Olivia's P.O.V
Mary and I made our way down to kitchen. There was already a crowd surrounding a small area. In that area was the king and queen.
"Now, as you may all know, servant-royalty fraternization is against the rules," the queen started. "But there have been increasing amounts of rule breakers lately."
I swallowed hard.
"Any servant caught have any sort of relations with the royal family will be sentenced to 20 years in the dungeon, do I make myself clear?" She asked.
A murmur of 'yes' made its way through the crowd.
"I said, do I make myself clear!?" She asked with more authority.
"Yes!" Everybody exclaimed in unison.
"Good. Now onto our second piece of business. You all will be serving our masquerade ball this year. Each one of you had a designated task that you will be expected to do. If any one of you is caught enjoying the party, you will be placed in the dungeon for a year," she exclaimed.
"That is all!" The king finished. "Resume your work."
A ball? It's been quite awhile since the castle has hosted a ball. Why now?
I, along with the other servants, began the preparations for the ball.
Jordan's P.O.V
My mom came bursting into my room waking me up from my peaceful slumber.
"Wake up!" She yelled.
I groaned and covered my face with my pillow, trying to block her out. It didn't work.
She came over to me and yanked off the blanket and the pillow.
"What!?" I snapped at her.
"Your father and I would like to speak to you in his office," she answered sternly.
When I didn't reply she continued. "You have ten minutes."
I groaned.
I pried myself out of bed and took a long shower, not caring that my mother had just told me I had ten minutes.
I got out and put a white v-neck on along with dark jeans and converse.
I sighed deeply and walked out of my room to my father's office. Whatever it is has to be serious. He rarely ever wants to talk to me in his office.
I took my time on the stairs and anywhere else I could, trying to delay whatever was going to happen.
I reached the door and sighed once more before knocking loudly.
The door was opened by a servant and I strode inside.
"What?" I asked harshly.
"You will find a bride and get married," my father said, simply and nonchalantly.
"Excuse me!?" I cried.
"We are throwing a ball tomorrow for you to pick a bride. You have messed around for enough time and it is time you settled down. Our name has been slandered enough without you doing worse," my mother explained.
I let out a deep growl in my throat.
"I will not get married!" I screamed at them.
"You will!" my father screamed back.
I didn't reply, I just sat in my chair, brooding.
"Darling, will you get me medicine for my headache," my father addressed my mother.
"Of course!" She exclaimed and left the room.
"I know about your little affair with the servant girl," my father stated calmly once my mother had left the room.
My eyes shot open and my jaw dropped.
"What?" I asked in disbelief.
"I have eyes around the castle. And if you don't find a bride, I will make sure your little play thing will have severe punishments," he replied, putting disgust in his words as he said play thing.
I gaped at him. How could he threaten Olivia like that? She had never done anything wrong. She didn't deserve this. But I love her and don't want to marry anyone else. What do I do!?
My mother entered the room.
"Here you go, honey," she said, handing my father pills.
"Fine!" I exclaimed, getting up and storming out.
I would do anything to protect Olivia. Even if it meant I didn't get to be with her.
I sighed and ran a hand through my hair.
I suddenly bumped into someone, but caught them before they hit the ground. Olivia.
She smiled at me, her beautiful face lighting up when she saw me. I blinked at her a few times and walked away. I can't keep getting attached to her if I'm going to get engaged. I'm just doing this to protect her. It would be best if I just cut all ties. Right?
I went into my room and locked the door. I let out a loud sigh as I made my way over to my bed. Why me?