The chamber was dark but there was a dim glow of light by candles. I was present in a chamber with Prince Jimin. He looked extremely handsome. We were sitting on a bed, close to each other. His chest leaned to my shoulder, deeply searching something in each others eyes. I couldn't understand his expression. It was happy yet it was a mix of something else. My heart beating fast, anytime to race out of my body. His face neared mine, reducing the distance between our lips, only inches away. My glance moved from his eyes to those lips. His lips possessed a mischievous smile. His breath fanned my lips. I gulped and the next moment his lips took mine.

"Nooo." A shout erupted in the room with your eyes wide. "What was that dream?" Horrified at the thought to even kiss the haughty highness. "Never in my life do I want to be the wife of this ignorant and bratty prince." shook your head, unable to handle the thought of it. A while later, a knock made at your door, "Who is it?" you asked, opening the door. "Good morning Y/n, shall we head to the bath house." Jieun smiled. She held her bundle of accessories and tools. "Just a moment." you said and rushed to take outside. "I don't have the uniform yet so is it fine if I wear my clothes?" Jieun shook her head. "Here, I have brought a set for you." She held out her bundle.

Still dark outside and the chilly wind blew, causing them to shiver occasionally. The maids bathhouse was crowded as usual. Finally the two got empty stalls and took baths in them. On the way back from the bath house, you asked her whose uniform was it. "My sister." She smiled. Astound to hear that, "Your sister? You have a sister?" She smiled. "Yes. She serves prince Taehyung." your lips pouted, "Wow. She is lucky to serve him. Much better than mine." your eyes rolled in frustration which she took a glance of. "His highness is just rude. Like plain rude. Last night when I visited him guess what he did, literally scolded me to get out of the palace and that he doesn't want dinner. Throwing a beautiful vase on the ground which he called me to clean up later. At that moment, I really wanted to kick him just like my brothers. He is the literal embodiment of handsome face with a stupid mind."

"You never spoke of your family." Jieun asked you. "Oh yes." you giggled at your mindless behaviour how you never thought to introduce your background. "My village is Seogye village, the one where most palace workers' family stay. My family consists of my parents, my aunt from dad's side and then my two brothers. My brothers' names are Namjoon and Hoseok." You looked at Jieun, "My brother Namjoon is trying to study for minister's exam in the palace." which caused Jieun to frown with a confused smile. She was aware for the fact that no commoner could take the palace entrance exams unless and until they were affiliated to any influential families. "Is your brother prepping for official entrance exam?" she asked, wanted to clear her doubt and to warn you. Your eyes glimmered in proudness, "Yes."

"Y/n, do you have any connections with affluent families?" your head titled to understand what she meant. "I assume no." your thought pondered to match anyone. "But we are in touch of a merchant family. I used to work as an assistant for their book shop run by the son of the merchant. "Why do you ask?" Jieun watched her steps as they walked down the stairs at the maid compound, "As far as I know no commoner could take the entrance exam unless they are affiliated or supported by any noble families. Normally only the masters of the noble family pass the exams and provided such higher positions." Your head tilted at her statement unable to believe what you heard. "Really?" came a blue tone from you to which she nodded, feeling bad.

"If your brother can work at any noble families as a worker to support their business, maybe they can help him get network with others nobles and finally get supported or even adopted by them. This will help your brother to write the exam and pass the interns under the palace ministers." she advised. "Thank you so much for the information. I will keep it in mind." 

"Well then, you should get ready and attend his highness." You gagged at the very thought of him and Jieun giggled at your act and the two parted their ways. Once done with the grooming for the day, you stepped out. By then the sun was slowly rising from its horizon, you checked on his highness who was sleeping curled up. You stood beside his bed, tears had dried on his face. Looking at his sleeping face, you couldn't help just feel a ting of sadness for the man. He atleast had the mind to find the murderer of the previous maid, rather than letting it go. Aunt said that mostly no one cares for the working maids and eunuch.

Your eyes fell on his cracked lips and applied the balm on them. "What are you doing?" A male whispered in the room. Your body froze and you didn't turn around. "I asked you what are you doing?" you heard the voice near and finally turned, gulped at the familiar face of the eunuch. "Nothing." However it was not enough for the eunuch, he had his suspicions. From the previous experiences, he had keen eyes on those who visited his highness, which you weren't informed of. 

