The Princess's Manservant

CHAPTER SIX - Bond Of Service

“Welcome, one and welcome all.”

A voice broke through the silence of the corridor before the main palace hall. The great black doors opened, and a blinding light pierced their eyes, streaming in from the massive window behind the elevated throne room.

The line began to move as a man stood at the lowest of the three steps leading to the throne podium.

“Welcome to another Ụ́sọ Ọrụ ceremony,” he spoke. “Where we celebrate two things.”

The lines split in different directions, forcing the prince and Obinna apart.

“One,” the man continued, “is the celebration of the graduates of this year’s examination, as they further their studies in our prestigious school.”

The prince’s line halted. He turned toward the far end of the hall and spotted Obinna standing sideways in a straight formation before the king.

“This isn’t good,” he muttered.

Then it occurred to him—the king would not recognize them. Relief escaped him in a quiet breath. His gaze returned to the podium, and to his surprise, the princess was absent. Instead, her older brother sat beside the king at his right hand.

“These are the excellent students deemed worthy by the judges,” the butler announced. “Please bow your heads for the king.”

The king rose. “Greetings, one and all, to this event—”

As the speech carried on, the prince’s stance began to waver with boredom. He yawned, swayed slightly, until the sudden applause snapped him back to attention. The students’ line began to leave the hall, pulling Obinna even farther away.

The doors slammed shut.

The atmosphere shifted.

The butler’s voice returned, sharper now. “Let us proceed to the next activity, shall we?”

A group of people rushed toward the prince’s line. His legs parted instinctively as he tried to brace himself—until he realized there was no threat.

Each person was escorted by a servant to stand beside an individual who stepped forward before the podium.

A woman approached the prince and spoke quietly. “Come with me, sir.”

She led him forward until they stopped behind a young beauty dressed in deep green lace that shimmered beneath the hall lights. Silver jewelry adorned her form, her gaze calm yet firm. The prince let out a soft gasp—earning a nudge from the woman beside him to focus.

The servants stepped forward, each holding a woven tray.

“Welcome to our younger generation of leaders and changers,” the king proclaimed as applause rose, then ceased at the lift of his hand. “By your side stand not only servants, but companions—chosen to aid and protect you. The rules of this service have already been given.”

The prince’s eyes drifted to the small book resting in the woman’s hands—a palm-sized guide. Then the butler resumed.

“The first item is the bond.”

The woman lifted a soft leather collar and turned to the prince. He bowed his head as it was fastened around his neck.

“This bond may later be altered by you, the leaders.”

“The second is the cord.”

A long, thin leather leash was attached to the bond.

“This cord signifies your shared journey—your growth not merely as leader and aid, but as companions in service to one another.”

One another? The prince frowned but said nothing.

“And to the aids,” the butler continued, “you will offer a gift to your lead.”

A black leather pouch was placed in the prince’s hand. He felt the weight of manilas within.

“You will now be escorted to your assigned quarters.”

The woman leaned in. “It is time for us to leave.”

They exited first. The prince noticed others dressed like him—green skirts and trousers, white tops—escorting their leads away. The doors shut behind them as they entered a grey carriage.

The prince exhaled deeply.

“Good day, sir,” the woman said. “Welcome to the service of the royal family.”

“The royal family?” He stiffened.

“Yes,” she nodded. “The woman who bound you is Her Highness—the princess.”

Shock stole his breath.

She laughed softly. “Few know her. She rarely leaves the palace. I am, Adaora, her personal maid and companion.”

“Alexander,” he introduced himself.

“Nice to meet you, Alex.”

After a pause, he asked, “What is different about me?”

“Did they not explain it to you?”

“Well… not deeply.”

“That is best learned through experience,” she replied, gesturing to the bond. “Does it hurt?”

“Not exactly,” he admitted. “But it is uncomfortable.”

“She will replace it soon. For now, endure.”

“And why do I need it?”

“It bears her family name. It marks you as hers—and protects you.”

Alex’s fingers brushed the collar again, rough and unfamiliar. Yet his thoughts were no longer on the bond—

—but on the princess he now served.

The same princess he is meant to marry.