Horizon

The following morning, I woke up early, just as the first rays of daylight were beginning to appear. I dressed in my basic servant's attire after gently rising and splattering cold water on my face, which sharpened my senses. I sneaked out to the brook that ran alongside Castle Rivenmoor, as I had a few minutes before I had to make breakfast. The water's surface was glistening with the first rays of morning, and the air was crisp and chilly. As I watched the sun rise and paint the sky in shades of orange and gold, I loved the peacefulness created by the nearby birds singing their morning symphony.

However, my peaceful period was short-lived. I let out a deep sigh as my mind was filled with the memories of what I had done to Prince Jase. I felt guilty because I could have put his education, which he loved so much, in danger. I felt like I should apologize to him for the thought. Would he hate me, though, if he found out that I had told him about his meeting? Could it have been anyone else? I had been serving Queen Bria and his guests as her servant. He would undoubtedly recognize me. Would he deny me the opportunity to offer him his tea and turn me away now? I hoped not since I loved the brief time I got to spend with him every day and the silent delight of seeing him, even if it was only on the outskirts of his world.

Darla had already started making breakfast when I came back to the kitchen. "All OK, hi, Cam. "Where have you been?" she inquired in a kind yet inquisitive tone.

"Next to the brook. I said quietly, "I was thinking."

"About what?"

I said, "What happened last night," honestly.

She raised an eyebrow and taunted, "Are you going to tell me, or do I have to drag it out of you?"

I nodded, "I’ll tell you," and went on to describe everything. She gave a little sigh when I was done.

"You seem to have caused Prince Jase some problems. Have you heard from him yet?

"No, not yet," I replied, a hint of discomfort in my voice.

Tell him you didn't realize it would land him in trouble when he does. Inform him that you will stop at nothing to put this right. "Believe me, he will pardon you," Darla reassured.

"How do you know?" I inquired, looking for assurance in her face.

"You didn't intentionally do it, did you? That's not incorrect, am I? She gave a soft shake of her head. "There you have it. I can be certain he will pardon you in this way.

"Oh, Darla, thank you. With a rush of relief, I responded, "You make me feel so much more at peace."

"All right. "Now assist me by finishing those eggs," she said, grinning.

I had already prepared a delicious brunch when the breakfast bell rang. I had made muffins, omelets, grits, and coffee instead of the typical tea, biscuits, eggs, and grits. We usually saved these delicacies for when we had guests, but since Prince Jase was eating with his family for the first time in more than two months, I assumed he was practically a visitor.

I carefully placed the tray on the table after carrying it there. I quickly set the plates in their correct locations, poured the coffee, and moved back to the corner.

"Girl, why did you prepare such a special meal?" Queen Bria inquired in a really interested tone.

"My Lady, since Prince Jase is joining you for dinner. That, in my opinion, made it unique," I answered in a polite manner.

"You won't make anything fancy the next time Prince Jase joins us for dinner. Keep these dishes for the visitors! Queen Bria replied sharply, "I should have you take it all back to the kitchen now, where it would be more appropriate."

"It looks so good, Bria. In an effort to defuse the situation, King Ryn said, "Enjoy the meal; we have plenty for the guests."

"My sweetheart, you're correct—we do. Queen Bria's voice was still tinged with annoyance as she answered, "I simply don't like it when the servants make decisions without first consulting us."

I wished I could say anything, but I knew better. Even though he was often too forgiving, King Ryn had always been nice to us. He has never reprimanded us or talked poorly of us. Queen Bria was fully aware that that was her exclusive realm.

I watched Prince Jase while they ate. He was silent and aloof, probably still reviewing what had happened the night before. It wasn't until Queen Bria ran out of coffee that I moved. I made sure everything was in order by refilling every glass. I overheard Queen Bria remark, "Jase, you'll come with me when I go to town." Since they haven't seen you in months, everyone will want to see you.

"Ma'am, I'm so busy this afternoon. With a hint of doubt in his voice, he added, "Perhaps tomorrow."

