The following day, work in the kitchen was extra. In fact, the entire palace was haywire. "Earth to Liya." Robellia snapped out of her daze. "Hmmm! I'm so sorry, Gen. I was just..... sigh!" Genevieve held her hands. "Liya, look at me. I get it, you're nervous, okay. But he is your best friend, and well, if he has really changed. Then screw him. A few years of war, and bam, you forget your closest friend. Then maybe he isn't worth your friendship." Robellia smiled, "Thank you, Gen. I love you." Well, I love you even more. Come on, we've got dishes to wash and potatoes to peel."
It was nearly time for lunch when a maid barged into the kitchen. "He is here. The crowned prince has finally arrived. We are all required at the entrance to welcome him home." Everyone was filled with excitement as they rushed to welcome their crowned prince. "Come on, Liya. " Let's go," Robellia smiled at Genevieve. "Go ahead, I'll wash my hands first. Save me a spot next to you." Genevieve rushed out with the others. Robellia washed her hands and was ready to step out to head towards the entrance when she paused. She couldn't do it, she couldn't. She stepped out of the back door and ran out to her favorite spot.
Meanwhile, at the grand entrance of the palace, the servants had all aligned perfectly on each side of the entrance, all the way to the stairs inside the palace where the king and Prince George stood. Genevieve nervously waited for her best friend. There was a gap between her and some other maid, the place she had saved for Robellia. "Where are you, Liya?" The crowned prince's carriage finally came to a halt. The carriage door was opened, and Maximus stepped out. He looked different, matured by the war, more built, yet one thing hadn't changed: he still had that overbearing aura of a powerful ruler. The servants all bowed as he walked past them. Genevieve sighed. Where was this girl? Just then, she felt him stop right in front of her. "Fuck." she cursed under her breath and looked up at him. "Where?" she heard his deep voice. She looked beside her and swallowed, shaking her head. Maximus smirked as he scoffed, "So it's hide and seek. Mhmm!" he walked ahead. Genevieve let out a sigh of relief. "She is going to be the death of me."
She could still vividly remember the orders and threats she received from this man years ago, before he departed for the war. He had left her responsible for taking care of his little bunny, and honestly, at first, she was just following orders, but as time went on, Robellia grew on her. She became very attached to her, and naturally, she took care of the girl. Maximus was warmly welcomed by his father and brother, and the servants were told to go back to their posts. When Genevieve got to the kitchen, she expected to see Robellia, but the girl wasn't there. After a few minutes, Robellia walked in through the back door. "Where. have. You've been, Liya? I almost had a heart attack. What were you thinking?" Robellia sighed, "I'm sorry, Gen. I couldn't do it." Genevieve took in a deep breath, "The only reason I won't kill you is that he is going to do the work for me. With the smirk he had on his face, I'd hide if I were you."
Robellia froze. "Gen, what do you mean?" Genevieve smirked, "How would I know?" Robellia panicked, "Gen, come on." Genevieve shrugged. "Let's finish up before lunch." Robellia continued to persist, but Genevieve just ignored her questions. The questions persisted even more when a few maids came to ask what the crowned prince had asked her. Soon it was lunch, and Genevieve was surprised that Robellia joined her for lunch in the cafeteria. On normal days, Robellia would go eat in her secret spot somewhere. "Are you feeling alright, Liya?" Robellia sighed," as you said. If you were me, you'd hide. So that's what I'm doing now, let me have my lunch in peace." "Liya, are you okay, honey?" Roselyn came to sit with them after noticing her daughter in the cafeteria. "Mother, I'm fine, thank you for asking. Now lunch goes well with peace and solitude."
The day was hectic, but it finally came to an end. Genevieve walked back to her room with Robellia. "You know you should have at least gone to greet him today." Genevieve finally said her piece of mind. "Gen, I just need some time, and anyway, he probably doesn't even remember me. I am a slave girl that he had as entertainment, so..." "Liya, what makes you think he doesn't remember you? From the very short conversation we had earlier today, he remembers you quite well, and trust me when I say you aren't just his slave girl. He actually cared about you. You should trust me on that." Robellia smiled.