THE SHIELD THAT HURTS

CHAPTER.7

Prince Zoe's heart was heavy with longing as he lay on his plush mattress, adorned with intricate gold embroidery. The soft, golden light of dawn filtered through the elegant curtains, casting a warm glow over the opulent room. Yet, despite the luxurious surroundings, Prince Zoe couldn't shake off the memory of Naehi's deep kiss. His feelings for her had grown stronger with each passing day.

As the sun rose higher in the sky, Prince Zoe's restlessness intensified, and he began to pace around his spacious room, feeling empty and alone without Naehi by his side. He couldn't help but wonder what she was doing at that moment, whether she was thinking of him, and whether she felt the same way.

Naehi, on the other hand, was surrounded by the other maids, who were celebrating her new role with laughter and chatter. They were seated in the grand hall, surrounded by towering pillars and ornate tapestries. Despite the joyous atmosphere, Naehi's thoughts drifted to Prince Zoe, and she deeply missed his presence. She remembered the passionate kiss they shared, and her heart skipped a beat.

As night fell, Lady Nahum decided to stay in the palace, occupying the quarter provided for her. The maids retired to their quarters, and Naehi lay on her mattress, lost in thought. She stared up at the ceiling, adorned with intricate patterns of gold and blue.

"Oh, my creator, you have favored me this time," Naehi whispered, her voice trembling. "I finally made it to the palace. How could I bear leaving Prince Zoe and Lady Nahum behind? But fate has brought me to this place."

Naehi's thoughts shifted to Prince Zoe. "My dearest Prince Zoe, I love you so much. You showed me what love truly is. In these eight days, I have fallen deeply in love with you."

Tears streamed down Naehi's face as she thought of Lady Nahum. "My Lady Nahum, I'm happy to have finally met you. I'm grateful for your existence in my life. I know that as long as you are by my side, you will always protect and show me love."

Naehi's thoughts turned to her family. "Mom and brother, I hope you are doing well. I miss you so much."

As the night wore on, Naehi drifted off to sleep, surrounded by the soft silence of the palace.

The next morning, Naehi woke up early, donning her elegant maid uniform. Anne congratulated her, and Lady Nahum instructed Naehi, Anne, and Phei to join her in the palace kitchen.

As they worked, Naehi couldn't help but smile. She was finally a part of the palace staff, and she was determined to make the most of it. The kitchen was filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread and roasting meats.

Phei bid farewell to Naehi and Anne, returning to her permanent post in Queen Khieyan's chamber. The palace activities commenced, and Naehi worked diligently alongside Lady Nahum and Anne.

In the inner court of Adzeba kingdom, the king convened with his ministers. Prince Zoe's arrival was announced, and he entered the court, bowing to the king. The ministers bowed in respect.

"Greetings, my king," Prince Zoe said. "I have come to discuss a matter of great importance."

The king looked up, intrigued. "Please, Prince Zoe, proceed."

"My king, I desire Naehi, the young maid, to be assigned to my quarter," Prince Zoe said, his voice filled with longing.

The king's expression darkened. "Stop this nonsense, Prince Zoe. You cannot have feelings for a maid simply because of her beauty."

Prince Zoe fell to his knees, his face pitiful. "My king, please reconsider. Naehi is someone I need by my side. I see trustfulness and loyalty in her."

The king's voice rose in anger. "Leave the court, Prince Zoe!"

Prince Zoe refused to budge, pleading with the king to grant his wish. The king, unmoved, instructed the guards to escort Prince Zoe out of the court.

But Prince Zoe would not be silenced. He knelt outside the palace, shouting and pleading with the king to reconsider his decision.

Hours passed, and the king, moved by Prince Zoe's desperation, relented. He instructed Prince Zoe to be escorted back into the palace court.

As Prince Zoe re-entered the court, the king summoned Lady Nahum and Naehi to appear before him. Lady Nahum whispered to Naehi, "Do not think that Prince Zoe can protect you in this palace."

Naehi and Lady Nahum arrived at the court, and Naehi was instructed to kneel before the king.

"Naehi, I put it upon you," the king said. "Between Lady Nahum and Prince Zoe, who do you wish to work with?"

Naehi's heart skipped a beat as she hesitated, torn between her loyalty to Lady Nahum and her love for Prince Zoe.

"My lady, please forgive me," Naehi said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I have fallen deeply in love with Prince Zoe. He has fought for me, and I wish to stay with him." Naehi look up to the king "Your majesty after considering it, I think it's best for me to stay with his Highness Prince Zoe ."

The king's expression remained impassive, but Lady Nahum's eyes widened in shock.

