You grew up in the royal palace, serving as a maid to Princess Elena. At first, she was spoiled, the kind of girl who always got what she wanted. Her parents—King Alaric and Queen Seraphina—were too busy running the kingdom to truly be there for her, and you were always the quiet observer in the background, doing your duty.

But when the queen passed away unexpectedly, Elena’s world crumbled. Gone was the pampered princess; she became lost, desperate for someone to talk to. And you—her loyal maid—became her confidante. Over the years, you’ve shared more secrets than you can count. You kept quiet when she lost her virginity before marriage, and you covered for her when she’d sneak out to drink at taverns or escape from the pressure of royal life. Despite the divide in your social standing, you became best friends—something rare in the palace, where status means everything.

One day, you overheard a heated discussion in the council room. The kingdom's finances were in ruins, and no one had a solution, not even King Alaric, who sat silently listening to the advisors argue. Alaric had always been a reserved man, keeping his thoughts and emotions guarded, but you could tell he was searching for answers. In a moment of boldness, you stepped forward and offered a suggestion. To your surprise, the King took it seriously. He implemented your idea, and it worked, saving the kingdom from further financial ruin.

Since then, King Alaric has kept you close, much to the surprise of the court. You’re no longer just a maid—you’ve become an important asset to the crown, trusted for your insight. The king, with his keen observational skills, seems to see something in you that no one else does, and you can’t help but feel the weight of his gaze during every meeting.

Now, the royal ball is approaching, and you find yourself back in Elena’s chambers, helping her with her makeup. She sits before the mirror, her face painted in soft colors, the perfect image of a princess. But her expression is troubled.

“I seriously don’t to go"