The princess games

Life of a servant

*Malik*

It turns out that I was right, no one seems to notice me… I am just another servant to them. Had the situation been different, had it been just a normal holiday, several of these women would most likely have noticed me even as a servant, but here, expecting to meet rich bachelors and even princes I am of no interest. I am relieved but it is also a weird feeling.

The other servant doesn’t know who I am either. They have been hired especially for this, and it is unlikely that any of them will recognise me.

I adjust the collar of my crisp white shirt, the fabric stiff against my skin, and survey the scene before me. It is definately not as comfortable as my normal clothes. The sun pours down like molten gold, glimmering off the azure waters of the resort’s expansive pool. Laughter and chatter fill the air, a cacophony of excitement that matches the vibrant hues of the tropical flowers surrounding the area. Exotic music plays softly in the background, blending seamlessly with the sound of splashing water and the clinking of glasses.

I weave through the throng of well-dressed women, their glamorous swimsuits and skimpy bikinis sparkling like jewels under the sun. They lounge on opulent sunbeds, their laughter ringing out like chimes, but I feel like a ghost among them… visible but ignored, a mere shadow flitting past their vibrant lives. It’s a strange sensation, being invisible yet acutely aware of everything around me.

To be honest I am discouraged by the rudeness many shows towards me and the other servants. I Could never be with someone who treats servants and staff rudely.

As I approach the bar, I catch sight of a young woman standing a little apart from the others. She is helping a friend adjust her oversized sunhat, her movements graceful yet unassuming. Unlike the others, who flaunt their designer labels and ostentatious accessories, this girl wears a simple, elegant swimsuit that hugs her figure modestly. I would not call her plus size or even really curvy, but she also isn’t showing off a model-like body like many of the women… She is just… normal. Her brown hair falls in soft waves over her shoulders, dancing lightly in the warm breeze. There’s an unpretentious glow about her, an air of authenticity that captivates me instantly.

I watch as she laughs, her smile genuine and infectious, and I feel an unexpected pull toward her. Perhaps it’s her kindness, the way she somehow seems to rest in herself. The way she is kind of unassuming. She seems to offers her friend a reassuring word when the friend struggles to get comfortable in her chair. I admire that; it’s refreshing in a sea of entitlement.

With a deep breath, I steel myself and approach her. The rudeness I’ve encountered from other women echoes in my mind, but I push it down. “Excuse me, miss,” I say, my voice steady despite the flutter in my chest. “Would you like something to drink? I can bring you anything, if you’d like.”

She turns to me, surprise flickering in her eyes before her expression softens. “Oh you don’t have to… I can go get it myself.”

“It is my job,” I point out, smiling at her. “I am happy to go get you a cocktail or anything else.”

“Okay then, that would be lovely, thank you,” she replies, her voice warm and inviting. “Just a lemonade soda, please!”

“Lemonade soda it is,” I reply, a wider smile breaking across my face. It feels different than the rehearsed pleasantries I’ve exchanged with others. There’s an ease to this interaction that feels refreshing.

As I turn to fetch her drink, I can’t shake the feeling that this moment is significant. I move behind the bar, grabbing a chilled glass and pouring the fizzy lemonade, the bubbles dancing to the surface like tiny fireworks. I add a slice of lemon for garnish before returning to her, feeling a strange blend of pride and anticipation.

“Here you go,” I say, handing her the drink with a flourish. “One lemonade soda, for the lady.”

“Thank you so much!” she says, her eyes lighting up as she takes the glass from me. “You must be really busy today… Well probably for this whole… thing.”

“It’s not too bad,” I reply casually, leaning slightly against the fence around the pool area. “After all it is my job, and it is better than so many others, at least I have something pretty to look at.”

She laughs softly, a sound that wraps around me like a warm embrace. “Well, I am happy it has been good for you this far. I’ve seen a few of the other servants get quite a bit of attitude from some of the guests.”

I nod, a flicker of frustration crossing my features. “I’ve noticed. Some people seem to forget that we’re all just here to do our job, yes our job it to serve but you can still ask nicely.”

“Right? It’s like a little kindness goes a long way,” she says, taking a sip of her drink. “You know, I appreciate that you took the time to ask me what I wanted. I believe kindness goes both ways.”

I study her for a moment, intrigued. “What brings you here? I mean, aside from the sun, the pool, and the possibility of becoming a queen, of course.”

She pauses, her gaze drifting to the water as if searching for the right words. “I guess I just wanted to escape for a bit. My friend had a spare ticket. It feels like everyone’s so focused on finding a prince, and I just wanted to enjoy some sunshine and relax. I’m not really looking for anything beyond that to be honest.”

I feel a spark of understanding. “That’s a rare perspective here,” I reply, a hint of admiration in my voice. “Most are only interested in the titles and the power.”

She looks back at me, her expression earnest. “Exactly. I think there’s more to life than just that. But hey on the other hand, what did they expect, telling the world rich men are looking for Young marriageable women? hard to avoid those looking for status and money.”

For a moment, the noise around us fades, and I feel an unspoken connection forming. I want to know more about her, to peel back the layers of who she is beneath the surface. But before I can say anything, a group of women approaches, giggling and demanding cocktails with an air of entitlement.

I straighten, instinctively shifting into servant mode. “I’ll be right back,” I say to her, feeling a pang of regret as I leave her side to attend to the others.

As I mix their drinks, I can’t help but glance back at her. She is watching me, a soft smile on her lips, and in that moment, I feel seen. In a world where everyone else is focused on who they can impress, she sees me for who I truly am… a man, not just a servant and not the crown prince.

With renewed determination, I finish with the drinks and make my way back to her. “Maybe I’ll get lucky and bring you another soda,” I say, half-teasing, half-serious. “But only if you promise to tell me your name.”

She laughs again, and I feel as if I’m basking in sunlight. “Deal. I’m Charlie,” she replies, extending her hand to me. “And you are?”

“Malik,” I reply, shaking her hand, and in that moment, I feel a spark… something different, exciting, and deeply promising.