chapter nine

After the long day in the kitchen, Katherine was exhausted. She trudged to a quiet corner of the palace, near the kitchen. Her face reflected weariness.

She sat, resting her head against the wall groaning softly, her eyes closed. "I can't wait for this to be over, it's hell in here," she muttered. Her voice laced with frustration.

Just as she settled into her weary reverie, a voice interrupted. "You should have thought of that, before talking back to the king."

Katherine's eyes snapped open meeting Dominic's piercing gaze. His chiseled features and broad shoulders commanded attention, her exhaustion forgotten, she felt a spark.

Drawn to his handsome face and strong physique.

Dominic's expression revealed surprise, as if struck by a familiar sensation. He stared deep into Katherine's eyes, like he had met her before.

A connection flickered between them. The air thickened with tension.

Katherine's cheeks flushed.

Her heart skipped a beat.

Dominic's eyes crinkled at the corners. His gaze lingered on hers as if searching for a forgotten memory.

The moment hung, suspended. Two strangers connected by an unseen thread. Katherine's lips parted, breathless.

Dominic's voice, low and smooth, broke the silence.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

His concern genuine.

Katherine's nod was almost imperceptible. Still lost in his gaze. "Who are you?" Katherine asked. Her eyes narrowed slightly.

Dominic's expression turned hesitant. "Um..." he began.

But Katherine cut him off. "You don't have to, I already know," she said. Her tone confident.

Dominic's eyebrows rose.

"You do?" he asked curiously. His eyes sparkled with intrigue. "How do you know me?" he wondered.

After all, he hadn't shown his face to the ladies yet.

Katherine's smile hinted at amusement. "Yes, you must be one of the king's sons or maybe a relative," she said.

Dominic scoffed. A low, throaty sound. He was surprised she didn't recognized him. No one was supposed to know he is the crown prince yet until he showed his face to the ladies.

"Why are you here alone? Aren't you supposed to be with the rest of the maids in the garden?" he asked. His tone casual.

Katherine's face fell. Offended. "Do you just address me as one of the maids?" she asked. Her voice laced with indignation.

Dominic shrugged. "Yeah, why not?" he replied nonchalantly.

Katherine laughed, a hint of bitterness. "It's not your fault, I blame myself for being in this mess," she said.

Her tone unexpected.

Dominic's expression turned surprised. "Excuse me?" he said.

Katherine's eyes flashed.

"You literally interrupted me while I was having my quiet moment," she frowned. "Just because you see me dressed like a maid, doesn't give you the right to address me as one," she continued. "There is no difference between you and my sisters," she added.

Dominic scoffed. "I know your story, you got yourself into this mess because you tried to outsmart the king," he said.

Katherine's face twisted. "I don't need you to remind me of that," she snapped.

"I literally don't want to," Dominic retorted."I bet you deserve it," he added.

Her eyes blazed. "Well, thank you, can you just leave me alone now... Your presence here is already pissing me off," she said unfriendly.

Dominic smirked. "Suit yourself and enjoy the process," he said and turned to leave.

Katherine's parting shot. "Moron," she muttered.

Dominic's stride faltered. A hint of a smile played on his lips as he continued walking away.

.

.

.

The next day, Dominic stood confidently. His piercing eyes scanned the room.

The ladies' faces lit up. Their eyes locked onto him.

Admiration and desire reflected. Except for Katherine.

Her expression remained indifferent. Unfazed by Dominic's charisma.

She stood by the dining table, Serving the royal family. Her thoughts drifted to escaping. Returning home.

The king's voice broke her reverie. "Katherine, join us," he said.

Katherine hesitated. "Your Majesty, I'd prefer to eat with the maids in the kitchen," she replied.

The king's face turned persuasive. "Nonsense, child. You're our guest," he said.

Dominic's gaze met Katherine's. A hint of amusement danced. "You sure do. Besides, you wouldn't want to miss the opportunity to get to know me better," Dominic added. His tone laced with arrogance.

Katherine's eyes narrowed. Offended. "Opportunity?" she repeated. Her voice laced with disdain.

The ladies exchanged envious glances, Wishing to be the center of Dominic's attention.

Katherine's face twisted. "As if I need your permission to breathe," she muttered.

Dominic's smile faltered for a moment and then regained its charm.

"Katherine, you know it's rude to talk back at the crown prince," the king said.

His expression stern.

A smile curved Dominic's face. Amusement danced in his eyes.

"Um... I'm sorry, Your Majesty, but he started it," Katherine said. Her voice defensive, trying to justify herself.

Everyone's eyes widened. caught off guard. Expecting an apology. Not defiance.

"I was stating the obvious," Dominic said. His tone nonchalant. A hint of smirk on his lips.

Katherine's face twisted. "I don't need it... Why will I..." she began.

But Diana cut her off. "Katherine, that's enough," Diana shunned.

Stella intervened. "Sorry, everyone, on her behalf," Stella apologized.

Ethan chuckled. "You're such a stubborn type, you'll never learn your lesson," Ethan teased Smiling.

King Ryder's expression turned serious. "You know, you just have tomorrow to end your punishment," King Ryder said.

The ladies turned to him. Curiosity etched on their faces. Wondering what he'd say next.

"Well, for talking back to the crown prince rudely, I increase your punishment to another week," King Ryder announced. "And this time, you'll be in the laundry department," he added.

Katherine's eyes widened.

Shock and dismay reflected.

Dominic's smile broadened. Amused.

His siblings' faces mirrored his.

The queen's lips curled upward.

Stella and Diana exchanged a smirk. Satisfied with Katherine's misfortune.

The room fell silent.Tension hung heavy.

Katherine's fate sealed. Another week of servitude.

In the laundry department.

A harsher punishment.

Her defiance costly.

After dinner, Katherine trudged to her room. Her feet heavy with frustration.

She slammed the door shut. And collapsed onto her bed.

Her face pressed into the pillow. A mixture of anger and regret. Her eyes scrunched tight.

Frustration boiled over. She gritted her teeth. "This is your fault..." she muttered.

Her voice muffled by the pillow. Her face contorted.

Resentment etched. "Gosh, I detest you," she spat.

Dominic's face flashed in her mind. Arrogant smile. Piercing eyes. Infuriating.

Katherine's hands clenched. Fists pounded the bed.

Helpless Trapped in this predicament. Her punishment extended.

All because of Dominic's taunt. And her own pride.

Tears pricked at the corners.

But she refused to cry. Not now. Not over him. She tossed onto her back. Staring at the ceiling. Her chest heaved. Breathing slowly. Calm. But her thoughts seethed. Dominic's face lingered. A constant reminder. Of her frustration.

Her detestation for the crown prince.