Parallel

Chapter XI: My Dearest Auralea

Auralea

After the third time a pompous royal sneered at me, I knew I needed a break or I would snap and be scheduled for an execution by morning. I slid the tray I was holding onto the island in the kitchen and sighed, stalking off out of the back door. Maybe fresh air would put me in a better mood. I should get used to the royals treating me this way, I am a servant and will likely be one for the rest of my time here in the castle. Furthermore, they had royal blood or climbed the ranks to become more valued in our society. Respect goes both ways though, as far as I am concerned. Who would deliver your precious gourmet meals and draw your baths if it weren't for us maids?

I sighed again and plopped down onto the dirt of the walkway and ran my fingers through the nearby grass. No one at the orphanage ever treated me like I was below them nor was I ever deemed less than the other children. We were all treated equally because we were all equally unwell and equally frowned upon by others in the world.

The door creaked open and knocked against the side wall of the kitchen. I looked up to find Haelan strolling over casually. He never seemed bothered by anything. I aspired to be more like him and I could now tell that an unbothered attitude like his was a necessity when working in a place like this. He sat down on the dirt path beside me.

"Well it seems that someone is a slacker. It's no wonder that you were relocated to the kitchen." He shoots me a cheeky smile as I pull up a handful of grass and toss it in his direction. "I just needed a break is all. Royals are a bunch of conceited bast-...let's just say, my self-control is dwindling." Haelan places a comforting hand on my shoulder. "You get used to it eventually. Try not to get so worked up about the little things like a royal asshole's attitude. There is so much beauty in the castle and you are so young. Bask in that." I smile at that. He is definitely wiser than he looks.

"What are you doing out here then if I am such a slacker?" Haelan laughs and moves his hand from my shoulder and slides it into his pocket, pulling out a letter with my name on it. "Maybe you just looked like you needed company." He lays the letter in my lap and stands, brushing the dirt from his bottom. "The prince is requesting your presence." I thank him and wave him off as he goes back into the kitchen. Eager to read the letter, I tear it open and almost squeal in pure excitement. The letter was from Braxton.

My Dearest Auralea,

You have so many questions. You have always been a curious young one. Some things cannot be answered in the form of a letter for the answers are far too complex and you can never be sure who is watching. Come back to the orphanage for a visit and all will be explained. The children, the bishop and I are well. You are making me the proudest I have ever been.

With love,

Braxton

The letter left me feeling unfulfilled and confused. What could be so complex that it was too difficult to explain through a letter? Who would care enough to be watching my letters? Why had he completely ignored the question about my diagnosis? I huffed in frustration and held the letter close to me as I stood. I would be sure to give him hell when I visited the orphanage.

For now, my presence was requested in the prince's chambers. I felt giddy thinking about him. He was kind to me and very handsome, more than I could handle. I scolded myself for thinking about him as much as I do. He will never be mine; he is from royal blood and next in line to rule and I am just a maid in the castle. It was a tragic turn of events really. The first guy who I have shown any interest in is untouchable. Just my luck, the orphan with an unknown and potentially fatal illness favors a prince.

Walking over through the castle to the Prince's chambers was drearier than usual. I was in a depressed state because of the harsh reality I was being forced to face. I knocked firmly on Prince Leopold's door and inhaled deeply. When I exhaled, I focused on releasing all of the stress from my body. This is just a quick meeting with the Prince.

Leopold opens the door looking as dashing as ever even in his casual black shirt and trousers. He smiles brightly when he sees me and it takes everything in me not to melt into a puddle right there. "You came. Come in." He takes a step back and opens the door a bit wider. My arm brushes his as I enter and I instantly feel an attraction, stronger than what I was feeling before. It's like my feelings are being magnified and multiplied by two. I boldly meet his gaze and trace patterns on his forearm. A little voice in the back of my head is telling me not to look a royal in the eyes. She's telling me to bow and pull away from him but the larger part is screaming for me to touch him, to kiss him. She reassures me that there is no need to bow in his presence.

When Leopold gulps and furrows a brow at me, my daze is broken and I immediately pull away. "I am so sorry for whatever just happened. I am unsure of what came over me. I wasn't feeling like myself and I just acted on what felt right in the moment...I didn't mean to-" He cuts me off by bringing his finger up to my lips. "Auralea, there's no need to apologize for the little things that you do. I enjoy all the sides of you that I have seen. I invited you here to ask if you would like to accompany me on a stroll in the garden. I could even send for lunch."

I allow a hint of a smile to graze my lips and nod. "I would love to spend the afternoon with you." 

A/N:

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