Chapter 3- The crowned prince

Valerie's POV:

As I walked into the house, I was greeted by my parents' worried faces. They were sitting in the living room, waiting for me, and immediately rushed to meet me as I entered. I glanced up at the wall clock, which hung above the fireplace, and saw that it was past nine. I was supposed to be home an hour ago, and I knew I was in for a lecture.

"Where are you coming from?" my mom asked sternly, her arms crossed over her chest.

"Mom, I'm coming back from work," I exclaimed self-consciously.

"Are you sure?" she asked suspiciously, her eyes narrowing.

"Sheila!" Dad warned, his voice firm but gentle.

My mom sighed and eased up her tone. "Fine, but why did you come late and why didn't you pick up my calls? I wanted you to get something from the hardware shop for me."

"I wasn't with my phone," I replied, seeing the worry and concern etched on their faces.

They looked like they didn't know if they wanted to shout at me or even do worse. "I'm starved, let's eat first," I said quickly, trying to ease the tension and change the subject. My stomach growled at the thought of food, and my mom smiled, knowing I loved her cooking.

Over dinner, I recounted the whole encounter with the mysterious biker. My mom had made my favorite Calonia dish, "Pollo con Salsa de Azafrán," a traditional recipe passed down from our ancestors, with a modern twist.

As I finished my story, my dad looked disbelievingly at me, his mouth agape. "So, what you're saying is that you rode on a motorcycle?" he asked, stunned and impressed. I nodded, and he sat back in his chair, still looking surprised. "Wow," he muttered.

My dad had always wanted to ride a bike, and I wished he could one day, just like me. That was why he was stunned; he couldn't believe his daughter had done something he had always dreamed of doing.

"Either way, that was reckless," my mom added, her expression stern.

"I know, I'm sorry, but that won't stop me from helping people, mom," I replied.

My mom sighed and smiled, reaching out for my hand. "You didn't let me finish, dear. Nonetheless, that was brave of you. I'm proud."

I was taken aback, my eyes widening in surprise. I was expecting a lecture, not praise! Even my dad looked surprised- he was sometimes scolded by mum too.

I was instantly overcome with happiness, and a laugh escaped my lips. I went back to eating my food, savoring the flavors and textures.

Just then, my mom added, "But don't do it again, or call me before you do it."

Her expression turned strict, and my dad chuckled, "Yeah, that's the wife I know."

I smiled, still feeling happy and relieved. This night was definitely bearable.

★★★

I rolled out of bed, and realized I was five minutes late and that was not a great start to the day. I quickly took a bath and threw on jeans and a coat, trying to hurry. In the mirror, I caught a glimpse of my tired eyes and messy hair, which I swiftly threw into a ponytail.

I still had the same wish as before - to avoid running into the Golden family at all costs. I planned to evade them for the entirety of their stay at the Weldon's estate.

When I got downstairs, my parents were already having breakfast. Mom looked up at me with a gentle smile and said, "You woke up late, honey; I was ready to wake you up."

I replied tiredly, "I know, Mom, sorry about that." To be honest, I didn't feel like going to work today. My instincts were screaming at me to stay in bed, but I knew I had to shake it off. I couldn't earn money by taking days off; I needed to get to work.

I quickly grabbed a piece of toast from the counter, not even bothering to sit down. Without waiting for my parents' protest - which I knew would come since I didn't eat much, I threw a quick "bye" over my shoulder and was already out the door.

As I arrived at the Weldon's mansion, I was struck by the unusual number of guards at the gate. They wore crisp blue and gold uniforms, adorned with a crest featuring a lion on a blue background - the national colors and national animal of Calonia respectively. Each guard had a gun holstered at their waist, a stark reminder of the security measures in place. Luckily, Mr. Thompson spotted me before I could enter, and with a nod, he allowed me to pass.

Upon entering the kitchen, I found only Mr. Flynn and Lydia arranging desserts on plates. The main course must have been underway, I reckoned. I greeted them and headed to the changing room adjacent to the kitchen, where I grabbed my maid's outfit. Just as I was about to change, Alia Mambo rushed in, looking frazzled. Her hair was disheveled, sweat beaded her face, and her eyes betrayed a hint of stress.

"Here you are, Val," she said distractedly, as if juggling multiple tasks at once.

"Good morning, Alia. How was—"

Alia cut me off, eyeing the maid outfit in my hand. "Why are you holding that?" she asked, as if I wasn't supposed to be holding it. Before I could protest, she snatched it from my hand and replaced it with a waiter's outfit.

