THE SHIELD THAT HURTS

CHAPTER.8

The most romantic and unforgettable night had finally arrived – Naehi's first night as Prince Zoe's maid. As the palace's activities settled down, the maids gathered in a corner, awaiting Prince Zoe's order to retire for the day.

In the background, near the entrance of Prince Zoe's quarters, Naehi and Prince Zoe sat together, lost in their own little world. Naehi rested her head on Prince Zoe's shoulder, feeling a deep sense of comfort and belonging. Prince Zoe wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.

"I was so nervous and curious when you were sentenced to kneel down and the king directed a question at you," Prince Zoe said, his voice low and husky. "My dear Naehi, take your time. From the moment I met you, you changed the loneliness my mother left into love. Thank you so much."

Naehi raised her head, her eyes locking onto Prince Zoe's. "My Lord, Prince Zoe, you didn't have to thank me," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Seriously, you changed my life and showed me love. I couldn't believe our love would be the one I'd love most, even more than my dear brother. I love you, Prince Zoe."

Prince Zoe's face lit up with a radiant smile as he moved his lips towards Naehi's. Their lips touched, and Naehi closed her eyes, letting the passion of the kiss wash over her. Prince Zoe's arms tightened around her, deepening the kiss.

Just as they were lost in the moment, a maid burst into the room, holding a tray with two cups of steaming tea. "Your Highness, Prince Zoe, I've brought the tea you ordered me to prepare for you and Lady Naehi," she announced, her voice loud and clear.

Prince Zoe's expression darkened, and he stood up, his face twisted in anger. "How dare you barge in like this without notice of arrival?" he thundered, his voice echoing through the room.

Naehi's eyes snapped open, and she watched in horror as Prince Zoe landed a hot slap on Maid Fave's cheek. The hot tea spilled all over her body, and she cried out in pain.

Maid Fave fell to her knees, shielding her tears. "My Lord, His Highness, Prince Zoe, please, I'm so sorry," she begged, her voice trembling.

Naehi stood up, her heart racing with concern. She knelt down beside Maid Fave, her voice pleading. "Prince Zoe, please forgive her. It wasn't intentional. Please forgive her."

Prince Zoe's expression softened, and he quickly raised Naehi up. "Please, you don't have to kneel down for her mistake. But because it's you, I've forgiven her."

He turned to Maid Fave, his voice firm but controlled. "You should be grateful to Naehi. She just saved you from punishment."

Maid Fave bowed her head down, her voice barely audible. "Thank you so much, Lady Naehi."

Naehi moved close to her and raised her up, her voice gentle. "Fave, it's nothing, okay? But please attend to your burn first."

Maid Fave nodded, her eyes flashing with envy as she walked towards the corner where the maids gathered. She began to recount her experience, her voice filled with malice.

"You won't believe what I just saw," she said, her voice dripping with venom. "Prince Zoe and Naehi were kissing affectionately, and because I saw them, the prince slapped me badly. She even told me to kneel down before her and thank her."

The other maids gasped in shock, their faces filled with indignation. "How dare she?" they chorused. "A new maid like us, and she's enjoying all the privileges."

One of the maids, Maid Roan, spoke up, her voice filled with resentment. "How could a maid like us be enjoying life while we work hard for her? How could we be calling a maid like us 'Lady'? How could Prince Zoe punish us all because of her? That can't be possible. We have to do something about it."

The other maids nodded in agreement, their faces set in determination. "After all, she's just a maid like us, a mere useless tribute woman."

The maids all stood up, hugging Maid Fave and offering her their support. "Maid Fave, please, we're so sorry for what that witch Naehi caused you. Sooner or later, we have to get rid of her. She met us here; how could the prince favor and love her more than us? How could she live a comfortable and convenient life while we suffer? That's impossible. We have to get rid of her.

Prince Zoe's disdainful attitude towards the maids in his quarter had become unbearable. Despite being a maid herself, Naehi was treated like royalty by Prince Zoe, while the other maids were subjected to his insults and disdain.

Naehi, sensing the tension, often intervened, calming Prince Zoe's temper and soothing the hurt feelings of the other maids. However, her efforts only seemed to fuel their envy and resentment towards her.

The maids couldn't comprehend why Prince Zoe favored Naehi so much, and their jealousy grew with each passing day. They began to plot against Naehi, seeking ways to get rid of her, but their plans were constantly thwarted.

Prince Zoe, oblivious to the tension, continued to lavish attention on Naehi. He banned her from assisting Lady Nahum with her duties, instead assigning her the sole responsibility of preparing his meals. Naehi's days were now filled with cooking, brewing tea, and preparing Prince Zoe's bath water.

As a result, Naehi had less time to spend with her friends, including her godmother, Lady Nahum, and her friends Anne and Phei. She missed their laughter and companionship, but Prince Zoe's demands took priority.

Meanwhile, in the royal quarter of the First Queen of Adzeba Kingdom, Queen Ghoifaes, a new development was unfolding. Prince Zeofei, the third prince of the kingdom, had taken notice of Anne, one of the maids. A secret love had been blossoming between them, but Prince Zeofei knew that his mother, the queen, would not approve.

Determined to be with Anne, Prince Zeofei pleaded with his mother to allow him to bring Anne to their quarter. Queen Ghoifaes, though uncertain of her son's intentions, eventually relented, calling upon Head Maid Nahum to send Anne to their quarter.

Lady Nahum was devastated by the request. She had grown fond of Anne and hated the thought of letting her go. As Anne prepared to leave, Lady Nahum cried bitterly, hugging her tightly.

"My dear Anne, please be careful and strong," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I will miss you dearly. Please, no matter what happens next, take good care of my beloved Naehi."

Naehi, who had been watching the emotional goodbye, stepped forward, hugging Anne tightly. "My dear friend, please be careful beside Queen Ghoifaes. You have to be strong and face whatever comes your way."

Anne, though putting on a brave face, was secretly thrilled at the prospect of joining Prince Zeofei in Queen Ghoifaes' quarter. She knew that Prince Zeofei must have been behind her relocation, and she couldn't wait to be with him.

As Anne departed, Naehi couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She knew that Anne's new life in Queen Ghoifaes' quarter would be filled with challenges, but she also knew that her friend was strong and capable.

Lady Nahum, still tearful, watched as Anne disappeared into the distance. She turned to Naehi, her eyes filled with concern.

"Naehi, my dear, please take care of yourself. With Anne gone, I fear for your safety."

Naehi smiled reassuringly, hugging Lady Nahum tightly. "Don't worry, Godmother. I'll be fine. I'll take care of myself."

But as Naehi returned to her duties, she couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss. Little did she know, her life was about to take a dramatic turn...

Story continues.......