The day was still young when Elara quietly entered Maya's small chambers. She moved softly across the room, bending down to give Maya a gentle shake. "Maya," she whispered, "time to get up. The princess needs to be ready soon."
Maya stirred, rubbing her eyes. "Elara? What is it?"
Elara crossed her arms, her tone becoming serious. "It's from the queen. She commanded that the princess and Prince Alexus attend the festival in Eldoria today. The princess needs to blend in with the crowd, so you'll need to dress her in simple, modest clothes."
Maya blinked, trying to process the unusual request. "Blend in…? Regular clothes for the princess?"
Elara nodded firmly. "Yes, the prince requested it, and the queen approved. This isn't just a suggestion, Maya. Make sure she looks like any other person at the festival."
Maya sighed, sitting up. "Alright. If it's the queen's command, I'll see to it."
Today was the day of Eldoria's grand festival, and the princess would be attending alongside Prince Alexus. She would need to blend in with the crowd, dressed simply, with no hint of her royal status.
As Maya rose and dressed, a thought crossed her mind: It should have been me, guiding the prince. She could almost imagine herself leading him through the familiar streets, showing him the places she loved, sharing little-known secrets about the city. But reality pulled her back; she was here to serve the princess, and today was no exception.
Steeling herself, Maya made her way to the princess's chambers, hoping her feelings wouldn't show. She pushed open the door and entered, her expression calm but her heart just a little heavier, ready to prepare the princess for her day with the prince.
"Good morning princess, " she saluted bowing beside the big magnificent bed. The princess walked up with a stir her face shone with the light as she took in her surroundings.
"Maya ! What are you doing here at the crack of dawn" she said her voice drowning out with a yawn.
"My apologies your highness but the Queen has realesed an order that I should help you prepare for the days venture " Okay make haste with it.
Maya quickly moved to the wardrobe, carefully selecting the finest garments for the princess. The morning light streamed through the grand windows, casting a golden hue over the luxurious chamber. She worked swiftly, laying out the princess's dress and gathering the necessary accessories.
"Shall I fetch your bath, Your Highness?" Maya asked, keeping her tone respectful yet efficient.
The princess waved a lazy hand. "Yes, yes. Just be quick about it."
Maya bowed and hurried off, her mind already planning the rest of the preparations. Today would be another long day, and she had to ensure everything was perfect as per the Queen's orders.
With the princess dawned in a blue gown simple yet elegant floral dress her hair tied in a tight bun, she looked flawless yet simple her clothes tho simple made her ultimately beautiful.
I had just finished pinning the last silver clasp into Princess Samantha's braid when the knock came.
"Maya," the page's voice cut through the air like a blade. "Chief Maid Elara wants you. Now."
The princess didn't even glance at me. "Don't take all morning," she murmured, her eyes fixed on her reflection, utterly unmoved.
I curtsied and slipped out, dress swaying with each step down the cold stone corridor.
When I reached the servants' wing, Elara was already waiting, holding a bundle of gray wool in her arms. Her mouth pressed into its usual disapproval.
"You'll be accompanying the princess and Prince Alexus to the Festival of Lights," she said, shoving the bundle into my arms. "The Queen wants you in plain dress. Nothing fussy. You're to blend in with the crowd."
I nodded. "Yes, ma'am."
The fabric in my hands was rough—simple gray wool, like what townsfolk wore to market. No silks, no jewels. No trace of palace shine. Just something made to disappear in.
Still, it stirred something inside me.
The Festival of Lights.
Three years ago, I'd have run wild through the streets with Javier—my brother, my heart. We'd race between stalls, our pockets empty but our eyes full of wonder. He'd always choose the biggest lantern and name it after a dragon. We didn't have much, but we had each other.
Until he got sick.
And nothing worked.
No herb woman. No local apothecary. The fever just clung to him, devouring his strength. We sold everything to try and cure it—until we had nothing left but prayers and grief.
I tried begging. I tried waiting.
Then I did the unthinkable.
