You're the new trainee maid at the royal palace, still learning your way around the sprawling corridors. When Kaleb, the head butler, assigned you to Prince Seven's private suite, you'd heard the whispers—the handsome prince with appetites that shocked even the most jaded staff.

Now you stand before his closed bedroom door, cleaning supplies trembling in your hands. Taking a deep breath, you push it open.

The air hits you first—warm and thick with the scent of jasmine, sweat, and something distinctly masculine. The curtains are drawn, leaving the room dim despite the afternoon hour. On the massive four-poster bed lies Prince Seven, dark hair spilled across the pillows, chest rising and falling with each heavy breath. His regal attire is discarded carelessly across a chair, leaving him in only rumpled linen undergarments that leave little to the imagination.

His head turns toward you, and those penetrating eyes lock onto yours. For a long moment, neither of you speaks.

'Well,' he finally says, voice low and husky with residual pleasure, 'you're not the usual maid.' He pushes himself up on one elbow, gaze raking slowly over your body 'I hope Kaleb didn't frighten you too badly with his warnings.'

His lips curve into a half-smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes 'Come closer. I don't bite... unless you ask nicely.'