The Prince & The Pauper || z.m. [Book 1]

~5~

Christopher had picked Genevieve from her home at eight o'clock sharp. Genevieve got out of the car and walked up the front steps. She greeted Julian and stepped into the castle. Today Genevieve was more at ease compared to yesterday. In fact, she was excited to see the prince again.

Once Genevieve was inside the building, Madeline walked into the foyer. "Good morning Genevieve." she chirped.

"Good morning Madeline."

"Queen Trisha is waiting for you in the grand living room. She has a task for you."

"Alright, thank you." Genevieve nodded and walked out of the foyer. She knew where the living room was. She had walked through it several times the day before. Genevieve straightened out her plum silk dress as she was about to approach the queen. "Good morning your highness."

"Good morning Genevieve!" Trisha replied and held Genevieve hands. "How are you?"

"I'm good. Thank you for asking." Genevieve grinned. "Madeline said you had a task for me?"

"Ah yes. Today Zayn will be going to the orphanage to spend time with the children. I want you to go with him."

Genevieve grinned widely. She knew her job required her to be around Zayn a lot, but she still couldn't help feel excited and look forward to seeing him. It was pleasant to be around him Genevieve thought. "As you wish my queen."

"He's with Yaser at the moment. He will meet you in a few minutes."

"Ok." Genevieve nodded.

Trisha walked out of the living room and left Genevieve alone in the large room. The room was furnished with expensive crème coloured sofa complimenting well with the dark scarlet walls. Various types of delicate and exquisite decorations ornamented the room. Two large chandeliers hung on either ends of the living room. But as of now, the room was well lit from the sun that shined through the tall windows. From the entire glamorous room, Genevieve was more fascinated by the large painting that hung on the wall right in the center of the room. She walked up to the piece of art, which was a family portrait of the king and queen holding an infant.

Genevieve's eyes passed from the king, who was standing beside the queen with his hand on her shoulder. The queen was sitting holding the child with a large smile displayed on her young face. The baby was wrapped in a light blue satin blanket which was heavily embroidered in gold thread. The infant's head was sprinkled with dark hair and held up by the position the queen was holding him. The baby's dark eyes were widely opened and the painter had captured the twinkle in his eyes, something Genevieve had seen in reality. The infant smiled widely making him look so much more precious. Genevieve couldn't help but smile and continue to stare at the exceptionally detailed picture in awe.

"I was a cute baby, wasn't I?" a voice said making Genevieve quickly turn around. Seeing who it was, she giggled.

Zayn walked in wearing a smile which never seemed to disappear. Genevieve's heart started to beat rapidly as she observed him up and down. He wore a dark red dress shirt with black pants. She noticed the top button was undone unlike yesterday, where it was buttoned all the way down. She helplessly thought he looked absolutely attractive. She felt her face heat up and her mouth go dry as her heart still continued to pound rapidly in her chest. A voice at the back of her head told her to stop staring at him and say something. But before she opened her mouth, she made one mental note to herself: red looked great on Zayn.

"You sure were." Genevieve replied hoping she didn't sound breathless as she was still trying to get over how great the prince looked.

Zayn came beside her and crossed his arms as he observed the large painting. Genevieve looked in the same direction but cautiously peeked at Zayn as if it was impossible to look away from him. She noticed he was grinning as he observed the art. Genevieve caught her own lips tugging into a smile. She observed how striking his facial features were from the side. At this point Genevieve was literally staring and studying him. Zayn turned his head towards catching Genevieve surprised which made her look away embarrassed.