Nice báckside? What the hèll? Why was he being a flirt? Just because he's a prince doesn't mean he should say that kind of thing anyhow. His rank don't give him license to just talk trash to me like that.
No guy has ever said that to me before. Not like that, and not out loud. And the way he said it, like he meant it. I felt my cheeks burn, and I quickly looked away. I shouldn't be blushing... I should be angry. But my stupidity had other plans.
We kept walking in silence, then we reached an open space, and there was Darethor, already standing beside the royal carriage like he been waiting forever. When he saw both of us together, his eyes widened.
"You!" He pointed at me like I was a thief.
"Shut up, Darethor," Prince Zeroth snapped before I could even defend myself. His voice was sharp. He climbed into the carriage like nothing just happened. I stood there, rooted to the ground. A royal carriage? I mean, I'm just a maid. I'm not supposed to be seen inside something that fancy. It's not my level.
So, I just stood there, looking at the wheels, waiting for it to roll off without me. I had already started thinking of how I'll walk back to the palace when I heard his voice again, loud and commanding.
"What are you still doing outside, young woman? Get your àss into this carriage right now."
My brain stopped working for a second. What? Did I hear that right? I stood frozen, staring at the door like it was a trap. But I heard him well. I can't disobey a royal command, even if it sounded like an insult wrapped in concern.
I climbed in, trying to be as small and quiet as possible. My eyes stayed straight ahead. I didn't even dare glance at him. I sat beside him... not too close, not too far, just enough space to breathe without it being weird. I mean, I can't sit in front of him. That would've been even worse. Too close, too awkward.
Silence again, but heavy. Like there was something neither of us wanted to say out loud.
"My prince," Darethor said after a while, his tone back to being formal. "Your father has started sending invitations for your wedding to Lady Ygraine."
I blinked. What? Wedding?
So, he's getting married. Wow. I didn't even know he was engaged. I mean, a prince marrying a lady from a noble family makes sense. That's what they do. Royalty marries royalty. Whoever Lady Ygraine is, I'm sure she's beautiful and smart and everything a prince needs. Rich too, of course.
I didn't say a word. I kept my eyes on the front wall of the carriage, like it was the most interesting thing in the world. But I could feel his eyes on me. Like he was studying my face. Like he wanted to see if I'd react to the news.
Why was he looking at me? Why now?
"Shut up, Darethor, and get me to my mansion," Prince Zeroth said coldly, like the whole world suddenly pissed him off.
And just like that, the silence came back.
Finally, we reached the mansion. Big, tall, and shining like the moon was in love with it. I didn't even stop to admire it like the first time, I just drag my feet straight to the maid quarters. My body was screaming for rest.
It was already evening. All I needed now was to bathe, eat a little if I even have strength, and crash on my small corner bed. Tomorrow is another day of carrying trays, wiping floors, and answering "Yes, ma'am" and "Yes, my prince" like my life depends on it.
I sat down on my corner of the bed, resting my head in my hands. My mind was already halfway into sleep when I felt a tap on my shoulder. Small, annoying tap like someone didn't have the sense to see I was tired.
I lifted my head slowly. Nyxara.
"What now, Xara?" I asked, too tired for whatever drama she was about to bring.
She folded her arms like I just stole her crown. "What did you do, Valkira, to become Prince Zeroth's personal maid?"
Her eyes were sharp, like they wanted to cut me. Her voice carried heat, like she's been holding this anger for long.
I blinked, confused. Why does she care? It's not like I begged to serve that moody prince.
"I followed the procedures to become a maid. I didn't choose this role. I guess… it's luck," I told her with a tired sigh. I didn't owe her an explanation, but maybe if I said something, she'd let me be.
She laughed. Not a nice laugh. Like I just said a joke and she was the only one who didn't find it funny.
"That's bullshìt. You're a liar and a bìtch," she spat.
My sleepiness vanished. I stood up straight. "Hey, don't talk to me like that. I won't just stand here and let you say trash about me, Xara."
Her face twisted, mouth curled like she chewed something bitter. "What are you gonna do about it?" Her eyes narrowed, full of hate. "We all know you cheated your way in."
Cheated? Me? I was about to defend myself, words already boiling in my throat, but before I could even open my mouth properly...
"What's going on here?" A loud voice cut through the room like a knife.
We both turned. Madam Laurel, the head maid, stood at the doorway. Her arms crossed, her expression unreadable but dangerous. Everyone knew not to mess with her.
She looked at both of us, then focused on me.
"Prince Zeroth calls for you," she said.
I blinked. Again?
I didn't say a word. Just gave Nyxara one last glare and left. What does Prince Zeroth want again?
I mean, I'm tired. It's already evening. Isn't he supposed to be asleep by now or doing something royal in his big lonely room? Why does he want to see me again? My legs were already begging for rest, but I dragged myself to his door anyway.
When I reached his front door, I knocked gently. His deep voice came from inside, "Come in." I pushed the door open, stepped in, and barely closed it before his words landed.
"Lazy maid," he said without even looking at me. "What kind of maid doesn't prepare a night bath for her master?"
"Oh... I'm sorry, my prince," I said, my voice almost shaking. "This is my first time being a maid. I'm still learning... Right now I'm just scared you might fire me."
He scoffed like I told him I don't know how to boil water. "Do the needful and prepare my bath."
I didn't waste time. I rushed into the bathroom. I looked around for the right oils and herbs, then started the water, doing it the way I saw the other maids do earlier. When I was done, I called out softly, "My prince... your bath is ready."
He walked in, slow and regal, like he had all the time in the world. He dipped his hand into the water, then pulled it out fast like the water burned him.
His brows pulled together. His jaw clenched. "Your incompetence is becoming too much, Valkira. This water is too cold. Don't you know I bathe with warm water?"
My heart jumped to my throat. "I'm so sorry, I'll change it right now." I quickly adjusted the heat, added more hot water, stirred it till I could see steam rising. Then I called him again.
He came back into the bathroom, tested it again with his hand, then nodded slightly. "Not bad."
I breathed out, relieved. But that relief didn't last.
He turned around and walked into the bedroom where I had been standing just now, waiting for my next order. And right in front of me, without a care in the world... he untied his royal robe and let it drop.
I swear my eyes almost fell out of my head before I quickly turned around like fire just burned my eyes.
But not before I saw everything.
His chest was broad and strong, the kind of chest that looked like it could break down doors. His abs were hard, smooth, lined like they were carved from stone. His skin… smooth, rich.
I spun around fast, my face burning red, and my eyes wide. But instead of saying something normal, he scoffed behind me like my reaction was funny.
Then his deep voice rolled out behind me, calm but dangerous.
"You are my personal maid. What are you doing turning around?" he asked.
There was a pause. Then his next words hit me like thunder.
"Don't you know you will join me to bathe?"