I looked at him, dazed. "You… how did you know that?" I whispered.
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. He's the one who called me instead of my dad. My dad is very loyal to his parents."
I nodded in relief. I'm not ready to die yet! I must escape from this prison!
He smiled at me and left. "Thank you, Ethan," I mumbled as I lay back on my mattress. He already has everything under control. No wonder he told me to trust him. But… will this last long? No matter what he does, his parents will never let him marry me. The queen already warned me about getting close to high-ranked guards. I've even heard the tragic story of Prince Thomas's ex-girlfriend.
That story still gives me chills. The queen doesn't care about a commoner's life, she can erase anyone who stands in her way. Sometimes I wonder why the king stays so quiet and gives her so much power.
I used to think Queen Susan ruled this kingdom, but it turns out she's just a princess who married a crown prince.
I turned toward the door when I heard someone fling it open so hard I thought it might fall off its hinges. I frowned and sat up, then saw Elena pinching her nose with her thumb and ring finger.
"This place stinks," she said.
I just stared at her. Okay… what is she doing here? And how did she even find our room?
"Why don't you get sick of this terrible smell?" she asked with irritation.
"What are you doing here?" I asked.
She looked at me in disbelief and pointed at herself. "Are you talking to me?"
I didn't answer, because something strange was building inside me, like a power or an urge to teach her a lesson.
"Why aren't you speaking? How dare you open your stinky mouth and question me? You, a lowly maid living in a rat hole!" She flipped her long hair and looked at me with disgust. "I knew you were pretending to be sick so you wouldn't have to teach me how to make tea. Do you think I want to learn from someone as low as you?"
I raised a brow and watched her mouth move up and down like a puppet.
"Even the most professional tea masters can't reach my level! You'd better stop making your stupid tea in this palace, or else…"
"I'm not the one eager to make tea," I cut in calmly. "You should tell that to the queen. Do you want me to refuse when she asks me to make one?"
She blinked in disbelief. "What…?"
"Just wondering," I said, tilting my head, "how a lowly maid attracted the most powerful princess enough for her to come visit my room."
"Wow…" she muttered.
"I don't understand why you're mad, Miss Elena."
"Miss Elena?" she repeated, confused. She probably never heard that before. She's so used to 'Princess Elena' or 'Your Majesty.' She's too lazy to study English or even pay attention in class. I wouldn't be surprised if she's not well-educated.
"Didn't you hear me? What's the meaning of 'Miss'?!"
"It's just something we use normally," I said with a shrug.
Elena's face turned red with anger. "How dare you, you b*tch!" she snapped, pointing at me before storming off.
I burst into laughter. So what if she's a princess? She's still an illiterate, just a rich illiterate. I won't let her bully me. I didn't even offend her!
A minute later, Rosie came in. "You're called, Allison."
"Ahhhh!" I groaned in frustration. She must have reported me to the throne hall! That princess is such a pain in the ass!
"You're so bold, Allison. You dared to insult Princess Elena," Rosie said.
I rolled my eyes and stood up, following her even though my legs were numb. I could barely walk properly.
"I've been dying to beat her up," Rosie sighed.
We exchanged looks and burst into laughter. "She's so annoying and too proud," I said. "But I didn't even insult her. She's just an illiterate."
When we reached the throne hall, I saw Ramon checking on the king, so, the king was around too!
Elena was there, smiling victoriously. Since when did she start living in the palace? She couldn't even wait to marry Ethan!
I quickly looked away and blushed the moment I saw Ethan. His eyes never left me from the moment I entered. Can't he at least try to ignore me?
"Yes, Your Highness, Your Majesty," I said, bowing as I stood in the centre of the hall.
"Why did you insult her?" the queen asked coldly.
"I didn't, Your Majesty."
Elena groaned and pointed at me. "You're a big liar! You said that, you even…"
"Shhh." Thomas put his finger to his lips. "You have no right to interfere. The queens are speaking."
My heart skipped. W-what is Prince Thomas talking about? Even Ethan nodded in support. So daring! These two really are birds of the same feather!
"What's with that?" The queen glared at Thomas. Ramon looked at them and laughed silently, shaking his head.
"I'm listening," the queen said to me.
"I'm sorry," I said softly. "I mistakenly addressed her as Miss Elena."
The king frowned and looked at Elena. "Is that true?"
"Yes, Your Majesty! She called me Miss Elena! I don't know where she got the guts to insult me like that!"
Thomas and Ramon exchanged looks and then burst into laughter.
"I didn't know you were this dumb," Ethan sighed, glancing at his parents. "You want me to marry an illiterate?"
Elena froze. "Wait! Don't get me wrong! She really called me 'Miss'!"
"Elena, there's nothing wrong with calling you 'Miss.' It's a respectful way to address someone," the king said. But I could tell he was disappointed she was their future daughter-in-law.
"Sorry, Princess Elena," my mom suddenly rushed in, bowing. "She's just a city girl. She doesn't know the royal culture."
Mom!!! I screamed in my head. This is why my sister Emma ran far away to escape Mom's endless worrying!
"Why are you apologising for something you didn't do?" Ethan frowned.
"Oh, so you're her mother," Elena smirked.
"Yes, my princess," Mom said quickly. "She's my daughter and she's careless."
"Don't worry, Mia. Your daughter didn't do anything wrong," the king said, waving his hand lazily. The queen nodded beside him.
I sighed in relief and quickly pulled Mom out of the hall. I could still feel Ethan's gaze burning on me. Damn this man!
"Something's off about that girl, Allison," I heard the king say.
I froze and lingered by the door to eavesdrop.
"Her appearance suddenly changed overnight… her presence feels strong," he said.
"Nothing much," the queen replied. "She's just exhausted."
"Your son should take responsibility for her condition," Ramon suddenly said.