Chapter 4

MIA

The money from the vegetables wasn't much. I had always thought of having a side job but never really found any reasonable. I remember once when I worked at an inn, I always had to deal with the nasty comments and approaches of the men. I couldn't deal with them so I had no choice but to leave.

"Mother I need to get a job," I said as I fell tiredly on the stool beside her bed

"What's wrong with the vegetables?" she asked

"They don't bring in much" I sighed. "Besides, I need to change the crates, get you some new things" I smiled.

"What do you plan to do then?" she asked

"I don't know" I sighed. "But I plan to scavenge all around town. Hopefully, I could find something profitable to do" I said

"Oh well. You just be careful" she smiled.

I headed for the village square. All being well I would find something to do. After what felt like forever, I found nothing. How foolish of me. What was I thinking? Exhausted, I fell on a random stool and just stared into space. I had spent the entire day achieving nothing and I sold no vegetables. Double loss.

"You mean the palace are accepting new maids?" a random girl asked loudly

"Yes. Get there quickly before the opportunity runs out" The woman who sold ornaments said

"Oh thank you, ma'am," the girl said joyfully.

I felt a wide smile carved on my face as I got up from where I was settled and hurried to the palace. I wasn't going to miss this. On getting there, I saw a few ladies standing outside. I presume the news had gone all around. This is the closest I've been to the palace. The tall walls made me feel like something that could be smashed on. Quite intimidating yet attractive. I wonder what the inside would be like. I could feel nervousness set it, but then again I've learned to be strong. I can handle anything. I got closer to the palace gate and a tall guard garbed in his shining armor with a sharp spear by his side stopped me and gave me a very daunting look. I could nearly enter the ground.

"What is your business here?" his deep voice spoke harshly

Don't be nervous.

"I'm here for the opportunity given to peasants to be palace maids," I said courteously

He looked at me firmly and diffidently moved to the side giving me open space to go in. Gently, I walked into the palace and I was amazed by the view ahead of me. So this is what the palace looks like. It's beautiful.

The gardens and grass piles of earth were well cultured. Each part of it fits into its stratum. Ahead of me was the footpath that led to the main part of the palace. The palace had different faculties, all with its class and style. As I walked to my left, the route that led to whatever job I'll be given. I captured every bit of the event that happened. The maids walking with culture in their stylish uniforms. Is that what I'll be wearing? The palace guards parading in comprehensive exactness. I ascended the stairs that led to the hallway and as I walked I could notice the market from where I was.

Finally, we arrived in a large area filled with food items and lots of kitchen utensils. This must be the kitchen.

"Yes, welcome to the Palace kitchen" A chubby woman greeted as she advanced us "You will now be allocated to your various responsibilities" she added.

Having us arranged horizontally, we were given to our various duty posts.

"You will be here in the kitchen," she said when she finally reached me.

My struggle wasn't in vain after all.

ALEX

"Okay, here in this land would be four hundred soldiers in an ambush. Six hundred will be with me on the mainland. And Clint" I looked at him. "You will have the reinforcements," I said to him and he nodded.

We were in the basement studying how we would attack the English soldiers. I never really liked fighting. It brought nothing but fear to me. The lives of many would be lost. I wished there could be another way but war. The English men were stiff-necked and would get whatever they wanted at the expense of anything.

"This is a good plan." My father said.

"With this plan in execution, the English soldiers would have no choice but to retreat," Cornelius said.

"Well said and done for now. We should all rest now" my father said as he left the room.

Cornelius patted my shoulder and joined father out of the room. I looked at Clint who was still focused on the detailed map. Does he not feel any bit of tiredness? I felt very tired and what I needed now was a good sleep. We'd been awake since midnight, sorting our plans. Mia, thoughts of her never left my mind since I last saw her. Unfortunately, I won't be able to see her today.

"You look tired, your highness" Clint said finally closing the map

We left the basement and walked to my quarters. As I looked ahead, I noticed a figure who looked strikingly familiar. she couldn't be here, could she?

"Is that......" I paused as I took a closer look. "Mia" I confirmed.

The joy in my heart took all the exhaustion I had earlier. I began to walk towards her

"Wait," I said as I held my chest. "I can't see her like this" I added.

