The Royal Maid And The Lost Kingdom

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

As the days passed, I found myself becoming closer to Edward. Our conversations were filled with laughter and honesty, and I couldn’t help but feel a deep harmony with him thriving. We would talk about everything, from our yearnings and fears to our choice of foods and hobbies. I knew there was no way how the maids have not started a rumor about me and the Prince, but I was happy for the first time in a long time.

One day, while walking through the palace, I overheard some of the maids gossiping about Edward. They were talking about how he was known for his mischievous attitude and how he often caused trouble in the palace. I couldn’t help but smile, knowing how different he was with me. They only knew that part of him while I know hi, now for who he was, a pure hearted fellow who had to put on a mask for the public because he was hurt and scared.

Edward and I were sitting in the gardens, appreciating the warm sun when I brought up the gossip I had heard about him. “Edward, I heard the maids talking about your mischievous side, is that true?” I asked with a smirk.

Edward chuckled, “Well, I have been known to cause a bit of trouble in my time, but I promise I’ll behave around you.” He said with a grin.

“I’ll hold you to that,” I said playfully.

In addition to my growing relationship with Edward, I found myself spending more and more time with Prince Andrew. Our discussions were light and easy, and I was grateful to have someone to who I could talk without any worries not because I could not tell them to Edward but because I know that Edward would take massive and drastic measures to make sure that whatever it was either who or what will either be jailed, burned, executed or exiled.

While having tea with Andrew, I asked him how he was feeling about our relationship. “You know, Alice, I have to admit, I was a bit apprehensive about getting to know you at first, but I’m glad we’ve been able to put the past behind us and become friends,” Andrew said with a smile.

“I feel the same way, Andrew. I’m grateful for the opportunity to get to know you better, and I would like to tender my apologies again for how things ended at that dinner” I replied. Andrew looked at me and gave a short laugh.

“I sincerely meant it when I said that I wanted you to be happy. And when I see Edward now, I knew you made the right choice. He looks happy as he was before he was….” He trailed off looking into the distance.

“Before he was kidnapped?” I finished, he turned to look at me in shock before realization crossed his face.

“He told you that.” He stated.

“Yes, he did.” I answered honestly. I did promise him not to tell a soul but his family already knows and I was speaking to his brother so I broke no promise.

“Wow, that shows his trust for you. Don’t betray him Alice, he would be broken if you do.” He said.

Andrew and I decided to take a stroll and as we were strolling in the palace gardens, we overheard a group of maids gossiping about me. I could tell that their words were intended to be hurtful, but I refused to let them bring me down, I have heard a lot of rumors as to how I was sleeping with both Princes and as to how I had Edward wrapped around my finger, I mean at least they got one right.

“Can you believe that street urchin has the nerve to associate with Prince Andrew and even Prince Edward?” one of them said. Andrew’s expression turned to one of anger as he heard their words, and he stepped forward to confront them.

“Excuse me, ladies,” he said sternly. “But I will not tolerate anyone speaking ill of Alice. She is a friend of mine, and I won’t stand by and let you bully her.”

The maids looked taken aback by Andrew’s words, and they quickly scurried away. I couldn’t help but feel grateful for his support, and I smiled up at him, feeling a sense of pride in our friendship. We continued our walk, I noticed that Edward was standing nearby, watching us with a smile on his face. He stepped forward to join us, and I felt my heart swell with happiness as the three of us walked together, chatting and laughing like old friends.

“You’re a feisty one, Alice,” Edward said, still grinning. “I can see why Andrew likes you so much.”

“Thanks,” I replied, feeling a flush of embarrassment at the praise. “But I won’t let anyone bully me, not even a group of maids.”

Andrew nodded in agreement. “That’s one of the things I admire about you, Alice. You’re not afraid to stand up for yourself.”

We continued our walk, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the two of them. Regardless of the challenges and problems I had faced in my life, I knew that I was lucky to have such a good friend and a very protective lover by my side.

