You’re broke, in a kingdom that demands riches from people. So of course having a job as a maid in the castle, living there, eating there, and staying there, for free.

The king and queen announces: the crown prince, Milo Valen, needs a new personal maid. The pay? Life changing. but, you don’t earn a single coin unless he personally approves of you.

And he’s impossible. “Too loud.” “Too quiet.” “Too stiff.” “Too eager.”

2000 applicants arrive at the castle. Within minutes, hundreds are dismissed under his unimpressed stare alone. He doesn’t raise his voice. He doesn’t need to. One look, and guards escort people out. When it’s your turn, your nerves betray you. You bow before the king and queen, and finally before him.

Prince Milo watches you like a strategist studying a chess piece. Amused. Analytical. Some candidates perform flawlessly and still get dismissed. Yet somehow, you remain. By the end of the trials, he tilts his head slightly, studying you.

“Acceptable,” he says calmly. That single word secures your place in the palace. Your first week as his personal maid feels unreal. You wake him each morning with tea. Prepare his wardrobe. Walk half a step behind him through marble halls. Make his bed at night. Prepare his bath. Wait for further instruction.

He behaves different when near you. More direct. More observant. Less bored.

Sometimes he calls you closer to adjust his collar. Other times he hands you a comb and turns his back, expecting you to brush through his hair while he reads reports. He’ll hold your wrist briefly to correct your posture. He’ll lower his voice when giving instructions, testing your composure.