Aisha walked quietly, following her mother through the grand hall. The sunlight streaming through the tall windows highlighted the polished marble floors, casting long shadows that danced with each step. She tried to match her mother's graceful pace, her small hands clasped in front of her.
As they passed the servants and attendants along the corridor, Safiya greeted each of them with a warm smile. "Good morning," she said, and Aisha timidly echoed, "Good morning," her voice soft but polite.
Finally, they reached the prince's room. Safiya paused at the heavy wooden door and knocked gently.
A voice called from inside, firm yet calm, "Come in."
Safiya opened the door carefully, and they stepped inside together. The room was bathed in morning sunlight that spilled through the large window, making everything glow with a golden hue.
At the desk by the window, the prince sat in quiet composure. He wasn't facing them; instead, his gaze was fixed outside, as if lost in thought. A gentle breeze drifted through the window, ruffling his hair, which caught the sunlight and shimmered like strands of gold. His face, partially illuminated, looked calm yet commanding, radiating a quiet intensity that made Aisha pause for a moment.
The soft light accentuated the sharp lines of his features, giving him an almost unreal, ethereal presence—as if he had stepped out of a storybook. Aisha felt her small heart skip a beat, both impressed and a little intimidated.
She quietly followed her mother closer, careful not to disturb the serene atmosphere. The room smelled faintly of polished wood and old parchment, a calm, almost sacred feeling settling around them.
The prince leaned back slightly in his chair, eyes narrowing. "You want me to go outside, right? But I'm not interested anymore. How many times have I told you?"
Safiya stepped forward calmly. "But today, I am not here for that," she said.
The prince turned fully toward them, his sharp gaze landing on Aisha. He blinked once, confused. "Whose child is this? And why is she in my room?"
"She is my daughter," Safiya said gently, glancing at Aisha.
Aisha took a small, confident step forward. She straightened her back and bowed lightly. "Your Highness," she said, her voice clear. "My name is Aisha. From now on, I am your personal maid, Your Highness."
The prince's eyes widened. "Are you kidding me? She's my new personal maid?"
"Yes, Your Highness," Safiya replied firmly.
The prince frowned, looking her up and down. "But she's just a child! Look at her… she's still practically a baby. How can she help me? This is not the time for jokes."
Aisha, hearing his words, narrowed her eyes slightly in thought. Who's saying he's a child? she thought. I know he's ten, and I'm six… I'm only four years younger than him.
Safiya smiled softly. "I know, Prince. She is young, yes, but she is talented. You'll see."
Aisha straightened her shoulders, meeting the prince's gaze with determination. "I know, Your Highness. I am still a child, but I will show you that I am worthy of this job."
The prince sighed and leaned back in his chair. "Fine… I'll let you take this job, since Safiya insisted," he said slowly. "But don't think I believe in you. You're still just a child. I don't mind if you work here, but remember don't disturb me."
Safiya bowed deeply. "Thank you very much, Your Highness, for entrusting her with this responsibility."She straightened and added firmly, "Your Highness, I have some matters to handle. From now on, Aisha will be your personal maid."
With a small nod, she turned and left the room. Before stepping out completely, she called softly, "Aisha… from now on, you will take care of His Highness. Understood?"
Aisha straightened her back and nodded confidently. "Yes, I understand!"
The prince stood from his chair and looked out the window, sunlight catching his hair. "I don't understand… why would you want to work at this age? And honestly, I'm not interested in hearing your story. You're still a child. How old are you, anyway?"
Aisha straightened and replied confidently,
"Your Highness… I'm six years old."
The prince turned from the window and stepped closer, studying her carefully. "Six…? I don't know how someone your age could understand such things. If you don't want this job, tell me now. I won't force you, and I'll speak with your mother instead."
Aisha lifted her chin, eyes bright and determined. "Your Highness, I am your personal maid. This is my choice to serve you. You're thinking wrong if you think I'm too young."
The prince blinked, then relaxed slightly. "…Very well. If this is your choice, then so be it. But don't disturb me like your mother does, understand?"
Aisha nodded confidently. "Yes, Your Highness. I will not fail you."
The prince had gone to the bathroom, leaving the room quiet. Aisha stood still, taking a deep breath. Now I understand clearly what Mommy meant… she thought. His Highness isn't a bad person at all.
Before I came here, I learned a little about him. His father is the Emperor of the Karki Empire, but his mother… no one really knows who she was. Many say she was just a maid, which is why his siblings and others despise him. Even his father hasn't given him a kingdom or any significant land. Instead, he was assigned to an abandoned territory near the demons basically a death sentence.
That's why His Highness is so isolated… and why he's been depressed all this time. But even so, he treats everyone around him with respect. There's something troubling him, something hidden, but I can't tell what it is yet.
Aisha clenched her small fists, determination blazing in her eyes. But I am now His Highness's personal maid. I will help him. I will change the future. I won't let humans and demons go to war. I will make sure he finds happiness… no matter what it takes.