TAKE MY HAND | A.K ✔

𝐭𝐰𝐨

When she wakes up, Margaret can hear talking outside her door. It's faint, but she can make out a few sentences.

"I heard we got a new maid. Apparently, she will be cleaning Prince Awsten's room," one voice says.

"Oh, to be a girl that close to the prince," another says.

"I wonder if she is pretty," one more says.

"She has to be pretty because she is a woman."

Margaret listens to the conversation as she gets ready for the day. She wears a black dress with long sleeves and a white apron over it. The apron has a bib and shoulder straps. It's standard maid wear in the morning. She has to change again later in the afternoon.

She hesitates at the door before opening it. Heads turn the moment the door swings open. She's met with five faces. They stare with wide eyes, as if they had been caught doing something bad.

"Hello," Margaret says quietly, feeling out of place. They stare at her for a few seconds longer. "My name is Anna."

"Pleased to meet you, Anna. I am Shilo." Shilo has light brown hair. It's tied back with a gray ribbon. She has high cheek bones and a strong jawline. Her eyes are brown. "That over there is Jenna. She is a bit-"

"Wonderful. I am a delight," Jenna interrupts with a grin, her blonde hair in a bun.

"You are all scaring her. Be quiet," a girl with red hair says. "My name is Lia."

"I'm sorry to cut this short, but Jenna and I must be going. We're Princess Gracie's ladies in waiting," Shilo explains.

"I hope you have a wonderful day," Jenna smiles.

Shilo grabs Jenna's arm, pulling her out of the room. Margaret looks at the remaining girls. One of them hasn't introduced herself.

"Jasmine," she says quietly.

"Jasmine does not say very much to newcomers. She will warm up to you eventually, though," Lia smiles.

"Is it true that you are cleaning the Prince's room?" Jasmine questions.

"Yes, it is."

"Lucky," Jasmine sighs, running her hand through her ginger hair.

"Why is it so lucky?"

"You have seen the prince, right?"

If Margaret was being honest, she has never seen the prince before. She rarely left her castle. While she was always learning about different kingdoms, she never once learned what the people living there looked like.

"Of course. He is just a boy. I doubt I will see him very much anyways."

"Anna, you are strange," Lia laughs, turning to Jasmine. "I like her."

"Can we keep her?" Jasmine jokes.

"It is official then. Welcome to our small alliance her at the palace. We will show you everything you need to know."

"Why, thank you. That is very sweet of you."

The girls talk for a little longer. Margaret already adores them. Sadly, they all have to go their separate ways. Lia has kitchen duty and Jasmine has to set up her lesson plan for Gracie. Margaret needs to head to the King and Queen's Solar, a private living area for them. She's meeting with them and Prince Awsten as well as his guard, Geoff Wigington, and royal advisor, Otto Wood.

Margaret expected the castle to be built like the one in Wudrienth, but as it turns out, it is not at all the same in any way. She can't ask any of the staff. They all pass her by, ignoring anything she says. After all, they're busy preparing for breakfast.

She's completely lost.

She wanders for a bit longer before seeing a man running down the hall. He has a wide smile on his face, and a mischievous glint in his eyes. His brown hair is quite messy. He notices her and stops running.

"Hello," he greets, his eyes scanning her face.

"Good morning."

He doesn't take his eyes off her. "You are quite beautiful," he mumbles. "You seem lost."

"I am terribly lost. I am a new maid. I was supposed to meet with the King and Queen-"

"You must be Anna! My parents informed me that I would have a new maid."

"O-oh. I am so sorry your highness. If I am being completely honest, I have never seen your face before."

"Do not worry, not many people have besides the staff. My name is Awsten."

"Awsten! Where did you run off to?" a voice calls.

Awsten grins, "Anna, do you trust me?"

"Do I have a choice in the matter?"

"Not particularly. You see, I am running from my royal advisor and guard."

"Me accompanying you will only cause trouble for me."

"Not if they don't catch us," he says, offering his hand to her.

"Has your mother ever taught you to not trust strangers?" Margaret asks with a laugh, taking his hand and running down the hall with him.

"Yes. Has yours?"

"Of course."

Awsten just smiles kindly at her. She's starting to realize why everyone is so fond of him. His grip on her hand is tight as he pulls her along. She feels like he's going to cause her a lot of trouble. He seems like the mischievous, trouble-maker type. He is literally dragging her along on his escape from his guard and advisor.

Eventually, the pair wind up at the Solar. Awsten drops her hand, a smile on his face. He looks like he's blushing, but she assumes it's from all the running. Margaret admires the way his eyes light up when he looks at her. She wonders if everyone else has seen his blue-green eyes the way she does right now.

"You know-" he breathes, "Most people wouldn't talk to me, let alone take my hand and run away with me."

"I suppose I am not 'most people'," Margaret says.

"No, I suppose not," Awsten agrees.

Awsten leads the way inside and to his parents. Margaret finds herself constantly looking at Awsten. The energy he has is contagious. He's much different from any person of royalty she's met before. It's extremely refreshing.

Otto and Geoff arrive shortly after Awsten and Margaret. Awsten is scolded for running off, his face red from embarrassment now. Margaret has to keep herself from laughing. Everyone walks into the Solar. The King and Queen take time introducing everyone. Then, she's told that Otto will take her on a tour. Awsten has a look of disappointment on his face when he's told to study.

Once they're dismissed, Otto prepares to take her on a tour.

"Otto, go away," Awsten demands.

"Why? I have duties," Otto scoffs.

"I want to take Anna on a tour."

After a few minutes of arguing, Otto gives up. He heads to his room to do... something. Margaret didn't catch what he said. Awsten puts his arm out. She looks at him hesitant but holds his arm anyways.

"Told you we would get in trouble," Awsten jokes with another wide grin.

What is she getting herself into?

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