I was getting ready for bed that evening, and there was a knock on my door. When I opened it, I was surprised to find three of the maids who had previously teased me standing in the hallway.

“Oh look, it’s the new girl,” One of the maids said with a sneer, as she and two others entered my room which I was cleaning up a little. “Thinking she’s all that just because she’s spending time with Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.” Even after spending almost four months in the castle they still refer to me as new girl.

“I heard she’s just using them to get ahead,” Another chimed in, crossing her arms over her chest. I was already in the palace for some weeks when I heard that only people of noble family or have noble bloods were allowed to be maids. No wonder the hierarchy play that always happens and that would explain Madam Teresa and Meredith’s attitude even though most of the maids act worse than a street urchin.

I stood up straight, not wanting to show that their words were affecting me. “I’m not using anyone,” I said firmly. “I’m just doing my job and minding my own business.”

“Your job?” the first maid laughed. “You’re just a maid, like the rest of us. You don’t belong here, with the royalty.”Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

“And you think you do?” I retorted. “Just because you were born into a suitable and low-class noble family doesn’t make you better than anyone else. We all have our own talents and skills, and that’s what matters.” I knew that those not wanted by their family or illegitimate daughters or those who hoped for the Prince to fall for their children sends their daughter to the castle to become maids. I was the only one who was a full blooded commoner and was in the palace.

The maids looked taken aback, and for a moment there was silence. I was about to tell them to leave when Meredith, the head maid whom even though I did not tell her considered her my friend, came up behind them.

“What’s going on here?” She asked, looking from me to the three maids.

“These girls were just leaving,” I said, holding my chin high. “They were spreading rumors about me and trying to bring me down.”

Meredith scowled. “I won’t tolerate any bullying in this castle. If you have a problem with Alice, you come to me. Otherwise, leave her alone and do your own jobs.”

I laughed because I knew that she had some hidden temper that made her even scarier than Madam Teresa, and I heard a brief rumor from different sources. And the fact that Roxane said it too made it more believable that she was about to leave the castle.

“So I will ask again. What are you girls doing here?” she asked, her tone stern. We all know that if Madam Teresa retires or even went on a vacation, Meredith would be the highest authority that we would have.

One of the maids stepped forward. “We just wanted to talk to Alice,” she said, a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

Meredith crossed her arms. “Well, you can talk to her in the morning. It’s late, and she needs her rest.”

The maids looked disappointed, but they left without another word. I was grateful to Meredith for standing up for me, and I thanked her as I closed the door.

“Don’t let them get to you,” she said. “They’re just jealous of your relationship with Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.”

I nodded, but I couldn’t help feeling insecure. I had never been in a position of power before, and it was strange to be on the receiving end of jealousy and envy.

“You should see the way Prince Edward looks at you,” Meredith said, sensing my insecurity. “He admires you for who you are, and he doesn’t care about your past.”

She had sent away the maids who were jealous of my relationship with Prince Edward and I couldn’t help but wonder what was on her mind.

“Alice, my dear,” she said, her tone soft and motherly. “I just wanted to talk to you. I’m so happy for you and Prince Edward. And even Prince Andrew looks happy for you two.”

“Thank you, Meredith,” I replied, a smile spreading across my face. “It means a lot to hear you say that.”

“Of course, my dear,” she said. “But, I must advise you to be careful. The king might not accept your relationship and you need to be vigilant.”

“I understand,” I said, feeling a knot form in my stomach. “But I’ll do everything I can to make it work.”

“I have no doubt you will,” she said. “But I also wanted to ask if you’ve heard the rumor about the lost kingdom. Do you know what happened to the monarchs?”

“I’ve heard the rumor,” I said, nodding. “But I don’t have any information about what happened to the monarchs.”

“It’s just a rumor,” she said, shrugging. “But be careful, Alice. The kingdom can be a dangerous place, even for those in the royal court.”

“Thank you, Meredith, for your good wishes,” I replied to her. “I know the king may not accept me, but I have to try. I’ll be careful and vigilant, just like you advised.”

