Source of Eternity

Chapter 1

I awoke on my bed to the sound of a rooster crowing. I groaned as I peeled myself from my bed. Then, I got my dress on and went to the kitchen to get Prince Xi's breakfast. I smiled at the thought of him. Then, all of a sudden I crashed into Prince Jun, the older prince.

I gasped. "I-I'm sorry, my lord. I didn't see where I was going!" I said as I fell down on my hands and knees. He roughly gripped my arm and pulled me up to meet his gaze. 

"Look at what you did, you clumsy little sow!" He roared as he roughly grabbed my wrist and threw me to the ground. "It would do you some good to watch where you're going. Do not think that I'll forgive this...." he hissed as he walked away.

I slowed down my breathing and dried my tears. Then, since I hadn't dropped the teapot, I went back to the kitchen and got a new teacup. After that, I hurried to Prince Xi's room.

I knocked on the door. "Enter..." said Prince Xi. I bit my lower lip. Then, I opened the door, and brought in the prince's breakfast. "Please, set it down on the trunk, Da-Xia," he said. I stopped. He knew my name! "Come. Sit beside me and tell me what is troubling you..."

My hand started to shake as I did what he said. I sighed. "Well...it's kind of a long story..."

"I've got time..." he said as he put a hand on my shoulder.

"I had a nightmare last night. Then, I woke up as always. But, unlike any other day, I woke up with a splitting headache. It was terrible. Then, while I was bringing Your Highness's breakfast, I literally ran into Lord Jun. In the process, I broke the teacup for Your Highness's tea. He chastised me severely for it. Then, I hurried back to the kitchen to get another one. That is why I'm late. I'm so sorry. It was my fault. I-"

"Shh...all is right. Though...I couldn't imagine what would happen if Jun was to tell my father..." he said. I froze, my eyes wide. Then, a smile appeared on his face. "I'm joking, Da-Xia. Please...try not to take everything so seriously..."

I breathed a sigh of relief. I huffed. "It's not like a prince to play jokes on his subjects, my lord..." I pouted.

He laughed. "Well...my brother will be waiting. I'll speak with him about that little incident. You can rest easily. I promise no harm will come to you," Prince Xi said as he and I stood up. "For now, you need to get some much needed rest. It must be hard nannying two pampered palace princes all day. I'll speak with Mother about giving you the day off. You need it and it's well deserved."

My eyes widened as we came to the door. "If I may ask, my lord, why are you being so nice to me, a lowly serving girl?"

"There's more to you than meets the eye, Geng Da-Xia. You just don't realize it." That's all he responded with. Then, the door closed. 

My heart raced. But it wasn't like before with Prince Jun. This feeling was openly welcomed. I went back to my room with a big smile on my face.