Chapter 2

• Lynah's POV
• I packed my few clothes and belongings before setting out for the Crown Prince's palace. The royal family lived in the capital of the country. The Royal Palace was at the edge of the largest town, divided into various sections: the King's palace, the Queen's palace, the Crown Prince's palace, the Empress's palace (the King's mother), the Royal gardens, a lake, and the courtroom where the officials and the King met.
• Every servant in the Royal Palace was assigned to different sections depending on the Empress's or the Queen's wishes. Currently, the Empress and the Queen were not on good terms, constantly battling for control over the Royal Palace. Whoever controlled the palace held the most power.
• As servants, we didn't have a say. We only did our jobs, even if it sometimes led to death. We knew what we were signing up for—most of us, anyway. I, on the other hand, was sent to the palace as a tribute from my village. I was seen as the lowest of the low in the ranks. I was basically a slave.
• It wasn't uncommon for servants to be transferred from one palace to another. So, I was sure I would be fine. I hoped. I made my way to the Crown Prince's palace, which wasn't far from our quarters.
• On the way, I noticed the other servants looking at me with a hint of sadness, but I brushed it off. It wouldn't be that bad, right?
• I stopped outside the door when I heard crying from inside the kitchen. Each palace had its own kitchen and everything else. I opened the door to find five women inside. Two were seated on the floor, one with food spilled on her dress, while the other was patting her back.
• The other women stood around, looking at her with sympathy. I wondered what had happened.
• "Go lie down, Lucy. You poor thing," a court lady said.
• "Lucy, your body has been through enough. Don't be stubborn. Go to bed," another commanded.
• When she turned around, she saw me standing in the doorway.
• "You must be the new girl?" she asked.
• "Yes, ma'am, my name is Lynah."
• "You came at the right time. I was at my wits' end."
• "Pardon?"
• "The girl who delivers water for washing to His Highness came down with a severe case of gastroenteritis," she explained.
• "Oh!"
• "I think you'll be the perfect replacement for Lucy. You'll settle in later. We have to be at His Highness's chambers right now."
• It was my first day, and I was already assigned a task. To think I would meet the Crown Prince on my first day was almost unimaginable.
• I followed the court lady to the Crown Prince's chambers.
• "Your Highness, we have brought water and clothes," she stated from outside the door.
• "Enter."
• His voice was authoritative yet calm. The court lady opened the door, and we found the Crown Prince standing, reading a book.
• When he turned to face us, I was stunned. His flawless skin glowed, his dragon-like eyes were beautiful but harsh, and his plump pink lips seemed to invite a kiss. He was taller than anyone I had ever seen, his body sculpted by the gods.
• I was so taken aback by his appearance that I forgot to bow. His eyes met mine, and I felt my face flush.
• The court lady noticed and nudged me with her elbow, snapping me out of my daze. I raised the large bowl of water I was carrying and bowed in respect.
• He was so handsome and enigmatic. He didn't seem like someone who had been to war. A few years ago, our country was invaded by a neighboring nation. The Crown Prince, not the King, went to war, drove out the invaders, and protected his people.
• He killed so many enemies that he was completely covered in blood, except for his empty eyes that held a lot of rage. He became known by a new nickname: Crazy Eyes.
• I don't get it, though. Why would people give him such a name when he did everything he could to protect his people?
• A drop of water fell on my hair, making me wince from the cold.
• "Are you mute?" a sharp voice asked.
• "Huh?" I asked, raising my head.
• How did he get so close without me noticing? My eyes scanned his handsome face, which was so much clearer now that he was near. His black hair complemented his skin perfectly.
• I felt my heart skip a beat.
• "I asked if you're mute," he repeated.
• "Please forgive her, Your Highness. She was just assigned to you this morning. She has much to learn," the court lady apologized on my behalf.
• "Please forgive me, Your Highness," I mumbled.
• I started trembling. Why was I apologizing? I hadn't done anything wrong. But I knew how the palace worked. I hadn't been here long, but the rules were clear. I could die without knowing what I did wrong.
• "What were you thinking about?" he asked.
• "Nothing, I wasn't thinking," I quickly retorted.
• "Then," he started walking towards me, "I suppose you were dozing off?"
• He was right in front of me. While I was on my knees, I still held the bowl full of water above my head.
• "Higher," he ordered.
• He was so close. My entire body was in crisis, trembling. It was sheer luck I didn't drop the bowl. I raised my hands higher as he had instructed.
• I could feel his unwavering gaze on my face. He lifted his hand and tipped the bowl to my side until all the cold water poured over me.
• "When serving me, do not daydream," he commanded.
• I felt a lump in my throat, like I wanted to cry.
• "Court lady, train her properly, or I'll punish all of you!"