"Really? Does it look like there is a fool around?" His brow cocked for answer, "No." a mumble he heard. "Then tell me, what it is? What is that you are hiding?" his voice sterned, demanding an answer. It had you shift in your place uncomfortably, scared for what would happen next even if you give him an answer, clenching the little balm. The delay in answer was eating the patience of the eunuch which caused him to stir in the action to snatch 'the thing' from you. 

His rough and thick fingers snatched it from your hand and turned his large back on you, with the mere weak efforts you tried to get it back but the man was adamant to inspect 'the thing'. His heart had been racing the moment he entered the chamber and found you do something on his highness. He couldn't afford to take the risk to ignore your actions considering how the previous maids tried to do the unthinkable, what those maids didn't know was that whilst keeping their life at stake for someone they were also pushing few innocents to death caused due to the unruly wrath of his majesty.

He took the opportunity to inspect his highness, and noticed shininess on the lips, without a moment of hesitation, with the help of his sleeve he wiped the balm off. A very light gasp escaped from you and then pouted, disappointed to see your efforts erased by the eunuch in an instant. "You Stupid girl!" his eyes frowned at you, "Don't ever apply anything unless and until it is prescribed by the physician." He whisper scolded you. "But it is a lip balm which I prepared with my very own hands." his eyes widened at your comment and his fingers instantly ran to remove the lid, ran his index on the soft and slimy texture, even took a whiff of it. When he heard it was especially prepared by you, his heart skipped a beat scarred if anything unfortunate would occur. 

However, to his notice it didn't smell funky other than rose fragrance. To confirm it was not a lethal substance he applied it on his hand. Seeing him apply the balm on his hands, afraid that he might report this to her majesty and it could cause an uproar, you began to justify, "It is good to heal cracks and dry skin. Earlier his highness had deep cracks in his lips, almost close to start bleeding. Applying this balm helped his highness's lips to heal. It seemed like his highness was dehydrated for weeks which caused the lips to crack."

"It is one of the side effects from high doses of medicines given to his highness, you dolt." he turned to face you, with a face as angry and disgusted to kick you out. "You will face the punishment for this. Performing things on his highness without ever consulting the physician." If it was any other maid, they would fall on their knees; trembling, seeking for forgiveness but this only scared you not to take any further because from your view point, it was not injurious to help your master recover.

"What is the commotion in the chamber?" they heard his highness's raspy voice, whipped their heads to the prince who stirred up from his sleep, stretching his arms open. "Your highness." a relieved sigh ran out of the eunuch's lips and he bowed to him. "What is it Eunuch Shin? Why are you so loud?" 

"Your highness, this eunuch did not want to interrupt the sleep of his highness." He spoke with his head held low while you were full pledge exchanging watching them. His highness had his eyes locked on the eunuch who was then speaking, "However I was forced to raise my voice due to this foolish girl." His eyes spared a glare at you. Why does he always call me stupid, idiot, dolt, foolish? Can't he simply call my name! My parents gave me a name for a reason. Prince Jimin vaguely glanced at you, "What did she do now?" 

Eunuch Shin glared at you again before complaining to his highness. He is a grown man but he still complains to his highness like a child to his father. Your head bowed down. "She had applied an unknown substance on your highness's lips. It was neither recommended by your highness's physician nor the head physician. The foolish girl thinks she can experiment anything on your highness and no one would find out." Your eyes, wide, darted at his last statement. "Your highness!" you sought his attention. "Eunuch Shin has lied. This girl has never thought of experimenting anything. All she had applied was a balm that helps heal cracks anywhere on body." you expressed nearing his bed end, facing him, while he observed you.

"The day this girl was assigned to your highness, it had come to one's notice, your highness's lips. There were deeply cracked, layers deep and soon to bleed. This girl knew a remedy and had only done it to save your highness. This girl has no hidden motives behind any work she does." Your pleaded to him. "Eunuch Shin, let the matter be settled here. I am alright." However eunuch Shin was not content. "Your highness, this matter should not be slipped." The prince threw a tired and annoyance gaze at the eunuch to have him shut up. "Make the arrangements for my routine." waved off Shin and looked at you, "Is this one of your remedies to make me better?"

Your heart dropped from fear at his statement referring to the last day question. "No, your highness. This girl is not an apothecary or has practiced. She has no knowledge of curing any illness. Forgive this girl, your highness." You dropped on your knees. "Stop ruining my morning and get out." Those bashful words did pull a string of hurt in you but paced out of the room.

