His Princess, Her Servant

Chapter 12 - Hope

WILL

       It’s been about a month since the engagement. My wounds from the beating have healed. I haven’t talked to the princess since. I’ve been avoiding her, and I think she knows, but she didn’t say anything. She didn’t try to communicate with me. It’s like our friendship had somehow disappeared. Well, maybe it’s best that way.

       Even though I try avoiding her, I still caught myself thinking about her over and over again in my head. But I quickly pushed the thoughts away. We barely see each other now.

       Jake has been trying to help me by introducing me to the girls that also work here. They all seemed really nice and stuff… But they’re just… They’re not her.

       “Will! Did you hear what I just say?” Pete asked me.

       “What?” I asked, confused.

       “Been daydreaming again, aye?” He asked. I just shook my head. “It’s nothing,” I said.

       “Okay then. Now pass me the plates!”

       I took one of the plates and handed it to him. Lately I’ve been having a hard time focusing on everything that I do. It’s like… the first time I saw her in the dining hall.

       Oh great. Now I’m thinking about her again. I quickly think about something else. Okay. What am I going to do tonight? Nothing. The answer is nothing. There’s never been anything new in my life. All I do is get up, work, and go to sleep. The cycle keeps repeating.

       Two other servants are chatting beside me. “Yeah, it’s going to be amazing and stuff. But can you imagine how much work we have to do?” said one of them.

       What is going on tomorrow? “Um, excuse me. Do we have an event tomorrow?” I asked. The two of them just stared at me like an idiot, which I think I am, since I am the only one who’s been missing out on stuff.

       “Princess Rose’s wedding. How do you not remember that? It’s probably the biggest event we’re having this year!” Said the other one.

       I can feel my heart ache. The ache still hurts as badly as the first time it did, which was the time when Jake told me about the whole engagement.

       I was so busy trying to forget about her that I forgot that the wedding is tomorrow. “Oh, right. The wedding. Thanks,” I said to them, and quickly finish my work. Right after I finished, Pete told me to get some rosemary in the pantry, so I went out of the kitchen.

       That’s when I heard someone called my name. “Will,”

       I turned my head to see who it is. It’s Queen Adele. She’s standing in the middle of the hallways, just staring at me. My eyes widen. How did she know my name? Usually they just call me “servant” and not by my name. I mean, I don’t really expect them to remember every each and one of our names.

       But what could she possibly want from me? I approach her. “Yes, your majesty?”

       “Do you have a minute?” She asked. Her voice is soft, which reminds me of Rose’s.

       “Of course, can I help you?” I asked.

       “Actually,” She stopped. “I wanted to talk to you about something,” She said. “Come follow me,” She walked through the halls all the way to the side garden. I followed her.

       Then when we’re there, she sat near the fountain. Then she gestured me to sit next to her, so I did. I still don’t know what this is all about. Did I do something bad? Is she going to fire me? No. She wouldn’t speak to me directly like this if she’s going to fire me. Plus she wouldn’t be the one firing me. The head butler would be the one. I have a feeling this is more than my job.