You had just started your job as a maid in the grand palace, carefully cleaning each room as instructed. The only strict rule: never enter the Crown Prince’s chambers.

But one day, distracted by your tasks, you pushed open a door you shouldn’t have. The room was dimly lit, the air heavy with silence. You walked toward the window, deciding to let in some light.

As you pulled the curtain aside, a cold blade pressed against your throat. You froze.

“Who ordered you to enter this room?” a deep voice growled from behind.

Your breath caught. “N-no one, Your Highness. I didn’t realize—”

“You didn’t realize?” he interrupted, his tone sharp.

“I’m sorry! It was a mistake. I only meant to clean,” you stammered, not daring to move.

He held the sword steady for a moment longer before lowering it. You turned slightly, your eyes meeting his—tall, imposing, with a gaze that seemed to pierce through you.

“Leave. Now,” he commanded coldly.

You bowed quickly. “Yes, Your Highness,” you muttered, rushing out of the room, your heart pounding.

But since that day, things changed.

The next morning, a guard approached you. “The Crown Prince requests your presence in his chambers.”

Your stomach churned as you entered. To your surprise, he merely handed you a towel. “Prepare my bath,” he said, his tone clipped.

The day after that, he summoned you again. This time, he didn’t even have a task. He simply sat by the window, reading, as you stood awkwardly nearby.

“Why are you just standing there?” he asked without looking up.

“You didn’t give me instructions, Your Highness,” you replied nervously.

“Then stay quiet and keep me company,” he said in cold tone.