Zuha had assumed that night during Tisha's birthday, the Princess would do something bad to her.
But she didn't.
Fourteen days had passed since she last saw Princess Scarlett. The last thing she heard from her was an order—to maintain the cleanliness of her room.
She hadn't returned since.
"Where are you, Your Highness?" Zuha gently whispered.
She hoped the Princess was doing fine.
All Zuha did in the meantime was clean Scarlett's room every day. She also helped the other servants whenever she could.
"She's currently busy."
Zuha nearly fell from the chair she was sitting on.
"Your Highness! Welcome back!" Another servant quickly rushed to assist the person who had just entered.
Based on what the servant called her, she was royalty too.
Zuha helped the servants prepare a meal for her. When she walked in with plates in hand, the lady spoke.
"The name's Aza. Nice to meet you." She smiled.
Zuha only bowed her head and quickly returned to the kitchen.
"You looked disrespectful out there! That's Princess Azallah! Be mindful of your actions next time!"
Zuha flinched. She recognized the voice—Lea, another servant just like her. "Sorry… I didn't know Princess Scarlett had another sibling aside from Prince Ray." She apologized sincerely.
"Phew. That's fine. Good thing Princess Azallah is kind."
"May I ask… how many royal siblings are there, exactly?"
"Yes, of course. So—"
Lea launched into explanation. There were five royal siblings. The eldest was Prince Rio Devery—Zuha hadn't seen him yet.
Next was Princess Scarlett, then Prince Ray, Princess Azallah, and the youngest, Princess Zixana.
Their names are very hard to remember…
"Don't forget them from now on. Especially Prince Rio. God, he's like a breathing statue."
Oh… I will definitely remember that.
"Ahm… Lea? Do you know when Princess Scarlett will return?" Zuha pushed aside her shyness and asked the question. She couldn't believe she was being so direct.
"Hmm. Nobody knows. They said she visited another kingdom for business, I guess."
Zuha felt a small sense of relief. At least now she knew the Princess wasn't mad—just busy.
"Do you miss her?" Lea asked bluntly.
"Huh? No! I… I just… Nothing…" Zuha fumbled. She had no excuse left to say.
Lea smiled. Everyone in the castle had noticed something between the two. That's why some of the servants were rude to Zuha.
But Lea was different—not the jealous type, but the supportive kind.
She just hoped this wouldn't reach the Queen's ears.
"Zuha! Princess Aza is calling for you!"
"What? Why?" Zuha was confused.
"Tsk. I don't know. Just go." The servant who called her flipped her hair and walked off.
"What the fuck is wrong with that ugly-ass bitch?" Lea muttered—startling Zuha.
It was her first time hearing Lea curse.
"I'll just go…"
When Zuha arrived, Princess Azallah was peacefully eating in the dining area. Zuha quietly stood behind her.
"I don't have the right to tell you this," Aza began, "but I think you should know anyway."
Zuha had no idea what the Princess was talking about.
"Pardon?"
"Scarlett is screwing around with another lady right now—and here you are, quietly missing her. Are you fine with that?"
Zuha felt her legs go cold. Her chest tightened.
She was barely holding back tears. She wanted to cry—but knew she shouldn't.
Princess Aza wanted to see how the servant would react but now, she feels guilty. But.. that face is also something.
"I… I don't know what you're talking about, Your Highness. Besides, she's allowed to do what makes her happy. I'm out of the picture. I'm merely her personal ser… servant."
Zuha tried so hard not to let her voice break.
So much for a goddamn crush.
***