Entangled Destinies

Chapter II: Servant

"It's a long story, Maisie," I said, avoiding her gaze. "I don't want to talk about it right now."

"Oh, okay," she said, nodding understandingly. "I won't ask why you're here in our city or why you're dressed like that. But you know, I'm so happy to see you in person and not just in a book!" A bright smile spread across her face, and she suddenly embraced me.

"Ah... you like reading books about me?" I asked, a strange mix of surprise and unease washing over me.

"Oh! I do! So much! I idolize you!" she exclaimed, her smile unwavering.

Please stop idolizing me. You have no idea what kind of person I really am.

"Well, I never thought I had fans," I said, forcing a smile. "Do all the people here know me? Or are they just fond of reading?"

"It's forbidden here in the city to read books about the personalities of people from other cities," she explained, her expression turning serious. "They're considered enemies here. But I trust that you're kind."

I offered her a small smile in return, grateful for her naive trust.

"Oh no! I forgot, I need to go back to the palace!" she exclaimed suddenly, her eyes widening. She called out to the old woman, Grandma, I need to go back to the palace! Please look after the house for a bit!"

"Okay," her grandmother replied.

"Alright, then, I'll leave you here," Maisie said, turning towards the door.

"Wait!" I blurted out. This was my chance to see the palace again, to perhaps catch another glimpse of Henry.

"What is it?" she asked, pausing.

"Can I come with you to the palace?" I asked, hoping she would agree.

"Oh no, I can't! Outsiders aren't allowed in the palace. I might even get punished if I bring you," she said, her voice filled with apprehension.

"Please, just take me with you," I pleaded. "Maybe the friend I'm looking for is there."

"But...!" she hesitated, her brow furrowed in thought. "Oh, alright, fine. But you have to promise not to wander around too much inside the palace."

A wave of relief washed over me, and I couldn't help but smile. We immediately headed towards the palace. The Vermilion Palace had its own grand gate. We went through a back entrance, and Maisie quickly went to the servants' quarters to change into a uniform while I stood awkwardly behind her.

"What's that?" I asked, feigning ignorance even though I knew it was a servant's dress.

"I'm a servant in the palace," she replied, holding up the uniform. "Here, wear this!" She handed it to me.

"Huh? What am I supposed to do with that?" I asked, bewildered.

"Just wear it! Look at yourself, you don't look wealthy. If the guards see you, they might throw you out. Hurry, put it on before someone sees us!" she urged.

"But..." I started to protest.

"No buts! Just put it on! I know you're not used to clothes like this, but you don't have a choice if you want to find your so-called friend," she insisted.

I had no choice but to put on the uniform. Maisie was right; someone might see me, and I might even get punished. Besides, she had said earlier that outsiders weren't allowed, so only the guards, servants, and wealthy guests invited to the party could enter the palace.

I stepped out of the small dressing room.

"Oh! The servant's uniform actually suits you!" she said, a giggle escaping her lips.

"Stop teasing me," I muttered, adjusting the loose fabric. "It feels a bit big on me."

"It's fine! Okay, I have to go now, I have work to do," she said, turning to leave, but I stopped her.

"Wait! I don't know my way around your palace," I said, my brow furrowing.

"Okay, here's what you do so you don't get lost. Just stay near the side of the main hall, but don't go inside. Stay outside near the garden because I'm sure no guards are watching there, got it?" she instructed.

"But where's the way to this garden you're talking about?" I asked, feeling lost already.

"Just go through the back here, not the front. Servants aren't allowed there. You're not a servant, but you're wearing a servant's uniform, so it's better if you go this way because the garden is on the other side. Okay, got it? I really have to go now, the head servant might be looking for me," she said hurriedly before disappearing.

I still couldn't fully process her instructions, so I just started walking, hoping to find the garden. I walked slowly, my gaze drifting upwards. The moon was beautiful and incredibly bright. For the first time in my life, I felt a sense of freedom, like I had escaped my cage. Back in Ashworth, I had no freedom; my parents kept me locked away, forcing me to socialize with wealthy businessmen.

As I continued walking, I finally reached the garden Maisie had told me about. Bathed in the silvery glow of the moon, the palace garden transformed into an ethereal sanctuary. Jasmine and dama de noche released their heady perfumes into the cool night air, their white blossoms seeming to shimmer under the lunar light. Roses, in shades of deep crimson and pale pink, appeared like luminous jewels scattered amongst the dark foliage. The smooth, waxy petals of gardenias reflected the moonlight with a soft, pearlescent sheen, while delicate lilies stood tall, their pure white trumpets radiating a gentle luminescence. The entire scene was a study in contrasts – the deep shadows cast by statues and hedges only served to accentuate the luminous beauty of the moonlit flowers.

It was breathtaking! Wow! I had never seen so many flowers in full bloom before. This city must be incredibly peaceful. I gently touched the petals, inhaling their sweet fragrance. I picked a few and tucked them behind my ear.