Not long after Jieun appeared to take you around the maids quarter. "We are going to maids court, on the way I shall introduce you to our lady chef." Jieun smiled, as they walked to the place. All you did was oh her which took her aback. Just an hour ago you were chiming with her where as now you were sad. "Did something happen?" She asked politely. You shook your head, "Nothing much. Just the usual, his highness told me to get out." She felt sorry for you but what more could she do, so she simply intertwined her palm with yours, "I want you to meet some people."

And thus they arrived at the maids canteen. A big room, with table and long seats arranged in a line. The other maids were having their meals upon their entrance. She helped you grab a plate and herself, then stood in the queue. As soon as you were served the food, "Ms. Youngjin," Jieun bowed to a lady. A middle aged plump lady, her cheeks pink like the Sakura tree, a bit short, her hair tied in a bun. "This is the new girl, Y/n." Introducing you; bowed to her with a smile on your lips. "Oh yes. The one serving prince Jimin." She replied immediately with a stunned face. "It is good meeting you." It was replaced with a smile quickly. "Ah, our Jieun got a friend here it seems." She wriggled her brows at her. 

You stood there with a smile; slightly awkward. "We will talk once everyone in the hall are done with their meals, alright." Ms. Youngji proposed to meet them later. A while later, the hall was nearly empty, by then the sun had rise and showered its rays on everything. A little of chitter chat happened between the two of you waiting for ms. Youngji. A plate placed beside yours and you found ms. Youngji settling beside you. "So, how was the breakfast?" She smiled at you and then Jieun. "It is very tasty as ever." Jieun replied. Ms. Youngji acted blushed at her compliment and then you slowly introduced yourself and what you were before entering the palace. 

The talk was for quite while when Jieun stood up, "It is been so long. We will meet you at lunch." She agreed and the two of you left while she took your plates along with hers. "It is must be almost mid morning now." Jieun spoke. "What do you think about ms. Youngji?" She asked, curious to know your perspective on her. "She is a sweet and caring lady. I thought she would be a stern and arrogant lady like the one waiting for her majesty." Your remark had Jieun chuckle at the reference. "Do you know her?" You asked her, surprised, who simply nodded. 

You clicked, thinking you did a mistake. "Ms. Yeom is indeed an arrogant lady." 
"You think the same?" Jieun agreed again. Before she continued, she took a quick glance of her surrounding to ensure that it was only them, "Who wouldn't? Because she is the head of her majesty's maids, she will definitely be strict to everyone. I haven't seen a smile on her face. Always that grumpy face that she carries around." Jieun imitated the expression of ms. Yeom. You couldn't help but laugh at the face, for she is drew the expression accurately, to top it of, Jieun imitated few dialogues as well and the two of you had a hearty laugh.  

Once the two of you stuck your feet at the palace guest accommodation, a loud feminine voice was heard scolding someone. The two of you exchanged a look, before Jieun recognized the voice and headed to the accommodation region. At the entrance of the accommodation region you got the view of a noble lady; wearing a pink skirt and bright royal blue blouse, her face pale; slapped another servant, almost like she was exhaling fire from her nose. There were two other servants who looked very worried.

"You think a lowly servant like you can raise your hand on a noble man? You worthless piece of peasant. Your hands should be chopped off for so that you remember the next time your raise it that you have no hands for a reason." A man stood beside her smirking. He looked familiar to you. Why does it feel like I know this person?  Jieun walked to the lady and dropped on her knees, "I apologize, my lady. She has made a mistake and she will be punished accordingly." 

"Jieun!" You heard the other servant sternly whisper her name, angry and sad for what Jieun was doing. "Finally, you have come, Jieun." The mistress scoffed at her. "Look what your servant has done to my brother! She dared to slap him just because he enquired about you. Is this how you teach your subordinates?" She called out Jieun's professionalism. "We know how well you do your work and look at that she plunges to slap my brother, who is a friend of his highness, the next head of the noble family, all because I asked him to call for you to serve us." She spat at her, your brows knitted in pity. 

"If you are to apologize for her behaviour, you have to serve us from today to next few days." The lady's brother finally spoke. Jieun bowed her head to the ground, "Good." remarked the lady before strolling away with her smirky brother and the other two servants followed her. You and the other servant rushed to her side, who stood up dusting her dress. "Why did you do that?!" The other almost shouted in agony. Jieun threw a glare at her, "That is my line!" Her jaw gritted and dear lord, you left a chill down your spine, watching a sweet girl become all angry. 