“Have you heard all the rumors about the lost kingdom though?” she asked, a look of concern on her face.

“Do you know what might have happened to the monarchs or what people say about it?”

I shook my head. “No, I haven’t heard anything about a lost kingdom or its monarchs. What do you know about it?”

“It’s just like I had just heard a rumor,” she said with a shrug. “Some say the kingdom was cursed and the monarchs disappeared without a trace. Others say they were overthrown. But nobody knows for sure.”

I felt a chill run down my spine at the thought of a cursed kingdom and missing monarchs. But I quickly pushed the thought aside and focused on the task at hand. “Thank you for letting me know, Meredith. I’ll be sure to be on the lookout for any information about the lost kingdom.”

Meredith nodded and gave me a reassuring smile. “Good luck, Alice. I’ll be rooting for you.”

“I will, Meredith,” I said, feeling grateful for her advice. “Thank you for everything. I’ll do my best to make you proud.”

“You already have, my dear,” she said, smiling warmly. “Just be yourself and be happy. That’s all I could ever ask for.”

I saw that she looked nervous and anxious. In all my days here so far I had never seen her like this.

“What is it?” I asked softly

“Alice,” Meredith continued, her tone now serious. “There’s another rumor that’s been spreading. It’s said that the monarchs had a daughter before they suddenly disappeared, and she was just five years old.”

“A daughter?” I repeated, my eyes wide with shock. “I had no idea.”

“Yes,” Meredith nodded. “And there are whispers that the daughter is still out there, somewhere. That she may hold the key to the kingdom’s future.”

“Do you think it’s true?” I asked, unable to contain my curiosity.

“I don’t know,” Meredith said, shrugging. “But it’s best to be cautious. If the rumors are true, the daughter could be in danger, and those who are searching for her could be dangerous as well.”

“I see,” I said, feeling a shiver run down my spine. “I’ll be careful.”

“Good,” Meredith said, her eyes softening. “Just remember, Alice, the kingdom can be a dangerous place. But as long as you have love and support, you’ll get through anything.”

With that, our conversation came to an end and I walked away feeling grateful for Meredith’s wisdom and support. I knew I had a lot to think about, but I was determined to make my relationship with Prince Edward work, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

Meredith hugged me and then said goodnight before leaving my room. I climbed into bed with a smile on my face, feeling grateful for the friends I had made in the palace and excited about what the future might hold.

I kept turning on my bed as I begged dreams to drag me away but none came, I couldn’t shake the thought of the lost kingdom and its missing monarchs from my mind. I tossed and turned in bed for what felt like hours, but sleep eluded me. Eventually, I got up and made my way to Edward’s room.

I walked to his room and yet the thoughts persisted almost like I was missing or forgetting something really important. I knew he would be awake, just like he always was when I needed him. He was always there to listen and offer a comforting words, and I needed that now more than ever. As I approached his room, I took a deep breath to steady myself. I didn’t want to alarm him, but I couldn’t keep the fear and uncertainty inside any longer. I pushed open the door and stepped inside, my eyes adjusting to the low light. Edward was sitting at his desk, writing by candlelight.

“Edward, I need to talk to you,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “I can’t sleep. I keep thinking about the lost kingdom and the missing monarchs. It’s all so strange and frightening.” Edward looked up from his writing and put down his quill. He stood up and walked over to me, placing a comforting arm around my shoulder.

“It’s okay, Alice,” he said. “It’s just a rumor. You don’t have to let it get to you. Come, sit with me and tell me what’s really bothering you.”

I let out a sigh of relief and followed him to the small sofa in his room. As we sat, I told him everything that was weighing on my mind, from my concerns about the king accepting me to my fear of the unknown. Edward listened intently, offering a supportive ear and words of comfort.

By the time I was finished, I felt a weight lifted from my shoulders. I had a renewed sense of determination and resolve. I thanked Edward for always being there for me and for helping me see things in a clearer light. With a final hug, I said as I kissed goodnight and returned to my room, ready to face the challenges ahead.