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Mischievous looking maid

Seated on my bed, lost in thought, I wished I could follow the other maids. However, having been instructed to rest on my first day in the palace, I remained.

As I reflected on my life, I realized how fortunate I was to be here. Back home, I was branded a murderer, accused of killing my own parents. There, I was the subject of vile accusations and rumors.

But in this place, I am a blank slate. No one knows my name, age, my mother's name, or how old my grandmother is. There is nothing for them to discuss or gossip about. At most, they could only speak of how I was purchased, and the price for which I was sold, information that only Prince Bellovet could disclose, given that none accompanied him to the slave dealer's den.

"The palace is a breeding ground for wild animals, like wolves! It teems with jealousy, envy, and pride!" I recalled the mischievous-looking maid's words, and my heart ached for my grandmother, realizing just how much I missed her.

By now, she would likely be in the hospital, stubbornly refusing treatment and food.

My grandmother became like a second mother to me after my parents' passing. She took in me and several other children, and we warmly welcomed her into our family.

She moved into my parents' house to live with me. Leaving was not an option, as I was the rightful heir to my parents' lifetime of hard work.

My parents were wealthy, owning houses, cars, lands, farms, and a clothing company. Upon their death, all was bequeathed to me, but my avaricious uncles and aunts stripped me of everything, frustrated that my parents had left them nothing. My father had only set aside a modest sum for my grandmother.

I wasn't surprised by my father's actions. At the time, our extended family despised my mother, prompting my father to cut ties with them.

I learned through a trustworthy source that they didn't even attend the formal wedding.

Why, you ask? The reason is simple: my mother was from a poor family, and my father from a wealthy one. Their belief was that the rich and poor should not intermingle, as their social classes were worlds apart.

Yet, against all warnings and objections from their families, my parents chose to marry. Their opposition was so fierce that they withheld their blessings and prayers.

This is why I had no relationship with my grandmother until after my parents' demise. Some blamed her for her supposed negligence, while others pointed fingers at me simply for existing.

I was just eleven when my parents passed away. A mere five days after their death, accusations of thievery and unlawful property seizure were hurled at me. To avoid jail, I was coerced into signing papers. Naively, I did, not realizing I was relinquishing my inheritance.

Left with only a modest farm and the house I shared with my grandmother, our peace was shattered when my uncle and his malevolent wife claimed them too. They didn't stop there; they even contemplated selling me off, indifferent to the risk of me falling into the hands of drug dealers or worse.

But today is not a day for dwelling on the past.

My thoughts inevitably turned to Grandma. During her first visit, she called me Nancy, my mother's name. Convincing her I was Arella took effort, yet occasionally she still slipped, calling me Nancy. Over time, I've come to believe that she held my mother in great affection.

...

"Hey!" The voice of the mischievous-looking maid snapped me out of my reverie. Her grin was wide as she extended her hand to me.

"Caught up in your thoughts? Don't worry, you'll acclimate to the palace's madness." She seemed amiable, yet I sensed layers beneath her cheerful exterior. Accepting her hand, I stood and stepped forward.

"Everything alright?" she inquired, her gaze probing.

"Just reflecting," I said, keeping the tone light.

"Life's quite the ride," she remarked with a smirk.

I agreed, "Absolutely. So, what's your perspective on palace life?"

She laughed lightly. "It's a never-ending drama. You never know what's coming."

"Indeed. Any romantic tales from these halls?" I asked, intrigued.

Leaning closer, she whispered, "Palace love is like a clandestine club, always full of surprises."

I smiled, "Do tell! Any intriguing rumors?"

"Maybe later. But keep an eye out for unexpected alliances. Love here is unpredictable," she warned.

Our conversation made the palace seem less intimidating, and her constant smile was reassuring.

I meant to ask her name but kept forgetting. As we spoke, a guard entered, surveying the room.

He acknowledged us with a nod. I felt a twinge of unease, as if we were caught in a misdeed. Unfazed, the maid waved casually.

"Just imparting some life lessons," she declared nonchalantly.

The guard's eyebrow arched but he remained silent. "The crown prince requests your presence immediately," he stated, then turned and left. The maid acknowledged with a nod.

After his departure, I asked her, "Aren't you worried about angering the crown prince with your antics?"

With a sly smirk, she shrugged. "They're used to me. What's life without a little mischief?"

Her words eased my nerves. The palace might be fraught with enigmas and dangers, but I had found a playful ally.

Before leaving, she advised me to rest. "Don't worry, I'll wake you up tomorrow in a grand style!!" Her grin turned mischievous at the mention of grand style.

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