"Prince Ethan is back!" the head maid announced loudly.
"Quick, quick! Line up!" she barked.
I and the other maids quickly formed two lines, leaving space between us. All the palace maids were lined up, from the entrance down to the throne hall, arranged by levels. Mom and I stood closest to the throne, since we're among the highest-ranking maids.
The queen stood with a bright smile as the guards opened the two huge golden doors. We all bowed our heads immediately. From the corner of my eye, I could see him walk in.
A tall, tired-looking figure entered, surrounded by royal guards carrying his things.
"My sweet Ethan, welcome back," the queen said warmly, spreading her arms.
Prince Thomas stood up from his special seat and gave a short bow.
I couldn't see Ethan's face clearly, but the moment he stepped in, a strange chill ran down my spine. Mom wasn't exaggerating, his presence alone was intimidating.
Ethan bowed to his father. "Welcome back home," King Ambrose said with a proud smile.
I rubbed my palms nervously. I just hoped the queen wouldn't embarrass me again in front of everyone.
Then she said, "Ethan, come here. I want to ask you something."
I sighed. Oh no… please don't let it be what I'm thinking.
"Hey, you! Allison!"
Forget it. I'm already doomed ever since she read that book. I'm sure she still can't get over the romantic parts, it will probably haunt her every night!
"Yes, Your Majesty," I said quietly.
"Look up!" she commanded.
I quickly looked up at her.
"No, not me. Ethan!"
My heart dropped. Slowly, I moved my gaze to him and froze the moment our eyes met. He looked surprised too, but it quickly turned to disgust.
The queen was watching us closely. I forced myself to tremble a bit, pretending to be scared, since everyone said people feared him.
"Not him, Your Majesty," I lied again. Because truthfully, he is the Ethan I wrote about. My Ethan!
I'll think about how that's even possible later if I survive this scene.
Seeing the disgust on her son's face, Queen Susan sighed in relief. But she still wanted to confirm.
"So, Ethan, you don't know her right? She claims her ex-boyfriend has your name."
Ethan gave me a cold glare. "She must be out of her mind," he said and turned away.
"Oh, congratulations, Allison," the queen said with a fake sweet smile. "My son isn't your ex-boyfriend."
Seriously? Her face just changed from devilish to angelic just like that?
...
Back in my room, I stared blankly at the wall.
" How is that even possible? Did he live with someone or how come?..." I sighed.
"Please, just keep hating me till I leave," I mumbled.
Ethan… he's taller now. Being more mature and more handsome it's annoying. This is not the ordinary Ethan I used to know, he's now a powerful crown prince.
....
Later that evening, I entered the dining room carrying a tray with a tea jug. I'll just act normal. I only signed a three-month contract, and it ends next month anyway.
As I poured their tea, Ethan looked at his cup with disgust.
"Who made this?" he asked coldly.
"Me…"
"Take it away."
I quickly picked up the cup. Honestly, I didn't mind. The more he dislikes me, the safer I am from the queen's suspicion.
"Don't make anything for me again," he said, his tone was sharp and authoritative. "I hate dirty things," he added.
Queen Susan blinked in confusion. Ethan was never this rude to the maids.
"What kind of punishment did you give her when she said that nonsense?" he asked his mother.
The queen chuckled lightly. "She said it's not you, so I forced myself to believe her."
Ethan turned to me. "Then why say it in the first place? Were you trying to embarrass me?"
My eyes widened. I looked at the queen, hoping she would explain. But she didn't even glance at me. Not even a word. So this is the kind woman Mom talked about?
Well, who I'm I for her to speak up for me? I almost forgot my identity….
I lowered my head and bowed in silence, unable to defend myself.
That only made him angrier. "If I don't punish her, what will the others say? Everyone heard it!"
I shook my head quickly. Oh, please, not this again. I suddenly wish the king were here, despite being a king, he will say the truth.
"Guards," he said.
Two guards stepped forward and bowed. Ethan leaned toward one and whispered something. The guard froze, then looked at me with surprise.
I sighed nervously, what did he tell him?
"Twelve strokes," Ethan ordered coldly.
The guard grabbed my arm. My body started trembling. "Please…" I whispered, terrified. Ahhh Whipping? That's one thing I can't stand!
Thomas stood up immediately. "Brother, no!" He looked at his mother in disbelief. "Mom, you're not going to say anything?"
But the queen just sighed. "Why are you calling me? Ethan is just upset to be tinted by stain, nothing much."
"Take her away," Ethan said again.
"No, no! Please!! Give me another punishment!" I begged desperately, I can't take the whipping!
Before they could drag me out, my mom rushed in and fell to her knees. "Please, Your Highness! I'll take the punishment for her!"
"Mom!" I gasped, feeling both angry and helpless. Watching her beg for me made my heart ache. I hate being poor. I hate Regelio's family. I hate my life!
"Mia, stay out of it," the queen said sharply.
"Please, my queen," Mom pleaded. "My daughter has always been terrified of being hit."
Ethan gave a lazy wave, and the guards released me. I ran straight to my mom as she kept bowing. "Thank you, Your Highness."
Watching her, I clenched my fists. So this is how they've been treating her all these years…
Mom tugged my hand down. "Bow," she whispered.
I threw a quick cold glance at Ethan, then bowed slowly. "Thank you for…" I frowned, glancing at Mom. "For not punishing me?"
" Noooooo!" She shook her head helplessly "For giving you a second chance," she whispered.
I exhaled and said softly, "Thank you for giving me a second chance."
The queen didn't even look at us. We are nobody anyway.