Fated Mate (A Taehyung's FanFiction) || Wattpad ✓

Chapter 11 Nightmare, just?

I sighed heavily after coming out of the library, glancing back at the closed door I ruffled my hair... My heart was still racing, and the tension in my chest was refusing to ease. I walked quickly down the corridor, my footsteps were echoing in the quiet space. Every muscle in my body was tense, and my thoughts were racing back to the encounter with Taehyung. His cold gaze, the way he looked at me—it was as though he could see right through me.

"Filthy maid."

His words echoed in my mind, lingering like a dark cloud. I don't know why but these words seemed too heavy to just brush them off. Though they were just two simple words, was my real self not ready to accept someone treating me like this? Of course, how can someone just think that a princess could endure this!? I bit my lip, trying to shake the thought, but it clung to me. Why did he affect me so much? It was infuriating how one person could make me feel so small with just a few words.

But Jong Gyu... he was different. His warmth and understanding had been a balm to my wounds. He didn't have to defend me, yet he did. And somehow, that made me feel a little stronger. Should I consider him a friend or not?

I took a deep breath, my mind was finally settling. "Focus, Harin," I muttered to myself. There were still duties to be done, and no time to dwell on things I couldn't change. The prince's opinion of me was none of my concern. I had to be strong, like I always promised myself I would be. But the fear of facing him again gnawed at me. 

"Hey! Harin, where were you all this time? I've been finding you. Did you forget that we have chores to do? New clothes came in the castle and after filtering for royal family we got some fresh leftover, let's check that out.." Luna came out of nowhere starting her lecture and not even giving me a mere second to reply.

She held my hand, dragging me to the mean place. As we approached the servant's quarters, the soft hum of chatter grew louder. She pushed the door open and we were immediately greeted by the familiar scent of fresh linens and the sound of bustling activity. The other maids were busy, folding clothes, organizing supplies, and preparing for the days ahead. Both of us went to the bundles of clothes, when I heard a feminine voice, it was Maria.

"There she is!" Maria called out with a smirk. "Our little disaster from last night!" She waltzed over, folding her arms across her chest. Her voice was dripping with sarcasm, and I could feel the eyes of the other maids turning towards me.

I was slightly surprised, her behavior was completely different from yesterday... I clenched my jaw, trying not to let her words get under my skin. "Maria, not today," Luna said.

"Not today?" she mocked, her grin widening. "Oh, sweetie, it's every day with Harin, isn't it? First, she spilled wine on the prince, and now she is getting cozy with Prince Jong Gyu? What's next, huh? Does she think her actions will remain a secret?"

I didn't respond, focusing on folding the linen in front of me. Silence was the best defense I had against her constant teasing.

"She doesn't even deny it!" Maria continued opening her arms before focusing on me again, she leaned closer to me. "Maybe you've got some secret plans to become the royal family's favorite maid? Or maybe you're aiming higher?" Her laugh was sharp, and it stung more than I wanted to admit.

Before I could even think of a retort, Luna once again, stepped forward. "Maria, that's enough. Let her be."

Maria huffed, rolling her eyes but backing off. "Fine. But don't say I didn't warn her," she muttered under her breath before strutting away.