The offer

Walker Lane could see how Jess's eyes widened in shock at the mention of the royal hospital. She saw how she sat upright and gazed intently at her, waiting for her to continue speaking. Walker Lane smiled as she was sure the young lady would like her offer.

I've been watching you for some time now. I noticed how you maneuvered through the busy crowds while serving the customers with a smile, even when somebody made rude and disparaging remarks about you.

Jess nodded in boredom at the compliments, as she just wanted to go home. She meant no offense, but she thought that perhaps this woman wanted to see her for something more substantial.

We need helpers who will care for our patients while paying attention to their state of mind. As you are aware, the Royal Hospital was established during the war to help care for families whose husbands were away because of the war.

Over time, it has transformed into a place where not only military families are cared for but also where those who are mentally and emotionally challenged are cared for.

Seeing you running around while maintaining your composure is one of the qualities we desire in our helpers," she said, her hands on the wooden table before her.

She dropped her gaze to the ground as she used her apron to wipe the sweat that had formed on her hands. Her eyes were almost drooping close when she heard an incredible offer, one she couldn't have dreamt of.

The crown prince was impressed with you for some reason. He instructed me to scout you as one of his assistants who will represent him at the royal hospital.

Your work would not be limited to the royal hospital. The crown prince will explain the rest to you later on," Walker Lane said with a mischievous smile.

Jess's jaw dropped, and her eyes widened in disbelief as if a sudden jolt of electricity had coursed through her veins, leaving her momentarily stunned.

The crown prince was here? How? Why did no one recognize him, and how did he notice me? Silly me, of course; I was the only server on duty in a server's uniform; that's how she giggled. He must want me to be his maid. Her mind was running with all sorts of thoughts and ideas.

What? Jess finally managed to utter.

Tomorrow night is the gala for the crown prince's birthday. One of the palace guards will send an invitation to you and your family. Dress your best, as none can meet the crown prince dressed shabbily, she said, ignoring her puzzled expression.

Wait, Jess said as the woman stood up.

How would the palace guard know my house? she asked, as she did not remember disclosing where she lived during their short conversation.

Walker Lane stood up and paid her bills before saying. We have our ways. Besides, Black Pine Wood is a small town, and then left without another word.

There was a broad smile on Jess's face as she dreamt of how rich she would become by working for the crown prince. She would be the first in her village to be able to boast of seeing the crown prince's face before anyone else.

She moved her body towards the edge of the bed, trying to snuggle more into her makeshift pillow, only to see herself on the ground.

"Thumps"

The sound of something sliding off the bed made her sister Mia open her eyes only to see Jess on the floor. "Did you fall off the bed again?" Mia asked, looking at Jess lying on the floor.

I guess so, Jess replied as she stood up. Mia just shook her head and went back to sleep.

Jess didn't want to hound Mia to get up, which was the norm, as Mia was not a morning person. Her sister loved the princess's treatment and hated anything that disrupted her beauty sleep.

She would go green with envy when I tell her about my encounter; she might not even believe me when I tell her that the crown prince was at the diner where I worked the night before. Jess thought

Since it was her birthday today, Jess left her alone to sleep some more. She made the side of her bed and arranged the pillows in an orderly manner. She hated leaving her bed untidy, even though Mia would still leave it messy when she finally got up.

She did a little stretching out to relieve her aching muscles. She had gotten home late the previous night and had not bothered to have dinner before going straight to bed because she was tired.

She went to the kitchen to prepare some light breakfast before going to the chicken coop at the back of the house to feed the chickens.

Good morning… Jess cheerfully chorused her greeting to the chickens, but they only looked at her with disinterest as they began filing out of their coop.

The chickens flew out from their cages, flipping their wings, getting ready to eat all day. They immediately dispersed in different directions in search of worms.

Jess grew up in Black Pine Wood, a small town just south of the capital. It was a peaceful village surrounded by lovely neighbors who lived only a mile away, and everybody knew each other. Her friend Sarah lived two houses away, just across the street.

Since her encounter with Walker Lane yesterday, she had been in a merry mood despite the aches she felt around her waist and ankles due to standing for long hours. She returned to the house to see that her father was awake and drinking his morning tea.

Morning, sweetheart, her dad greeted when he sighted her. He could see that she was glowing with happiness and wondered if something happened to make her this happy.

Did she get back with James? It's been a while since I saw her this happy, and she is even humming, he thought, but he kept his opinion to himself.

Good Morning dad, you are up early, Jess said as she walked to the small wooden table to join her father for breakfast. She couldn't contain her joy and felt that she would burst any moment from now if she didn't share the good news.

Papa, I have something I want to tell you, Jess said

Before Jess could continue, they heard a scream outside the door. Jess looked at her father, who also had the same expression of worry that she had on her face. Quickly, they both stood up to see what the noise was about.

Michael Smith and Jess had rushed to the front porch, only to witness Mia jumping up and down like a small child given her favorite toy while waving a white envelope with the palace seal in one hand.