Chapter six

Raven’s Pov;

As soon as I left princess Ellie’s chambers, I knew the day would be long. King Liam’s arrival was approaching, and preparations had to be flawless.

I made my way to the servants’ quarters, where the head maid, Evelyn, was already overseeing the cleaning staff.

She glanced up as I approached. “Raven, I’ve been waiting for you. we’ve begun the preparations. The guest chambers are being aired out, and the dining hall is being set.”

I nodded. “We need to make sure everything is in order. You know how king Liam is.”

She nodded and I continued.

“He is not just any guest, his presence alone could determine our kingdom’s future.”

Evelyn sighed, wiping her hands on her apron. “The rumors about him… They say he’s a beast in human skin, that he has no mercy.”

I pushed aside my unease. “Then let’s ensure nothing displeases him.”

I turned to the younger maids. “We’ll need fresh sheets, the best tableware, and enough food to host a feast.”

Since I was in charge of the preparations, I was determined to ensure that everything went well. I didn’t want to provoke the princess.

One of the younger maids, Elise, hesitated. “But… there’s no budget, is there?”

A lump formed in my throat. “No. The king hasn’t allocated anything.”

Murmurs spread through the room.

I clenched my hands. “We’ll work with what we have. Elise, you and the others will inspect the guest quarters. Make sure there’s no dust or torn fabric. Evelyn, you should check the pantry. If there are any shortages, let me know immediately.”

They nodded before moving to their tasks.

I left the maids and made my way toward the training grounds, where the knight, Tate, was sharpening his blade. His gaze lifted when he saw me.

“I was expecting you,” he said, setting his weapon down.

“We need to increase patrols at night,” I told him. “The king’s arrival is too important, and the security around the estate must be doubled.”

Tate frowned. “You’re that worried about her?”

“I’m worried about what might happen if anything goes wrong,” I admitted.

He sighed. “I’ll assign more men to the gates. But…” he glanced at me, his eyes darkening. “you need to be careful. ”

“I always am.”

“I heard you went to get herbs early this morning. Don’t you know that rebels might be lurking around? I don’t trust that savage king to just sit still,” he clenched his fist tightly.

I furrowed my brows. “Rebels? The Grok armies?” My mind instantly went to the strange man from the woods, what if he was also a rebel?

“Those people are not humans!”

I swallowed hard, remembering the big gash I had seen on his leg. Of course that looked painful! What if…..

I shook my head rapidly. I was just overreacting. There was nothing to worry about. He was an ordinary man, he didn’t have the face of a rebel. Rebels couldn’t be that handsome!

“Did something happen in the woods?” Tate said, breaking my chain of thoughts.

I forced a small smile. “Nothing,” I chuckled. “What could happen?”

“Raven if there’s…..”

I didn’t let him finish before cutting in. “Nothing happened, Tate. Look, I have work to do, I’ll see you later.”

I left before he could argue.  There was no way that could’ve been a rebel. I shook my head as though to push the thoughts away.

When I got to the kitchen, the head chef, Bernard, was shouting at a young apprentice. The smell of roasted meats and fresh bread filled the air, but the tension was unmistakable.

Bernard turned when he saw me. “I hope you’re here with good news.”

I shook my head. “If you’re asking about a budget, There’s no budget.”

He cursed under his breath. “Then what the hell does the king expect us to do? Serve the king of Grok stale bread and old stew?”

“We’ll have to be resourceful,” I said. “What can we manage with the supplies we have?”

Bernard ran a hand down his face. “A decent meal, but not one fit for someone like him.”

I exhaled. “Then let’s make it presentable. We can adjust the plating, add more seasoning.”

He grumbled but nodded. “I’ll make it work.”

I thanked him and left for the study, where the butler, Mr. Gaius, was glancing at the household expenses. He glanced up as I entered.

“Ah, Miss Thorne,” he greeted. “I assume you’re here about the reception budget.”

I sighed. “There isn’t one.”

He raised a brow. “Not surprising.”

I sat across from him. “How much can we afford to take from what’s left?”

“Very little,” he admitted. “We’ve barely enough to sustain the palace as it is. If we overspend, it will be noticed.”

My fingers tightened around the edge of my dress.

“The second princess will not be pleased.”

Mr. Hawthorne sighed. “She never is.”

I finally returned to princess Ellie’s chambers, bracing myseif for what was to come.

She was lounging in her chair, one hand draped elegantly over the armrest, the other holding a goblet of wine. Her dark eyes flicked up as I entered, assessing me like prey.

“Well?” She drawled.

I kept my voice calm. “The preparations are underway, but there are limitations. The King didn’t give a budget, and we have to work with what’s available.”

Her eyes darkened. “So you’re telling me we have to host a beast with table scraps?”

“We will make it work.”

She scoffed, sitting up. “I don’t care how you do it, Raven, but You will make it work, I will not be humiliated in my own home.”

I remained silent.

She threw her wine glass. It shattered against the floor beside me, the red liquid staining the rug.

“You expect me to welcome that monster like an honored guest?” she snapped. “My father wants me to entertain him like some trained dog?”

I flinched but did not move.

She stormed towards me. “Do not fail in this. If you embarrass me in front of that creature…”

She didn’t finish the sentence. She didn’t have to.

I kept my head bowed. “Understood, Your Highness.”

She exhaled sharply and turned away.

Before she could continue, a knock sounded at the door.

A royal messenger stepped inside, bowing deeply.

“Your Highness,” he said. “The king requests your immediate presence. He has urgent matters to discuss.”

The princess stiffened. “My father?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Her expression flickered with something unreadable, fear, perhaps?

She straightened, smoothing her gown. “Very well.”

Without another glance at me, she left the room, the messenger following closely behind.

As the door closed behind them, I exhaled shakily, hoping that she doesn’t come back angrier than she already was.

As if on second thoughts, the door opened and the princess poked her head in.

“Come with me.”