Crown Of Hearts

Chapter 12

" Stand still," Rachael said, her fingers expertly tying a new apron around me.

" I had to beg Frederick's maids to put us together in the first shift together." She pointed to me, "Be good. Don't mess this up for us."

I giggle, " I'm not five, I know how to behave."

I was wrong. I didn't know how to behave. As soon as the food was served, I was practically drooling. Steaming plates of fish and meat, diced vegetables, soups, fresh bread, butter, sparking berries, and perfect slices of cake.

Rachael elbowed me softly and mouthed to stop staring. I nodded and held the jug securing in one hand, my other hand rested near the neck.

I had slipped on my earrings moments prior, but the other end was radio silent. No one had logged on.

The queen was beautiful, clearly, age had done nothing but amplified her beauty. Striking blue eyes, and sharp features, her hair had been left long, curling at her elbows. The king was equally as handsome, salt and pepper hair, kind eyes, and a sharp jaw. It was easy to see where the princes got their looks.

But the crown prince. Frederick and Theo held nothing to him. He looked as if he belonged on the throne beside the gods themselves. Brown hair, and sea blue eyes, sharp cheekbones, and an even sharper jawline. His hair was carefully styled back and his clothes fitted him snugly. The outlines of his muscles were prominent.

His wife, the duchess sat next to him. He laid a protective hand on her stomach and she smiled. She was also beautiful with dark raven hair and large eyes. She looked like a porcelain doll.

" Maid. May we please get some water?"

I stepped forward and began filling the glasses.

" Tomorrow is the annual brecker's festival and I expect you all to attend. We never miss a year. I'm talking about you, Frederick." He let out a laugh. The king oddly enough did not have a strong voice. It was rather weak and breathy. This was the man who took away electricity to the poor.

" The barrier will open at precisely seven am and I expect all of you to be dressed and ready." The queen chimed in. She waved her arm around, nearly knocking into me.

I swerved and poured the duchess's glass. The princes were clearly enjoying this as Frederick bit his lip from laughing and Theo held a napkin to his mouth. His eyes were shining.

But the barrier was opening tomorrow. I could escape.

Why did you lie to me, Theo?

I began to return back to my position when the Queen stopped me.

" Excuse me, I have never seen your face around here. Are you new?"

I stiffened and turned back around. I lowered my eyes and dropped to a curtsy. In the corner of my eye, I could see that Theo had also stiffened.

" It's a pleasure to meet you, your majesty. It's true what the rumors say. The Queen has only grown more lovely with age."

" Did one of my sons choose you during the fleet?" Her tone was hard, a stark contrast to her bright tone moments ago.

What the hell do I say?

I could barely hear her other questions over the sound of my heart, I swiped my hands across my apron discreetly. I had enough sweat to create a small river. It was not a pleasant feeling.

" Yes, she came from the second fleet." It was Theo.

The Queen looked shocked, "Theo, you're looking at me." She whispered.

The table became silent and he flushed,
" I do make eye contact occasionally mother." He wasn't looking up anymore.

Luckily, just being a lowly maid, I was able to sneak back into my position beside Rachael without ever being noticed.

" That's the first time I've ever seen Theo make eye contact with the Queen at the dinner table."

" Weird," I said.

" More than weird." Rachael's voice lowered to a hush, her eyes flicked between me and him.

" Is there something going on between you two?"

I laughed awkwardly, "I'm just the maid."

She made a face, " Hm that really is odd. Maybe Prince Theo has a crush on you." She teased.

Theo like me?

I shook the thought away. These people have refused to help people like me. They enjoyed this. They enjoy having little maids and working men at their beck and call. People like him scared my family.

" It would be an honor to be loved by a prince. However, I doubt that a prince would like someone like me." I stuttered between words but she seemed satisfied with my answer.

Rachael was staring at me but I refused to look at her. The royal family seemed at ease, talking, laughing. They almost seemed normal.

Frederick, however, seemed more interested in staring at Rachael.

She frowned, " So annoying." She muttered.

After a lifetime of pouring water and avoiding the Queen's and King's glances. We were finally called to the back for dinner.

I untied the apron and plopped down on an unoccupied stool. There were at least ten girls at the table. Rachael took the seat next to me.

" Girls, this is Clara. She's the new maid for Theo."

They greeted me with smiles and half-hearted hellos.

I smiled nervously. Please don't ask me how I got picked.

" I heard Prince Theo doesn't like getting new maids. Why did he choose you?" A girl sitting across from me asked. Her pigtails swinging as she tilted her head.

Crap.

I hesitated and went through the lies I've told over the course of the week. My parents have abandoned me and I'm an orphan. I was taken in by a rich lady of the house. The head maid raised me as her own.

I ducked my head, " Uh I don't really know. He didn't really look at me during the process. He just said that I looked like I would do a good enough job."

The girls looked at each other, an odd expression on their faces.

" The Prince talked to you?" She asked.

" Uh didn't all the Princes?"

" No, we were interviewed by the guards and then placed in rows. Then the guard would call out the number of the maid that the Prince had chosen."

I laughed. It sounded strained and I quickly drowned the water in my cup.

Crap. Crap. Crap. I'm going to be discovered. And then the guards will search me and find the earrings and flash drive. Oh my god. I'm going to be beheaded and fed to the snakes. My parents are go-

The maid giggled, pulling me out of my thoughts. She tugged at a pigtail, her face glowing scarlet.

" Prince Theo must really like you then."

The other girls laughed.

" Excuse Libby. She has had a crush on the Prince since her mother became the head maid for the Queen."

Libby flushed even redder and scowled.
" Tara," She whined, " What if she tells the Prince?"

" She won't," Tara said, " Look at her. She's cool."

My heart skipped a beat. Was this what belonging felt like?

I giggled, " I won't tell Theo. It'll be our little secret."