I stopped my thoughts before I could get carried away, adjusting the dress,The rough wool dress itched faintly against my skin, unfamiliar after being used to fine silks and pressed linens meant for palace service. I stood in front of the narrow mirror in Elara's chambers, adjusting the simple gray cloak over my shoulders. It was plain—exactly what the townspeople wore beyond the gates. I barely recognized myself in it.
Elara stood behind me, arms folded tightly, her sharp eyes watching my reflection rather than me directly.
"This is not a parade for you," she said. "You're not out there to enjoy anything. You're a servant. Remember that."
"Yes, ma'am," I murmured.
She stepped forward, straightening the fold of my collar with a little too much force. "You'll stay close to the princess and Prince Alexus. No wandering. No speaking unless spoken to. Understood?"
"Yes."
Elara walked over to a small drawer and retrieved a simple sash, tossing it on the table before turning back to me. "There will be two guards nearby. Dressed as townsfolk. You won't see them, but they'll be watching."
I looked up, confused. "Why?"
"In case anything goes wrong," she said flatly. "Your role is to keep your eyes and ears open. If something doesn't feel right, you signal."
"Signal?"
She demonstrated, lifting her hand and subtly flicking her index and middle fingers. "Like this. Small, controlled. They'll know what to look for."
I copied her motion, slower, careful.
"Good," she said. Then her eyes narrowed. "Don't test the Queen's mercy again, Maya. You're lucky to be leaving the palace at all."
I lowered my gaze. "I understand."
Elara gave one final pull on the sash around my waist, then stepped back, arms folded as she eyed me from head to toe. Her mouth tightened, but she said nothing more about the dress. Instead, she moved toward the door and opened it halfway.
"Go," she said curtly. "See if the carriage has arrived. If it has, come back and inform me so we can summon the princess."
I gave a small nod, grateful to escape her piercing gaze.
"Yes, ma'am."
The halls outside her chambers were still and dim, lit only by the soft morning light filtering through the narrow windows. My boots padded quietly against the stone, and my fingers fiddled with the hem of my cloak. I didn't know why my hands wouldn't stay still—maybe it was nerves, or maybe the strange weight of being outside my servant's uniform for the first time since…
Don't think about it. Not now.
I quickened my steps toward the main courtyard, where the horses usually stood waiting.
Maya stepped into the familiar courtyard where the palace's horses were usually kept. The morning was quiet, save for the soft snorts and hooves tapping against stone.
There, just beyond the stables, stood the carriage.
Its frame gleamed beneath the sunlight, finely crafted with polished wood and subtle golden accents along the edges. The wheels were sturdy, freshly cleaned, and the horses were already harnessed—tall, black, and restless. A coachman stood near the front, adjusting the reins.
Maya lingered only for a second before turning briskly back the way she came.
She made her way through the corridors and returned to Elara's chambers, where the chief maid was still sorting garments on a side table.
"The carriage has arrived, ma'am," Maya said quietly, standing near the doorway.
Elara glanced at her, gave a small nod. "Good. Now go inform the princess. She should be ready."
"Yes, ma'am."
Maya dipped her head respectfully and turned towards the Queen chambers.
"Princess Samantha," Maya called softly as she stepped into the room, keeping her head low. "The carriage has arrived."
The princess stood near the window, adjusting one of her gloves. Without turning, she replied, "Finally."
Maya stepped aside as Samantha moved past her, her posture tall and elegant, her presence as commanding as always. Maya followed a few steps behind as they made their way through the palace halls and out into the courtyard.
Prince Alexus was already there, standing by the carriage. He turned with a smile as the princess approached.
"Ready to go see the festival?" he asked warmly.
Samantha gave a small, graceful nod, her lips curving into a polite smile. "Of course."
Alexus reached out his hand, helping her step up into the carriage with practiced ease. She accepted it, her movements fluid and poised as she settled onto the velvet seat inside.
Maya walked past them to the front, where she climbed up to sit beside the coachman, her cloak pulled tighter around her shoulders. She kept her gaze forward, not speaking.
The horses stirred. The carriage wheels creaked faintly.