With a stern and uncompromising tone, Queen Bria yelled, "There will be no tomorrow." "You'll follow my instructions! I won't tolerate you so flagrantly disobeying my wishes.

"Jase, follow your mother's instructions," King Ryn interrupted in a cool but forceful tone.

Jase sighed and said, "Yes, sir." I listened to the conversation in silence, a silent observer of the tension that pervaded the room. I had never seen Queen Bria so obviously upset with her son. Before I recognized that I was partly to blame for her anger, the incident was almost humorous.

The food had been carefully put away, the dishes had been cleaned, King Ryn had left, and Queen Bria had gone upstairs to worry about her clothes. There was just one person left in the dining room. As I went in to clean the table, I made the decision to apologize.

I took deliberate steps toward the door, moving so softly that no one could have heard me coming. I crept inside and found him sitting there, staring at the wall as though it were a secret. He had a piece of paper in his hands, the surface wrinkled from folding and unfolding. I walked over to the table and started cleaning it, the cloth sliding across the gleaming wood. I was about to add, “I hope you will pardon me, sir, but I think I might have accidentally made Queen Bria angry with you, even though it was never my intention,” when he spoke first.

"Isn't it, Camryn? I take it that's your name? I was startled by his voice when it broke the stillness.

My heart was pounding so hard that I thought my eyes might pop out of my head. I was able to respond, "Yes, sir, that is my name," after clearing my throat.

"Are you not my mother's maid?" His tone was more inquisitive than accusing as he asked.

"Yes, sir," I said, maintaining a calm tone of voice in spite of my trembling nerves.

"Did you tell her about Professor Marc?" He asked a straightforward question, and I felt guilty.

"I'm really sorry, sir," I said, my words coming out of my mouth quickly. "I didn't anticipate her having such a strong reaction. She was asking me about my responsibilities, which included bringing you meals, and I I only said that I had served you and your guests tea as well. She asked me for specifics, so I told her who was there. I really apologize, sir; I didn't intend to cause any issue.

His face softened as he cocked his head slightly. "How could you have known to keep your mouth shut when you're a maid?" Even though his candid remarks hurt, I couldn't help but feel relieved by the forgiveness they suggested.

"Are you not upset with me, sir?" My question was hardly audible above a whisper.

"Not with you," he answered in a comforting tone.

"Thank you, sir," I said, my words infused with gratitude. Then he looked at me, his heavy black eyes seeming to contain an unending emptiness.

With a tone of amazement in his voice, he declared, "I did nothing."

"You pardoned me," I retorted quietly. As though my remarks had taken him by surprise, he averted his eyes.

His brow furrowing as he examined me more intently, he said, "I suppose I did." "Tell me, Camryn, is there anything you can do for me? I've heard you have a particular writing skill, but I realize this isn't part of a maid's typical responsibilities—especially since you're not my maid.

I answered steadily, "Sir, I can write nicely."

"All right. Could you do something for me while keeping it a secret? His tone was serious as he requested.

I answered without hesitation, "Yes, sir."

"Amazing. Please write down all of Professor Nathan's statements. Queen Bria and I will be traveling through town when he stops by. Answer the door when he knocks, hand him this message, and lead him into the kitchen so that no one can see him. He will have to put whatever he says in writing. Could you please do this for me?

I told him, "Yes, sir, I can take the notes."

I'm grateful, Camryn. Naturally, I'll give you more money for what you do," he said.

"No payment, sir," I said courteously.

“Why not?” he inquired, his forehead furrowing in perplexity.

"Because..." Unsure of how to explain, I trailed off. Instead of continuing the conversation, he gave me a note that was inside his jacket. Then, without saying anything more, he got up and walked out into the front hall, leaving me by myself.

I was filled with pride since it was truly remarkable that a prince would entrust me with such a duty. As I rushed to the kitchen to tell Darla the news, I couldn't help but smile.