Ball

His incomplete thought reverberated in my head as I curtsied and walked away, perplexed. What is part of the reason Queen Bria? As I strolled about town, thinking back on the morning, I pondered. Queen Bria's oddly upbeat demeanor had occasionally proved more intimidating than her rage. Prince Jase also appeared preoccupied, more so than in the previous days. Was I younger in his eyes? The fact that he hadn't seen me once during my entire stay here—not even one day out of the innumerable—stung a little. I told myself that he wasn't angry with me, though. He talked to me and gave me advice. Even though he hadn't seen me, that was something.

The ball day finally arrived. In contrast to the previous one, this one was private and only open to a handful. I would serve directly rather than roving around with food trays. After spending the hours cooking and cleaning, the other maids and I put on our black dresses. As we leaned to serve, Darla and I made the sensible decision to pin each other's hair up to prevent errant strands from falling. I grinned when I saw my image in the mirror after putting on my black sneakers. I didn't look too horrible. This dress was better than what I usually wear, and my face looked happier with my hair totally up instead of half-up, half-down. In an effort to look presentable, I scrubbed my skin and cleaned my arms with perfumed soap.

I climbed up to help Queen Bria, the meal ready, the rooms immaculate, the maids ready. “At last!” she yelled. "Where did you go? Well, let me get into my outfit.

She had spared me her wrath by approving her gown, but Prince Jase's attire infuriated her. It was ugly, she thought, the color miserable. Her palm swung out and hit my cheek as I pointed out that it matched her sash. I quickly apologized, avoiding a second blow as the pain increased. After I sent the garment back to the dressmaker for alterations, the finished item satisfied her demanding requirements.

I went to Prince Jase's room after getting her dressed. "Enter," he beckoned.

I said, "Hello, sir." "I'm simply making sure you're prepared. Queen Bria must be aware.

He got up from his desk. "Yes, I am prepared." His eyebrows raised and his eyes ascended. It's a pretty dress. Where did you purchase it?

I felt defensiveness stab me. "I didn't steal it, sir, if you believe that. To help us blend in while serving, Queen Bria gives all of the maids black clothes for the balls.

He gave a headshake. "Camryn, I wasn't saying you stole it. I was just amazed at how lovely everything is.

I was pierced by his words. "Sir, I can own lovely things even though I'm a maid. I'll go inform Queen Bria that you're prepared.

“It’s not what I meant,” he said, calling after me as I turned.

"Pardon me, sir, but I believe it was." I walked down the corridor with a swagger. "Prince Jase is prepared, Queen Bria."

Excellent. Organize the food in the kitchens.

"Yes, Queen Bria." I left.

I was assigned to serve food and beverages to about fifty visitors while standing against the back wall of the great dining room with a dozen other maids. I positioned myself close to Prince Jase in spite of his previous slight; he wouldn't notice me until I served. I took the initiative to refill wine glasses for the five guests—King Ryn at the end of the table and two on each side—after the third course. I poured first for King Ryn, then for the two people on the right, who did not acknowledge me. I smiled at Prince Jase, but he didn't smile back. Rather, he said, "Thank you," in a whisper that only I could hear.

I nodded and filled the last glass before turning away as my smile grew. The supper concluded thirty minutes later. Ten servants stayed to clean, guests streamed into the ballroom, and I was one of the five people chosen to attend.

The ballroom was alive with activity as twenty-three couples danced around the floor, and I was enthralled by their elegance. I was enthralled as I watched till a man asked if I served wine. I said, "Yes, sir, I am," without looking away. I'll get the glasses.

I came back quickly and gave drinks to everyone who asked. Among them, Prince Jase danced. I went over to him. "Hello, sir. Do you want a drink?

"No, I'm grateful," he responded, halting. However, I would like your pardon. I apologize for offending you previously. I was saying, "Why not wear this lovely dress instead of your regular ones if you own it?"

I gave a soft smile. "Sir, I only have one lovely dress. I don't understand more, and what use is a maid? I only wear it to balls. And as soon as I left your room, I forgave you.

