Chapter 10: Yet

I can’t even believe half of what’s going on when I arrive at the palace.

“It’s just until I finish out my punishment.” My father had said. Then he quickly packed up and departed for the palace.

Now, here I am four days later with all my stuff.

I don't understand why I have to work when it is my father who told. I think to run away but the carriage that dropped me off is long gone, only marks of hooves can be seen in the dirt.

I feel like I’m in a dream.

“Right this way,” says a maid.

Instead of going up the long, and paved walkway, we pass by the bedazzled fountains through a maze of shrubbery and flowers up to the side door.

I try not to be offended.

Even the side door is magnificent. A solid, stained glass door with waves and ships in blues, whites, and grays. The handle is pure gold and cold to the touch.

The door opens to an empty hall except for the cooks going from room to room.

“This is the kitchen and dining hall. You’ll work here.” The maid says.

A butler swoops through a cluster of cooks and gently plucks my bags from me.

“He’ll take that to your room. For now, come.” She says.

She couldn’t have been any older than me, with jagged blond hair, and deep green eyes.

Her skin looked worn and thin from exhaustion. Rotund bags showed through her lightly powdered face. The scent of flour sticks to her.

I follow her to the pantry of the kitchen. It’s as big as my house.

“Wow,” I say and look at all the produce.

“You’ll work back here managing the stock. Can you do that?” She asks. She quirks her brow. The powder on her face bunches up creating lines I’m sure aren’t there.

“Yes, I can. But has the…” I pause and look behind me. No one is paying us any mind. “Has the prince said anything to you?” I ask.

She shakes her head no.

“My name is Lina. I’ll be assisting you in getting settled.” She picks up a clipboard and shows off the thick, stack of papers.

“These are yours. All you have to do is mark up all the stuff taken in and out of the pantry, and mark off who takes it. Everyone has a name tag so use that. Don’t bother anyone just watch them.”

“I’m good at that,” I say.

Lina frowns and shakes her head.

“Okay here. You can work until the sun goes down then I’ll show you your room.”

“Uh but-”

“No buts just work.” She says and hurries out into the kitchen. She grabs a cart full of food and wheels it out.

I look around for a pen but don’t find anything.

Reluctantly, I step out of the pantry and watch as the cooks slide plates down the counter and add different pieces of food and designs with lettuce and dressing.

It’s all good to watch until someone stands in front of me. He impatiently taps his foot.

I read his name tag before stepping out of the way. In the side pocket of his shirt, he has two pens. I know she said not to bother, but I really need the pen.

“Can I use your pen?” I ask him. He continues shuffling through the cans before pulling down two cans of black beans. He frowns at me as well before reluctantly handing one over.

I silently write down his information before wandering back into the pantry and taking a seat on the ground.

I can’t wait to see my room.

***

Lina comes back at the first sight of sundown. I’ve been covered in crumbs and dirt from the floor and bumping into people.

A smile whispers over her thin lips before vanishing.

“Come on.” She says.

I have to almost run to keep up with her fast pace. For little legs, they move quick.

We pass another hall. This one is white with gold trim. Each individual wall has gold trim that divots and swirls across the borders. Chandeliers line the hall lighting the tile floors.

We arrive at the room which isn’t too far of a walk from the kitchen.

“This is the maid wing. Here is your key, there is a lock on your door. Lights out by nine pm. Sharp. We wake at five am. I will be by then to pick you up. So make sure you're ready.”

As fast as she’s talking I’ve thought to jot it down on the log sheet.

“Uh, why are we getting up so early?” I ask.

“Breakfast for the royal family starts at six am. We must prepare beforehand. Your work outfit is in there. Do not forget to cover,” She waves a large hand around my face in circular motions. “This.”

I reach instinctively to my pink hair.

‘How rude. I might need a touch-up, but it’s not bad.’

Lina takes the clipboard and pen and I finally close the door after myself.

“I wonder where father is working,” I say and plop down onto the bed. I’m far too exhausted to move and the firmness of the mattress is just right, enough to sink into but offer ample back support.

Three rasps sound at the door. I have to force my eyes open and drag my heavy body to my feet.

“Coming.”

I open the door to a man with a large hat. I don’t get to ask who he is before he barrels into the room.

“Shut the door,” Comes a familiar voice. My pulse jumps when I recognize the prince. Quickly I shut the door and take a bow.

He takes off the offensively large wrangler hat.

“Your Highness.”

“Hello, I’m glad to see you’ve made it.” Prince Cerulean says.

“I’m glad to be here.” I catch myself from adding ‘I think.’

“How’s your new job coming along?” He asks. He helps himself to the chair in front of the vanity. His eyes float around the small room like it’s the first time he’s ever seeing it.

I’m sure it is.

“It's neither here nor there.”

He cracks a grin. “Your father is working as my personal butler right now. So you won’t be able to see him for a while.”

“I see,” I say. I miss him already. Here in another country, alone, when I shouldn’t be, is eating at my motivation to work hard.

“I’ve brought you here because of the Duke.”

Prince Cerulean runs a hand through his freshly trimmed hair. A gold watch sparkles on his wrist. His silky sleeves slide down exposing white inkings on his skin.

A phoenix.

A chill runs up my spine causing me to shiver.

“What’s wrong with the Duke?” I ask. How is it I lived in his manner and still don’t know a thing about what he’s doing or saying? Even his maids and butlers never talk about him. It’s as if he’s a phantom in his own home.

“He’s said that he wants a chance to woo his Twin Ray. To do that, he’s been openly protesting our engagement all over the kingdom. I’ve no idea what the Queen is going to do about it, but it won’t be good for anybody.”

I wince. Openly protesting isn’t treasonous but I’m sure the King and Queen hate the racket it’s causing.

“So why am I here?” I ask.

Prince Cerulean stands up, crosses the rug, and steps in front of me. I’ve absently pressed myself into the cold surface of the door.

“You’re my Twin Ray. I have to protect you.” He says softly. His eyes speak words his lips don’t. Fables that will never be reality.

I know I’m blushing now. My heart is beating so loud I hear it over the deep breaths I’m taking.

“You finally said it,” I mumble more to myself rather than him.

“I’ve never denied it. But it’s not something I can say freely.” He pauses for a moment before lifting my face to meet his.

“Yet.”

With one word I’m full of hope.