His Favourite Maid

Stalking The Prince

Nandini's Pov :

"How can a lowly maid like me do that, Your Majesty?" I questioned, my voice trembling with uncertainty. I was of a lower caste, and the prince was a royal—how could I possibly undertake such a task?

The queen's gaze was sharp and unwavering as she regarded me, her eyes narrowing. The silence stretched, heavy and tense, until she spoke with measured authority. "So, are you taking your word back?" Her tone was icy, but there was an edge of something more, something challenging.

It would be easy to back out, to claim that the task was beyond my reach, but I remembered my father's teachings: a promise is sacred and must be kept. "No, Your Majesty, but—" I began, only to be cut off by her imperious voice.

"Then fulfill your promise," she said, her command decisive and unyielding. Without another word, she dismissed me, leaving me with no choice but to accept the task set before me.

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I sat in my room, burdened by the promise and the daunting task ahead. How could I, a mere maid, succeed? Yet I recalled the queen's kindness—she had saved my sister's life. She had everything: wealth, beauty, and power. I had nothing to offer her but the fulfillment of this task. Despite my fears, I knew I had to carry out my promise.

With renewed resolve, I made my way back to the queen's quarters. Standing before her, I bowed deeply and spoke with determination, "Your Majesty, I am prepared to undertake the task, but I will need your guidance to see it through."

The queen's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Very well," she replied, her voice warm yet firm. "I expected nothing less. I will provide you with the assistance you need. As of now, keep an eye on Prince."

"Ok Your Majesty," I said, my voice steady despite my inner trepidation.

She nodded approvingly. "Make sure the Prince doesn't get any hint of this."

I nodded. I was scared, she was basically telling me to stalk the Prince, which is a crime. The palace was so huge, yet my heart felt so empty.

With that, I took my leave, the weight of the queen's words echoing in my mind. The path ahead was uncertain and full of obstacles. 

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I approached the prince's quarters cautiously, trying to discern whether he was inside or not. My movements were deliberate, yet my heart raced with anxiety.

A guard, his gaze sharp and unyielding, spotted me. "What are you doing here?" he demanded, his voice a harsh reprimand.

My heart skipped a beat at his stern tone. I fumbled for words, holding up a piece of cloth as though it were a shield. "I-I'm... c-clea-cleaning," I stammered, my voice trembling with nerves.

The guard's eyes narrowed in suspicion, but after a long, scrutinizing moment, he turned away with a gruff sigh, resuming his patrol.

I exhaled deeply, my shoulders relaxing slightly as he moved in the opposite direction. The tension of the encounter lingered, but I was relieved to have evaded immediate suspicion.

I peered through the small window of the prince's quarters, finding it empty. Panic set in as I tried to recall where he might be. Then a memory flashed—our conversation about the small hut.

"The small hut!" I murmured, urgency propelling me toward the location.

When I arrived, I could see the prince inside, but an unfamiliar voice reached my ears, mingling with his. My curiosity piqued, I moved closer, pressing my ear to the door to catch a glimpse of the other presence.

I peered through a crack, careful not to make a sound. The scene inside was shrouded in shadows, but I caught fleeting glimpses of the prince's animated gestures and another figure—someone I couldn't clearly see.