Bittersweet | l.fx au

Chapter 2

"They didn't approve of it." The head maid tells you.

You could practically feel yourself deflate with hope from the news. "O-Oh... is there anything else I can do?"

She shakes her head. "None at the moment. Get back to your shift, your lunch break is almost over." Then she takes off down the hall, leaving you alone. You stand there for a minute, watching her back. Finally, you sigh and head back to the basement to start your shift of bringing some boxes of food upstairs. You smile at the other maids who were also tasked with bringing some up as well.

You take your time up the stairs and once you reach the floor, you take quick steps to deliver the box. Then you make it to the kitchen and set it down in its place. The kitchen is hot as they're getting ready to start lunch and are also baking some bread.

You're about to get out to finish wiping down the mirrors when a startled kitchen worker bursts through the door. "Quick, everyone in position!"

Your body freezes for a moment as you hang your head. Someone from the royal family is coming. You're not sure who it is but you'll admit, you're terrified. You hold your breath, awaiting for them to enter the room. Hardly anyone from the royal family interacts with any of you.

Your hands are clasped together, barely trembling from the presence who entered the room. Your head is hung low and eyes are staring at the stone floor beneath your feet.

The Queen.

"Are these all the other maids I have?" The Queen asks and she steps around the room. You see the expensive heels in your peripheral vision.

"Yes, your majesty," The head maid says, following behind her. "You may pick anyone to help serve your son."

Your breath hitches in your throat. No. You don't want to directly serve under any of the royal family members! You rather be the servant who runs all these various tasks. You keep quiet and your nails dig into your skin.

The Queen's heels appear in your view again. Your heart skips a beat and you start biting your lip. You fear that it may bleed any second. "Lift your head." The Queen says.

You do so, eyes fluttering to her face but they quickly flicker down. "Yes, your majesty."

"How long have you been here?" The Queen asks.

"O-Only about a few days, your majesty." You stuttered but you're afraid.

The Queen then turns to the head maid. "I want this one to serve my son."

The air in the room changes but you're not sure what everyone is thinking. "Are you sure, your majesty?" The head maid asks, clearly disapproving of the choice. "I would recommend Bella or Yeri as they have been here longer."

"Are you doubting my choice?" The Queen glowers at her. The room has shifted to be tense and everyone is on edge.

"N-No your majesty," The head maid stutters. "I will go ahead and start training her to serve the Fourth Prince."

"As you should." The Queen leaves no room for an argument and strides from the room. Once she's gone, the atmosphere turns normal and everyone throws questioning glances at you before going back to work.

The head maid looks down her nose at you. "Why would the Queen choose you, Y/N?"

"I-I'm not sure." You're absolutely terrified. Your hands are still shaking and the head maid takes notice.

"It must be since you're always nervous." She sighs. "Follow me."

Quietly, you follow her through the corridors and come to a stop before another maid. "Lia," The head maid calls out.

Lia turns from where she was sweeping the area. "Hello," She bows respectfully, glancing at you. "What may I do for you?"

"Have Miss Y/N here shadow you for the next few weeks. The Queen has ordered her to serve the Fourth Prince."

Lia nods and bows respectfully. "I will, m'am."

Satisfied, the head maid leaves the two of you alone. Lia turns to you with a soft smile. "It's nice to meet you, Y/N. I am Lia and you'll be learning how to serve the Fourth Prince properly."

You smile back but you aren't sure if it's friendly. "Thank you, Miss Lia." You respectfully bow. "I'm honored to be training under you."

Lia simply nods. "I see why the Queen would choose you, you're quite... obedient, aren't you?"

"I-I would say so." Your nails dig into your hands.

"Well, that's a good thing I suppose." Lia talks to another maid who happens to be passing by and hands them the broom. "It's time for you to learn." Lia motions for you to follow her. She then starts explaining on the way. "It's usually me and Yeji who take care of the Fourth Prince. Our mentor is supposedly retiring by the end of the month so you'll need to pick up the slack by then."

You bite the inside of your cheek. "I see, I will definitely do my best, Miss Lia."

"The Fourth Prince usually starts his day around this time."

Your eyebrows shot up in surprise. "This late? But isn't it already noon?"

Lia shrugs. "He's the last prince so he has no other duties but although he does the same studies, he doesn't really do them all compared to the Crown Prince." She quickly explains. "For now, please refrain from speaking to the Fourth Prince as I want you to watch how we interact with him, understand?"

"Yes, I do Miss Lia." You wonder if there's some type of way on how you speak to the prince.

The two of you come to a large door and in front of it stands another maid who you assume to be the other attendant. Lia explains the situation and introduces Yeji to you. She welcomes you and then it's showtime. Nervously, you wait behind the two of them.

Lia knocks on the door. "Good afternoon, prince, it's time to get ready for the day." There's some silence and a groggy voice allows you to enter the room.

All three of you step inside and you don't dare to look around the room. The small glimpses you catch in the peripheral of your eye screams expensive. You keep your eyes trained on your coworkers in front of you. You watch as one pulls open the curtains, letting in the high sun take over the room and a groggy voice opposes. One begins to pick out the clothes for the day.

You're watching like a hawk as the Fourth Prince finally gets up after numerous attempts of shaking from the maids. He gathers his clothes and goes behind the divider to change into them. He still doesn't notice your presence even when they're fixing up his blonde hair and straightening out clothes.

They lead the Fourth Prince out of his room and you follow silently. The group enters the dining room and now you're petrified. Most of the royal family is already there and the remaining one is the Fourth Prince you're supposed to attend to. All their eyes are on your group and you feel like running out of there.

Instead, your nails dig into your hands as you await for anything.

"Hey." The Fourth Prince greets casually that it even causes you to glance at him. He takes the lone seat as the King scolds him.

You stand off to the side with Miss Lia and Miss Yeji, waiting for anything else. You don't think you can take this well.