To love and be loved

In the kitchen with the maid

Chapter 5

In the kitchen with the maid.

Eliza was no ordinary servant. Her eyes sparkled with intelligence, and her laughter was like a melody.For someone who has gone through a lot and was still able to face life cheerfully.Her skin glows naturally.She possessed a rare and warmth beauty that draws men close.

The King has entreated her to be his mistress discreetly with gifts.But she would do no such thing.Infact it was his advances she ran from into the garden where she met with with the Prince.

Since that time Prince Alexander would often sneak away from his royal duties to visit the beautiful Eliza in the kitchen.One's heart is often where one's treasure is.

Every day, Prince Alexander would make his way to the kitchen, his heart racing with excitement. He usually find Eliza, her hair tied up in a cap, singing as she worked.He was contented watching her as she worked, mesmerized by her grace and beauty.His days were filled her thoughts.

Their friendship blossom.The Prince would bring her small gifts ,a rose and sometimes a book of poetry. He would sit with her in the kitchen, talking about his dreams, his hopes, and his fears.Eliza was charmed by the prince's kindness and humility. She saw beyond his royal title and saw a man who was genuine, caring, and true.She knew that their love was forbidden, but she couldn't help the way she felt.

One evening, another ball was held.But the prince was nowhere to be found. Instead, he was in the kitchen, chatting with Eliza.The royal ladies were not pleased. They noticed his absence and whispered among themselves, "Where is the prince? Why has he not been paying attention to us?"

Lady Seraphina of Greenland was particularly upset. She had set her sights on the prince and was determined to win his hand. She marched over to the queen and complained, "Your Majesty, the prince has been neglecting his duties.I demand to know where he is.He's absent from the ballrooms, and it's already causing a scandal!"

The queen, aware of her son's infatuation with Eliza, tried to downplay the situation. "My dear Lady Seraphina, the prince is just taking a break. He'll be back soon, I assure you."

But Lady Seraphina was not convinced. She rallied the other royal ladies, and together, they made a show of their displeasure.They all left the ballroom.

The prince, oblivious to the commotion he was causing, continued to spend his time with Eliza, laughing and talking in the kitchen. But Eliza knew.Priscilla who has taking a liking to her has been informing her about all she heard from the social gatherings.

On that particular day,she tried to warn the prince, "Your Highness, you need to attend to your duties. The royal ladies are not happy.The Prince just smiled and said, "I'll deal with it, my dear".

But Eliza knew better. She knew the prince's absence from the ballrooms was a slap in the face to the royal ladies, and they wouldn't take it lying down. She feared for her position in the palace.

Soon Eliza began avoiding the prince once she noticed his eyes were always seeking hers even in the royal dinning.Many a times when Alexander slip away from the grand ballrooms and venture into the bustling kitchen.Eliza gave him no attention especially when the other maids are around.Prince Alexander kept going even if it was just to catch a glimpse of his beloved Eliza.