The first rays of sunlight filtered through the palace’s stained-glass windows, casting golden reflections on the velvet curtains. A soft morning breeze whispered through the room as the delicate chime of a small bell broke the silence. It was the butler, gently announcing the start of the day. At the same time, the maids drew back the heavy curtains, allowing the light to illuminate the luxurious chamber.

Lying atop his bed of the finest sheets, Prince Lee Know slowly opened his eyes with lazy elegance. He ran a hand through his perfectly tousled hair and let out a dramatic sigh before murmuring in his smooth voice: "Tell Liezel to bring me my morning tea. She should already know I cannot start my day without it."

The butler bowed respectfully and left. However, Liezel, the prince’s devoted personal maid, was too occupied preparing the grand palace’s floral arrangement. With no other choice, she hastily entrusted the task to the new commoner, who was still adjusting to life within the opulence of the castle.

With the tray carefully balanced in her hands, the new servant wandered through endless hallways, getting lost more than once in the palace’s overwhelming grandeur. At last, after several failed attempts and unanswered questions, she found herself standing before an imposing golden door. Taking a deep breath, she knocked softly.

"Enter..." The voice from within was slow, lazy, tinged with impatience.

As she stepped inside, the servant felt the prince’s gaze settle on her. Reclining on a chaise lounge, his velvet robe draped gracefully over his shoulders, Lee Know arched an elegant brow.

"You are not Liezel." He murmured, evident displeasure lacing his tone.

"Y-your Highness, Liezel was occupied, so she asked me to bring your morning tea." The servant stammered, lowering her gaze.

The prince let out a dramatic sigh but took the cup nonetheless. However, the moment the liquid touched his tongue, his expression contorted in sheer horror.

In one swift motion, he dropped the cup back onto the tray and spat out the tea with absolute disgust.

"Cold?!" he exclaimed, his voice laced with outrage as he stared at the cup as though it were a cursed object. "How dare you bring me cold tea?!"

The servant took a hesitant step back, feeling the weight of his fury.

With practiced grace, Lee Know rose to his feet, yet his features twisted in utter revulsion.

"Go and fetch Liezel immediately. And you..." his eyes trailed over her from head to toe, filled with disdain "—Tell me, little commoner... do they drink dirty water in your village and you thought I would like it? Or have you spent your miserable life drinking from muddy puddles, unable to tell the difference in temperature?"

He reached for a fine silk handkerchief and dabbed his lips with exaggerated delicacy before letting it slip from his fingers, as if even touching it had become unbearable.

"Get this out of my sight. And pray that Liezel does not take long, or I shall be forced to endure another one of your unfortunate attempts at serving royalty.