Valerie's POV:
"I have a question," I said, looking at Julie and Jude, who were seated with me on the couch in the servant's lounge. It was the first day of the week, and we were waiting for the new roster to be posted.
"What is it?" Julie asked, curiosity in her voice.
"Why do most of the workers hate me?" I asked.
Jude chuckled. "They don't hate you, Val. They're just...wary of you."
I raised an eyebrow. "Same thing."
Julie jumped in before Jude could respond. "They think you got the job easily, Val. You just showed up with Miss Mira, and suddenly you're working in the Palace."
I scoffed. "Easy? I had to clean twelve rooms on my first day!"
Jude's eyes widened. "What? You really cleaned twelve rooms?" I nodded, and he whistled. "You're amazing, Val!"
I smiled at him.
Julie continued, "Yes, well, cleaning twelve rooms was impressive, but they think you came out of nowhere. It's hard to get a job here, and you got it without even trying."
I huffed. "Regardless, they should at least give me a chance. I have a resume, you know."
Jude's eyes lit up. "You have a resume?"
"Yes," I replied, smirking.
Jude turned to Julie. "Why don't we have resumes here?"
Julie sighed. "Because, Jude, we're not exactly applying for jobs at a marketing firm. We're servants. We don't need resumes."
Jude scowled. "That's not the point. The point is, Val has skills and experience, and we're just...well, we're just here."
Julie rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. You're not just here, Jude. You're a talented footman, and I'm a skilled maid. We have our own strengths."
I watched with amusement, knowing that Jude and Julie's banter was a cover for their true feelings. They liked each other and I wondered when they would finally confess.
Their bickering was interrupted by the arrival of Mrs. Bertha, followed by some of the other workers. Everyone stood up, greeting her with respect.
Mrs. Bertha cleared her throat, commanding our attention. "Okay, everyone, the new roster is about to be put up. Please check your assignments and no complaints, understood?"
We all nodded, and she pinned a sheet of paper to the bulletin board. The board was a large, worn-out corkboard, with notes and announcements tacked up haphazardly. The roster was printed in bold black letters, with names and tasks listed in neat columns.
I scanned the board, searching for my name in the West Wing. But it wasn't there. I checked the North Wing, still nothing. My eyes strayed to the East Wing, and my heart literally stopped when I saw my name next to "Prince Nova's Room".
I froze, my mind racing. How did I end up assigned to the Crowned Prince's room?
Rhea's voice broke the silence. "Why is Valerie's name in the East Wing?"
Everyone's eyes turned to the board, and I felt a wave of nervousness wash over me. Another person spoke up, "Why is she cleaning the Crowned Prince's room? That's a prestigious task, usually reserved for the most experienced staff."
Mrs. Bertha intervened, her voice firm but measured. "No complaints, remember? Unless it's reasonable."
Ariana chimed in, her voice laced with discontent. "It's reasonable, Big Mum. She just arrived two weeks ago and already she's assigned to the East Wing? Some of us have been here for years and haven't gotten that chance."
Some staff members murmured in agreement, their eyes fixed on me with suspicion and dislike.
Mrs. Bertha raised her voice, her expression stern. "That's enough! If you have any complaints, come to my office directly and have them written, just like the roster. No grumbling, no gossiping. Understood?" The room fell silent, and Mrs. Bertha turned to leave. "If that's all, I'll take my leave."
As she departed, the room erupted in whispers and side-eye glances. I felt like an outcast, a usurper who didn't deserve the privilege of cleaning the Prince's room.
But then Jude shouted, "Why are you guys still standing? Don't you have work to do?"
He strode over to stand beside me, Julie following suit. The grumbling staff members reluctantly dispersed, casting lingering glances my way.
I sighed in relief and muttered, "Thank you."
_______
I picked up the cleaning tools - a vacuum, mop, bucket, and rags - and headed to the East Wing, my nerves fluttering like butterflies. I was supposed to clean Prince Nova's room four times this week, and I couldn't believe it. I wanted to complain to Mrs. Bertha, but what could I say? That I didn't want to clean the Crowned Prince's room? That was a ridiculous excuse.
I was relieved that the royal family was having breakfast, which meant I could clean in peace without worrying about running into him. I took the elevator and stepped into a stunning hallway. The walls were painted a soft gold, and the floor was made of polished marble. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting rainbow-colored reflections on the walls. I felt like I was in a fairy tale.
I walked to the door I knew was the prince's and used the card to open it. I closed it behind me and took a deep breath. The room was surprisingly neat, with not a single item out of place. It smelled like him, too - a warm and earthy scent.
I began cleaning, starting with the windows. As I finished, I heard a door open behind me. I spun around, and the rag I was holding fell to the ground. Prince Nova stood in front of me, wearing only a towel around his waist. His chest was broad and muscular, with water dripping down it like diamonds. His red hair was damp and messy, and his eyes sparkled with surprise.
I felt weak in the knees, my heart racing like a wild animal. I quickly turned my back to him, my face burning with embarrassment.
"Your Highness!" I managed to shout, trying to be calm.
"Valerie," he said, his tone dripping with amusement.
