Chapter Four.

“So you think you came to this palace to have fun?” The guard’s voice is harsh as he looms over me, his glare sharp enough to cut through steel. “Dozing off in the flower garden and smiling in your dreams like a princess. Well, just know you’re in big trouble.”

“Why?” I ask, sitting up abruptly, startled by his tone. My heart races as I wonder what I could have possibly done wrong now—I’ve already finished my work for the day.

“The crowned prince wants to see you,” he announces and turns on his heel, walking away as if his message were the end of the world.

“Why? I’m not his servant anymore. I was reassigned to the garden,” I reply, trailing after him, trying to make sense of this sudden summons.

“I don’t know. Why don’t you find out for yourself?” he retorts, dismissing my questions with an air of indifference.

With no other choice, I follow the familiar path to the mansion, climbing the grand staircases and navigating the winding hallways until I reach the prince’s chambers. The guard standing outside his door frowns at me, his brows furrowed in suspicion.

“Where do you think you’re going? You’re not allowed to work here anymore,” he says, his voice laced with authority.

“Let her in,” comes the prince’s voice from within, calm yet commanding. The guard begrudgingly steps aside and opens the door for me.

I enter the room, my steps tentative. The prince stands by the large window, gazing out at the bustling courtyard below.

His figure is regal yet relaxed, his hands clasped behind his back. The sunlight streaming through the window casts a golden glow around him, making him look almost ethereal.

“Your Highness, you called for me,” I say, trying to sound respectful despite the irritation bubbling inside me. His earlier behavior still lingers in my mind, coloring my perception of him.

“Tomorrow, Princess Ferrior will be coming, along other guests. I need you to plan my outfit and inform the other servants to prepare everything for their arrival,” he says without turning to face me.

“I... I’m not your servant anymore, your highness . I was reassigned,” I stammer, unsure how to phrase it without offending him. Surely he must know this already?

“One thing I hate the most is repeating myself, Shorty,” he says, cutting me off sharply.

“But I was told—” I begin, only for him to interrupt again.

“Who hired you?”

“You,” I reply reluctantly.

“And who has the authority to dismiss you?” he asks, his tone growing firm.

“You,” I admit, feeling trapped.

“Exactly. Then do your work,” he says, his words final.

“But—”

“Go, Maya. And tell that other girl that unless she has my permission to work for me, she has no business being near my room.” His voice is steady, his gaze unwavering as he calls me by my fake name for the first time.

I suppress a sigh and leave the room without further argument. My mind races with conflicting thoughts. He hasn’t told anyone about reassigning me as his servant, so what if the queen finds out I’m back here? I’m not sure I want to know the consequences.

“Wait,” he calls out just as I step out of the room.

“Yes?” I reply, hesitating before turning back.

“The necklace that was bought—what do you think? Will she love it?” he asks, holding up a stunning silver necklace adorned with delicate gemstones. The intricate design glimmers in the light, its craftsmanship flawless.

“It’s beautiful, in my opinion. But I don’t know her, so I can’t say if she’ll love it or not,” I answer honestly.

“Well, it doesn’t matter anyway. I’m going to stop the plans between her and me tomorrow,” he says, his tone casual yet carrying an air of finality.

“What do you mean?” I ask, surprised by his statement.

“I don’t have the same feelings she has for me, so I cannot let that engagement happen. Before, I didn’t care about love or my preferences. I was willing to marry her because it seemed convenient, and I didn’t have the time or interest to think about what I wanted. But now, things have changed. I think I finally have an idea of the kind of person I want,” he says, his voice thoughtful as he continues to gaze out of the window, his back still turned to me.

“And why are you telling me this?” I blurt out before I can stop myself. I’m not sure what response he expects from me, a mere servant. Is this part of my job too, to listen to his personal dilemmas?

“Because I want you to know. Why else? Besides, as my servant, you’re supposed to bear my burdens too. Didn’t they tell you that?” he replies, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

“What am I supposed to do with this information?” I ask, genuinely confused.

“Oh, Shorty, you really are dumb, aren’t you?” he says with a smirk before his expression turns serious. “Aren’t you going to ask me why I’ve changed my mind?”

“No, Your Highness. I don’t think I’m the right person for you to open up to. I’ve already told you I’m terrible at giving advice. I’d rather not get involved in personal matters,” I reply, hoping he’ll drop the subject.

“You think I need your advice?” He laughs, a sound that both irritates and unsettles me. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

“Then why are you telling me this?” I ask, my annoyance slipping into my tone.

“Ugh, forget it,” he says dismissively, but after a brief pause, he adds, “Maybe I’m worried because I know my decision will cause an uproar. But if I don’t want something, I don’t. And if I want something, I do.”

I stop in my tracks, turning to face him again. His honesty, though perplexing, draws me in. “Why are you changing your mind about her, though? From what I’ve heard, she’s admired and respected by everyone. Why throw away something so many men would dream of having?”

His next words catch me completely off guard. “Exactly. Why don’t you ask yourself that question first?” he says, his tone enigmatic.

“What do you mean?” I ask, puzzled.

“When I looked at those other girls—those who tried to get my attention—I saw nothing but lust in their eyes. They undressed me with their stares, and it disgusted me. But you... You didn’t look at me like that. Your gaze was free of expectation, and for some reason, it intrigued me,” he says, his voice quiet yet firm.

I can’t help but stare at him blankly, the absurdity of his confession breaking through the tension. For the first time, I feel at ease around him.  "So that's the reason you chose me?" I ask finding myself unable to suppress a laugh.

"What's funny about that? I was just curious, but for some reason am glad I chose you because you are lively and seem to be a good little girl ."

I flinch . Any topic to do with me being a little girl gives me goosebumps.  "I should pass the information that you asked me to , and prepare everything for tomorrow." I leave closing the door behind me without waiting for his reply .