I blanched. "What? Why are you giving it to me?"

"To wear, of course," Alia replied matter-of-factly.

I stared at her, incredulous. "Why am I wearing it?"

"You're serving," she stated, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. My expression must have conveyed my disbelief because she explained, "One of the waiters called in sick, and you're the only one here who knows the ropes, Val. I mean, before you became a maid, you ate with the Weldon's, even when they had special guests."

"But we're talking about the royal family!" I exclaimed, my voice rising in disbelief.

Alia's expression turned desperate, and she pleaded, "Exactly my point, we need you, please."

Her desperation must have gotten to me because I reluctantly agreed. Alia hugged me and hurried out of the room, shouting orders to the waiters who had just entered the kitchen. I sighed and put on the waiter's uniform, which consisted of a low-cut blouse and a skirt of the same length as the maid's. I tied the neck scarf around my neck, hoping it would conceal at least a little of my cleavage. Taking a deep breath, I left the kitchen with the cart of desserts, feeling a sense of trepidation.

I made my way to the dining hall, my heart racing with every step. Badump badump badump. The hall was adjacent to the kitchen, connected by a door that led to a short hallway. It was done that way for easy flow of food. It could also be accessed by passing the main mansion's entrance. The dining hall was a grand room with a high ceiling, adorned with intricate moldings and a magnificent crystal chandelier that refracted rainbow hues across the walls.

As I entered, I saw the waiters and some maids clearing the table from the main course, their movements swift and efficient. The long table, polished to a high shine, stretched down the center of the room, laden with fine china, sparkling glasses, and crisp linens.My hands were shaking, and I took a deep breath to calm my nerves. I approached the table, and began arranging the plates with the desserts on it. Mr. Flynn's specialty, a delectable chocolate mousse, was the pièce de résistance.

As I worked, I couldn't help but notice the royal family seated at the table. The King, with his blond hair and regal demeanor, was engaged in conversation with Mira's father, who sat to his right. He wore a black tuxedo with a white shirt underneath and a black bow tie, adorned with a golden crown on his head. Prince Cadoc, with his reddish-brown hair, stared intently at the dessert in front of him, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. He wore a black tuxedo similar to his father's, but with a silver tie clip. Princess Evie, the oldest of the royal children, looked cold and distant-  a stark contrast to the radiant smile I had seen in pictures. She sat opposite Prince Cadoc, wearing a stunning silver gown that shimmered in the light.

Prince Nova, with his piercing green eyes, was seated close to Mira, who was dressed beautifully in a red gown that complemented her blond hair and sparkling eyes. Mira's mother was seated opposite her. Prince Nova's gaze seemed to be fixed on me, his eyes following my every move. He was looking at me so intently that I almost dropped the plate I was holding. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I hurriedly finished my task and made a swift exit, the prince's piercing green eyes never leaving me. I noted at the back of my mind that his eyes were so familiar, but I was too distracted to ponder on it.

The kitchen was oddly quite and empty but I was sure some maids had gone to clean the other parts of the mansion, while the waiters were in the dining hall. I turned and found Mrs. Flynn washing dishes, her hands moving efficiently through the soapy water. She smiled at me and asked politely, "Valerie, could you please help me with the dishes while I go to the dining hall?" I knew she wanted to hear what the royal family had to say about the dessert her husband, Mr. Flynn, had made.

I smiled and agreed, taking over the task. Mrs. Flynn thanked me and hurriedly dashed out of the kitchen, leaving me alone with the dishes. I was grateful for the distraction, as it kept me away from the dining room and the prince's piercing gaze.

I accidentally dropped a plate, which shattered on the floor. I cried out as I tried to pick up a piece, but a deep gash ran across my right hand. Blood gushed out, and I muttered under my breath. At least the blood was a healthy red color!

Just as I started blowing on the wound, I heard a deep voice behind me. "I thought I might find you here." Crowned Prince Nova Calon stood in front of me, his burning gaze fixed on me. He was taller than me by a few centimeters, wearing a royal blue traditional attire that made him look handsome and regal. I quickly looked down and curtsied as I was taught to do, trying to hide my injured hand, but he saw it and grasped it firmly.

"Are you okay? What happened?" His concern was evident, and I was taken aback.

"It's nothing, your highness." I tried to pull my hand out of his grip, but he held tight.

