A Royal Switch

A Princess

Melody had just celebrated her eighteenth year in this world. It was a small celebration, but she enjoyed it anyway. They celebrated with a local townsperson and his wife and son, Lars. It was also the time when Melody and Lars announced their engagement. The two had been in love for two years, and when Melody wasn't serving the prince, she had private secret meetings with Lars where they had talked and loved and kissed. She kept it a secret from the prince, since he didn't want to hear of any of her relationships with any men or boys.

On her way back to the castle, many of the servants greeted her and congratulated her for her eighteenth birthday. She smiled at all of them and made sure to bow down to the people higher of her that recognized her. At this time, she hadn't heard anything from the prince, so she made sure to keep it that way. She always looked around the room and made sure to steer clear away from him.

Meanwhile, the prince was contemplating whether to greet Melody a happy birthday. He overheard it from the other servants that passed by and gossiped about what they knew. He wanted to do something special for her. He found a servant near him and asked, "Would you please call on Melody? I need to speak to her." The servant bowed and quickly left the room and searched around to find the girl.

Melody was busy serving the table and doing other restless chores. She didn't notice the servant coming towards her. When he tapped on her shoulder oh so subtly, she quickly jumped in shock, surprise, and fright. He smiled and told her that he meant no harm. "I just have a message. The prince has asked for your presence." He bowed and went on his merry way.

The girl wondered what the prince wanted from her. She hadn't done anything wrong, had she? She didn't harm him, or offended him, or disrespected him in any other way than in private. As soon as she was done with her chore, she immediately passed through different hallways, dodging people who quickly passed by with ease, and arrived at the prince's room with ease.

She contemplated whether to open the door, or to wait for him to open it himself. When she realized that he wouldn't open the door, she knocked on it. The prince called for her to come in. Melody gulped, slowly opening the door, to find the prince sitting on his bed. He gave her a small smile. "Melody, I have been waiting for so long." He patted on the bed. "Come. Sit with me."

"Yes, your highness," she said politely, slightly shaking. She slowly inched her way halfway. The prince's smile grew.

"I won't harm you," he said. If he was saying that to comfort her, it didn't work. If anything, it made her feel worse. She only took a couple steps forward, until she was only a couple of inches away from him and the bed. He clicked his tongue. He stood up, took a step forward, grabbed her arm, and pulled her towards his chest. He positioned her next to him. She sat down, and the prince sat down with her.

Melody didn't know what to say to him. Why did he want her here? She wanted to ask, but she didn't want to seem rude. She looked at him, and his smile just made her feel more uncomfortable. What did he want?

"Happy birthday Melody," he greeted her.

Melody cautiously accepted the greeting. "Thank you," she said.

"Which gets me to my next point: you didn't, well, I didn't think you did, celebrate without me, did you?" His voice was soft, but his tone was stern. Why did he care whether she celebrated or not? Why would he care whether she invited him or not? The question threw her off.

Melody didn't reply for a moment. She decided to speak when he said, "You may call me by name if you so wish." She knew what that meant. He wanted to be familiar with her. If she were to call him by name, it would mean she'd be familiar with him, and she didn't want that.