The Throne

The Request

     I hurried down the hall as gracefully as I could In the long black skirt and white apron that maids were required to wear. I was talking to my friend Autumn, who worked in the kitchens, and we lost track of time. We had become friends when I began working here three or four years ago. We found it funny that we had both been named after seasons. I had long brown hair and pale skin. When I was younger my hair was almost white, hence the name Winter, but it had gotten darker as I aged. Autumn had hair that was brown too, but hers hovered near auburn. Her complexion was darker, and her eyes were almost black. She tended to wear fiery colors when she was off duty, which fit her name, and her personality. 

     I came to the staircase and walked down. The shoes we wore as maids were not very practical, but they looked nice, and were as comfortable as heels could be. I turned into the laundry room and picked up the basket of dark blue sheets. I then began the long walk to the Prince's room. I had been lucky enough to be placed as one of the maids, and I was even more lucky to be a maid for the Prince. I changed his sheets, and cleaned his room. Right now he was on his way back from a budget meeting, and would probably be going to bed soon. I had forgotten to change the sheets earlier, and was on my way to do that now.

     I pulled the old sheets off Prince Erik's bed, and began putting on the new ones, when I heard someone clear his throat. I turned, and immediately  dropped into a curtsy "Your Majesty." 

     "Please, you don't need to curtsy to me."

I rose. "I'm sorry for intruding, Your Majesty."

"Please. It's no big deal, some of the encounters I've had are far more embarrassing than this. I can do the sheets myself. Why don't you take the night off? I'm sure you would like to spend time with your family."

     "Really, I can do it." I said. 

     "Miss ..." He trailed off unsure.

     "Winter." I replied, curtsying again.

     "Miss Winter. Please, take the night off. If anyone asks, tell them the Prince said you are getting some much needed relaxation."

    "Thank you your Majesty." I turned to go but he stopped me, placing a hand on my shoulder. I startled at the touch.

     "Miss Winter. I'm sorry to bother you but as you know my Selection is coming up. Were you going to submit your name."

     "No, I serve the crown. I do not wish to wear it." I looked him in the eye as I said this. Even if I had only served at the palace for a few years, I still understood how much effort and time was put into running the country. I had four younger sisters, and I had enough responsibility as the main breadwinner of the family. To my surprise he smiled at my statement.

     "Please. Submit your name. You most likely will not be chosen anyway, but if you are, it would be nice to have a friendly face." From the tone of his voice I can tell he's really asking, not commanding.

    "Maybe I will. Goodnight your majesty." I turn to go, puzzling over what just happened.