Chapter 1
The cool morning wind brushed against Elena's face, sending strands of her dark, wavy hair dancing gently in the breeze. She held a basket of clothes against her side, a soft smile resting upon her lips as she walked through the palace's grounds. There was something about her smile that made her seem brighter than the morning itself.
She walked toward her friend, Mira, and together they began spreading the freshly washed clothes across the long wooden lines.They had barely finished when one of the maids approached Elena.“Elena, someone is looking for you.”Elena turned around, her green, almond-shaped eyes catching the morning sunlight. For a moment, their brightness seemed to captivate those around her.
“Me?”
she asked, pointing to herself as if to make sure she had heard correctly.The maid nodded.
“At the Prince's Antechamber. They are waiting for you there.”
Why are they calling me? Elena wondered, a hint of confusion crossing her face.Mira suddenly nudged her playfully on the shoulder
.“Hey, Elena! Looks like they want to promote you.”
Elena's eyes brightened at the thought. “A promotion?” she repeated, unable to hide her smile.She quickly set her basket down and wiped her hands against her apron.“I'd better go. I don't want to keep them waiting.”She hurried away, almost running across the courtyard.
“Bye, Elena!”
Mira called after her, waving happily.Elena turned around and waved back before disappearing through the palace doorsWhen Elena reached the antechamber, she found no one there.Confused, she looked around the quiet room. The antechamber was nearly empty, save for a few folded linens and a wooden table against the wall.Just as she was about to turn around, she noticed another maid walking past with an armful of linen
"Excuse me…”
The maid stopped and turned toward her.“Hmm?”“I was asked to come here. My name is Elena—Elena Veyra.”The moment the maid heard her name, her eyes widened.But just as quickly, she masked her surprise.“Yes… hmm. Take this.”She pushed the bundle of fresh linen into Elena's arms.“The Crown Prince has arrived. His chambers need to be prepared before he returns to the palace.”“But—”“No excuses,” the maid interrupted quickly.Before Elena could ask another question, the woman hurried away.Elena stood there, staring after her.Why didn't they send one of the servants who usually prepared the royal chambers?Something felt strange.Could this be a prank?She tightened her grip around the linen, suddenly feeling cautious and overwhelmed.The Crown Prince had arrived.
After all these years…She was finally going to see him again.She had been waiting for his return ever since he had left for a foreign land years ago.Elena took a slow breath before entering his chambers.
The moment she stepped inside, she stopped.The room was magnificent.Elegant curtains hung from the tall windows, and intricate patterns decorated the walls. Everything was arranged perfectly, from the polished furniture to the large bed standing at the center of the room.Elena slowly walked around, taking in every detail.Then she closed her eyes and inhaled softly.The room carried a familiar scent.She smiled faintly.
“It smells nice… and like him,”
she whispered.Her smile slowly faded
i wonder if he still remembers me…She lowered her gaze.Or us
.For a moment, an ache settled in her chest.Then she shook her head, forcing the thought away.“There is no future in what I'm thinking about,” she whispered to herself. “Let's just get to work.”She turned toward the bed.Then she froze.The bed was already perfectly arranged.Elena stared at it.Her confusion quickly turned into irritation.“You have got to be kidding me…”She had carried all the way here for nothing.She turned toward the door, ready to find the maid who had sent her and demand an explanation.But before she could reach it—
Click.
The door opened.Elena stopped.Someone stepped into the room.Her eyes widened.For several seconds, she could do nothing but stare.No…She knew that face.The boy she had grown up with was no longer the boy she remembered.He stood before her now as a tall, striking young man dressed in royal attire.The Crown Prince
.Adrian Lucien Auremont.
After years apart, he was finally standing before her. but even though they are standing close they are still worlds apart he is a crown prince, and she's a maid And whatever they had once been to each other
Perhaps it belonged in the he pastThen she quickly snapped out of her daze.She lowered her head into a deep bow.“Your Highness.”Silence.Adrian's dark-blue eyes remained fixed upon her.His expression was unreadable.Then, in a deep, cold voice, he asked,“What are you doing here?”
Five Years Ago:
The sun hung high above the palace grounds, casting a warm golden glow over the training yard.
