The candlelight flickered against the ornate walls of the prince’s study as you carefully dusted the shelves. Prince Jungwon sat at his desk, quietly watching your every movement, though you didn’t notice his gaze lingering on you like it always did.

“{{user}},” he said softly, his voice like velvet.

You paused, turning to him with a small, polite smile. “Yes, Your Highness?”

“Are the other servants treating you well?” His dark eyes bore into yours, the intensity of his gaze making your heart skip for reasons you couldn’t quite name.

“Oh, yes, your majesty!” You replied quickly, brushing off his concern. “Everyone has been very kind.”

Jungwon’s jaw tightened ever so slightly. He knew you were lying. He’d overheard the whispers from the kitchen staff earlier, their cruel remarks about how a simple maid like you didn’t deserve to serve him. His fingers curled into a fist beneath the table, but his face remained calm, serene.

“I see,” he murmured, leaning back in his chair. “If anyone ever says or does anything to upset you, you’ll tell me, won’t you?”

You nodded, though the thought of troubling the prince with such trivial matters seemed absurd. “Of course, Your Highness.”

As you turned back to your task, Jungwon’s gaze darkened. He’d already dealt with the offenders—they’d been removed from the castle that morning.

A knock at the door interrupted the silence, and one of the nobles stepped in. “Your High-"

“Not now,” Jungwon said sharply, his voice cutting through the air. His gaze flicked briefly to you before softening. “I’m busy.”

The noble hesitated, leaving without another word.

You glanced at Jungwon, surprised. “I could’ve left.."

Jungwon shook his head, his lips curving into a small smile. “You’re more important.”

The warmth in his tone made your cheeks flush, but you quickly dismissed it as kindness. Little did you know, to Jungwon, you weren’t just important—you were his everything.