My birthday had arrived, and with it I had to start a new life. In my new life I had to move away from my foster parent and start paying my own rent and food. Thankfully, almost all the money I had earned on the farm remained; I had hardly spent any of it, so I could survive for a few months until I found a job that paid better. Unfortunately, I had to leave school and complete the remaining hours through correspondence study. I wanted to take my graduation exams early, but unfortunately the school does not allow it, so I can only finish the grade.
In the current city and country I couldn't find much work, so I set out into the big world. England was my destination, because there you can do many jobs even without a diploma, and they hire people quickly. The job search didn't take long at all—only a few weeks. I was hired by a general services company where extra workers are needed for various events. Things like cleaning after weddings, festival crews, and similar work.
A few months had already passed when a stranger called me on the phone. You see, the phone numbers of workers like us are known by many people precisely so they don't have to bother our supervisors if they need someone for temporary work. So I answered.
– Hello, this is Turner Heidi speaking, one of the employees of the general services crew! How can I help you?
I used my good-girl voice, because most callers were men who tended to prefer fresh meat.
– Hello! I have a job that would need to be done weekly, but before that I would like to have you for a trial day to make sure you're good labor. Of course I'll pay you for the day, and at the end we'll discuss how to continue!
His rough voice didn't really please me, and the fact that he hadn't introduced himself either, so I mentioned it.
– Excuse me, what did you say your name was?
I asked, even though I knew he hadn't said it.
– I'm George! Nice to meet you, and sorry—my mind is everywhere. So, could you take the job tonight, for example?
I heard people calling him in the background, so I quickly answered yes.
– Yes.
I replied briefly.
– Alright then, I'll expect you at 9 tonight. I'll send the address by SMS, and one more thing—wear something nice but practical! Goodbye!
Just as quickly as the call came, he hung up. I was completely confused and hadn't even asked what kind of job it was. A few minutes later I received the address. For now I didn't worry about it, since it wasn't time yet.
While waiting, I took care of some other matters, prepared my clothes, and tied up my hair neatly. You never know what kind of job they'll give you, but it's never bad if your hair is tied up.
Eventually the time came. I took out my phone and checked the address. It even gave me a full map: turn here, go a few streets down, turn left, and so on. I followed the instructions.
It was already quite late, so I walked toward my job under the night lights. It took a little while, but I finally arrived at the location. When I looked up from my phone, I saw that it was one of the side entrances of the royal palace.
I didn't know what to do. Should I call him, or go home because maybe it was just a prank? I didn't hesitate—I called the number. The phone rang but no one answered. However, just as I hung up, the massive gate opened.
I didn't hesitate, so I went in. A huge garden unfolded before me, along with the palace's rear façade. Countless trees and bushes spread across the garden, so large that I couldn't see the other end. I walked inward toward the palace. In the darkness, faint lights showed the path to the entrance.
As I walked along the path, I heard a voice. I thought maybe it was the man I had spoken to. I pushed my way through a few bushes, and then a clearer area opened up—and there was a boy.
The boy was talking on the phone when he saw me. He hung up and looked at me with piercing eyes. The boy, by the way, was quite handsome. Golden decorations hung from his clothing, velvet trousers, and something like a tuxedo jacket. He came closer.
I could see his features more clearly: a handsome, flawless face with beautiful ocean-blue eyes.
– Excuse me, I'm looking for George. If I'm correct, I was supposed to have a job starting at 9, and he gave me this address, but I can't find him anywhere. I assume it can't be you, because judging by his voice he sounded like an older man.
I tried not to faint from the sight of him and focused on the important thing—the job.
– Oh, George is quite a scatterbrained man, but that's how we like him. So then you must be…
He pointed toward me, trying to guess my name.
– Sorry—Turner Heidi, one of the employees of the general services company!
I answered almost mechanically.
– Heidi… hmm, that's a beautiful name! Come, I'll escort you to George, who will explain the rest of your duties.
So I followed the well-dressed young man. I walked behind him, a little distance away, because somehow I didn't feel like I could walk beside him. From behind, the boy had broad shoulders and a wide back—I suppose he works out, because he was quite lean and toned.
As we walked into the building, I could hardly take my eyes off him. Of course, the boy noticed my gaze, so he started talking to distract me.
– Heidi, is this your first time here?