From the hill overlooking the grounds, sixteen-year-old Elena stood quietly, watching.
Her eyes followed every movement of the young man below.
Prince Adrian,her crush, they both have known each other all ther lives only that sge was a maid
Nineteen years old now, he moved across the training yard with a sword in his hand, his expression focused as he sparred with one of the palace guards.
Elena watched, mesmerized.
Every swing of his sword was precise. Every movement seemed effortless.
And she wasn't the only one watching.
A few young ladies passing by slowed their steps, whispering excitedly as they stole glances at the Crown Prince.
Elena noticed.
She frowned slightly.
Of course they would stare.
She turned her attention back to Adrian.
As though he could somehow feel her gaze, Adrian suddenly stopped.
He was breathing heavily from the training, his chest rising and falling as he wiped the sweat from his forehead.
Then he looked up.
Straight at her.
Elena froze.
Their eyes met across the distance.
For a moment, Adrian simply stared.
Then—
He winked.
A mischievous grin spread across his face.
Elena's eyes widened.
Heat rushed to her cheeks.
She quickly looked away, pretending she hadn't seen him.
When she looked back, Adrian was already walking away from the training yard.
Elena's smile disappeared.
She sighed.
“Wait…”
But he was gone.
She stared at the spot where he had disappeared, slightly disappointed.
Then—
Tap.
Someone touched her shoulder.
Elena jumped and spun around.
“Ah!”
Adrian stood behind her, laughing.
Elena placed a hand over her chest.
“Stop laughing!”
Adrian tried to contain himself.
“O-okay, okay. I'll stop.”
He was still grinning.
Elena narrowed her eyes at him, bit later calmef down ehen she saw his Good looking face
POV ELENA
I stared at him as his smile widened, smiling for me , a common maid. His highness and i had known each other sincr we were little, my mother was his personal maid and she would ket me tag along with her. At first Adrian would push me away but then we grew super close, even though we both know th world would never accept our friendship
" Hey" Adrian called me making me blink ot of my trance. " I have something for you"
" Me?, what is that?" I was curious
Adrianoved gis hamds from behind his back
In them was a delicye wreath made a intertwined branches and beautified little fiers
“You scared me.”
“I'm sorry.”
He didn't sound sorry at all.
He was still smiling.
Then his expression softened.
“I have something for you.”
Elena blinked.
“What?”
Adrian moved his hands from behind his back.
In them was a delicate wreath made of intertwined branches and beautiful little flowers.
Elena's eyes widened.
Adrian stepped closer and gently placed it on her head.
For a moment, she said nothing.
She carefully touched the flowers, her eyes shining with wonder.
Adrian's smile slowly faded.
“You… don't like it?”
Elena looked up quickly.
“Huh?”
Her eyes met his.
“N-no! I do.”
A bright smile spread across her face.
“I like it so much.”
Adrian's smile returned.
“Good.”
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
They simply stood there together, surrounded by the warm breeze and the soft sound of leaves moving in the distance.
Neither of them noticed how quickly the moment was passing.
Neither wanted it to end.
“Elena! Elena!”
A familiar voice suddenly called from below.
Elena's eyes widened.
“Oh no, for Saint's sake…”
Adrian sighed.
“Your mother.”
Elena turned toward the sound.
“I have to go.”
“Wait.”
She looked back at him.
“When will we meet again?”
Elena hesitated, then gave him a shy smile.
“I… I don't know.”
Adrian looked away for a moment, his cheeks slightly reddening.
“How about tonight?”
Elena blinked.
“Our place.”
He lowered his voice.
“I-I have something to tell you.”
Elena couldn't help giggling at his nervousness.
“Okay.”
Adrian smiled.
“Okay?”
Elena nodded.
“Okay.”
He stepped back and gave her a playful bow, one hand behind his back and the other resting against his chest.
“See you, my lady.”
Elena's cheeks warmed again.
“See you, Your Highness.”
She returned his bow gracefully.
For a moment, the wind swept through her hair, carrying the scent of flowers around them.
Adrian watched her quietly.
And as Elena walked away, the little floral crown resting gently upon her head, he couldn't help but smile.
Neither of them knew it then…
But that evening would change everything.
