Maid In Royal

chapter 25

Cyrelas

The sun rose slowly over the towering spires of the royal palace, casting a golden hue over the meticulously manicured gardens. Today was a day of jubilance and celebration, for I was to be engaged to Ludovica, . The palace bustled with activity as servants scurried to and fro, adorned in their finest attire, hanging silk decorations and preparing lavish feasts.

However, tucked away in the dimly lit chambers of the palace, I was enveloped in a different kind of world. I lay sprawled across my bed, the soft sunlight spilling through the heavy drapes, illuminating the tousled sheets around me. The sweet scent of lavender lingered in the air, a remnant of Sybil who had attended to my needs the previous night. I look at her and her cute sleeping lazy face, and she was as radiant as she was spirited - with laughter that danced like wind chimes and a heart that mirrored the warmth of the sun.

She lay beside me, her chest rising and falling rhythmically in sleep. Unbeknownst to the world outside the palace walls, we had stolen a moment of passion that had spun into something deeper, a connection that defied the bounds of royal expectations. I'm really surprised at the things I'm thinking about us.

As the day progressed, the flurry of preparations intensified in the palace. Elaborate floral arrangements filled the halls, and musicians practiced their songs for the evening's festivities. Sybil stirred awake, her eyes meeting mine. She smiled shyly, the corners of her lips curving upwards, igniting a spark in my heart. What?

"Your Highness," she teased, her voice soft and playful, "aren't you supposed to be engaged in matters of the realm today?"

My smile faded, replaced by a shadow of concern that lingered in his eyes. "Does it matter? We have this moment, and it feels... more real than any engagement."

It was really hard to get her to forgive me these past few days . I don't even know how many times I sent Vittorio.

"Tomorrow, you will be a prince bound to a lady, and I... I will just be Sybil," she replied, her voice laced with a melancholic sweetness.

I sat up, taking her hands in mine. I realise what I just did and quickly pull my hands away.

Our eyes locked, a silent understanding passing between us.

The door knocked and I looked at Sybil.

"Sarah is here . You should get ready ."

After she's done dressing up , she looked back at me with a small smile.

. "I must go," she said, her voice steady but laced with sorrow.

..........

Sybil

I closed the door and looked at Sarah.

"Thank you ."

"No worries. I wouldn't want anything to happen to my brother's love."

"No no , we...he's not my...-"

"Yeah , all that shit . I get it , you don't have to."

"Yeah well....how does it to know you'll have a sister-in-law after tomorrow?"

She looks at me and I try to smile.

"Sybil..."

"We should just go."

We walk away and the maids that are upstairs of the palace avoid me because they can't look at Sarah. At least they won't have questions.

......

Cyrelas

The time came when the palace's grand halls were filled with the laughter and chatter of guests, resplendent in their finest garments. The Francois' arrived, Ludovica stunning in a gown embroidered with delicate thread and gems that captured the light. The moment she stepped into the room, the applause echoed like thunderclaps.

I approached Ludovica to offer my greetings, . I was aware, more than ever, of the thread that bound me to Ludovica. Throughout the evening, I smiled and danced, exchanging pleasantries, yet my thoughts drifted far away.

In the depths of my mind, Sybil 's laughter rang louder than the orchestrated music. Our shared moments flickered vividly - the way her eyes sparkled when she laughed, the warmth of her touch, the way she made me feel like more than just a prince. I shake my head trying to bring myself back to reality. Why do I suddenly feel this way .

That night, after the guests had left and the palace fell into a peaceful hush. But I was not at peace , I didn't like the way Sybil was avoiding my eye the whole night .

I made my way to the gardens to find her. The moon bathed the flowers in a silver glow.

"Sybil," I whispered into the shadows, my voice trembling with uncertainty.

She stepped from the darkness, her face illuminating with surprise. "Your Highness! You shouldn't be out here; it's dangerous." she says looking around before pulling me in the darkness .

"I don't care about danger," I declared, my eyes fierce with determination. "I care about you."

We look at each other and again I made a mistake .

"I don't mean it like that , I just meant why were you avoiding me. "

"Tomorrow, it is to be your engagement. People will be watching. Why should I look at you , in front of everyone too?" Her words were tinged with resignation, . I could sense it.

"What are you trying to say ? Are you saying we end things ?" Because I'm not going to allow that ."

"Why?"

I stay silent looking at her .

"Why? Why don't you want me to end things with you ? Obviously it's over Cyrelas and at some point it's going to have to end , so why waste time?"

"I thought we were ok in the morning . What's going on now , did someone say something."

"Yeah , my brain. I'm not stupid. We continue and then what? You marry and in the end I'm some kind of mistress who's going to compete with someone who's level I'll never reach. I don't want to be that kind of girl. "

"I don't care what you say , this is not over .. "

"No."

"I...I command y-"

"No , that won't work on me . I don't care about your commands . You can fire me , kill me for not listening to you but this ends now . If you want a maid or some part time side , I refuse any longer. You can literally have any maid in the palace . No one is stopping you."

"I don't want them..."

"Are you ok? Today , you've been saying things that...that might confuse a lady . I might misread your words , use them wisely ."

She leaves before I can say anything.