced nonchalance. He was used to Alden's temper and had long since stopped letting it bother him.
Ryan, the youngest of the three, leaned back lazily in his chair, uninterested in the brewing tension. If anything, he seemed annoyed at having been summoned at all.
The king entered, his presence commanding immediate silence. His sharp gaze swept over his sons before he began speaking.
"Our neighboring kingdom has declared war," he said bluntly. "They've been building their forces for weeks, and we must act swiftly if we are to protect our people."
A heavy silence settled over the room.
"I'm entrusting this mission to you, Lucas," the king continued, his tone firm. "You've proven yourself time and time again. Rally the troops and prepare for battle. We cannot afford to lose."
Lucas inclined his head, his expression unreadable. "Yes, Father," he said.
The meeting concluded as abruptly as it had begun. Ryan was the first to leave, practically sprinting from the room in his eagerness to escape. Alden lingered, shooting Lucas a cold glare before storming out.
Lucas sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. The weight of responsibility bore down on him, but he pushed it aside as he headed to his private chambers.
---
Aurora had just finished adjusting her apron when another knock startled her. Opening the door, she found Hillary standing there once again.
"Prince Lucas wishes to see you," Hillary said simply.
Aurora's heart skipped a beat. "Now?"
Hillary nodded, stepping aside to let Aurora pass. She led her through a maze of corridors, the grandeur of the castle leaving Aurora awestruck. Finally, they stopped in front of a massive wooden door.
"This is where I leave you," Hillary said with a small smile before disappearing down the hall.
Aurora stared at the door, her palms damp with nervous sweat. The sheer size of it was intimidating, its intricate carvings hinting at the power that lay beyond.
Before she could knock, a tall, muscular guard appeared, his stern expression making her take an involuntary step back.
"What business do you have here?" he demanded.
Aurora swallowed hard. "Prince Lucas...requested to see me," she said, her voice trembling.
The guard's expression softened slightly. He disappeared into the room for a moment before returning. "You may enter," he said, holding the door open.
Aurora stepped inside, and her breath caught in her throat.
The room was enormous, with high ceilings and windows that stretched nearly floor-to-ceiling. Rich tapestries adorned the walls, and the faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the air.
At the center of it all sat Lucas, perched on the edge of an opulent bed like a king on his throne. His piercing gaze locked onto hers the moment she entered, and Aurora felt her knees weaken.
"Prepare my bath," he commanded, his tone clipped.
Aurora blinked, caught off guard. "Your bath?"
Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Is that going to be a problem?"
She hesitated. "I... I don't know how to-"
He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You truly are hopeless," he muttered. "The bathroom is to your left. You have five minutes."
Aurora bristled at his tone but bit her tongue. Without another word, she turned and headed for the bathroom, determined not to let him see how much he had rattled her.
As she filled the tub, the sound of water splashing against porcelain echoed in the chamber. Aurora clenched her fists, her frustration bubbling just beneath the surface.
How did I end up here? she wondered. But one thing was certain-this was only the beginning.
---