Clutching the flowers I had gathered from the vermilion-edged garden within the palace grounds, a figure suddenly materialized before me, he must be Prince Raphael Vermilion. Instinctively, I dove behind the nearest foliage, hoping to remain unseen. But his gaze, sharp and perceptive, found me nonetheless. Slowly, deliberately, he approached my hiding spot. A moment later, his hand closed around my arm, a firm grip pulling me out into the open.

His emerald green eyes narrowed as he looked down at me, his hand still a firm band around my arm. "Hiding in the bushes like a common thief," he scoffed, his voice laced with a hint of aristocratic disdain. "Who are you?"

A nervous tremor ran through me as I uttered, "I am a servant in the palace." But disbelief flickered in his eyes. He didn't believe me, and I knew why. He knew every single servant in this palace by name and face.

"Why does it seem like I'm only seeing you now here in the palace? Every single servant here reports to me," he questioned, a note of genuine bewilderment in his voice.

"Ah... well... you see! I'm new here, Your Highness," I stammered, bowing my head quickly. My eyes squeezed shut, fear coiling in my stomach as I braced myself for a reprimand, desperately hoping to avoid his punishment.

He tilted his head to the side, studying me even more closely now. His grip on my arm remained firm, but no longer painful. "New, you say? And yet, you're hiding in the gardens during a ball instead of working?" His voice was low and thoughtful, rather than angry.

"Ah... I was just... watering the plants..." I mumbled, hoping he'd buy my flimsy excuse.

His lips twitched slightly, clearly amused by my obvious attempt to lie. "Watering the plants... during the ball?" He moved closer, his face inches from mines. "Do you think I'm stupid enough to believe that?" His voice was soft but carried an edge of authority.

I raised my right hand in a gesture of sincerity, I said, "Actually.... I was just passing by, Your Highness. The flowers are so beautiful, so I stopped to look."

He chuckled softly at my honesty, unexpected warmth coloring his voice. "More honest than the noble ladies in there who are all trying to catch my eye with false smiles." His thumb unconsciously brushed against my arm where he was still holding me. "What's your name?"

That means he doesn't know me, I mean, he doesn't know Aeliana Cavendish, I muttered with a smile, looking at him intently. He was incredibly handsome, his emerald green eyes sparkling. He dressed in a more elaborate version of princely attire. A doublet made of rich velvet in a deep royal blue or perhaps a striking forest green to complement his eyes, heavily embroidered with gold or silver thread in intricate patterns – perhaps floral motifs or the crest of his house. Over the doublet, he might wear a shorter, equally ornate jacket or a flowing cape lined with silk or fur, clasped at the shoulder with a jeweled brooch. His breeches would be tailored and likely made of fine wool or silk, tucked into polished leather boots that might reach his knees and possibly have decorative buckles. A high, stiff collar, perhaps edged with lace, would frame his face, and he might wear a jeweled pendant or a ceremonial sash across his chest. He had dark hair, full, reddish lips, and a fair complexion.

"I am Aelia de Montagaine," I stated, meeting his gaze with what I hoped was a confident expression.

His eyes narrowed slightly as he repeated my name softly, as if testing it on his tongue. "Aelia de Montagaine." He released my arm but didn't step back, maintaining a close proximity that made my heart race. "And how long have you been serving in the palace, Aelia?"

"Ahhh... I just started working here because, um, I came from another city... Ahhh, Maisie knows me, she's also a servant here in the palace, Your Highness," I explained, hoping my connection to another palace worker would lend some credibility to my presence.

His expression shifted, showing a flicker of recognition at the mention of Maisie. "Maisie... yes, she's been here for years." He studied my face intently again. "Yet... you don't look like the usual palace servant." His voice lowered somewhat, almost intimate.

"Ahhh... I apologize, Your Highness, but I still have work to do inside. I should head back now. I'll leave you here," I said defensively, hoping to evade any further questions he might have.

"Wait." His hand caught my wrist softly before I could move away, not aggressively, but firm enough to keep my attention. "You haven't even told me which part of the palace you're responsible for cleaning." His eyes searched mines, curiosity burning brightly in their emerald depths.

His touch on my hand startled me. Oh no, this is bad. I don't know anything about the inner workings of this palace. "Ahhh... to... the kitchen, Your Highness," I stammered, the lie heavy on my tongue. My forced answer sounded utterly unconvincing even to my own ears.

His brow furrowed slightly. He wasn't an i***t. He knew servants. He knew how they talked, how they acted. My answer was too hesitant, too gentle. Like a lady, not a lowborn servant. "And who do you report to?"

Panic seized me, and I bolted, leaving him standing alone by the garden. My hasty escape led to a clumsy collision with another person, sending me tumbling to the ground. I looked up at the figure I'd crashed into and gasped in surprise – it was Henry, the same Henry who had accompanied me on my journey to Vermilion.

"Henry!" I exclaimed, my voice a mixture of shock and relief.

Henry looked down at me, his expression softening as he recognized me. He bent down to help me up, his eyes lingering on my disheveled appearance. "Aelia," he greeted warmly, his voice barely audible to anyone but you. "What are you doing here?"

"Wait a moment, why are you wearing servant's clothes? Are you a helper here? I thought you were just visiting someone here in Vermilion!" Henry asked, his confusion evident.

