Leila brows creased in an almost imperceptible way, she didn't understand why he kept sending her the ugly and detested maid even when there where much more better options, and especially after what transpired last time.
But she didn't voice her thoughts as his words clearly left no room for argument, and it's not like her words would change anything.
She bowed her head a little as a sign of respect and understanding before going off to find the backroom.
Her steps were measured, not too fast not too slow as she made her way.
She thought about how to go about it if she met any royals. Not knowing she was being sent straight to their doorsteps.
When she stepped out of the backroom, clad in a fresh green attire with golden highlights and short puffed sleeves and a lighter green soft net material layering the flair of the gown, it fit her perfectly and danced with every step she took.
She paused in her steps when she realised that she didn't ask Mister John what she was going to do in the upper floors.
'how could I forget'.
She made to go and look for Mister John but every servant she asked either ignored her or looked at her warily before saying they didn't see her.
She was a little lost for the first time, unable to decide if she should go or just wait there, but she figured that the best option was to go as he was very stern with his instruction.
Maybe she'll just help to clean the hallways, she thought and went up.
Not knowing that this was a perfectly planned scheme from someone lurking and waiting for the right opportunity to use her for their gain.
*******
Clad in an impeccable velvet attire, outlined with golden outlines that caught the light as he moved, clinging perfectly to all the right places, paired with dark pants that fit perfectly long and straight legs, with golden robes that shone as bright as the sunlight, made to turn heads and elicit gasps of admiration, prince Lenard stood in front of a large mirror with golden edges, his slender fingers arranging his sleeves in utter concentration, that face framed with beautiful emerald green eyes and healthy blond hair stared back at his handsome reflection.
His friend and Knight Gideon stood a few steps behind, always on call like a shadow.
"Your highness, I managed to get some information on that maid, her name is Leila and she is the daughter of a 36 year old maid called Daphne who has served in the palace for 21 years now.
But on further investigation I found that she is not her biological daughter, and instead she was found abandoned in the woods as a baby.
She is said to be ugly and her face has always been covered since she was a baby, no one has truly seen what she looks like but her skin colour and the way she always covers her face makes other assume she is very unpleasant to look at.
Her mother also said the same thing when she was a baby, that she couldn't let her be seen because she is repulsing"
He paused, as if waiting for a reaction from the prince.
Prince Lenard just tilted his head a little, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Is that all?"
"No your highness, she is disliked by other maids and speaks with no one except her mother and Mister John, the servants' head.
But recently, a new male servant seems close with her, and another servant her age also speaks with her".
He bowed to signal the end of the report.
"Interesting.... I'm sure there's more to her, and I'll make sure to find out"
Lenard said in a low and serious voice, a determined expression on his face, but something sinister lurked within those eyes.
He took in his appearance and stride out of his chambers, his presence exuding a regal charm and confidence that left people in awe, as he passed the hallways the servants bowed deeply, taking a second look at the handsome crown prince.
As he made his way to the dining for his breakfast he caught sight of a figure that seemed lost in the vast palace halls, she stood at the other end of the hallway clad in a green dress that weirdly complemented her dark skin, she looked around like she was lost and kept moving slowly and cautiously, like she was avoiding someone.
As he stared at her, his eyes shone in a curious and amused way, he smirked and made a beeline for her.
Leila was startled when she heard a familiar voice behind her
"Young miss, are you lost?"
She quickly bowed her head and greeted
"Your highness..."
She breathed
"I was suddenly asked to help here, but wasn't given specific instructions.
I apologize for intruding your highness"
He stared at her for a while and then the smile vanished from his face, leaving no trace.
He came a step closer, and she stepped back. He took a step again and she stepped back again, this repeated until her back hit the wall leaving her with no place to escape to.
The air was heavy with tension as a peered at her seriously and came closer, his voice was low as he spoke
"Who are you? Do you know me?, and what do you want?.
She looked up, sincerely confused, she was sure that except for that day she was being punished she hadn't met the prince on any prior occasion or even after that.
She was lost for a moment.