The princess games *Completed*

Boring date

*Malik*

As I glide through the polished dining room, my attention is divided between the elegantly dressed guests and the one familiar face that stands out in the crowd… Nia. She’s seated at a table with her date, who is currentlyat the buffet piling food onto his plate as if he’s preparing for a long winter. I can see the slight furrow in her brow, even from a distance. It’s clear that she’s not enjoying herself.

I turn my gaze back to the buffet, serving trays filled with delicacies glistening under the soft lights, and let my mind wander for a moment. Charlie and her friends are in the other dining area, laughing as they finish up their meal. I can’t help but feel a pull towards Charlie, the way her laughter dances through the air, lighting up the room. But my duty tonight is to ensure the guests are taken care of, and Nia is my priority right now.

As I make my way toward her, I could not help but notice how her eyes flickered with a mix of amusement and frustration as she listens to her date, so now when he is gone I take the chance and walk over..

“Everything okay over here?” I ask, leaning casually against the table as I try to gauge her mood.

Nia looks up, her lips curving into a half-hearted smile. “Oh, you know… just living the dream,” she replies, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “This guy is like thirty, but he talks like he’s fifty. All he does is brag about his money and his watch collection. I swear, if he mentions his Rolex one more time, I might just… well, I don’t know what I’d do.”

“Sounds thrilling,” I say, shaking my head slightly, trying to suppress a smile. How can someone so young be so… boring? “But really, if you want to be saved, just order a drink ‘on the rocks.’ I’ll come up with an excuse to rescue you from this riveting conversation.”

Nia chuckles softly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “You’re a lifesaver, Malik. I’ll take you up on that.”

“Just don’t blame me if he starts crying,” I tease, straightening up and heading back toward the bar. I place the order for her drink, and as I wait, I can’t help but think about how much I actually like Charlie’s friend. Nia seems genuine, and I appreciate that even in her discomfort, she can still find humor in the situation.

While I’m preparing her drink, I glance back over at her table. Her date is back and still talking, but Nia’s gaze has shifted, and I can see a flicker of hope in her eyes, as if she’s searching for an escape route. I grab the drink and head back over, leaning against the table with a casual air.

“Good news, Nia. Your drink has arrived,” I announce, placing the glass in front of her.

“Thank you, Malik, You’re the best,” she says, taking a sip and visibly relaxing. “I might just keep this drink close by as my lifeline.”

“Always happy to help,” I reply, glancing at her date, who’s now engrossed in an animated conversation with another couple nearby. “Looks like you’ve got a bit of time to breathe. Enjoy.”

As the evening progresses, the mixed dinner comes to a close, and I begin gathering empty plates and glasses. My shift is almost done, but I can’t shake this feeling of wanting to see Charlie again. I wonder if she is enjoying herself, if she’s outside at the pool party with Tessa and Arabella.

Once the last of the guests have finished their meals and the atmosphere shifts from formal to relaxed, I take a moment to catch my breath. I’ve done my job well, and now all I can think about is Charlie’s radiant smile.

I decide to take a chance. I slip away from the dining area and quickly change out of my servant uniform, then I head toward the lounge area by the pool, where I expect her to be. As I approach, I spot them… Charlie, Tessa, and Arabella, their laughter echoing like music in my ears.

“Hey, ladies!” I call out, my heart racing a little as I walk towards them. Charlie’s head turns, and when she sees me, her face lights up.

“Malik… We were just talking about you,” she exclaims, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Oh really? All good things, I hope,” I reply, leaning casually against the bar.

“Of course!” Tessa chimes in, her enthusiasm infectious. “We were just saying how nice it Was of you to keep an eye out for Nia.”

“It Was nothing special,” I say, glancing at Charlie, who seems equally eager. “But right now, I was wondering if you’d like to join me for a little adventure. There’s a small Tivoli over by the beach, and it’s got a charming atmosphere. I thought it might be a nice way to wind down after the dinner.”

Charlie’s eyes widen slightly, and I can see the spark of excitement flickering in her gaze. “That sounds amazing! I’d love to!”

“Count me in too,” Tessa adds, her enthusiasm bubbling over. “If oit’s okay and you do not want to be alone.”

“You are more than welcome,” I tell her and Charlie nods.

“Actually, I think I’ll stay here,” Mirabella says, waving her hand dismissively. “You three go have fun.”

I can’t help but feel a rush of exhilaration at Charlie’s response, and I am actually truly okay with Tessa joining us. “Perfect! Let’s go, then,” I say, gesturing for Charlie to follow me.