Makayla’s POV
I stare at myself in the mirror, the reflection of the new maid uniform stares back at me. My thoughts drift away from the outfit, consumed instead by the uncertainty of my new life as a complete maid in this strange pack. The other maids in Prince Calvin's chamber seem kind, but they all carry an air of fear around him. Unlike them, I refuse to be intimidated, and I won't tolerate any mistreatment he might throw my way.
I've heard stories of his arrogance and how he isolates himself from everyone and everything. It's said that he hasn't found his mate yet, or perhaps he's too arrogant to accept the idea of one. Despite all the warnings, I can't help but feel intrigued by this enigmatic prince.
As I take a deep breath and steel my nerves, I remind myself that I am capable and strong. I won't let anyone, not even Prince Calvin, dampen my spirit.
I disregard every thought in my mind when the door to my room opens. It was Julia, one of his other maids. I didn’t know her job though but she was among his servants. She approached me in a haste. “He wants to see you, right now. Common, don’t waste time, let’s go.” She urges me towards the door.
“Why are you all so afraid of this man? What is the worse he could do?” I roll my eyes out of annoyance. Julia asks me to keep quiet before someone hear me. I shoulder shrug and followed behind her.
As I followed Julia through the grand halls of the palace, my heart raced with a mixture of nervousness and determination. I wasn't going to be like the other maids, cowering in fear before Prince Calvin. No, I had my own sense of pride and wouldn't let anyone belittle me, not even a prince.
As we entered the opulent living room, I noticed Prince Calvin sitting in an elegant armchair, looking somewhat aloof and distant. But I refused to be intimidated. I squared my shoulders and walked confidently towards him, giving him a respectful nod.
"You wanted to see me, Your Highness?" I said, my voice steady despite the butterflies in my stomach.
He looked at me with a hint of surprise in his eyes, probably not used to maids addressing him with such directness. "Yes, I did," he replied, his voice cool and controlled.
Julia scurried away, leaving me alone with the prince. I stood my ground, determined not to let his reputation or cold demeanour affect me.
"I've heard you're not like the other maids," he said, studying me intently.
I don’t know what he meant by what he had just said but it sounded like he was about to warn me. I dart my gaze down when he got up from his chair. I remember Anna’s warning about not standing while the prince is standing. I don’t want to comply but this is my first day as his servant. I kneel before him.
He grips my chin just like he did yesterday and forced me to look at him. As his eyes met mine, I could sense a flicker of pride in his gaze, but it was quickly replaced by a condescending chuckle. It wasn't a satisfying sound to hear. He lets go of my chin and began to saunter around me, his regal demeanour exuding arrogance as he began to dictate my duties as his slave.
"Listen carefully," he said haughtily, "You are to tend to my every whim and obey my commands without question. If you dare to cross any lines or show any sign of disobedience, rest assured, I will make sure you are punished severely."
Feeling a surge of courage, I dared to lift my head and meet Prince Calvin's gaze directly, though it seemed to annoy him. My heart pounded in my chest, but I held my ground, unwilling to let fear dictate my actions.
"I understand, Your Highness," I replied, my voice steady despite the nervousness within me. "I shall fulfil my duties to the best of my abilities and endeavour to meet your expectations."
Prince Calvin's expression darkened at my brief defiance, and I quickly lowered my gaze, realizing I had pushed my luck.
He stands in front of me and I met with his shoes. He cleared his throat, shoving his hands into his suit pockets. “Your duty for today; you will polish all my shoes to my satisfaction.”
I don’t say anything to him and he doesn’t bother to hear me respond. He orders one of the maids to take me to his room. I follow her Prince Calvin room. It was simple and spacious. I love the interior of his room and how it didn’t fit his character. He wasn’t as welcoming as his room seemed.
The maid led me to his shoe closet and slide the door open. She chuckles mischievously and wished me good luck before walking away. Looking into the closet, I now understand her wicked laughter.
I take a deep sigh, standing before his closet. My heart sank at the sight of over a hundred pairs of shoes that awaited my attention. Prince Calvin's voice echoed in my head as I remember his policies. The cruelty of his request was evident, but I knew better than to show any signs of anger or defiance.
Suppressing the frustration that threatened to consume me, I took a deep breath and began my work. I carefully picked up a pair of shoes, examining them for any imperfections before applying the polish. The repetitive motion of polishing, buffing, and shining became almost meditative as the hours ticked by.
As the sun began its descent, I finally completed the last pair of shoes. My hands were sore, and my body ached, but I felt a sense of accomplishment in finishing the gruelling task on time. Just as I was about to catch my breath, Prince Calvin walked into the room, his gaze falling upon the shoes I had meticulously polished.
Despite my weariness, I stood tall, awaiting his judgment. His expression remained impassive as he observed the shoes, and my heart sank further, realizing that my efforts might not be enough to meet his high standards.
"You have done an adequate job," he said, his voice indifferent. "But it's not up to my expectations. They need to be polished again, and this time, don't disappoint me."
A wave of frustration washed over me, but I bit my tongue, refusing to let my emotions betray me. But I couldn’t hold it in. I let out a dry laughter. “You’re kidding me, right?”
He snaps his head toward me with a puzzled expression. I too am shocked by the way I just reacted but I do not have a single regret for what I am about to get myself into.
“Excuse you…”
“Excuse me? Excuse you, Prince Calvin!” I cut in. “I have spent hours on my feet and knees without food or water, worshiping your shoes and this is what you reward me with?”
Prince Calvin narrowed his glowering ocean blue eyes and started walking toward me with a threatening demeanour, a chill ran down my spine. Panic gripped me as I realized the gravity of my actions. My knees went weak, and I stumbled, falling to the ground in fear. There was no escape from the consequences now. I anxiously awaited the wrath of Prince Calvin.