THE ASHEN MAID

Chapter 2: Salvuis

The arrival at the Argyros’s palace was dramatic. At first, I thought they were just mesmerized or amazed, but they are just clumsy.

My soon-to-be wife is sitting next to me at the dining table. Hands folded on her lap, as if she’s nervous, but her eyes were telling something else.

I don’t mind that she’s eye f*****g me, but it still feels a little uncomfortable. She’s a beauty, though. Plumped lips, thick eyelashes, a beautiful round face, almost eyes, a small nose.

Princess Illiana Argyros, eighteen years young. In the two hours that I’ve known her, I’ve realized how smart she is. She has a very sharp mind, and probably also a sharp attitude. I don’t mind, she can speak up for herself.

“Prince Salvuis, do you want to have a private conversation with Princess Illiana?” The King asks and I give him a firm not. The King and Queen both stand up at the same time and leave dining room.

I glance at Illiana who is already staring at me. “Do you want to share a room, when we are officially married?” I ask gently, not wanting to scare her away from me.

“Yes, I mean. Father and Mother never shared a bed, but I would love to share a bed with my own husband.” I nod, and offer her a smile, and hers widens.

“Do you want to walk with me in the garden?” She suddenly asks and I almost jump out of my seat. “I would live to, Princess.” I rise to my feet and offer her my palm., which she takes in her own and also rises to her feet.

She leads me to the back of the palace where a beautiful enormous garden is located with all sort of different flowers in different colors.

I pluck a sunflower, and put it in her bun. I look down at her smiling up at me and the world around me starts fading away. I shake my head and we continue our walk through the garden.

“What is your favorite dessert, Prince?” She questions and I turn my attention from the garden to her. “Custard is my favorite, but I also like pies and tarts. For me it doesn’t really matter what I eat for dessert. If it is to my liking I will devour it.” I murmur close to her ear and she let’s out a gasp.

“I like preparing dessert. Father doesn’t like me working in the kitchen, because I’m a princess, but honestly I don’t care.” We walk to a swing and she sits on it, smiling up at me.

“I really hope that we will be a real spouse. I want to know what it feels like to be loved and to love.” She says with such honestly and affection.

I give her my best reassuringly smile and take her hands in mine. “It will take time. But we’ll figure something out, princess.”

Her grin widens, but she stays silent. She stands up, with our hands still clasped together and we walk back to the palace.

Servants run around the house, and I almost collapse with one of them. Princess Illiana shows me her room and we talk for a while about ourselves.

Someone knocks on the door and Princess Illiana opens the door and Althea, the maid walks in.

“Sorry to disturb, Prince and Princess. I hope to speak to Princess Illiana for a moment, alone.” Althea says and I give her a firm not, and walk out of the room.

Walking through the palace, I actually realize how enormous the palace is. Father told me it was nothing like ours, but it’s pretty big.

King and Queen walk my way, and stop in front of me and inform me that my room is finally ready. I follow them, and soon we are standing before a big oak door, and I push it open with my right hand.

In the middle of the room is a king sized bed placed, and at the foot of the bed are two chaise lounge. A big portrait is placed before the fireplace, which is a painting of princess Illiana. I keep walking around the space.

Heading to the door that leads to the bathroom and open it. Inside is a beautiful bathroom, with a bathtub placed next to the window that is facing the backyard.

Amazed by all of this I walk open mouthed to the bedroom door. I opened it and I'm not face to face with Althea, the maid.

"Your Royal Highness, from now on I'm your maid, if you agree?" She asks and tilts her head to the side, scrutinizing me with her chocolate brown eyes.

"I would love to have you as my maid, Althea?" I ask, unsure if I should call her by her name or not. "Althea is fine. If you need anything, feel free to ask me, Prince." With a bow, she turns on her heels and walks away from the door.

I assume Illiana is done because Althea was not long ago standing before me, so I walked around the palace and looked for her.