Chapter 19 : Do you ever feel trapped?

The morning light fell on the polished floors of the king's palace, showing the grandiosity of the place as ever. And also the start of a new day, but for Cassian, it was the same day as ever, waking up and doing the same work again and again and then starting all over again. 

But still, he finds peace in this; it gives him a motive to love more and doesn't make him feel his life is useless. At least it gives him confidence, which he lacked at his uncle's house. Now he was living his life, not just surviving. 

As Cassian was busy in thought while dusting the antique line in the hallway, he heard the voice of James behind him. 

Cassian, let's go. The steward is asking to summon everyone. We have to gather there. Cassian looked back at James with confusion in his eyes. 

Why is he summoning us? Isn't the weekly meeting already done? 

James shrugged his shoulders and said, I don't know; let's go to find out. Cassian nodded and said. Okay, let's leave, or we will have an early lecture about being late. 

James laughed at Cassian, hmm! Let's go. After all, this week of yours has not gone well. You have listened to quite a few lectures. 

As they walked the corridors, they heard a snippet of conversation from other servants. 

I have heard that there is a shortage of personal servants in other royal quarters, and the steward has decided that there will be servants assigned from the king's palace, as there are too many here. 

Yes! How good will it be if we are assigned to assist royals and just not scrub the floors any more? It will be the turning point of our lives. If luck was on our side, we could be hired by them as their personal servants. 

Another young girl also chimed, Oh yeah! I wish I could be assigned to Prince Quarter. How good it will be to see the handsome face of the prince every day! 

An older maid hurriedly stopped the young girl. Don't be a nave little girl. Pray to God; you won't be assigned there. Because I have never seen anyone come back after going there. 

Cassian and James overheard the conversations between other maids, and reality dawned on them about what was happening. The idea of being assigned to one of the royals' quarters was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. It was a chance to rise above their current situation, but it also meant walking a fine line where any misstep could lead to severe consequences.

Just as they reached the designated place. The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the hall. The steward had arrived, and his expression was stern as he called out to the gathered servants. "Everyone, listen up! We have a situation on our hands. Due to the shortage of personal maids, some of you will be reassigned to serve in the royal quarters. I expect each of you to be on your best behavior and to serve with the utmost diligence."

Cassian's heart pounded in his chest as the steward began calling out names. One by one, the servants were assigned to various royals. Cassian waited anxiously; he was unsure of what to do if his name came. .

Finally, the steward's gaze landed on Cassian. "Cassian, you will be assigned to Princess Aurelia's quarters. Report there immediately."

Cassian was speechless when he heard his name and sighed inwardly. Whatever he dreaded would surely come to bite him. Everyone wants to work in a higher position, but not him. He was already happy with his life. A higher position means more trouble.

But still, he nodded in acknowledgment at the steward and didn't show any sign of remorse on his face. 

Cassian made his way to the princess's quarters. He couldn't help but feel a sense of dread washing over him. The corridors leading to her chambers were adorned with lavish draperies and golden chandeliers; they were sharply contrasted with the simpler areas of the palace where he usually lived. The closer he got, the more he could feel the weight of an unknown burden. He only wished that the said princess was not some snobby one. 

When he finally reached the entrance to Princess Aurelia's quarters, he hesitated for a moment before knocking softly on the door. It was a maid who opened the door, her eyes widening slightly in surprise at the sight of Cassian.

"You're the new servant?" Lora asked with her voice, carrying a hint of curiosity.

Cassian nodded. "Yes, I've been assigned to assist in the princess's quarters."

Lora stepped aside to let him in. "Well, it's good to have another set of hands. The princess has been... difficult lately, so be prepared."

Cassian followed Lora into the main chamber; he had to be formally introduced before starting to work there. The knot inside his stomach tightened with each step he took; after all, it was his first meeting with someone noble, not even a noble but directly a royal princess.

Cassian finally arrived at the location where the princess was seated by the window, her gaze fixed on the gardens below. She was as beautiful as the rumors said, with her red hair cascading down her back and her posture exuding an air of elegance. But there was something else too, and Cassian could not point it out—what is it?—but it was here and made him uncomfortable and somewhat sad. 

"Princess," Lora said softly, "this is Cassian, the new servant who will be assisting in your quarters."

Aurelia turned her head slightly towards Cassian; her expression was unreadable as she looked at Cassian. For a moment, neither of them spoke, and Cassian felt a pang of nervousness. He was unsure of how to address the princess.

But the next words of the princess made him bewildered, and he didn't expect to hear something like this. 

"Do you ever feel trapped, Cassian?" She asked with a voice barely above a whisper. "As if, no matter what you do, there's no escape from the life you're forced to live?"