In the Shadows

Chapter 1

The tray of scones balances precariously on my fingers, while the other hand carries cups for tea. I walk slowly, carefully, but the tray still tilts left and right. Eventually I reach the door I'm going to. The prince's sitting room. Before I could knock to alert the prince of my arrival, the door opens and he stands there. Henri... no! Prince Henri. Known by his people as Prince Charming. My master, my ruler. But also the one I love. His light brown hair and hazel eyes with gold flecks in them are the cause of every girl swooning at the sight of him. Including me. But being the maid, servant, cooks assistant means he is off limits. I am the lowest of the lowest class. The girl with the job that is so unimportant it doesn't even have a name.

I look at Henri, standing there waiting for me to enter and then leave. I drop my eyes as I've been taught and scurry into the room. The sunlight streams through the open window and I realize that I haven't seen pure light in over a month. I stand there for a moment, hoping to memorize the feel of the sun on my skin. Yet when I step back into the shade of the room, my skin chills and leaves goosebumps, instantly removing any touch of sun I might have felt. Sighing, I turned away and set the scones and cups down. With a quick but elegant curtsy I leave the room. On my way out I catch a glimpse of the Prince's guest. He looks about my age, which is 16, but he is taller than Henri, who is 17. He has dark black hair and blue, almost turquoise eyes. My heart fluttered. Suddenly, he turned his beautiful eyes to me.
"Hen, who is this?" He asked.
"Who?" Prince Henri said, confused.
     "The girl you so rudely dismissed without a second glance!" Mystery man said.
"Oh. Just my maid Will. No one important." He said, flicking his eyes from me to the door, urging me to leave. " I don't even know her name."
    "What is your name?" He asked me quietly.
    "Hazel." I whispered.
     "Thank you Hazel." He smiled kindly at me.
     Smiling quickly in return I rush out of the room. I had broken so many rules just by taking to the Royals. Guilt rushed to my face, warming it in shame. I might be fired. I felt horrible. Who was I to talk to any guest?  As I ran down the hall, I began to notice the increasing gloom. Most of the lamps are never lit and there are no windows. Not for the servants. When I get to my room, I'm panting. The creaking door opens before I can touch it and my boss stands there.