•Y/N: Your Name

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Why was I not surprised when I was ordered to wake the King this morning? I really don't get why he keeps asking me to do this. Honestly, he's so hard to read. I can never understand his motives. Who knows, maybe he's actually warming up to me? Wouldn't that be nice? I can gain his favor and probably get the hell out of this place, though, the thought seems pretty unlikely. A girl can dream.

I close the chamber door behind me after entering his room, making sure my movements are quiet as I make my way over to the massive bed. I can't help but feel a little thrown off when I find him lying perfectly still without a single trace of tears in his sealed eyes. I have had yet to experience seeing him without a nightmare, leading me to doubt if he was actually asleep. I heave a small sigh upon coming to that realization and speak in a calm and gentle tone.

"Your majesty, it's time to get up." The man stays "asleep", but the light twitch of his nose gives him away. I about shake my head at him, but I know it would do me no good to call him out for feigning sleep. Besides, he's probably just toying with me again.

'What's his angle this time?'

"Your majesty, your bath will get cold," I mention, hoping he'd get up for a warm bath, yet he remains still under the covers.

'How am I going to get him to move?' I ponder with a small hum.

"You must get up, sire. You have to review the rest of your suitresses today," I say in a pleading voice before hesitating to add, "Are you trying to make them wait?" The last bit came out in a low whisper, and I immediately prepared to get scolded or hit for it, but all I receive is a small groan of distaste. Steadily, he opens his eyes and sends me a halfhearted glare, looking exhausted.

"Begone, farm girl. Let me sleep," he mutters, faintly annoyed, before rolling over so that his back faced me. His eyes shut, and he attempted to slip back into slumber. My lips form a frown as I sigh quietly. He's in a mood again. Honestly, I can't ever keep up with his emotions.

'What's gotten into him this time?' I think back to how he treated those women yesterday. He didn't seem to like the idea of having a wife. Maybe that's the issue?

"Your majesty, may I ask you something?" I say with uncertainty, anxious to bring it up, but I'd like to get to the bottom of this and, at least, try to better understand him. It might benefit me in the long run... or end me. The King turns his head, donning a look of slight intrigue.

"You may."

"Do you not want a queen?" He gives a look of surprise, likely not expecting me to have the gall to ask something so personal. I instantly look away and quickly add. "You needn't answer. I'm sorry. That was inappropriate of me to ask."

I bow my head apologetically, my heart running wild with panic. I hear a soft hum as he sits up, leaving the blankets to fall onto his lap. I dare to lift my head, finding him staring away from me with a faraway look in his eyes. While taking a deep breath through his nose, he combs his fingers through his blue locks, and when he pulls the hand away, the strands dangle in front of his blank face.

"That isn't it," he mutters while knitting his brows. He's silent as he thinks up an answer for me, which I oddly didn't feel discomforted by.

'Well, he's not mad. At least, I don't think he is.'

"It isn't something I often think about, but I know what I want in a wife, and they are far from it. If they aren't after status, then they're after money, and if not money, they want arm candy. I doubt they'd even bat an eye my direction if I were to be in your shoes, born as a low-grade citizen, and that is what I find infuriating. I am not after surface-level attraction." Sighing sadly, he flops onto his back, his head against the pillows, as he adds, "They would never truly love me, so why bother? It is a royal's duty to wed for gain, greater strength, greater status, what have you. However, I don't care about that. I am comfortable where I stand and seek something else instead."

Though the situation was serious, I couldn't help choking back a snort at his choice of words. I had not intended to imagine his majesty dressed as a maid, sweeping the halls like a common servant, and the picture was simply ridiculous. In an instant, his neck snapped towards me, and his olive eyes narrowed into a threatening glare that quickly shut me up. I bring a fist to my mouth and clear my throat to play it off before quickly responding to his admission. Honestly, I was surprised he felt so open to speak plainly like that. It really made sense why he pushed them away so harshly now. He didn't care about them because he knew they couldn't give him what he wants. Seems even he realizes how difficult he is.

