Wrong to love you

Chapter 1

1

The laughter and chatter from the dining area was the only sound Mel could hear as she cleaned the floor of the kitchen, moving the mop, left to right. It was night, and she has mopped the floor for the seventh time that day, courtesy of Ms. Francine, Head Staff at Massimo Palace. The Palace houses the royal family of Jarkata, a country in the Northern Plains of Australia. The day was just like every other day for Mel, work, work and work. She has been working at the Palace for five years, right after she graduated from high school. Her mother worked as a cook for 25 years at the Palace, and when she got bed ridden as a result of a terrible sickness, Mel got employed to replace her mom. She was already working two jobs before the offer came and she was grateful to leave that behind.

"You can stop doing that and head towards the dining area with the other girls to clear the table", Ms. Francine instructed as she stood there looking her patient and self-composed self, as usual.

"Yes Ms".
I dropped the mop into the bucket and pushed it aside. I washed my hands and made my way towards the dining area. Shawn and Mae were clearing the table which seated the sons and daughter of His Royal Highness. The Royal family has four sons and a daughter, Henry, James, Philip, Jeremy and Selene. They were very loved and respected by the people. They were making slight conversations and giggles followed.

"What is your name"?, Someone asked. Mel went about her duties until someone tapped on the directly where she was standing. She raised her head abruptly to see everyone staring at her. She mumbled "Pardon"?

"What is your name", James asked, but the tone of his voice certainly showed no interest in the answer she has told him many times before that but Mel answered again anyways "Mel".

"Mel, would it bother you if a bastard son is your Crown Prince"? Mel looked shocked for a while. It was no news within and beyond the country that James was a bastard son of His Royal Highness. But to be put in that position to answer a question that can ruin her life, she was not willing to risk that. She stood there quietly, willing her mouth to stay silent for once.

"It is no big deal. You can just answer. Whatever you say will not be used against you", Henry, the Crown Prince pressed.

"Why are you all just standing there", Ms. Francine asked. She bowed to the royals and glared at maids accusingly. For once, Mel was grateful for her intrusion. The royals stood up and left the dining area for them to continue their task as Ms. Francine stood there, supervising them.

...................................................................................................................................

The desolate streets of the city rested in silence as the black sky embraced it. Mel walked faster as she pulled the coat around herself tightly, feeling the breeze around her. The night was the same as every night, quiet and lonely. The hair on her skin rose, and danger screamed at her as she hastened her pace. She could hear the steps behind her increasing and moving faster. The logic thing was to run, but where? She moved her hands in her bag and took out the pepper spray her mom never forgot to put in her bag every day. Thanks mom.

She felt a hand on her shoulder and she screamed and turned, with the spray pointing directly at the stranger behind her. The stranger ducked and started laughing, teasingly. Mel puffed when she recognized the person.

"What the hell Henry. I would have sprayed you, idiot", she screamed. Henry smiled and pulled her close. "I'm sorry love, Forgive me".

Mel smiled and hugged him back. "I missed you", she said as she pulled him closer. Henry laughed "as much as I love hugging you, this bear hug of yours will be the death of me"

Mel pulled away. "sorry".

"No need to apologize. Come on, let me take you home"

"Someone might recognize you"

"It is late. There is no one out here, I should at least escort you this late. This is the least I can do as your boyfriend. And this is the only time I can walk with you around the city"

"Alright. Lets go."

They walked hand in hand making small conversations in between. Mel was loving this, the little time where they can be themselves and not get worried about anyone.

"I'm sorry about today. James should not have put you in that situation. He was just being his annoying self as usual"

Mel frowned "I actually froze. I didnt know exactly what to say. As much as I sometimes despise Ms. Francine, I was glad she came in at exactly that time"

"Yeah. It was funny. I was really looking forward to your answer".

I wasnt, Mel thought

They stood a few houses down to Mels place and Henry turned towards her,

"But I would like to know your answer now, if you don't mind"

Mel placed her hands on his cheeks and smiled "It is always going to be you. You are the Crown Prince. You are worthy of it. And you will be a Great King, Prince Henry", she said as she kissed him.

He smiled uncontrollably. "Thats why I love you so much. You know just what to say at the right time. You have my heart. I love you", he whispered with a kiss to her cheek. "Now, get home before mummy dearest threatens me. Good night"

"Good night", Mel said as she walked toward her house down the road. Henry stood there to make sure she has entered the house safely before getting into the car parked right beside him.

He sat comfortably at the back as the  car moved away from the neighborhood.

"Thanks for tagging around Derek"

"Anytime, Prince Henry", the driver replied.

"Good. As usual, no one hears of this. Take me home"

"Yes sir"

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