He smiled back at me. "I'm grateful. We can resume our studies tomorrow, but tonight we'll both be busy. I assumed we would go on to history now that we had completed the science.

"Sir, that sounds good."

"Well, I'll see you tomorrow evening. And Camryn, too?

"Yes, sir?"

Bring the notes I asked you to save, which I gave you weeks ago. I must have them returned.

"Obviously, sir." His hand grabbed my arm as I turned to leave. "Yes, sir? Are you in need of anything?

"I... assumed you might remain here." Sitting by yourself is monotonous.

"Excellent, sir."

"Camryn, this is really a request—not a command. You are not required to.

I smiled. "Thank you, sir. I would be happy to join you, but I have to make another round.

He nodded, and I continued on, feeling a surge of exhilaration. Jase the Prince! It seemed almost unbelievable to me.

I went into his room the night after the ball. He was seated at our regular table, but there were no papers or books in front of him. I said, "Hello, sir," with warmth. "Is there a lesson today?"

With a gesture toward a chair, he answered, "Please sit." I carefully put down the tea tray. "I hoped you would share your own history before we venture into the past."

"Sir, what do you mean?" With a furrowed brow, I asked.

"Describe your life to me, going back as far as you can remember."

With reluctance in my voice, I responded, "You wouldn't want to hear it."

Yes, but I do! With unshakable enthusiasm, he insisted that it would be fascinating.

"Very well," I said, but I was still hesitant. "I was eight years old when I first remembered anything. My mother and I once waited for my father, who hunted frequently, for three days. Although a week wasn't unusual, he didn't come back at that time, and we were in dire need of food. We were left to our own devices.

I inhaled deeply. My mother yelled as we were halfway through the woods that connected the communities to the metropolis. I was frozen by terror. She shielded my eyes, but I had to see, so I pushed her hand away. A bear had ripped my father to pieces as he lay there.

As I went on, Prince Jase sat in disbelief. "Three days later, we buried him after racing to town and finding a friend to help us retrieve his body." My voice faltered. After that, my mom got me a job as a washwoman and sent me to school. Sometimes until morning, I would assist her while she sewed at night. At the age of 14, she learned that Queen Bria was looking for maids. I was hired after she referred me here. She gets my wages. However, another blow came at twelve.

I became softer. I loved my teacher; she was patient, polite, and a pleasure to study under. A stranger took his place one day. When I went to his house after school, I saw his wife crying. An hour before, he had been unwell and passed away. I spent hours sobbing as I slid next to her. That's my past, sir.

With a mask over his face, Prince Jase sat in silence. I let out a sigh. "What about the good times? Tell me those.

His laugh seemed hollow. "I've had two. School starts at nine, and you have been tutoring for the previous few months.

With wide eyes, he questioned, "That's it?"

"Yes, sir. It wasn't pleasant, I told you.

With a tone of sorrow, he remarked, "I had no idea it was so tragic." "I feel terrible for your teacher and father. It had to have been disastrous.

"It was," I whispered, looking away.

"Is Queen Bria aware?"

"No, sir. I've never told anyone before, and you're probably the last.

"I should have avoided asking."

To be honest, sir, I'm happy you did. Can I hear yours now?

"All right," he said. "I am a royal. So yet, nothing dreadful has occurred.

"And the good?"

"My first class, the first book I read, and... He walked away.

"And what?"

"Nothin'. That's all. Despite sensing a lie, I ignored it.

"Now what? We've talked about our pasts; should we talk about the kingdom's?

"Yes, but not in this location. I intended to teach you while we strolled through the grounds.

My brows went up. "The gardens? What if someone sees us?

Some people sleep, and servants won't tell. They won't realize I'm educating you, even if they are seen.

We took a walk through the gardens after I gave my consent. His quiet speech and the aroma of the flowers created a sense of peace around me. I briefly felt more like a princess with her instructor than a maid surreptitiously picking up knowledge from a prince.