"I suppose I can understand that... But, wait." A quizzical look comes to my face, causing the King to arch a brow. "Why bother having them come at all if you truly feel that way? I'm sure the public would be understanding if you put off marrying for a while longer." The question was more of an out loud thought that I didn't expect him to answer, but to my horror, he gives me a hard look of suspicion that made me realize I had overstepped.

"You know, you're quite talkative today." With a flushed face, I bow my head and apologize.

"F- Forgive me, your majesty. I did not mean to pry. I'll stop." I gulp nervously, hoping that he'll let this slide.

'What's wrong with me? I shouldn't be asking him anything. I'm supposed to avoid getting killed, not walk up to the reaper's door.'

"Come," he calls whilst lifting the covers to usher me into his bed. Internally, I sighed, but didn't question him. Still, I was hesitant to act as I slipped out of my shoes before entering his bed. This felt wrong, to be honest. What kind of king invites his servant into bed with him?

I lie close to the edge, in case I need a quick escape, so he moves closer to reach me. My breath hitches as his arm cloaks me in the blankets and his head rests upon my chest. The position caused my heart to pound faster, and heat instantly rose to my cheeks. I was unsure of what to do with my arms as he squeezes me tight and breathes a sigh of content. He gave a light laugh whilst shutting his eyes.

"My, your heart is beating so fast." My embarrassment clearly brought him joy, but I was growing more and more anxious with his odd behavior. "Now, I have a question of my own, farm girl." A wide grin spreads his lips to reveal pearly white teeth as a hand wanders beneath the pillow under my head. The next I know, something cold and sharp prods the side of my neck. My breath catches in my throat as my eyes grow wide with fear. The King's breath fans my ear as his chin moves onto my shoulder, sending chills throughout my entire body. "Give me a good answer, and I will let you live, understand?" I whimper as the blade is pressed against me harder before answering him.

"Y- Y- Yes, your m- majesty."

"I heard what you said to those women yesterday, you know?" It was as though all oxygen was cut off from my lungs in that moment. He spoke in a voice that was calm with no trace of anger, but that meant nothing. "Now, what I wish to know is—" The King is cut off by a sudden knock on the door, eliciting a ferocious growl from his majesty as he sits up quickly. I was not out of danger yet, though. The dagger is still at my neck, and his other hand is firmly gripping the fabric of my dress.

"What in God's name do you want?!" He shouts at the intruder behind the door, looking ready to murder them.

"F- F- Forgive the intrusion, your majesty! It's urgent! Your suitresses, they're gone! They're all gone!" Frantically explains a male voice.

"What?" King Noah blinks a few times, comprehending the information given to him, seeming to be in disbelief. It was silent for some time until a small chuckle fled his lips, gradually turning into laugh only a madman could muster. Relief flooded over me as the dagger was taken away, but I was not quite in the clear yet, so I stay on guard. "Good riddance!" The King bore a cheerful grin as he practically leaped off the bed, dragging me along by my dress.

Naturally, I crashed into his chest, since I didn't expect to be pulled off the mattress like that, but he didn't even seem to care as he spun around with me as though dancing. It was all cut short, however, for the next moment, I was shoved up against a wall with one hand firmly grasping both my wrists, pinning them above my head, while his other brings the blade to my throat. I felt dizzy from his quick changes in attitude and had no clue what to make of this. Of all the times he has frightened me in the past, I don't think any of that compares to what's happening right now. He truly does have a screw loose.

I bite my bottom lip anxiously as I press myself against the wall as much as possible to avoid the sharp blade. His laughter lingers, but gradually fades until all that remains is an amused smile. After he calms, the King releases my hands and moves the dagger a little farther away from my skin, though he still keeps it close to my neck. I jumped when his free hand took hold of my hip and squeezed it tight. "I suppose my question has no need to be answered anymore, seeing as those royal brats have left, though, I think I have something else I'd like to ask of you, now, farm girl." I gulp as he leans close to whisper in my ear, and I swear my heart was about to explode within my chest. This was much too close for comfort for me. I feared his question, but when he finally revealed it, I was left dumbfounded.

