Royal Heartstrings

Chapter 5- A Queen and more

Valerie's POV:

The Weldon's home was expecting a visit from the Governor and his family, as well as the Mayor and his family. They were coming to pay their respects to the royal family, and the reception hall had to be spotless and decorated to perfection. I was among the team of maids tasked with cleaning and preparing the hall.

Yesterday, the royal family had made an appearance in the town square, and my parents had been thrilled to see them. They couldn't stop talking about it, and I had to listen to every detail. I had shared my own encounter with the royal family with them, leaving out the part about Princess Evie and Prince Nova being the same motorcycle rider I had helped. They had also seen my injured hand and I had told them that I got it while washing dishes.

Today was going to be a busy day for me. Not only did I have to help with the preparations for the Governor's visit, but I also had to assist Mira with her "date." She had called it that, but in reality, she was just going to show Prince Nova around town. I arrived at the mansion early, quickly changed into my uniform, and set to work on the tasks ahead.

Earlier, Mr. and Mrs. Flynn, Alia, Lydia, and Emily, had all expressed their support and comfort after hearing about my encounter with Princess Evie. They were the only ones on the staff I could truly call friends, and I was thankful for their kindness.

After a few hours of cleaning and arranging the reception room with the other maids, we finished our tasks, and it was already mid-morning. I was about to head to help Mira with her "date" when I saw the lady-in-waiting for Princess Evie approaching me.

"Her Highness requests your presence," she said, her expression stern and unyielding.

My eyes widened in surprise, and a sense of dread crept up my spine. Why would the princess want to see me after yesterday's warning to avoid her? Memories of our confrontation flooded my mind like a video recorder on repeat. I had no choice but to follow the lady-in-waiting, my heart racing with nervous anticipation.

I stood outside Princess Evie's closed door, my heart escalating with anxiety. The lady-in-waiting, Elizabeth, knocked once and opened the door, revealing a room I had cleaned countless times before. But today, it felt different. The room was elegant, with cream-colored walls, gold accents, and a plush carpet that silenced every step. A chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the space.

The princess's bed, a grand four-poster with intricately carved wooden posts and a canopy of silk drapes, sat against the far wall, looking invitingly comfortable.

Princess Evie sat at her vanity, her blonde hair cascading down her back like a river of gold. She held her smartphone, an expensive-looking device that sparkled in the light. Her gaze lifted, and she regarded us with a cold expression. "You can leave now, Elizabeth. Thank you."

I was taken aback by her gratitude towards the lady-in-waiting. Even though Princess Evie was known for her harsh demeanor, she still treated her staff with a hint of respect. I wished she had extended the same courtesy to me, but I knew better than to expect it.

After Elizabeth departed, I was left alone with the princess. She commanded, "I want you to clean this whole room." I hesitated, scanning the space. It was already spotless. Why was she ordering me to clean it again? Was this her way of punishing me?

I had no choice but to obey. "Yes, Your Highness," I replied, trying to hide my frustration.

The princess pointed to the cleaning equipment in the corner of the room, near the bathroom. "The supplies are there."

I nodded and began cleaning, expecting the princess to leave. But she remained seated, her eyes fixed on her phone. I sighed silently and continued my task, knowing Mira would have to wait a little longer.