"Nonsense, this is really hideous and deep. Let me get bandages for you."

"Your highness, please I can do it." I tried.

"No". He said it curtly. I sighed and told him that the first aid kit was in the Maid's dressing room. He left to get it. I worriedly washed my hand in the sink to stop it from bleeding. It stung but I bit my lip to avoid crying out.

When he returned, I tried to take the box from him, but he insisted on helping me. I couldn't let him do this, but he ignored my protests and started cleaning my wound with methylated spirit and a cotton wool. I winced in pain, and he apologized, his expression soft. He blew on the wound, and I stared at him, surprised by his kindness. I thought a prince like him didn't care about people who were beneath him. I guess I was proven wrong.

"Your highness, I am deeply touched by your kindness but I can't possibly let you continue doing this." I stated reasonably but the crowned prince ignored me. As he applied the bandages, I felt flustered and unsure of what to feel. "Your Highness, if anyone sees us like this, I could lose my job."

He looked up, his eyes locked on mine, and said firmly, "I won't let them do that to you." He continued with what he was doing.

I sighed and closed my eyes, waiting. I felt him pause and I knew he was staring at me but I didn't dare open my eyes. My heart was beating fast, I thought he could even hear it.

"All done." He whispered.

I opened my eyes to meet his gaze. "Your eyes... they are beautiful," I whispered, I immediately shut my mouth, feeling I had said too much. I couldn't help but study him - his messy shiny red hair, chiseled jaw, and pointed nose made him look handsome, even gorgeous. But it was his eyes, the brightest green with gold flecks, that felt familiar.

He grinned mischievously. "Thank you, but don't you recognize me?" I furrowed my brows, unsure  of why I was supposed to recognize him. We had only just met face-to-face. I'm sure I would know if I met the crowned prince of my beloved country.

"I'm not sure, Your Highness," I muttered, feeling embarrassed. Why? I didn't know.

The red- haired prince's grin widened and said in a single sentence, "I have a motorcycle."

My eyes widened in shock - how was this possible? It felt like a scene from a poor rom-com series. "You... how?" I stuttered like a fish out of water.

The prince only chuckled. "Thank you for yesterday; it really meant a lot to me." I couldn't believe I had helped the Crowned Prince of Calonia! I thought he was just a regular rich bloke. He added, "I know you're shocked."

"Shock is an understatement." I said sarcastically, my eyes widened when I realized on who I was speaking to. I quickly added, " I'm sorry, your highness." I looked down but he just laughed, a real boisterous sound.

"No offense taken," he said, his eyes sparkling. He looked like he was going to say more but he stopped when we heard people approaching, I froze in fear, unsure what to say when they saw us alone in the kitchen. The prince smiled kindly. "Seems like dessert is over. I really spent a long time in the bathroom." I could hear the kindness and playfulness in his fine voice. He then turned to me, his eyes pleading. "Please call me Nova."

My eyes widened, but before I could protest, he said, "Please."

I sighed and agreed, "Then please call me Valerie." He smiled, showing his perfect white teeth, and turned to leave just as the maids and waiters entered the kitchen, their excited chatter turning to shock and horror at seeing the prince with me in the kitchen. I knew this was an impossible scene. They quickly curtsied and bowed,  the prince smiled politely before leaving.

When he was gone, the kitchen erupted into wild chatter. The other maids and waiters were all looking at me with raised eyebrows, their eyes full of curiosity. I only saw Magna, though, and he was looking at me suspiciously. I quickly averted my gaze, not wanting to engage with him.

The murmurs died down as we all remembered there was still work to be done. I noticed that Alia, Mr. and Mrs. Flynn weren't among the crowd, I knew without a doubt that they were still in the dining hall.

I flexed my right hand, testing the bandage the prince had applied. It was a bit sore, but I was grateful for his help. I cleared the broken pieces of the plate from the floor.

Just then, a girl of about 16 approached me, looking uncertain and fidgety. I recognized her as the girl Magna had been seeing lately. I didn't feel jealous, just a bit sorry for her that she was involved with someone like Magna.

"Valerie," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes?" I asked casually.

"Um...," she looked uncomfortable, but forced herself to continue. "Why was the prince here? And most importantly, why was he talking to you?"

I shrugged. "How would I know?"

With that, I walked out of the kitchen, leaving her looking shocked and confused. I couldn't help but feel a bit satisfied that I had left her with more questions than answers.

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