Chapter 4

MIA

The proceeds from the vegetables were insignificant. I had always considered getting a part-time job but had never found anything suitable. When I worked at an inn, I had to deal with the men's crude remarks and approaches all the time. I couldn't stand them any longer and had no choice but to leave.

"Mother, I need to get a job," I said tiredly as I sat on the stool beside her bed.

"What's the matter with the vegetables?" she inquired.

"They don't bring in a lot," I grumbled. "Besides, I need to change the crates and get you some new things," I said with a smile.

"What are your plans then?" she inquired.

"I'm not sure," I sighed. "But I intend to scavenge all over town. Hopefully, I'll be able to find something profitable to do." I said

"So be it. Just be cautious "She cracked a grin.

I made my way to the village square. If all goes well, I'll find something to do. I couldn't find anything after what seemed like an eternity of searching. What a fool I was. What on earth was I thinking? I collapsed on a random stool, exhausted, and just stared into space. I'd spent the entire day doing nothing and selling no vegetables. Loss on both counts.

"Do you mean the palace is taking on new maids?" a random girl inquired loudly

"Yes. Get there as soon as possible before the opportunity passes you by." According to the woman who sold ornaments,

"Oh, thank you very much, ma'am," the girl exclaimed joyfully.

I got up from where I was sitting and hurried to the palace, a wide smile on my face. I wasn't going to let this pass me by. When I arrived, I noticed a few ladies standing outside. I'm guessing the word had spread. This is the closest I've come to, seeing the palace. I felt like something that could be smashed against the tall walls. It's both intimidating and appealing. I'm curious what the inside would be like. I could feel my nerves rising, but I've learned to be strong. I'm capable of handling anything. As I approached the palace gate, a tall guard in shining armor with a sharp spear by his side stopped me and gave me a very intimidating look. I was almost on the ground.

"What is your purpose for being here?" His deep voice was harsh.

Don't be troubled.

"I'm here to take advantage of the opportunity given to peasants to work as palace maids," I explained politely.

He gave me a firm look and moved to the side, giving me room to enter. I walked gently into the palace, amazed by the view ahead of me. So this is how the palace appears. It's stunning.

The gardens and earthen grass piles were well-kept. Each part of it belongs to a different stratum. The path leading to the main parts of the palace was ahead of me. The palace had various faculties, each with its own class and style. As I walked to my left, I took the path that would lead to whatever job I'd be given. I documented every detail of the event. In their stylish uniforms, the maids walk with culture. Is that what I'm going to wear? The palace guards paraded with meticulous precision. As I ascended the stairs leading to the hallway, I could see the market from where I was.

Finally, we arrived in a large room filled with food and kitchen utensils. It's got to be the kitchen.

"Welcome to the Palace kitchen, dearies." "You will now be assigned to your various responsibilities," a chubby woman said as she advanced us.

We were assigned to our various duty posts after being arranged horizontally.

"You'll be in the kitchen," she said when she finally got to me.

After all, my struggle was not in vain.

ALEX

"Okay, four hundred soldiers would be ambushed here in this land. On the mainland, I'll have 600 people with me. Clint, too "I fixed my gaze on him. "You'll have reinforcements," I told him, and he nodded.

We were in the basement planning our attack on the English soldiers. I've never been a fan of fighting. I was filled with dread as a result of it. Many people's lives would be lost. I wished there was an alternative to war. The English men were stiff-necked and would get whatever they wanted at any cost.

"This is a sound strategy." According to my father.

"If this plan is carried out, the English soldiers will have no choice but to retreat," Cornelius predicted.

"For the time being, that's all there is to it. We should all take a break now "As he exited the room, my father said,

Cornelius patted my shoulder as he exited the room with my father. Clint, who was still staring at the detailed map, caught my eye. Is he not tired? I was exhausted, and all I needed was a decent sleep. We'd been up since midnight, making plans. Mia, I've been thinking about her ever since I last saw her. I'm afraid I won't be able to see her today.

"You appear tired, your highness," Clint said as he closed the map.

We exited the basement and made our way to my quarters. As I looked ahead, I noticed a figure who appeared to be quite familiar. She couldn't possibly be here, could she?

"Is that..." I paused to take a closer look. "Mia," I said emphatically.

The joy in my heart overcame all of my exhaustion. I started walking towards her.

"Wait," I said, clutching my chest. "I can't see her this way," I added.