The other one looked down, gulped. "Because he was asking for you even though the three of us were there to serve them. I knew you were busy with the new maid of his highness, obviously you can't leave them and serve him. -" Jieun throught, "So?!" She looked at her finally, "So, I told him you will not come to serve him and retaliated. He got angry and was about to grab my neck when I slapped him." Your gasped turned the other servant's eyes on you with guilt. "You know he is crazy and he won't settle unless he is given what he wants. Then why did you back answer him?" 

"Because......." She had no words to express. "Forget it now. What is done is done. I have to deal with him. If you want to help me in anyway it would be better to stay away from those siblings." She replied. "Go on and have your breakfast." She ranted. "Let's go Y/n." She walked ahead, you bowed to the other person and followed her. You wanted to ask what was the feud there but found it difficult to. "Who was that other servant?" sneakily asked her. "My sister." Her voice still holding the anger and didn't speak much. Upon reaching his highness's compound, she stopped at the foot step, "Y/n, from what you saw earlier, I presume you know I will not be able to accompany you around. Once I am done attending the master and mistress, I will get back to you. Till then you will have to take your meal at the maids' food hall with my sister and ms. Younji." Your hand rested on her shoulder, "I am sorry Jieun, I couldn't be much of a help but I can lend you my shoulders whenever you want. We are friends." You assured to reach out incase she needs help.

A smile expressed on lips, affirming she would and left you. You walked back to the prince's chamber anxiously. "Your highness." You called out. "Come in." the voice came from the other side. Gently you paced in, "Your highness." You bowed to him and looked up to find his highness having his breakfast while eunuch Shin stood beside him. He didn't say much but passed irritated look at you. When done with the meal, eunuch Shin took the tray and walked away but paused before you, "Have his highness take his medicine and if you give anything other than what is said to give, remember your body won't have a head." threatened before walking away. 

You walked to the table beside his bed and handed the prepared pills to his highness. Nonchalantly he took it with a cup of water. She must be thinking that I am pathetic and weak who can't do anything on his own. "I don't need your help. I can do things on my own." He scoffed. Your mind was confused with his scoff, wondering why he said that. "Get out." He waved you off. With no other choice you had to step away.

"Why is he always like I hate you, I don't want you and blah blah blah." You stomped to your room. "I will not do anything for him here on." Is what you said but you were getting bored doing nothing. You slept again from morning till afternoon. Woke up, had lunch and chatted with ms. Younji about anything other than his highness. 

His highness on the other hand had visited her majesty. "Your majesty, prince Jimin is seeking an audience." said the head maid of her majesty. "Come in." her majesty called his highness who walked in with a sweet smile, bowed and took a seat beside her. "Look at my prince. Energetic than ever." She

At the dusk, you checked on his highness again, but the room was empty. You lit the candles, burned the incense sticks to release sweet aroma, arranged his bed and books in shelf and then as headed out, the door opened, slamming your face hard. A moan came from you which had the prince and eunuch look at the voice source. He found you facing him; massaging your forehead. "What are you doing here?" he asked, coming on to you. "Your highness, this girl was lighting the candles." 

He rolled his eyes; grunted, "I didn't ask you to. Just go back to the room before my mood is ruined even more." he said walking in while you stepped out as you were asked to. "Grumpy prince." you whispered as you walked in your room and lit the candles. 

This continued for a week until the someone you were impatiently waiting for finally reached the palace. 

That day, prince Jimin's classes had resumed. In the late morning the teacher had arrived and had asked you to standby in case of any requirements. You were standing in the  Prince Jimin likes her company. He still misses Yubin. Seohyun somehow convinces Prince Jimin to have food. Seohyun treats Y/N as more like a maid than a companion. Y/N does her work not going against Seohyun because she (Seohyun)threatens her (Y/N) with Prince Jimin's name.

In between of her work, Y/N is called by the King to enquire about Prince Jimin. They used to have casual chats among them once a week. Y/N used to tell everything about her life including how she fed Prince Jimin when he was on strike. Y/N was a good girl according to the King, a person who cares about everyone. She reminded him his first wife; Queen Misuk. The King was curious to know more about Y/N, as he felt that wherever she sets her feet, the injured or the ill gets cured quickly. He began to investigate it himself.

Jieun continued her work as a small mentor for Y/N. Neither Y/N nor Jieun spoke about the incident that took place with her and her sister. No knows what happenedbetween Jieun and that young master other than Jieun and him.

Y/N still continued to get weird and awkward dreams of Prince Jimin and herself. When she's left alone, she takes a walk on the garden where her chamber is. She misses her family. Though she thought of meeting them once in a while in the palace, she wouldn't get time due to some or the other work that Seohyun gives.