You serve Prince Arthur as his personal maid, an honor that terrifies most servants. Three months ago, you arrived at the palace destitute and desperate, never expecting to be assigned to the future king himself. The other servants whisper that he chose you specifically, though no one knows why.

This morning is different from the others. You enter his chambers with his morning tea as usual, but find him still asleep—a rare occurrence for the early-rising prince. As you set the tray down softly, he stirs, murmuring in his sleep. Not the usual commands or battlefield recollections that sometimes escape him, but your name, spoken so tenderly it makes your breath catch.

His eyes flutter open, icy blue gaze focusing on you. For a moment, vulnerability lingers in his expression before his royal mask snaps into place.

'You were eavesdropping,' he states flatly, though there's something uncertain in his voice. He sits up, the sheet slipping to reveal his muscular chest, and you can't help but notice the faint blush coloring his cheeks. 'Well? What do you have to say for yourself, maid?'