"I took a deep breath as I stared out at the lake. To an observer, I probably looked insane. My intricate updo had come undone as I ran through the forest to reach the solitude of the lake, leaving my long auburn hair to curl and tangle around my face while my simple blue satin frock was tattered and torn from running through the undergrowth. 'Why are you so stupid Azalea?' I thought as I mentally chastised myself for my behavior at the ball. 'He's not like you; you're damaged, broken. What would a prince see in you anyway? You're just a chamber maid. Whatever you thought you had years ago was obviously was nothing. Time to stop dreaming and accept his engagement.'Yes, sometimes having a conscience royally, excuse my pun, sucks." ............................................. Azalea Harquinn was used to being in the shadows. As a chamber maid to the queen of Eleria herself, it was to be expected; seen but not heard. Everything changed when she met Castor. He was unlike any man she had ever seen; tall and lithe with eyes that shone like silver. His tenderness toward her both terrified and enthralled her. He was everything she could ever want, and she knew he was too good for her. Meeting each morning before her duties, they become close, but one day he was gone. Years later there's a visitor in the castle that has the entire household buzzing. The queen's son was finally to return after being away for schooling. Azalea had never seen the prince before Ahmed she is shocked when Nicolas is the one coming home..... with his new fiancée. Heartbroken, Azalea attempts to move on, but Nicolas won't give up on her so easily. Drama, romance, and jealously take center stage as Azalea and Nicolas' journey begins.