Cocoa

I shook my head and gave a small smile. "No, if it's not too much trouble, I think I'll just have some hot cocoa."

"It isn't." He got me a glass and sat down to watch me take a sip. He leaned back comfortably in his chair and held his own cup in his hands.

"You wanted nothing at all?" Startled, I asked.

"Well, no." "How would I explain to the maids that we wanted such treats as hot cocoa?" he asked after pausing. I was unable to.

"Are you certain?" I raised an eyebrow in question.

"Yes, without a doubt. The day after Christmas, I'm heading out to see my mom. With a contemplative tone, he said, "I wanted to let you know in case you need anything from town, since I'll be there."

"No, I don't think so," I said, appreciating his thoughtfulness.

I bowed slightly and replied, "Very well, if you insist, please tell Queen Bria that I'll get some bolts of cloth for her."

"Great. However, how long will you be gone? With an inquisitive tone, Prince Jase asked.

I answered, "Perhaps three days—two for travel and one to take care of things."

Startled, he questioned, "Is that all?"

I couldn't contain my laughter. "Sir, don't seem so surprised! As a maid, I count myself lucky to have three days at all!

Prince Jase, however, was not grinning. "I'll change that when I become king," he added, his face growing serious. I promise that all employees, including maids, will get holidays and vacation time. Unlike my father, I will not allow them to labor through Christmas.

I said with a hint of appreciation, "I see you've learned something from him, after all."

"Yes, how not to be a king," he said, half-grinding wryly. He looked down at his faded and scuffed leather shoes. "I'm going to Camryn, but I must be off."

"Camryn?" Intrigued, I repeated.

“Happy Christmas, and make sure to come see me before you leave,” he nodded.

"I will, sir. I also wish you a very Merry Christmas!" As he turned and walked out of the room, I smiled back at him.

I went back to my room and walked over to the wooden box that was sitting on my little table. I opened it and saw the garment inside. I was not shocked to see that it suited me perfectly when I held it up. As soon as I opened the package, I got a gut feeling that Prince Jase had picked this garment specifically for me. I laid on my bed, feeling content and joyful in silence.

I went to Prince Jase's quarters on Christmas night and gently tapped on the door. The staff had a busy day, but the royals had a calm day of relaxation and luxury. We maids rose with the sun as the royals slept in, opened presents, and indulged. After cleaning everything until it was spotless and working in the kitchens, we held a little celebration in the servants' quarters. The warmth and companionship we experienced made the day memorable even if there weren't many gifts to exchange.

"Enter now!" From inside came the voice of Prince Jase.

I entered. "Good night, sir. I remarked in a quiet but clear voice, "I've come to say goodbye to you.

He looked up from his desk, where he had been making notes about the tasks he would perform after he had the kingdom—another item on the never-ending list he maintained until he could get his books back. He stood up and pointed to the table, saying, "Well, come in then, and take a seat." "Are you not supposed to have a horse?"

Indeed, there was an elderly gray gelding grazing in the fields. "He is a fine horse," I nodded in response.

"That aged, weary beast? He can hardly do much more than walk! Prince Jase's eyebrows furrowed in disdain as he exclaimed. "I'll make sure you get a better horse by talking to the stable manager first thing tomorrow morning."

To allay his worries, I answered, "Thank you, sir, but the grey gelding will suffice."

He answered in a forceful but gentle tone, "Please, I insist on helping you."

I couldn't control myself and spoke without thinking when I was angry. Why do you want to assist me, sir? To compensate for the treatment of servants under your authority? To finish whatever else Queen Bria gave you? Tell me, please, sir! I must know why you are assisting me.

Prince Jase gazed at me with a look that was a mix of surprise and something more delicate, like hurt. I immediately felt bad about my reaction. I bowed my head and whispered, "Oh, pardon me, sir! I shouldn't have said that! You have been incredibly generous and kind. I was just taken aback, nothing more. Forgive me, please, my lord.

I looked up into his eyes as he stretched out and gently touched me with two fingers under my chin. He remarked in a soothing, quiet voice, "Camryn, there is nothing to forgive." "I am not at all upset with you for being confused. Let me respond to your inquiries. First of all, you have evolved into much more than just a burden to me. Second, if Queen Bria found out that I was speaking to you in this manner, she would be upset. I understand if my comments make you feel afraid, but if you don't share my feelings, I don't want you to listen.

I looked at him in confusion, but with a growing sense of exhilaration and excitement. That's when I knew how much I loved him. My feelings for him had developed over the last few months, and I might even fall in love. To get rid of the whirling thoughts, I shook my head and returned my attention to him. "Sir, could you please be more straightforward?"

"Yes."

"Sir, if you really feel that way, I feel the same way when I think back on our time together."

A slow, bright smile spread across his face until he was beaming with unbridled joy. "I can honestly say that what I said was the most honest thing I have ever said."

"Then I have to confess my love for you."

His smile grew, if it could. "Then I have to confess that I also love you."

My face lit up with a smile, reflecting his happiness. For an instant, Prince Jase leaned forward, and I thought he may kiss me—I think he did, too. However, he withdrew, leaving me to remain there with my heart pounding. "Sir, even though I now fear it, I still have to go tomorrow," he added in a regretful tone.

"Go, Camryn, and we'll take care of this when you get back." Do you agree?

"Thank you, sir. Would it be inappropriate, sir, if I gave you a hug?

With a lighthearted sparkle in his eyes, he stood. "With one caveat."

"Yes?"

"Call me Jase rather than sir." He moved closer and embraced me warmly after I nodded. He held me for a long time, and I allowed myself to savor the sensation of his love, his warm embrace, and his powerful arms. I felt as though I had discovered a fragment of heaven on earth.

However, nothing is permanent.