I faced Clint "Don't let her go" I said to him and hurried to get rid of my princely attire.

-------------------------------

"Better" I smiled at my loosed breeches.

Carefully I walked out of my quarters. No one must see me dressed like this. If father finds out, he won't be impressed and with matters on the ground, this would be the least he would expect. Passing through corners, I avoided the maids and guards. Finally, I reached where Clint and Mia was. Each time I saw her, there was just this smile that found its way on my face.

"Why do I have to see you all the time" she folded her arms as she saw me approach

"Well" I smiled

"Why don't I see you March and practice with other soldiers?" she asked.

Quite deep aren't you?

"We just finished practice," I said.

It wasn't exactly a lie.

"Why are you here?" I asked honestly

"Oh, well I heard of the opportunity given to peasants to become palace maids. So I took advantage of it" she said.

I remember father stamping that earlier. He does that every year, making sure at least a few percent of people in the kingdom live comfortably.

"Oh, I see. And you got in?" I asked and she nodded.

Wonderful. But then again, she working here would mean she would know who I am. No, I can't allow that to happen. Unless......

"What aspect do you work in?" I asked curiously

"The kitchen maid," she said.

Great. I'm safe then.

Silence ruled between us and somehow I became nervous.

"You have nothing you're doing now right?" I asked

"I was about leaving when I saw Clint," she said.

"Great," I said quickly and took her hand.

MIA

Today's work ended quickly. Mostly because I'm new and most of the job had already been done. But I know by tomorrow, work would be more. And just when I was about leaving, Alex... I couldn't explain how I felt within me each time I saw him. But I did like seeing him around. He had a way of adding fun to my day. He had my hand in his and pulled me quickly to God knows where.

"Get on the horse," He said

Funny how He sounded with authority.

"Why?" I asked curiously

"I want you to see somewhere" he smiled

My heart skipped seeing him smile. Why does he always smile? It was charming.

I lifted myself onto the horse and in a few seconds, I felt a body behind me on the horse. I stiffed. Can't he get his horse? His arms went around me and held the rope that controlled the horse.

"Uncomfortable?" He asked

"Very" I replied quickly and he laughed.

He hit the horse lightly from behind and it picked on its heels. We rode out of the palace, away from the market square and further into the woods. Where are we going? Finally, the horse was put to a halt. He got down from the horse and I still sat on it, looking around. We're in the middle of nowhere.

I looked at him suspiciously.

"Don't get scared, I have not kidnapped you" he smiled.

Why do I trust this man? Gently I got down from the horse. He took my hand and led me further into the woods until we reached an open space area of waterfalls. Oh wow, I never knew this place was part of town. A clean stream that flowed and the water fell from above.

"This is amazing. How did you know a place as this" I asked happily?

"I knew you'd like it," he said like he'd won something. "Well, just during one of my wanderings," he said.

I ran to the stream and felt the temperature of the water, it was warm. A good place to have a bath. I fell with shock as splashes of water landed on my face.

"Gotcha" He laughed.

"Oh, you..." I took a handful of water and threw it at him. Of course, he missed it.

I chased after him and he ran away from me. He lifted the water quickly and threw it at me and I groaned in frustration. He was finding it fun. You'll pay for this. I stopped to grab a handful of water, looking up I noticed he had gone. I looked around and there was no sight of him. Suddenly, I felt a quick pull from under the water and I had all myself soaked with water. Lifting myself out of the water to catch my breath, I turned behind to see him laughing hard.

"You're so in trouble young man" I groaned.

As I swam out of the water, he held my hand and turned me to face him keeping a little distance between us. I looked at him and those captivating blue eyes got me glued to him. His hand slowly removed strands of hair from my face.

"You're very beautiful" He whispered

My heart skipped at his words and I just kept staring at him. He pulled back quickly and got out of the water leaving me flabbergasted. What just happened?

He helped me out of the water and had his bright smile on again.

We rode back to town and I stopped where I sold vegetables.

"Thank you" He smiled

I smiled back and nodded at him.

He rode back to the palace and I walked back home.

All that happened played in my head and I wondered if it would be possible for us to remain friends.