The Prince's Maid

Chapter 1 - The First Encounter

My name is Isabelle and I am a maid for the royal family of Stuitana. You see, my family, the Montes, have been working as maids and butlers for the Montgomery's ever since the first King of Stuitana began his rule in 1858. Fast forward to 2016 and my family is still graciously serving our King and his family.

Today, the day after my eighteenth birthday, I have been selected by Queen Antionette to be Prince Dominic's handmaid once he arrives at the palace, as the prince has been away at boarding school and later college since the age of ten. Now that prince has graduated college, he is returning to the palace of the age of twenty-two.

At a quarter past ten a.m., the palace's staff lined up upon the palace's steps, with the royal family standing at the top, to await Dominic's arrival. Not long after, the palace's grand gates opened as a long, black limo drove in. Once the limo rolled to a stop, the head butler, Mr. Evans, stepped forward and opened the door for his prince.

At the top of the stairs, near the royal family due to my family's close relationship and trust with the royal family, I stood anxiously awaiting to see the prince that I will be serving for the rest of my career. Although I am nervous to work on my own for the first time, I know that it is my duty to my prince and to my kingdom.

As the anticipation grew, I grew more nervous and decided that my shoes were much more interesting. Suddenly, I heard quiet gasps escape from many of the female staff members that stood nearby. Wondering what that could be about, I took a deep breath and looked up, only to lock eyes with my prince. My breathing stopped as my eyes broke contact with his to look him up and down, as subtly as I could, which I must admit may not have been as subtle as I had hoped, before my eyes met his again.

I quickly shook my head and took a deep breath, hoping I had not already made a complete fool out of myself in front of the prince. I must admit, the whispering conversations I had overheard between some of the other maids were true, the prince was definitely something to marvel at. His dark black hair was cut in such a way to draw one's eye directly to his majestic blue ones. And with one glance, one could definitely tell that the prince had spent much time in the gym. As these thoughts ran through my head, I quickly tried to push them out of my mind as it began to wonder what the prince's lush lips may feel like if they were to be pressed to my own. I had to remind myself that my job is to serve him, not to ogle about.

Before I knew it, my prince stood before me as his mom introduced me to him as his handmaid. Not knowing what to say, I simply smiled at him.

He stared at me for a moment, before smiling back in a friendly manner. He turned away from me and drew his mother in for a hug. Once he stepped back, he turned to the staff and nodded at them, stating, "it's so good to finally be home."

"May I carry your bags up to your room, Sire?" Mr. Evans' asked, bowing slightly.

"Why thank you Mr. Evans, I shall assist you of course," Dominic replied. "It has been some time since I have seen my room. Mother, if you will excuse me I would like to go up to my room to unpack and freshen up before dinner tonight."

"Of course, my son," the Queen said while smiling up at her son. "And I will have you know that I have ensured that your favorite meal shall be prepared to celebrate your arrival."

With that the prince and Mr. Evans began to make their way to the third floor where the prince's room, as well as the rest of the royal family resides. Behind them, a few other butlers followed carrying the remainder of the prince's belongings.

Soon the staff and the royal family had gone in the house and I soon found myself standing alone outside. I quickly realized that I should be inside helping the prince unpack. This only made my cheeks redden as I thought about some of the things I had heard other maids whisper after seeing the prince.

Remembering my duties, I dashed up the stairs as fast as I could, running all the way to the prince's door. Collecting my breath, I stared at the door as if it may disappear any minute. Once I had gathered up the courage, I delicately knocked on the door.

"Who is it?" I heard Dominic ask from the other side of the door.

"Your handmaid your majesty. I have come to help you unpack." I replied hesitantly.

"Come in," he said opening the door for me, "but please, just call me Dominic."

"Yes Sire, oh, I mean Dominic," I quickly corrected.

I glanced around his large room, determining how much there was to unpack and attempting to estimate how long it may take. I quickly calculated how long until dinner would be served and at what time I would need to help Dominic get ready.

I must have looked ridiculous standing there in the center of the room mumbling to myself as I soon heard Dominic clear his throat and say, "You may start with the blue suitcase on the bed."

I simply nodded and walked over to the suitcase, silently hoping that it was not filled with his underwear or anything else that may make me feel even more awkward. I was soon relieved to find that it contained a few T-shirts, sweatshirts, and jeans.

I moved around his room putting his things away with ease as I had spent the past few weeks learning its layout and memorizing where everything went. Without thinking, I began to hum softly as I worked, letting my mind wander.

Suddenly, I heard something fall and remembered that I was not alone in the room.

"You didn't have to stop," Dominic said as he bent down to pick up the shoe he had dropped. "If I'm honest, I quite enjoyed it."

I blushed as I quickly looked down at my watch, realizing it was time for me to start helping get ready for dinner. Without a word, I began to walk over the correct draws and closet sections as I gathered the prince's clothes for dinner.

He smiled at me as I carefully placed the last of his things in the bathroom. He slightly brushed my shoulder as we passed each other in the doorway, before he closed the door.

Once the door was closed, I sighed softly to myself, trying hard to ignore the slight sparks that had shot out from the point of contact. I glanced at myself in his mirror and quickly reminded myself that I had a job to do that the feeling was likely just in my head.

Soon, the door opened and Dominic stepped out with his tie draped around his neck. "Could you help me?" he asked smiling at me, "It seems that despite being a prince, I have yet to master the simplicity of a tie."

I nodded and stepped forward, quickly tying his tie, as I had been tying the ties of his father and brother since I was twelve.

Before I could step away, I felt his finger tap my chin and then rest underneath it.

"Isabelle," he breathed out.

I looked up at him, meeting his eyes and holding his gaze. I felt him slowing move his fingers under my chin, gently pulling me closer to him. I soon found myself begin to lean in with anticipation building within my stomach. His lips were soon centimeters from my own as my eyes began to flutter closed. However, before I could feel his luscious lips on mine, there was a knock at the door.

My head shot away from his as I took quick steps away from him. Shaming myself for getting caught up in the moment. He was my prince and I was his handmaid. He could not possibly have any interest in me.

Sighing, I walked over to the door to see who had interrupted our almost kiss that I was quickly realizing how much I had wanted.