Royal Heartstrings

Chapter 20- New faces

Valerie's POV:

"I have a question," I said, looking at Julie and Jude, who were seated with me on the couch in the servant's lounge. It was the first day of the week, and we were waiting for the new roster to be posted.

"What is it?" Julie asked, curiosity in her voice.

"Why do most of the workers hate me?" I asked.

Jude chuckled. "They don't hate you, Val. They're just...wary of you."

I raised an eyebrow. "Same thing."

Julie jumped in before Jude could respond. "They think you got the job easily, Val. You just showed up with Miss Mira, and suddenly you're working in the Palace."

I scoffed. "Easy? I had to clean twelve rooms on my first day!"

Jude's eyes widened. "What? You really cleaned twelve rooms?" I nodded, and he whistled. "You're amazing, Val!"

I smiled at him.

Julie continued, "Yes, well, cleaning twelve rooms was impressive, but they think you came out of nowhere. It's hard to get a job here, and you got it without even trying."

I huffed. "Regardless, they should at least give me a chance. I have a resume, you know."

Jude's eyes lit up. "You have a resume?"

"Yes," I replied, smirking.

Jude turned to Julie. "Why don't we have resumes here?"

Julie sighed. "Because, Jude, we're not exactly applying for jobs at a marketing firm. We're servants. We don't need resumes."

Jude scowled. "That's not the point. The point is, Val has skills and experience, and we're just...well, we're just here."

Julie rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. You're not just here, Jude. You're a talented footman, and I'm a skilled maid. We have our own strengths."

I watched with amusement, knowing that Jude and Julie's banter was a cover for their true feelings. They liked each other and I wondered when they would finally confess.

Their bickering was interrupted by the arrival of Mrs. Bertha, followed by some of the other workers. Everyone stood up, greeting her with respect.

Mrs. Bertha cleared her throat, commanding our attention. "Okay, everyone, the new roster is about to be put up. Please check your assignments and no complaints, understood?"

We all nodded, and she pinned a sheet of paper to the bulletin board. The board was a large, worn-out corkboard, with notes and announcements tacked up haphazardly. The roster was printed in bold black letters, with names and tasks listed in neat columns.

I scanned the board, searching for my name in the West Wing. But it wasn't there. I checked the North Wing, still nothing. My eyes strayed to the East Wing, and my heart literally stopped when I saw my name next to "Prince Nova's Room".

I froze, my mind racing. How did I end up assigned to the Crowned Prince's room?

Rhea's voice broke the silence. "Why is Valerie's name in the East Wing?"

Everyone's eyes turned to the board, and I felt a wave of nervousness wash over me. Another person spoke up, "Why is she cleaning the Crowned Prince's room? That's a prestigious task, usually reserved for the most experienced staff."

Mrs. Bertha intervened, her voice firm but measured. "No complaints, remember? Unless it's reasonable."

Ariana chimed in, her voice laced with discontent. "It's reasonable, Big Mum. She just arrived two weeks ago and already she's assigned to the East Wing? Some of us have been here for years and haven't gotten that chance."