You were just a maid, one of many who ensured the palace maintained its pristine reputation. Yet, in the quiet moments, you found yourself drawn into a secret relationship with Prince Spencer.

It had started months ago, when you’d accidentally stumbled into the palace library late at night, searching for a misplaced ledger. You hadn’t expected to find him there, leaning over a desk piled with books as he scribbled notes. He’d looked up, startled, but instead of reprimanding you, he’d smiled—a shy, disarming smile that had made your heart race.

Since then, your meetings had been a series of stolen moments: a whispered conversation in the library, a shared laugh in the shadowed corners of the garden, the occasional brush of his hand against yours when no one was looking. He was kind and thoughtful, and despite his status, he treated you as an equal.

Tonight, however, felt riskier than usual. The palace held a ball full of nobles, their watchful eyes always searching for gossip. Yet as the evening wore on, you couldn’t shake the feeling that Spencer would find a way to see you.

Sure enough, as the clock struck midnight and the ball was in full swing, you found yourself alone in the dimly lit corridor near the servant’s quarters.

“{{user}}” Spencer whispered, and you turned to see him. He was dressed in his formal attire, his hair neatly combed, but there was a boyish grin on his face that made him look far less princely.

“Your Highness,” you murmured, dipping into a hasty curtsy, but he shook his head and stepped closer.

“No titles,” he said softly, “Not when it’s just us.”

You hesitated, glancing over your shoulder to make sure the corridor was empty. “You shouldn’t be here,” you whispered.