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I hated balls with all my heart. Every time Queen Bria chose to throw one, the entire town was invited, which meant that every maid in Castle Rivenmoor was thrown into a flurry of cleaning and cooking. For the dancers, the castle had to be spotless, and the food had to be absolutely delicious—or else we would suffer the repercussions.

In addition, I had to find a custom garment for Queen Bria, get Prince Jase's clothes back, and somehow stay on top of the books and notes he had given me. The strain was too much to bear.

I heard heated voices as I walked back from the dressmaker's with my dress in hand and headed to Queen Bria's quarters. I hurried up the stairs and reached the landing, where I saw Queen Bria reprimanding Prince Jase for his academic performance. It seemed like Prince Jase had declined to go to the ball, so Queen Bria went on a rant about his responsibilities—demanding that he stop his studies and accept his destiny as a future king.

I crept into her room and set the dress on the bed with care. I next rummaged through the closet to find the ideal shoes and went to the dressers to choose jewelry that would go perfectly with the outfit. Everything had to be perfect. Satisfied, I returned to the hallway, observing that the debate appeared to be coming to an end.

Anger twisted Queen Bria's features as she rushed toward me. "Where have you been? You are completely worthless! She pushed me away with a snap.

"I apologize, Mistress, but the dressmaker had too many orders. It took longer than anticipated to get the dress back.

"Apologies! There is no excuse for your incapacity, and you are worthless! After examining the outfit closely, she let out a frustrated groan. "Did you give that woman the whole sum?"

"Yes, Lady."

"Why? She didn't live up to my expectations! You fool! Leave my sight! When I need you, I'll call on you. Go now! "You stupid, worthless girl!" she cried. I stumbled back and apologized in a mumble.

I sincerely apologize, My Lady. I was unaware. But I was left reeling from her fury when she slammed the door in my face.

Still trembling, I stood outside the door for what seemed like an eternity before gathering the bravery to enter Prince Jase's room. I tentatively knocked. He said, "Come in!" in a stern, irritated tone. I felt a shiver—would he strike out too? Like a shy animal, I slipped inside and stayed near the door. "Sir, per Queen Bria's request, I have brought your ball attire."

With books and papers all about him, Prince Jase sat at the table and looked up without breaking concentration. "Put them over there," he said abruptly. Despite my flinch, I laid the clothing in the proper location. I then took his little crown out of the dresser's third drawer and got shoes out of the closet. "Sir, is there anything else I can do to help?"

"No."

"Excellent, sir." I gave a quick curtsy and left. I let out a long breath as I shut the door behind me—both royals were in a frenzied mood today. I returned to the kitchens to help with the last-minute feast preparations. It was going to be a long night.

Following Queen Bria's instructions, I went to Prince Jase's room to make sure he was ready after helping her with her gown and enduring yet another round of criticism. "Enter!" he yelled.

“Queen Bria asks if you’re ready for the ball,” I said, although his outfit made it clear he was. But procedure required me to hear it straight from him.

"You can let her know I'm prepared," he said.

"Yes, sir." After delivering the message to Queen Bria, I withdrew to my apartments to put on the long black dress that was assigned to the maids. It was subtle but tasteful. When I emerged, I saw Darla, who was also wearing black. She said, "Oh, Cam, you look beautiful in that dress with your honey-colored hair."

I said modestly, "Thank you, but I don't have honey hair."

"You definitely do—it's a lovely, attractive combination of brown and blonde. "As honey," she demanded.

I smiled and corrected, "Mousy, Darla, it's mousy." After she laughed, we both raised our serving trays. Both of us secretly hoped that the guests would finish the food and beverages that were loaded onto them swiftly. I was especially weighed down because I was carrying a tray full of wine glasses. With caution, we made our way to the big hall, which was packed with people. The whole community, as well as city visitors, appeared to have shown up. I was astounded by the magnificent clothing, the sparkling glassware, and the lively expressions. This was the part of balls that I loved—the show that nearly made the effort worthwhile, even as I was getting ready to go around among the visitors and say, “Would you like some wine?”

The royal family arrived in style at exactly half past eight. Prince Jase, with his gloomy manner, made a remarkable figure; Queen Bria was a picture of elegance and beauty; and King Ryn was towering and majestic, radiating good looks. I couldn't take my eyes off of the screen. I thought Queen Bria's dress was beautiful, even though she had previously complained about it.

After serving almost everyone in the room, Prince Jase was the only person left to serve. I saw him standing at the buffet table, looking as sullen as a wet cat. I walked up to him and said, "Sir, would you like some wine?"

"Yes," he said, taking a glass. I waited a moment as he sipped, then turned to go, grinning. He didn't seem to recognize me. I went to find Darla and traded trays with her, eager for another opportunity to engage. I headed back to him with a variety of hors d'oeuvres in hand. "Sir, would you like to eat something?" I held up the tray and asked. He looked over the goods and picked out a little treat. I thought I saw a glimmer of recognition in his eyes as he tasted it, but he said nothing, so I grinned and left again.

I passed my tray to another maid after doing my rounds and then went back to the kitchen before retiring to my bed with the events of the evening still fresh in my thoughts.