"Don't let her go," I said to Clint, hurrying to remove my princely attire.

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"Better," I said, smiling at my loosened breeches.

I stepped carefully out of my quarters. Nobody should see me dressed like this. If father finds out, he will not be impressed, and given the circumstances, this is the least he could expect. I avoided the maids and guards by passing through corners. Finally, I arrived at Clint and Mia's location. When I saw her, I couldn't help but smile.

"Why do I have to see you all the time?" she asked as she saw me approaching.

"Well," I said, smiling.

"Why don't I see you in March and practice with the other soldiers?" she inquired.

You're quite deep, aren't you?

"We just got done practicing," I explained.

It wasn't quite a lie.

"What brings you here?" I inquired openly.

"Oh, well, I had heard about the opportunity for peasants to become palace maids. As a result, I took advantage of it " She stated.

I remember my father stamping that a while ago. Every year, he ensures that at least a small percentage of the kingdom's population lives comfortably.

"Yes, I see. And you were admitted?" I inquired, and she nodded.

Wonderful. However, the fact that she works here implies that she will be aware of who I am. No way, I'm not going to let that happen. Unless...

"In what area do you work?" Curious, I inquired.

"Kitchenmaid," she explained.

Great. Then I'm safe.

Silence reigned between us, and I became nervous.

"Are you doing anything right now?" I inquired.

"I was about to leave when I noticed Clint," she explained.

"Great," I said quickly, taking her hand in mine.

MIA

Today's work was completed quickly. Mostly because I'm new and the majority of the work had already been completed. But I know there will be more work tomorrow. And then, just as I was about to leave, Alex... I couldn't put into words how I felt every time I saw him. But I enjoyed having him around. He had a way of brightening my day. He grabbed my hand in his and yanked me away to who knows where.

"Get on the horse," he instructed.

It's strange how authoritative He sounded.

"Why?" Curious, I inquired.

"I want you to see somewhere," he said with a smile.

When I saw him smile, my heart skipped a beat. Why does he always have a smile on his face? It was endearing.

I climbed onto the horse, and within a few seconds, I stiffened as I sensed a body behind me. Is he unable to obtain his horse? His arms wrapped around me and he grasped the rope that held the horse in place.

"Uncomfortable?" He mused.

"Very," I replied quickly, and he laughed.

He lightly tapped the horse on the backside, and it snorted. We rode out of the palace and into the woods, away from the market square. Where are we going? The horse was finally brought to a halt. He got off the horse, but I remained seated on it, looking around. We've arrived in the middle of nowhere.

I gave him a suspicious look.

"Don't worry, I haven't kidnapped you," he said, smiling.

Why do I believe this man? I stepped down from the horse gently. He took my hand and led me deeper into the woods until we came to an open area with waterfalls. Oh heavens, I had no idea this place was a part of town. A clear stream flowed as the water fell from above.

"This is incredible. How did you find out about this location? "I inquired cheerfully?

"I knew you'd like it," he said as if he'd won a prize. "Well, just one of my wanderings," he explained.

I dashed to the stream and felt the water's temperature; it was warm. A nice place to take a bath. As splashes of water landed on my face, I collapsed in shock.

"Hah," he said, laughing.

"You, you..." I grabbed a handful of water and hurled it at him. Of course, he missed it.

I pursued him, but he bolted. I groaned in frustration as he quickly lifted the water and threw it at me. He was having a good time. You'll have to pay for this. I came to a halt to grab a handful of water, and when I looked up, he was gone. I looked around and couldn't find him. Suddenly, I felt a quick pull from under the water, and I was completely soaked. I lifted myself out of the water to catch my breath and turned around to see him laughing loudly behind me.

"You're in a lot of trouble, young man," I grumbled.

He held my hand as I swam out of the water and turned me to face him, keeping a small distance between us. I looked at him, and those enticing blue eyes drew me in. His hand slowly removed hair strands from my face.

"You're very beautiful," he said quietly.

My heart skipped a beat at his words, and I just stared at him. He drew back quickly and jumped out of the water, leaving me stunned. What happened just now?

He helped me out of the water and smiled brightly once more.

We returned to town, and I made a pit stop at my vegetable stand.

"Thank you," he said, smiling.

I returned his smile and nodded.

He rode back to the palace, while I walked home.

Everything that had happened replayed in my mind, and I wondered if we could still be friends.