CHAPTER 9

Xena stood with two other maid servants, their whispers echoing softly in the grand hall.

"I heard the King himself will be attending," one of the maids, a petite blonde named Lily, murmured excitedly.

Xena nodded, her heart fluttering with a mix of anticipation and dread. "Yes, it's tradition for both the King and Queen to welcome new staff."

The third maid, a freckled redhead called Rose, leaned in closer. "Have you seen him up close, Xena? They say he's the most handsome king in all the kingdoms."

Before Xena could respond, a sharp voice cut through their conversation. "Ladies! Attention, if you please."

The trio and the rest of the maids straightened immediately as Lady Marjorie, the head of household staff, strode towards them. Her steely grey eyes swept over the assembled maids, lips pursed in a thin line.

"This is not a social gathering," Lady Marjorie said, her voice crisp. "You are here to serve the crown, not to gossip like fishwives in the market."

She moved down the line, inspecting each maid with meticulous care. When she reached Xena, she paused, eyeing her critically.

"Your name, girl?"

"Xena, my lady," she replied, meeting Lady Marjorie's gaze steadily.

The older woman's eyebrow arched slightly. "Unusual name. Where are you from?"

Xena swallowed hard, willing her voice to remain calm. "A small village to the north, my lady. Near the border."

Lady Marjorie nodded slowly. "I see. And what skills do you bring to the royal household?"

"I'm a hard worker, my lady," Xena said. "Quick to learn and diligent in my duties."

A hint of approval flickered in Lady Marjorie's eyes. "Very well. See that you live up to those words, Xena. The King and Queen expect nothing less than excellence from their staff."

As Lady Marjorie moved on, Xena released a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. She caught Lily's eye, and the blonde gave her an encouraging smile.

The inspection complete, Lady Marjorie addressed the group once more. "Remember your training. You represent not just yourselves, but the entire kingdom. Do not disappoint."

With those final words, she ushered the maids in a neat single line into the great hall where the ceremony would take place.

Xena found herself standing between Lily and a tall, dark-haired maid named Eleanor. As they waited for the royal couple to arrive, Eleanor leaned towards Xena.

"Is it true what they say about the Queen?" she whispered. "That she's as cold as ice?"

Xena hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "I've heard she can be... reserved. But it's not our place to speculate."

Lily chimed in, her voice barely audible. "My cousin works in the kitchens. She says the King and Queen hardly speak to each other outside of formal events."

Before the conversation could continue, the grand doors swung open. A hush fell over the assembled staff as King Aldric and Queen Elara entered the hall.

Xena's breath caught in her throat as she lowered into a deep curtsy alongside the others. She kept her eyes trained on the polished floor, heart pounding so loudly she was certain those around her must hear it.

King Aldric's voice, strong and clear, filled the hall. "Rise, loyal subjects of Elandor Kingdom."

As Xena straightened, she couldn't help but steal a glance at the King. He stood tall and proud, his golden crown glinting in the sunlight streaming through the windows. His piercing green eyes swept over the crowd, and for a heart-stopping moment, Xena thought they lingered on her.

"Today marks a new chapter in the history of our kingdom," Aldric began, his voice resonating with passion. "Each of you standing before us has chosen to dedicate your lives to the service of the crown and the Kingdom. It is a noble calling, one that demands courage, loyalty, and unwavering dedication."

He paused, his gaze once firm and resolute.

"In times of peace and in times of strife, it is the strength of our people that upholds the very foundations of this kingdom," Aldric continued. "Your service, whether with sword or broom, is equally vital to the prosperity of our land."

Queen Elara stepped forward then, her voice less passionate but no less commanding. "As you swear your oaths today, know that you enter into a sacred trust. The safety and well-being of this kingdom rest in your hands. We place our faith in you, just as you place your faith in us."

One by one, the new guards and maids approached the dais where the King and Queen stood. Each knelt before the royal couple, swearing their oath of loyalty with solemn reverence.

Xena's heart raced as her turn approached. She moved forward on unsteady legs, willing herself to remain calm. As she knelt before King Aldric and Queen Elara, she raised her eyes.

The moment their gazes met, Xena saw recognition flash in the King's eyes. She quickly lowered her head, but it was too late.