"I'm going to leave now, I'll come back later," I stammered.
But before I could turn around, his hand closed around my wrist, spinning me back to face him. I let out a cry of surprise.
Up close, his eyes sparkled with mirth, his chiseled features radiant with a warm smile. I felt my throat constrict, my heart pounding in my chest.
"Where are you going?" he asked, his tone playful.
I felt my eyes flutter closed, praying for this to end. He laughed and I felt him leaning in, his face inches from mine, his warm breath caressing my skin. I was so scared, my mind raced with worst-case scenarios.
But then he stopped, and I felt him move back. I opened my eyes to see him putting on a shirt, his broad chest and shoulders flexing with the movement. I glanced at the bed and saw trousers and a belt lying there, which I hadn't noticed before. I sighed in relief, feeling a bit more at ease.
But when I looked back at him, he was staring at me, an amused glint in his eye. I turned bright red, my voice caught in my throat. "W-what?"
"I need to put on my pants," he said, his tone teasing. "Or do you want to stay and watch me put it on?"
My eyes widened in horror, and I shouted, "No!" before turning and running out of the room as fast as my legs could carry me. I could hear his laughter echoing behind me, making my face burn with embarrassment.
When I got back to the room, he had already left. I quickly cleaned the room, my mind still reeling from our earlier encounter. I couldn't understand why I had felt so vulnerable. I had never reacted that way to anyone before.
I entered the bathroom and cleaned it too, my movements mechanical as my mind replayed the scene. Why had I let him get to me like that?
Finally, I finished my tasks and left the room, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. As I walked through the grand foyer, I saw Jude waving at me, a bright smile on his face. I smiled back and hurried to meet him, grateful for the distraction.
"Are you done?" Jude asked, his voice breaking through my thoughts.
I nodded, still lost in my own world.
Just then, the door to the south wing opened, and out stepped Mr. Thomas, followed by a footman carrying a luggage. But it was the man who came next that caught my attention. He was lean and tall, with dark hair that reached the nape of his neck. His blue eyes seemed to pierce through the space, and his sharp jawline was accentuated by his chiseled features. He wore an all-black suit, tailored to perfection, which made him look like a mysterious and powerful figure.
His eyes scanned the room, and for a moment, they locked onto mine. I felt a chill run down my spine as his gaze held mine. Then his eyes flicked away and I watched him leave the room heading to the west wing.
"Who was that?" I asked Jude, my curiosity piqued.
Jude's voice was barely above a whisper. "That was Lord Alexander Calon, the son of the king's younger brother."
I remembered that the king had a younger brother, who was the Governor of Valdoria. I had heard rumors that they didn't get along, but I had never paid much attention to it.
"I'm surprised he's here early," Jude said, his expression thoughtful. "I know he's here for the King's birthday, but... "
He trailed off, and I sensed there was more to the story. "What is it?" I prompted.
Jude's voice dropped even lower. "Everyone knows that Lord Alex's father doesn't like the king much. And it seems like that dislike has been passed down to their sons. Alex and Prince Nova aren't on good terms."
My eyes widened in surprise. "Why?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.
Jude shrugged. "Nobody knows. But it's clear that there's tension between them."
I wondered why that was, considering Prince Nova was kind and unproblematic. But I pushed the thought aside, knowing it didn't concern me at all. I had enough to worry about with my own duties and encounters with the prince.
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Mira's POV:
I had just finished eating breakfast. I warily looked at Prince Nova outside the dining hall as he left with Caspian. I turned to see Prince Cadoc looking at me, and forced a smile as I approached him. But my smile faltered when I noticed a man standing beside him. He had dark brown hair tied behind his head, brown eyes, a nose piercing, and an ear piercing. His features were blunt, with high cheekbones and a sharp jawline. He grinned coyly at me.
"Mira, this is Julian, my valet and friend," Prince Cadoc.
Julian's grin widened. "Good friend, that is."
Prince Cadoc chuckled. "Of course."
I smiled politely. "Nice to meet you."
Julian's eyes crinkled at the corners. "The pleasure is all mine, Miss Mira."
He seemed friendly, but I sensed a depth to him that I couldn't quite grasp.
Prince Cadoc clapped Julian on the back. "I'm glad you two are acquainted. I'll take my leave now."
"Where are you going?" I asked.
"I have some work with Nova," he replied with a smile.
I nodded, and Prince Cadoc smiled again before leaving us alone. I turned to Julian, surprised to find him staring after Prince Cadoc with an intense gaze. It wasn't just a casual glance - it was a look of longing.
He caught my raised brow and smiled wryly. "I am enamored by the prince."
My eyes widened. "That's...hard."
Julian nodded. "It's even harder now."
I furrowed my brows. "Why is that?"
Julian's gaze lingered on mine, as if searching for something on my face. Then he said, "You'll find out soon enough...or maybe never. It depends."
I was thoroughly confused. Julian's words were cryptic, and his tone hinted to secrets I wasn't privy to.
Before I could respond, he reached out and touched my hair. "I would love to style your hair one day. It's a pity how it looks now."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, feeling bewildered and a little annoyed.
I muttered under my breath, "What's wrong with my hair?"