He asked, though it felt like there was some hidden intention behind the question.
– Yes, and apparently if George is satisfied with my work, he'll request me weekly.
I don't know why I said that.
– By the way, do you also work here?
I asked, trying to keep the conversation going.
– Oh… well, I don't really work…
He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly and ran a hand through his blondish hair.
We didn't talk further, but we entered the palace. An older man was currently directing three other girls.
– George!
The boy shouted to the older man.
– The new girl is here—poor thing was wandering outside like a lost dog…
The boy laughed mockingly. Somehow he lost his charm.
– Thank you, Master Cedric.
He looked at me and I could see his mind was running everywhere—and that he was satisfied with my outfit. The rude boy left us there, so now only the two of us remained.
He explained that my job would be serving at the royal banquet. He had requested me specifically because I had good posture, looked presentable, and—incidentally—had good curves.
He gave me a bundle of red neckties made of real silk. He explained when I should bring what, and if they asked me to open wine or pour water I must do it. In short, if they opened their mouths, I had to run.
I presented myself as a professional worker, so when I found out I would be standing before the king himself, I didn't turn pale or start celebrating wildly. Of course, deep inside I knew this was a wonderful opportunity. If I did my job well, I might come here regularly—and surely they paid very well.
While waiting in a small break room, I secretly peeked out of the room from time to time.
The room I was in was some kind of resting place where workers could catch their breath. An elegant crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling. The room was beige, with an old-fashioned fireplace in one corner, decorated with pictures and flowers. Above it were two swords placed in an X shape.
The room was huge, with even larger windows. An elegant brown patterned carpet covered the center, surrounded by old-fashioned leather sofas and a glass table. The table legs were carved into patterns that symbolized some animal or something—I didn't really know, since I didn't understand this kind of art.
Outside I could see a large hall with a massive table in the middle.
A man around forty entered the big hall where the table stood. He looked similar to the boy, only older and with a beard. They were watching the door—the one I was peeking through—when another man suddenly looked back at me from the other side.
Startled, I jumped back—but I had been so absorbed in watching that I hadn't heard someone standing behind me, so we both fell over.
The other man then entered the room.
He had blond hair with some brown streaks and blue eyes just like the boy who had escorted me. He had a tall, masculine presence, neatly trimmed hair, and an amazing scent of perfume.
He extended his strong hand toward me. I accepted his help, and he pulled me up quickly—but with such force that I bumped into his chest.
With my free hand I touched his chest and pushed myself away. I looked at him apologetically. Embarrassed, I felt my face burning, because for a moment there had been no space between us—and I could feel his firm chest muscles through his clothes.
My heart was somehow beating in my throat.
– It's alright. Please wait a few minutes because the guests are only just arriving. Someone will tell you when you can come. In the meantime, please rest—you never know how long this dinner will last.
Even though I hadn't apologized, it must have shown on my face that I regretted what had happened.
So while he helped the other person up as well, I looked pleadingly at one of the staff members, who also apologized because he hadn't given any sign that he was behind me.
The two of us sat down on one of the extremely expensive leather sofas and waited for a miracle.
The man called another girl who later brought us two drinks.
It felt like a lifetime before the other girl finally broke the awkward silence.
– By the way, I didn't introduce myself. I'm Elena! One of the servers at the royal palace. I'm here with you now to guide you, but normally this isn't my job.
– Oh, sorry. I'm Heidi, and I work for a general services company. Who was that handsome man earlier?
I asked, wanting to understand a few things.
– He's one of the king's sons. More precisely, you saw the oldest one. His name is King Chase. I'm surprised by his behavior, because he's not usually such a gentleman…
She quickly covered her mouth and apologized.
– He probably did it for appearances. I know the type—I've dealt with people like that during work before. And how many children does the king have?
– There are three brothers in total. You've already met the oldest. Besides him there are two younger brothers. The middle one is called Colin, and the youngest is Cedric. Cedric is a real troublemaker—he always goes against his father somehow. For example, not long ago he was wandering around the courtyard.
That's when I realized I had also met the youngest one earlier. And foolishly I had embarrassed myself by staring at him, thinking he was some member of the staff—but no, he was the king's youngest son.
With the flood of information, I started to feel nervous. Princes were walking around here without even bodyguards…
Suddenly the door opened, and with that my shift began.