Chapter three.

“What?” I ask still puzzled by the prince’s sudden question. His expression is unreadable, as if he’s hiding an agenda beneath that calm facade.

“What kind of food would you love to eat? I know you said you love eating anything, as long as it’s edible? But at least mention one for now.” His voice is laced with amusement, but there’s an undertone of something else—curiosity, perhaps?

“I don’t think it’s necessary to tell—”

“Just say it. Can’t I treat my new servant to a meal to welcome her? I do that for all my new maids.” His words are casual, but the glint in his eyes suggests he’s not one to take refusals lightly.

“I’m totally fine, Your Highness,” I insist, adjusting my tone to be more respectful. The guards are already glancing my way, their brows raised in silent warning.

“You don’t talk back to me. Didn’t they tell you that?” His voice hardens, and I suppress a sigh. What on earth is his problem? Is he really going to force me to eat just because I mentioned food as a hobby?

I decide not to say anything more. The tension lingers, but thankfully, his bodyguard returns, holding a small, metallic box.

“What’s the next destination, Jeremy?” the prince asks, his tone brisk.

“Your Highness, you are supposed to head to princess Ferrior's birthday,” the bodyguard replies.

Princes Ferrior, she is the queen of beauty from the neighbouring Kingdom, Charna kingdom _ she and the prince have a thing.

I’ve heard a lot about these royal families, mostly from my late uncle who was a knight and spent much of his time at court. The stories he told me seem to come alive now that I’m here.

“Take her back,” the prince orders suddenly, his gaze flicking toward the guard controlling the carriage horses.

“Your Highness, if we take her back with the carriage, what will—”

He cuts him off sharply. “Since when do anyone question me? I don’t understand why people are suddenly talking back at me. Since when?”

His sudden outburst catches everyone off guard. Moments ago, he was grinning like a fool, and now he looks like he might murder someone. Is he referring to me? He must be.

The guard flinches, fear evident on his face. “My apologies, Your Highness, for my lack of good manners,” he says, bowing deeply before hurrying toward the carriage. It’s as if even a moment’s delay might cost him his life.

I follow the guard silently, choosing not to utter a single word. Why did the prince bring me along in the first place? Was it just to ask about the kind of gift he should buy for Princess Ferrior?

•

“Why is he so mad suddenly? Everyone has been saying he’s in a good mood today. What now—mood swings?” the carriage guard complains on the way back, his tone bitter.

I keep my mouth shut. Gossiping about the royal family is strictly forbidden, and I have no intention of breaking that rule.

“Why did he bring you along anyway? Since when does he carry servants around? And now I have to take you back and then return for him. What kind of work is this? Why aren’t you saying anything?” he asks, turning to look at me when he notices my silence.

“I don’t gossip, especially not about the prince,” I reply curtly. I prefer minding my own business.

“Hah! Just because you’re new, you think you can follow all the rules. Let’s see how long that lasts,” he scoffs.

I ignore him. After a few minutes, we arrive back at the palace. The massive metal gates swing open, and the carriage horses clip-clop inside. I step down from the carriage as the guard turns around to head back.

As I walk toward the mansion, I pass a statue of an old man—likely the late king. His stern expression seems to follow me as I move closer to the grand entryway.

Waiting there is the woman who had given me instructions earlier. Her face is a mix of irritation and relief.

“Where have you been? We looked for you everywhere and thought you had run away. Not that there’s anywhere to run once you are in here,” she says sharply. “You left the buckets and all the dirty rags in the prince’s room! The queen went in there and was furious. We couldn’t find you, so they replaced you. Now you’ll take over another girl’s position in the flower garden. She was assigned there earlier, but you’ll be replacing her. Your new job is to gather fresh flowers, water them, and arrange them in the mansion’s vases. You’ll also help maintain the garden with the others. Hand over those clothes; you’ll get another ones for your new role.”

“Really? I don’t have to work as the prince’s servant anymore?” I ask, trying to hide the mix of emotions swirling inside me.

“Yes. And it’s your own fault,” she snaps, assuming I’m disappointed.

Truthfully, I don’t know how I feel. Part of me is relieved. I won’t have to deal with the prince’s unpredictable moods or constantly be under the scrutiny of the royal family.

Working in a garden feels far less demanding, and gender doesn’t matter there. But another part of me feels strangely sad for some reason.

The flower garden is breathtaking. Vibrant blooms in every color stretch as far as the eye can see, bordered by lush green grass. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to lie down and lose yourself in its beauty.

“Welcome to the team! It’s better having you here than that brat they sent earlier,” a boy says, walking up to me. There are several other people—both men and women—working in the garden. They seem relaxed, even cheerful.

“Thank you,” I reply shyly, playing the part of a naive girl.

“She kept saying she deserved your position, even though she wasn’t chosen. She begged the queen until she was assigned to the prince. Where did you go, anyway?” a girl asks curiously.

“Uh...never mind. What’s my task?” I ask, eager to change the subject. They explain my responsibilities, and I get to work. Pruning, watering, and arranging the flowers is surprisingly enjoyable. There’s no pressure, and everyone is friendly.

After finishing my tasks, I finally allow myself to lie on the soft grass. The gentle breeze and floral scents lull me into a peaceful sleep.

○○

I wake up to the sound of loud voices around me. Blinking, I open my eyes slightly—only to find myself in the garden, the prince's guard glaring at me.

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