Fairytale Love | Karlnap • Royal Au

Chapter 27

   It was barely dawn when someone rapped on Karl's door, so loudly he shot up from his bed.

   "Good morning, Monsieur Ba-"

   "Get up and get dressed," Bad said, cutting hin off.

   "What's-"

   "There's to be another ball tonight, and we need every pair of hands working. Don't stand there gaping—that includes you, Karl!"

   Another ball!

   Sapnap had been true to his word. He would announce his intention to marry him—tonight!

   Karl dressed, his fingers shaking with excitement he pinned on his wig and wrapped his lavender sash around his waist. A twinge of nervousness made his stomach flutter. After that night's ball, he would be... a prince.

   I need to tell Quackity—before he hears it from someone else.

   A distressed Monsieur Bad surveyed the long line of young adults under his supervision. Karl hurried to his place at the end, but not before waving to Quackity, who'd made it to the roll call just in time.

   "Another party," Bad grumbled. "Why do we even bother to take down the decorations?" He spun to face us. "When you have received your assignments, get to work immediately."

   One by one, the servants received their duties. When it was Karl's turn, Monsieur Bad crossed his arms.

   "Why the smile? Are you actually happy that we all have to scrub the palace floors again, or are you simpering like a fool because you think you won't have to do your share of the cleaning?"

   "N-n-no, sir," Karl stuttered.

   "Then?"

   "Nothing." Karl struggled to wipe the joy from his face. Failing miserably, his expression only brightened. "It's just a beautiful day outside, isn't it? A wonderful day for dancing."

   "All that perfumed air upstairs is addling your wits." Bad narrowed hid eyes. "The duke asked me to give you the morning off, but it seems you need to learn your place. Your duty isn't only to the duke—it's to me, too. Report to
the kitchens. The maids need help with the dishes."

   At the dismissal, Karl let out a great exhale, then hurried to change his uniform.

   "Where were you last night?" Quackity asked, joining him by the cabinet. "I came by to pick up the suit, but you weren't in your room."

   Karl swallowed. Where did he even begin? "I...

   Misreading his reaction, Quackity grinned. "Ah, you were with that boy from the masquerade, weren't you? I want to hear everything about it. Everything. But first, I have news."

   "News?"

   "I heard the prince has found the mystery royal," he said, lowering his voice as the two boys shuttled from the servants' quarters to their posts. "Everyone says he's going to propose to him at the ball. Figured the romantic in you might enjoy that."

   Karl's heart thudded in his ears. "Where did you hear that?"

   "For one, the glass slipper is not in its case outside the palace anymore. And-" Quackity waved an envelope in front of his face "-this! Didn't you get one of these?"

   "No, what is that?"

   "A letter from the prince himself! Everyone's to get an increase in wages after the ball and a holiday. The royals don't just declare a holiday for no reason... it must be because there's going to be a royal wedding. Oh, you must have gotten one. Check your room."