"Will you do me the honor of becoming my personal maid?"

"W- What?" I stare at the man in shock as he chuckles and moves back to meet my eyes.

"My personal maid. You've worked harder than I thought you would when you first arrived. I must admit, you've surprised me. I expected you to fail days into your employment, yet look at you, still breathing. Weston seems to have grown fond of you, and you have been excellent when working close to me. Most tend to slip up after being put in that sort of position, but you know your limits, respect my space and you follow orders so well. Yes, I believe you'd be the best fit for the position."

I was left speechless, gawking at him like a fish. Obviously, this was an insane way to give a promotion, but I couldn't help but feel honored. He really thought this highly of me? I never thought I'd hear any compliments from him about my performance. If there wasn't a dagger at my throat, I probably wouldn't have hesitated as much as I did. I could tell refusing would not be an option here. His threat is quite clear, though it has not been spoken. I take in a shaky breath before stuttering out my answer.

"If th- that's what you believe is b-best, I- I w- w- will accept. Th- Thank you for giving me such an offer," I say, forcing myself to be as polite as possible.

"Fantastic." With a satisfied smile, he tosses the dagger aside before taking my face gently into his hands, causing my heart to skip a beat. "Then, you won't mind giving me a bath," both his thumbs caress my cheeks as his smile grows wider and more mischievous, "by yourself." I gulp, but know better than to refuse.

"I- If that is what you wish."

"It is." I felt that I could breathe again when he stepped away, allowing me time to compose myself. I don't leave him waiting long and hurriedly fetch his slippers before guiding him down the hall to the bathing room. It was a silent, but uncomfortable walk, since I could feel his eyes on me the entire time. I open the door for him, and he steps inside, alerting all his handmaidens, who were waiting for him to arrive. As usual, they give him a deep bow, but are cut off before they can tell him good morning.

"Everyone out," he orders firmly, surprising the staff. The women all nod their heads before seeing themselves out, but not without sparing me a curious look when they spot me trembling like a little chihuahua. The door shuts softly behind them, and I'm left alone with the King, who faces me with a smirk.

"Well, what are you waiting for?" He lifts his arms out to the side. "Undress me." I gulp anxiously before approaching him with a heated face. I'm scared to do this alone. So much can go wrong. At least, I know what to do after having watched his handmaiden's work.

With unsteady hands, I unbutton his nightshirt while avoiding his burning gaze. I, then, slide it off his shoulders, my fingers grazing over his soft, porcelain skin in the process, which makes him twitch. Faced with his physique, I see his body is well built, lean and muscular. I expect he's had training in combat, like the previous kings. This country is known for its strong military, after all, so it would make sense. I'm sure my face was redder than a strawberry when I moved on to his pajama bottoms, and I hesitate to remove them. My eyes shut tight as I count to three, then I pull them down quickly before moving away immediately afterwards. I him chuckle before the sound of sloshing water reaches my ears. Only then did I open up my eyes. The King shivers after settling in the water before shouting complaints while gripping his arms tight. "Damn! It's freezing! Those good-for-nothing idiots didn't add hot water!" I secretly roll my eyes at him.

'That's because you were too busy stalling. We took too long. It's your fault the water's cold.' Of course, I wouldn't dare say such things out loud; instead I approach the tub and say, "I'll fix it." His majesty watches me add warm water to the bath and stops me once it's to his liking. With that out of the way, I get to work, moving as quickly as I could without making any mistakes in his routine.