"Alright, then," the king said. "Prince Zoe, Maid Naehi will work in your quarter henceforth."

Prince Zoe's face lit up with joy, and he rushed to Naehi's side, helping her to her feet. Naehi's heart fluttered as she met Prince Zoe's gaze, and she knew that she had made the right decision.

As they left the court, Lady Nahum's expression turned cold. "You have made a grave mistake, Naehi," she whispered. "Prince Zoe may seem charming, but he is not what he appears to be."

Naehi's heart skipped a beat as she wondered what Lady Nahum meant by saying " don't think Prince Zoe will be able to protect you. But she pushed the thought aside, focusing on the joy that filled her heart.

As they walked, Naehi couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness. She had never been in a relationship before, and she wasn't sure what to expect.

But Prince Zoe seemed to sense her unease, and he took her hand in his, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Don't worry, Naehi," he whispered. "I'll take care of you. I promise."

Naehi's heart skipped a beat as she met Prince Zoe's gaze. She felt a sense of trust wash over her, and she knew that she had made the right decision.

As they approached Prince Zoe's quarters, Naehi couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. The rooms were opulent and grand, with intricate furnishings and expensive tapestries.

Prince Zoe smiled as he saw her reaction. "I'm glad you like it," he said. "I want you to feel comfortable here."

Naehi's heart fluttered as she met Prince Zoe's gaze. She knew that she had a lot to learn about palace life, but she was eager to start her new journey.

As they entered the quarters, Naehi was greeted by Prince Zoe's servants according to prince Zoe order to them which displeases them so much , who bowed low to her. Prince Zoe smiled as he saw her reaction.

"Don't worry, Naehi," he whispered. "You'll get used to it. You're part of the maids in my quarter now."

Naehi's heart skipped a beat as she met Prince Zoe's gaze. She knew that she had a lot to learn, but she was eager to start her new life.

Naehi couldn't shake off the feeling that she had let Lady Nahum down. The weight of her decision hung heavy on her conscience, and she couldn't help but wonder what Lady Nahum must be thinking. She decided to go check on her and discuss something that had been weighing on her mind.

As she sat alone in her room, thinking about her decision, Naehi's thoughts were a jumbled mix of emotions. She felt guilty for leaving Lady Nahum, but at the same time, she couldn't deny the love she felt for Prince Zoe. She got up and walked towards Prince Zoe's quarters, her heart pounding in her chest.

When she arrived, she bowed low, her voice respectful. "Your Highness, Prince Zoe, please grant me a few hours of the day. I need to discuss something with Head Maid Lady Nahum."

Prince Zoe's expression turned dismayed, and he looked displeased at the thought of letting Naehi go. Naehi quickly sensed his hesitation and took his hand, her touch gentle.

"Please, just this once," she pleaded, her voice laced with emotion. "I'm sure I've broken her heart. I need to go see her and apologize."

Prince Zoe's expression softened, and he nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. "Alright, Naehi, but don't be late. I'll be waiting for you."

Naehi smiled, relieved, and hurried towards Lady Nahum's quarters. When she arrived, she found Lady Nahum sitting quietly, lost in thought. The room was dimly lit, the only sound the soft crackling of the fireplace.

Naehi approached her, pity etched on her face. She could see the pain and disappointment in Lady Nahum's eyes, and it tore at her heart. "My lady, please," she said, falling to her knees.

Lady Nahum looked up, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and understanding. Naehi continued, her voice trembling.

"My lady, I'm so sorry for leaving you. I've been drowned in love, and I don't understand what's come over me. But I couldn't just stop loving Prince Zoe."

Lady Nahum's expression turned solemn, and she interrupted Naehi. "I'm not against your love, Naehi, but it's a dangerous love. The kind that can't stay hidden beside Prince Zoe. But don't worry, no matter what, I'll always love you, and I'll always protect you."

Tears rolled down Lady Nahum's face as she spoke, and Naehi quickly hugged her, apologizing profusely. The two women held each other tightly, the only sound their muffled sobs.

Just as they were embracing, a maid from Prince Zoe's quarter entered the room, bowing low. "Lady Naehi, you're called by Prince Zoe."

Lady Nahum gently pushed Naehi away, her eyes red-rimmed from crying. "Naehi, you have to leave now. We'll talk again tomorrow morning during the preparation of the royal breakfast."

Naehi nodded, wiping away tears, and quickly took her leave, hurrying back to Prince Zoe's quarters. As she walked, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She knew that she had made a difficult choice, and she could only hope that it was the right one.

Story continues.......