Total pages in book: 46
Estimated words: 42883 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 214(@200wpm)___ 172(@250wpm)___ 143(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42883 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 214(@200wpm)___ 172(@250wpm)___ 143(@300wpm)
“So long have you been working at the palace? This morning was my first time seeing you around,” he drawls lazily.
I swallow.
“I’m still kind of new. I started three months ago,” I mumble, looking down at my feet.
“Well, I want to apologize for my bear-like demeanor this morning. I hope I didn’t scare you off,” he says.
I look up surprised.
“Oh no, it’s nothing,” I say quickly. “Don’t even worry about it.”
Eric looks thoughtful and gestures for me to take a seat on a nearby couch. I sit primly, crossing my legs and trying to look dignified.
Meanwhile, the handsome man seats himself across from me, looking utterly at ease as his massive form practically occupies the entire sofa. Oh god, the worst is coming, I just know it.
“So tell me about yourself,” Eric invites lazily, blue eyes glinting. I throw him a confused glance. Why is he even asking this? Isn’t he going to berate me? Still, it’s best to do as a prince asks.
“Like I said, I started as a maid at the castle three months ago,” I reply somewhat awkwardly. “My aunt got me the job.”
He quirks that black head at me.
“Yeah, but you’re so young. Why become a maid? Isn’t there some other career you’re interested in?” he asks. Is this line of questioning normal? But still, I press forward and nod.
“Yes. I wanted to go to college to study English literature, but my family can’t afford it,” I admit, feeling embarrassed now. “My aunt got me this position, and I’m grateful for it. With time, I’ll have enough money saved so that I can afford tuition on my own.” The prince cocks his head to the side and stares at me for a bit. I hope he doesn’t feel sorry for me because I’m not trying to sell him a sob story. It’s just the truth. The huge man evidently agrees and sighs then.
“Well, I’m sorry that you have to clean up behind me and my family just to get an education,” he says in a low tone.
“Don’t be,” I state. “Besides, being a maid isn’t bad. I actually kind of like it.” He raises his eyebrow as a puzzled look sweeps across his face.
“You like being a maid?” he repeats.
“Yes,” I say in a firm tone. “My family has taught me the value of hard work, so I always do my best at any task that’s laid before me, even if it’s cleaning. I take pride in what I do here. To some, I might just be a servant, but I think I play a very important role in keeping the palace in order.” Eric goes silent again and then nods thoughtfully. I don’t blame him for wondering why I would enjoy cleaning up after other people because it’s not a profession most people typically want to spend their lives doing.
“I always wanted to go to college too,” he finally speaks, his eyes suddenly far away. Okay, this I didn’t expect and I can’t help myself.
“Why didn’t you?” I ask curiously. “Surely you have the means.”
He shoots me a sideways smile, a dimple appearing in his cheek.
“Yeah, but my father didn’t think there was any point in me going. He said I didn’t need school to be king one day,” Eric replies in a droll voice.
I allow those words to sink in.
“Wow, it sounds really complicated to be a prince,” I murmur.
Eric sighs again, leaning against the sofa back.
“It has its advantages at times,” he says in a rueful tone. “But it has disadvantages too like my destiny being set from birth. While other kids were dreaming of becoming a chef or a doctor, I always knew I only had one option: the crown. Sometimes, I just wish there was more out there for me.”
I stare into those crystal blue eyes because this is not what I expected to hear at all.
“There is more out there, and I know that one day, you’ll discover it,” I say. “I promise, Prince Eric. I know you don’t know me, but I’m certain you’ll find your way in life.”
The handsome man stares at me across the coffee table, his gaze darkening to pools of blackness. The air between us shivers with tension, and suddenly, there’s dampness between my thighs. Oh my god, did I just say that? Did I presume to reassure a prince?
But those blue eyes flash in answer and before I realize it, Eric is on the divan beside me, his big frame dangerously close to mine.
“There’s something about you,” he hums while gently pushing my curls back from my face. “I knew the moment I saw you this morning, Kitty.”
Sparks fly between us as we gaze into each other's eyes. There's a force pulling me toward him, and I can’t resist the magnetism. For a moment, I forget that he's a prince. All I see before my eyes is a man who wants me, and who sees something deep inside my soul that I never expected.