Respiria

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝟛

My eyes snap open as my nightmare finally releases me from it's claws. I check the time, seeing it's only 3:30 am. I turn on my reading lamp, and grab a book I haven't read yet. Desperately trying to get away from my own reality.

This is a story about a girl and a boy. This boy isn't just any ole boy. He's perfect, but most importantly he's mine and I'm his, but let's start from the beginning. The beginning on how I fell madly in love with Colby. The boy who hated everything and everyone. The boy who no one understood, that is until I came along.

I shut the book, rolling my eyes at the cliche words. Evelyn will surely enjoy this book. I look at the clock again, seeing only 30 minutes has passed. I decide to get up and have an early start to the day. I head to the bathing room, excited that I'll be able to shower alone. I wash up quickly and get dressed just as quickly, tying on my apron over my faded uniform. My uniform isn't anything special, just a simple pair of black slacks and a black shirt with the royal stamp on it.

I keep my hair in braids, ever since the other women decided that it'll be funny to cut off a large chunk of my hair in the middle of the night. I scoff just thinking about their immaturity. The only other maid who was fairly decent to me was Selena and she's gone now. Selena and I were nowhere near friends, we weren't even acquaintances, but she was respectful towards me. Never degrading me and calling me names because of my darker skin tone. It was nice to be treated as a person by someone my age, but alas everything ends at some point.

I make my way down to the kitchens, humming softly to myself. "Morning, I'm here for the King's breakfast." I tell the man in front of me, seeing Head Chef stitched on his uniform.

"Of course sweetheart, let me grab it out the oven." He gives me a smile and walks away. I sigh in relief internally. This old man isn't like the other's or from what I can see he isn't anyways. "Alrighty here ya go. Now when you get up stairs make sure you do his tea, no sugar and a splash of milk."

"Thank you so much." I tell him gratefully, giving him a genuine smile and he gives me one back.

"No worries. Now run along." I nod and head towards the western side of the castle where what's left of the royal family resides.

When I reach the big golden doors, I take a deep breath, mentally preparing myself. I enter the dimly lit room, seeing the King on his bed. I place the tray silently on his desk and make his tea up as instructed. I turn back around, my breath caught on my throat at the blade that now rest against it. "Why are you in my room?" His husky voice rings out, and I would completely melt at the sound if he wasn't threatening my life right now.

"I've been assigned as your new maid, your Highness." I tell him, willing the death of the head maid.

"What happened to the other one?" He asks, seeming to not believe me.

"Maternity leave." He finally pulls the blade back and my hand immediately goes to my throat in comfort.

"Try the food." He demands.