It would take longer to bathe him with only me here, and I didn't want to be at fault for delaying his schedule any longer. Just as I finished putting curlers into his hair, I'm stopped when his hand cuffs my wrist and roughly tugs me into the coconut-scented water, causing me to shriek as I fell on top of him. Some of the water splashes out of the tub as I scramble to get up, using the rim of the tub to push myself away from his majesty's naked body only to be pulled right back down when he grips the front of my dress. I do my best to avoid touching and looking directly at him as he moves my wet hair out of my face with his free hand before taking my chin. I'm forced to meet his eyes, and I can't help but tremble under his gaze, which was not at all cold or stern. Actually, I wasn't quite sure what I was seeing in those olive green pools, but it wasn't anything good.

"What's wrong, farm girl? Haven't you ever touched a man before?" He inquires, seeming very amused by my attempts to keep off him. I gulp and try my best to look elsewhere as his olive eyes examine me closely, scanning my soaked dress up and down in a way that struck fear into my heart and caused me to stop breathing.

'Dear god, he wouldn't... Would he?' I was scared to know the answer. With how unpredictable the King can be, I could not tell if this was just his idea of a sick joke or if he truly had such desires. That small look sent my mind in a frenzy, and I couldn't help but start to tear up at the thought. I give a small squeak as he leans in, holding my chin firmly to keep me from shying away. My bottom lip quivers, terrified of the possibility of meeting his.

"You haven't the faintest idea how happy I am that you've accepted my request," he mutters softly, as if he were in a daze while his other hand wanders down to grasp my hip. Then, my trembling ceased and every cell in my body became paralyzed by the touch. "I find it rather difficult to be happy nowadays. You must feel so honored." His grin made my stomach flip, and then, he shut his eyes as he came in closer.

I squeeze my own shut, so that I didn't have to witness this, but to my surprise, he laughs. It was not daunting, but full of pure amusement. When I opened my eyes, I find that he had leaned back again with a hand covering his face. "What a marvelous expression of fear!" His laughter turns hysterical, while I still stared in bewilderment.

Settling down, he smiles and locks his fingers into my wet locks of hair. "You scare so easily. Did you really think I would do such a thing to a peasant like you?" I just knew my face was red with anger as he continued to laugh at me while tears of frustration flooded my face. I rip myself out of his weak hold and exit the tub, leaking water with every step. His majesty kept on laughing, not even bothering to stop me.

'I feel traumatized— No! I feel disgusting! I feel like garbage! How could he do something so... so...' I grip my shaking arms and stand at the furthest wall from him as he finally calmed and leaned his head back against the tub.

"I have not laughed so hard in all my life. Feel free to have the rest of the day for yourself. You will start as my personal maid when the morning comes. Send the handmaidens back in. I know they're still out there." I did not hesitate to rush out of there to find the women huddled together, whispering outside the door. They all looked shocked at my appearance, but I could not look any of them in the eye as I quickly passed while speaking.

"H- H- He called for y- you all." It was all I could muster before I began sobbing and running down the hall, feeling weighed down by my soaked dress. I wish to hide away in the dormitories until the day is up. There, I won't be disturbed. I was too busy wiping my crying eyes that, when I turned a corner, I crashed into a firm chest and fell to the floor.

"What's got you in such a rush?" I gaze up at Alton with a gasp, as I had not expected him to be the one I had run into. His mask is up, but his eyes convey deep concern as he takes a knee. "You're all wet," he notes aloud and is taken aback when I suddenly embrace him. My body shook with each sob as I sniffled and whined. I half expected to be thrown off, but was thankful he returned the gesture. In his arms, I felt safe. "Hey, hey, it's okay. Shh," he comforts in the kindest voice. "What's wrong? Tell me what happened."

"T- Th- Th- The King, h- he..." I did not have the strength to speak. His question had only made me cry harder. I must look ridiculous right now, but that didn't cross my mind. I was so scared. "I hate him. I hate him so much." I grip Alton's uniform tighter as my fists tremble with anger and fear. The man gazes down at me and sniffs, likely smelling the King's bath water. His eyes then grow wide. He must've recognized the scent and pieced it together.

"Had he... Touched you?"