"Your name, my dear?" Aldric asked, his voice filled with curiosity mixed with certainty. He remembered those eyes anywhere, anytime. The lady before him was the mysterious woman he had seen at his coronation ceremony.

"Xena, Your Majesty," she replied, keeping her tone respectful and even.

From the corner of her eye, Xena could see Queen Elara stiffen, her eyes narrowing as she observed the exchange.

Aldric took a step closer, his voice dropping so that only Xena and those nearest could hear. "Rise, Xena. Let me look at you."

With trembling limbs, Xena stood. The King reached out, gently lifting her chin with his hand. His touch sent a shiver through her body, and she fought to keep her expression neutral.

"Those eyes," Aldric murmured stepping forward to her ears alone. "I've seen them before. At my coronation, perhaps?"

Xena's heart thundered in her chest. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out.

Aldric's gaze intensified, boring into her as if trying to uncover her very soul. He asked her the very question he promised to ask her whenever they see again.

"Young lady, who exactly are you?"

The question hung in the air between them, heavy with unspoken implications. Xena felt the weight of a dozen gazes upon her – the curious stares of her fellow servants, the suspicious glare of Queen Elara, and the probing look of King Aldric himself.

She swallowed hard, her mind racing. The mission, she reminded herself. She couldn't fail or even make a mistake now, not when she'd come so far. But as she stared into the King's eyes, she felt her carefully constructed cold walls begin to crumble.

"I... I am but a humble servant, Your Majesty," Xena finally managed, her voice barely above a whisper. "Nothing more."

Aldric's brow furrowed, clearly unsatisfied with her answer. He opened his mouth to press further, but Queen Elara's sharp voice cut through the tension.

"Your Majesty," she said, her tone carrying a warning edge, "we have many more oaths to hear. Perhaps we can continue this... conversation... at a more appropriate time?"

The King hesitated, his hand still lingering near Xena's face. For a moment, she thought he might defy his wife's subtle command. But then he stepped back, allowing his hand to fall to his side.

"Of course, Elara," Aldric said, though his eyes never left Xena's face. "We shall speak again, Xena. You may take your oath now."

With shaking hands, Xena placed her palm over her heart and recited the words she'd practised countless times. "I, Xena, do solemnly swear my loyalty and service to King Aldric, Queen Elara, and the realm. I vow to uphold the honour of the crown, to guard its secrets, and to give my life if need be in defence of the kingdom. This I swear, from this day until my last breath."

As the final words left her lips, Xena felt a weight settle upon her shoulders. She had spoken the oath, binding herself to a promise she wasn't sure she could keep. The mission that had brought her to the castle loomed in her mind, a constant reminder of the true reason for her presence.

"Rise, Xena," King Aldric said, his voice softer now. "Welcome to our household. May your service bring honour to yourself and to the crown."

As Xena stood and backed away from the dais, she caught Queen Elara's icy stare. The Queen's eyes narrowed, filled with a mixture of suspicion and barely concealed hostility. Xena quickly lowered her gaze, moving to rejoin the ranks of her fellow servants.

Lily squeezed her hand as she took her place. "Are you alright?" she whispered. "You've gone as pale as a ghost."

Xena managed a weak smile. "I'm fine," she murmured. "Just overwhelmed by the ceremony, I suppose."

But as the remaining staff members took their oaths, Xena's mind whirled. She could feel the King's eyes upon her, even from a distance. The weight of his gaze, filled with curiosity and something else she dared not name, made her skin tingle.

She was also aware of the Queen's watchful presence. Elara's composure was flawless, her smile gracious as she welcomed each new servant. But Xena had seen the flash of anger in her eyes, the tightening of her jaw when Aldric had singled her out.

As the ceremony drew to a close, Xena's resolve hardened. She had a mission to complete, a duty that went far beyond the oath she'd just sworn. Reminding herself concerning the life of her little sister, she had no option, but to go through with the plan.

The King's piercing gaze, full of recognition and intrigue, had awakened something within her – something dangerous and unpredictable.

Xena realised that her greatest challenge might not be completing her mission, but guarding her own heart against the temptation of a forbidden connection.