Chapter 10: The Lost Sheep
Aurora woke with a start, her body heavy with exhaustion, as if she hadn't slept at all. The remnants of her dream lingered in her mind, hazy but persistent, like a distant whisper she couldn't quite grasp. She shook her head, trying to dispel the unsettling feeling. Whatever it was, she didn't want it clouding her day.
As she rubbed her eyes, the brightness streaming through the small window caught her attention. The sun was high, golden rays spilling across her modest room. A sudden realization hit her: I overslept.
Panic bubbled in her chest. It was unlike Lucas not to summon her. Ever since she had become his personal maid, her mornings were dictated by his routines-preparing his bath, arranging his clothes, and ensuring his chambers were spotless.
Why hadn't he sent for her today?
Relief mingled with her anxiety. Perhaps he was giving her a rare moment of reprieve. Either way, she couldn't afford to waste more time.
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Aurora leapt out of bed and headed straight to the small, sparse bathroom attached to the maid's quarters. The icy chill of the water sent shivers through her body as she bathed, but she had grown used to it. Hot water was a luxury reserved for the nobles, and she had long since stopped lamenting her situation.
As she dressed, her fingers lingered on her maid's uniform. She felt an odd urge to look... different today. She reached into her small wardrobe and pulled out the second uniform Hillary had given her. The fabric was softer, the cut more tailored, as if it had been made just for her.
She slipped into it, and when she caught her reflection in the mirror, a gasp escaped her lips. The uniform hugged her form perfectly, accentuating her slender frame. For the first time in what felt like ages, she felt beautiful.
Aurora took her time in front of the mirror, letting her curls fall naturally across her shoulders. She applied a light touch of mascara and eyeliner, careful not to overdo it. A soft pink lipstick completed the look, complementing her warm complexion.
She gave herself one final glance, a satisfied smile curling her lips. It had been so long since she'd cared for herself like this.
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The corridors of the palace were quieter than usual as Aurora made her way toward Lucas's chambers. But as she walked, she couldn't shake the feeling of eyes on her. Servants and guards paused in their tracks, their gazes following her as she passed.
She tried to ignore it, but the murmurs were unmistakable.
"Is that Aurora?"
"She looks... different today."
"Who knew a maid could look so striking?"
Her cheeks flushed as she quickened her pace, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. She wasn't used to such attention and didn't know whether to be flattered or embarrassed.
When she reached the door to Lucas's chambers, she hesitated. Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, she raised her hand and knocked softly.
The door creaked open, revealing James, Lucas's personal guard. His eyes swept over her, lingering a moment too long, and Aurora felt her face heat up under his scrutiny.
"Good morning, James," she said, her voice steady despite her discomfort. "Is His Highness inside?"
James leaned against the doorframe, a smirk playing on his lips. "The prince is in the practice field. Preparing for the upcoming war."
Aurora tilted her head. "War?"
James shrugged. "It's nothing immediate. Just a precaution. But if you're looking for him, I can take you there."
Aurora nodded without hesitation, curiosity piqued. She had never seen Lucas train before.
---
James led her through winding corridors and vast halls, each one more opulent than the last. When they stepped outside, the cool morning breeze greeted her, carrying the faint scent of flowers from the palace gardens.
The practice field was a sprawling expanse, enclosed by high stone walls. Dozens of soldiers sparred in pairs, their movements sharp and precise. But her eyes were drawn to the figure at the center of it all.
Lucas.
He moved with a grace that seemed almost otherworldly, his sword an extension of his arm. His strikes were fluid yet powerful, each one landing with precision against his opponent's blade. His expression was intense, focused, a far cry from the stoic prince she was used to.
Aurora stood frozen, captivated by the sight. She had never seen this side of him before. There was something mesmerizing about the way he carried himself-confident, commanding, untouchable.
The memory of him saving her in the forest surfaced unbidden, and she found herself smiling. There was no denying his skill.
Lucas, sensing her gaze, turned his head toward her. His eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still.
He lowered his sword, dismissing his opponent with a curt nod, and strode toward her. His steps were purposeful, his gaze unwavering. Aurora felt her heart hammering in her chest as he drew closer.
When he stopped in front of her, she instinctively bowed her head. "Good morning, Your Highness," she said softly.
Lucas studied her in silence for a moment, his expression unreadable. His eyes lingered on her curls, her carefully made-up face, the way her uniform fit her perfectly. For the first time, he noticed her not as his maid but as a woman.
"You look... different," he said finally, his voice low and measured.
Aurora's cheeks burned, but she kept her head bowed. "I thought I'd make an effort today, Your Highness."
Lucas's lips quirked into a faint smile. "Effort suits you."
Aurora dared to look up, meeting his gaze. His eyes were darker than she remembered, filled with something she couldn't quite place. She quickly looked away, her heart threatening to escape her chest.
"In your next life," Lucas said, his tone teasing, "you should be born a maid. It suits you perfectly."
Aurora's head snapped up, indignation flashing in her eyes. But the playful smirk on Lucas's lips stopped her from retorting. She bit her tongue, choosing instead to focus on steadying her breathing.
---
The training session continued, but Lucas's focus wavered. His thoughts kept drifting back to Aurora, to the way her presence disrupted the careful walls he had built around himself. He hated it. And yet, he couldn't bring himself to push her away.
Aurora, meanwhile, lingered at the edge of the field, watching in awe. For the first time since entering this world, she felt a flicker of hope. Perhaps, just perhaps, she could carve out a place for herself here.
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Lucas finally called an end to the session. He approached Aurora once more, his sword resting casually against his shoulder.
"Come," he said simply.
Aurora blinked. "Where to?"
"You'll see."
Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving her no choice but to follow.
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