"Ah, well, you see..." Damn it! I ran to escape the prince's questions, and now I'm cornered by this guy.

Suddenly, Prince Raphael arrived, his voice cutting through the air. "Henry, you know her?"

Henry bowed respectfully. "Yes, Your Highness. We traveled back to the city together earlier. She said she was visiting someone here in Vermilion, but I'm surprised to see her in servant's attire."

That's it, Aeliana. You're exposed. Will they send me back to Ashworth City? Please, no.

Prince Raphael's eyes narrowed as he took in the situation, his gaze lingering on my disheveled appearance and the servant's clothes I wore. He turned to Henry, his expression unreadable. "You say you traveled back to the city with her? And she claims to be visiting someone here?"

"Yes, Your Highness," Henry answered his question.

The prince's gaze returned to me, his emerald eyes piercing as he studied me closely. He took a step closer, his voice low and commanding. "And just who, exactly, are you visiting in my palace? I don't recall approving any guests, especially not ones dressed as servants."

Just as I was about to confess everything, Maisie suddenly appeared, bowing respectfully to Prince Raphael and Marquis Henry.

"Good evening, Your Highness and Marquis Henry. Ah, I apologize on behalf of my friend, Ael... Aelia. She's new here, and she's actually visiting me," Maisie interjected, quickly coming to my defense.

Prince Raphael and Henry turned their attention to Maisie, expressions still slightly skeptical. The prince raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? And what does your 'friend' do exactly, Maisie?" His eyes shifted back to me.

"Ahmm... nothing, Your Highness," Maisie answered.

Prince Raphael's lips twitched as if suppressing a smile at Maisie's vague answer. He turned back to Henry. "Henry, you're certain she claimed to be visiting someone here?" Henry nodded. "And you didn't find her behavior... suspicious during your journey together?"

"No, Your Highness, and besides, she doesn't seem to be from the ranks of the Aeridor Kingdom, our enemy," Henry added, his gaze thoughtful as he assessed me.

Prince Raphael nodded thoughtfully, his eyes scanning over my appearance once more. He seemed to accept Henry's assessment, but his gaze lingered on me for a moment longer than necessary. "Very well," he said finally, turning back to Maisie. "Maisie, I trust your judgment."

"We should leave now, Your Highness and Marquis Henry," Maisie said with a polite smile, and we both turned and walked away.

As we made our way back into the palace, she suddenly spoke, her tone a mix of exasperation and relief. "I told you not to wander around the palace grounds so carelessly! You almost got me involved. It's a good thing Prince Raphael believed me. And you already know Marquis Henry?"

"Well, sorry! I didn't expect him to be outside the palace. Besides, isn't he a prince? Shouldn't he be focusing on the party inside? Why was he even outside? And yes, I met Marquis Henry during my journey here to Vermilion."

"I don't know, You're lucky Marquis Henry didn't just run you through with his sword; he's known to be excellent with one. Though, of course, no one can beat Prince Raphael."

"And another thing, Marquis Henry mentioned Aeridor! Is Aeridor an enemy of Vermilion?" I asked, my brow furrowed with concern.

"Hmmph, yes. The Aeridor people keep insisting that Prince Raphael isn't a good prince, and they've been k********g women from Vermilion and... well, it's not good. That's why we're all afraid to leave the city. And here you are, just waltzing right in – so fast!"

I'm so glad I ran away from our city, otherwise, I would have gone through with that wedding to Prince Lysander. He sounds terrible and so brutal. "Well, I'm not the enemy," I pointed out.

"Exactly! So be careful, okay? I'm not going to bail you out again if the prince gets suspicious of you."

"Okay," I agreed.

We entered the palace through a back entrance, and I was immediately struck by its breathtaking beauty. It wasn't just a building; it was a sprawling complex of elegant architecture, with towering spires that seemed to kiss the sky and intricate carvings adorning every surface. Lush gardens, illuminated by soft lights, stretched out like emerald carpets, and the air hummed with a quiet sense of grandeur. We headed straight to the kitchen, and not far from there, she pointed to a room.

"Alright, we're here. This is your room. Since Prince Raphael already knows you're a servant here, you just need to play the part well. Get used to cleaning, because if you mess up again, I won't have any more excuses for the prince."

"Okay," I replied.

"Alright, I have things to do, so I'll leave you now," Maisie said, already turning to go.

"Oh, by the way, am I the only one staying here?" I asked, suddenly feeling a little isolated.

"Yes, because my room is near the main hall so I can clean the stairs first thing in the morning. Okay, no more questions. I have to go. You're room is already cleaned, so you won't have anything to worry about," she said, giving me a pointed look before hurrying off.

Once she was gone, I slowly opened the door to my room and stepped inside. My jaw dropped. It was nothing like my room back in Ashworth. There were plush pillows piled high on a soft bed, a spacious wardrobe for a clothes, a gleaming mirror, and a window that offered a view of the gardens. It even had its own attached bathing room. I could already tell that my life here in Vermilion, despite the deception, might actually be... pleasant.