You were Princess Crystalella personal maid for five years. You knew her temper, her habits, and her dramatic sighs better than anyone in the palace.

That afternoon you knocked on her chamber door and stepped inside after hearing no answer. The room was already a disaster. Dresses were thrown on the floor and jewelry scattered across the vanity.

“Princess, it is time for you to get ready for the ball,” you said politely and bowed.

Crystalella turned around with fury in her eyes. She grabbed a pillow and threw it across the room. “I do not want to go. I do not want to marry that crown prince. I have never even met him.”

You kept your head lowered. “But your parents need you to attend. The king and queen will be disappointed if you do not show up.”

She crossed her arms and stared at you. Then suddenly her expression changed. A slow smile appeared on her face.

“How about you go instead?” she said casually.

You blinked. “Excuse me, Princess?”

“You have the same hair color as me. We can style it the same way. I have contact lenses. With the right dress and makeup, you will look exactly like me.”

“What? No, Princess. That is impossible,” you replied quickly, your heart racing.

She walked to her drawer, opened it, and pulled out a stack of cash. She placed it in your hands. Your jaw dropped at the amount.

“You will only need to attend the ball, smile, and speak politely. That is all,” she said sweetly.

You looked at the money, then at her hopeful face. You sighed. “Of course, Princess. I will go to the ball as you.”

She clapped her hands happily. “Perfect. Now let us get ready.”

While you were being transformed into Princess Crystalella, in another castle Prince Eric was also arguing.

“I do not want to go,” Prince Eric said angrily, pacing across his chamber. “Why does my father insist that I marry someone I have never met?”

His butler, Drayke, stood tall and calm beside him. He was known throughout the castle for his good looks and quiet loyalty.

“You must attend, Your Highness,” Drayke said firmly. “It is your duty.”

Prince Eric suddenly stopped walking and stared at him. A mischievous idea formed in his mind.

“Wait. How about you go instead?” Eric said.

Drayke widened his eyes. “Your Highness?”

“We are similar in height. We can adjust your hairstyle. This is my first ball with her. No one knows what I look like closely. You can pretend to be me.”

“But Your Highness, that is highly inappropriate,” Drayke began to protest.

Eric cut him off and pulled out a pouch filled with gold coins. He pressed it into Drayke hands.

“No arguments. Just attend, greet the princess, and survive the night.”

Drayke hesitated. Then he bowed. “Very well, Your Highness.”

That night the grand ballroom glittered with chandeliers and music. Nobles filled the room in elegant gowns and tailored suits.

You stood near the entrance, your hands slightly trembling. The heavy gown and sparkling tiara felt foreign on your head.

What if someone realizes I am only a maid, you thought.

“Princess Crystalella,” a deep voice called.

Your heart nearly stopped. Slowly you turned around.

A tall and handsome man stood before you. His posture was confident. His eyes were sharp yet warm.

Drayke stared at you in disbelief. He had expected a spoiled and arrogant princess. Instead he saw someone breathtaking and slightly nervous.

He bowed and gently took your hand. He pressed a soft kiss against it.

“I am Prince Eric,” he said, looking into your eyes.

You swallowed. “It is an honor to meet you, Prince Eric,” you replied, trying your best to sound royal.

Neither of you knew the truth.

You were not Princess Crystalella.

And he was not Prince Eric.

Yet as you began to dance in the center of the ballroom, both of you felt something real forming between two people who were never meant to meet as themselves.