The garden looks absolutely beautiful today from the large window. It reaches from the ceiling to the floor, giving an excellent view of the royal garden. I remember coming here when I was young, wishing that I could go and explore the garden below. This window was my sanctuary, somewhere I could come when I had a bad day. It brings me peace. Though, I haven't come to sit here in a very long time. I've been too busy, with work piling up more and more each day. I scrub the window that's much larger than my tiny room, making sure to not leave streaks. The queen hates those. I still day dream about going to explore the flower garden as I sing a song I've sang every since I was a child. But the queen will end me if she sees that I'm slacking off, again. Especially after yesterday's events.

I finish cleaning the window earlier than usual so I might as well visit Vicky and see if she needs any help in the kitchen. I love helping her in any way I can. Plus, she always finds a way to make my day brighter. As I get to the swinging door, I hear people having a joyful conversation. It's probably one of the other maids. They all love talking to Vicky. Why wouldn't they? Positivity radiates off of her with her sweet voice and can-do attitude. Though, they rarely ever say two words to me. Only Cara and Alice do.

"Vicky! I finished early so I was thinking I could-" I stop mid-sentence, startled by the sight of the person she's talking to.

Prince Fredrick.

He's leaning on the tiled island whilst in conversation with Vicky. He turns with his hair moving at his sudden motion and stops as well, raising his eyebrows in surprise.

"Uh.. sorry. I didn't mean to, uh, interrupt." What am I supposed to say? Why are you in your own kitchen talking to your chef?

"Oh, you're not disturbing us, dear! Come in!" Why does she sound more cheery than normal? I enter the kitchen, refraining from looking at the prince. It is way too easy to get lost in his strong, green eyes.

"Here. Can you two mix these for me?" She gives us two bowls full of different substances. I grab a large spoon and begin mixing. Why is he here?

"Is your hand feeling better?" Prince Fredrick suddenly asks me.

"Uh, yeah.." Is all I can get out of my mouth. I look down and notice that I'm mixing so hard that the contents are now spilling out.

"Alright honey, I think you're done." Vicky quickly takes the bowls away from me and the Prince. Goodness Lily, you're an adult! Act like it!

"Well, I need to get back to work so I'll see you later tonight." I give Vicky a small tight hug, then wave at the prince, not daring to speak to him.

"I need to leave too. I have a few things I need to get done," Prince Fredrick states, getting up from the backless bar stool.

"Bye sweetie! It was lovely talking to you!" Vicky calls as I quickly rush out the door, only to be followed by the Prince. He then falls into step with me. What is he up to?

"Where are you headed?" Why is he asking me such a question? And why would he care?

"I'm going to fold the queen's clothes."

"By yourself?" I nod in response. "What a coincidence! I'm going that way as well. Do you mind if I walk with you?"

"Um, I guess not?" Why did I say yes? Am I in the right state of mind?

"Do you always work alone?" Yes, either because no one is allowed to help me, or no one cares. Cara and Alice have no idea about how much work I actually have, even if Cara knows about the abuse.

"Not always. I occasionally get help from the other maids." It hurt to lie to him, but I lied because I don't want to ruin his bubble gum image of his mother.

"Ah, I see." He slowly nods and places his pointer finger on his chin in understanding. Some sort of doubtful expression that I can't seem to name plasters itself on his face, but quickly turns into a smile.

"That's good. I want to make sure all of our maids are well taken care of."

I awkwardly nod, because I know that I gave him false information. I wish I could tell him, but there would be no reason to say anything. He won't do anything. He won't care. No one ever does.

"Fredrick!" I hear an all too familiar, scary voice coming from the office.

We're just a mere 20 steps from the room where the Queen is.

"Oh no,"

Fredrick looks straight at me, then back to the office where the sound of heels slapping across the tiled floor is coming from. I can hear it echoing throughout the wide hallway and into my soul. My heart jumps at the sound, while my brain is already melting into a stressed out puddle. The Prince carefully, but forcefully, grabs me by my arm in attempt to hide me. In less than 5 seconds, I find myself being pushed into one of the many broom closets.

"I'll be right back!" He whispers, quickly shutting the small wooden door.

I don't hear anything for a minute as I'm cramped between dozens of feather dusters and brooms, but I try my hardest to listen in on their conversation.

"Ah, Fredrick, there you are! Where were you?" She says in her toxic sweet tone.

"I was actually on my way to see you, mother." How does he sound so calm and collective? Just 2 seconds ago, he looked like he was about to have a heart attack!

"Fredrick, we need to talk about what we spoke about last night."

"At dinner?" His voice cracks just the slightest.

"No, we already spoke about that whole situation."

They did? What did she say? What did he say? Probably, "Yes, oh kind mother! I will never help her again. You were right, she is lower than dirt. Whatever you say!" I roll my eyes at the disgusting thought.

"Oh, that..." Prince Fredrick finally answers, the mood in his voice drops even lower at the mention. "I already told you where I stand on it." He simply states.

"Fredrick, the kingdom is counting on you to make the right choice! Do not be so selfish! Think about the people, the future of this kingdom, and especially me! The citizens will think that I am an irresponsible queen! Do you really want that?" She exaggerates every sentence, making any person who doesn't know her well think she's sane. All I hear after that is silence.

Do I just leave? The moment that thought dawns upon me, the door creaks open. It most certainly startles me as I accidentally hit the wall of cleaning supplies, making things fall on top of me. My eyes meet his joyful, and now confused, green eyes. I freeze up at the sight. His eyes...

"Oh my goodness, are you okay?" He chuckles in between his question, which makes something warm and happy bubble up inside me. What is that?

"Uh, yeah. I'm fine," I finally say. Wow, delayed reaction much? He takes my hand as if he's entering with me to a ball, leading out of the tiny space.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't want my mother to see you not working." He gives me a crooked smile as apology seeps through. I repay it by putting on a small smile.

He's still holding my hand as all of this plays out. He has the softest hands I've ever held. Okay, well, they're the only other hands I've ever held other than Vicky, but that's beside the point. He looks directly at my smile, then peers into my eyes. Why does he always look at my eyes? He eventually notices that my hand is still delicately holding onto his, as he awkwardly takes it back.

"Well, you better get back to work. I would feel awful to keep you here later than usual." No, you wouldn't. No one does.

"Yeah, good idea." Wow, is that really all I can come up with? Ugh, I'm a failure to humanity and all it stands for.

"I'll see you later, Lily," He said my name. Like it's a normal thing for royals to say. I watch him walk away as I feel something pinch me in the heart and before I can stop it, I blurt out,

"Prince Fredrick!"

He swiftly turns to face me.

"Uh, thank you. For yesterday. My hand feels a lot better,"

His soft smile turns into a toothy grin as he rubs the back of his neck. Man, he looks adorable- What?

"You're very welcome, Lily."

He then turns around to leave, which leaves me feeling a bit sad with his absence. I'm not sure why, though. After he's out of sight, I make my way to fold the queen's clothes, which are hanging on a clothes line at the moment. I make sure no one sees me, which I succeeded, and I'm finally folding the clothes in peace... until Alice rips away the dress that I'm folding.

"Alright, spill."

~Love